Nujiang 2-Day Trip | Coffee Sun-drying Field, Southern Border, Hot Springs

Two days in Nujiang, I feel it's hard to fully express the experience. You really need to go there. In that place, your feelings will develop naturally. At most, I can only consider this a travel journal.

During these two days, it was a mix of leisure, casualness, and comfort.
Two days, as if I’ve lived half a lifetime elsewhere, and also witnessed it firsthand! Grateful to Hè Chén for designing this route. In just a short overnight trip, the carefully arranged itinerary makes you feel immersed in the local atmosphere. From food and drinks, from Nujiang beach to hot springs after sunset, from Zhu Mountain’s private temple to Zheng Chǔ’s coffee drying yard—jumping around and satisfying~ 

After exiting the highway and crossing Nujiang into the town, opening the car window, the first thing the skin perceives is the gentle climate here. Along the way, Hè Chén succinctly and clearly provides cultural and geographical insights, as well as ethnic customs. Anything you want to know about this place, he can recall and tell you, making it seem like I know this place very well myself! Upon arriving in town, he greets familiar vendors and shops, wandering among snack stalls, as if returning to his childhood territory, fully familiar with everything here.

Spicy mango salad, Kra Bpo (Jingpo ethnic snack), banana pancake, Burmese coffee—these are highly representative of local flavors. One of the many benefits of a two-day trip is randomly matching travel companions, sharing food, drinks, and fun with strangers. You’ll find that although you didn’t know each other before, within just half a day, you’re perfectly in sync! After filling up, take a stroll through the market to see what Hè Chén calls NPC Grandpa’s stall. The old man is a talkative, adorable character.
If you find something you want to try, you can continue. Hè Chén’s main approach is all-inclusive pricing. When asked if something is delicious, he says: 'Eat? Buy some!' With his leadership, whether he makes a profit or not, it’s all good!

Next, we headed to the beach—the Nujiang beach. It’s best to wear flip-flops, so you can easily feel the fine sand and relax your feet. Sitting on the shiny, piled-up rocks by the river, enjoying the cool breeze brought by the water, wild agave growing on the cliffs, and the late afternoon sunshine in Yunnan—everything is just perfect! We continued driving to find a shallow area where we could pick up stones. Hè Chén asked Xiao Zhū and inquired along the way, successfully finding a very satisfying spot. Opposite the pebble beach is the Gaoligong Mountain Range, where you can pick from a large amount of natural Nujiang stones 🤣. Pick as many as you like. I chose a few to bring home as paperweights. Hè Chén said some people specifically collect Nujiang stones to sell. Thinking about making money instantly made me feel like I hit the jackpot!

Sitting cross-legged on a rocky beach, slowly waiting for the sunset, quietly sipping fruit peel tea. Xiao Huangping is peacefully sleeping beside me (at this moment, Huangping has unexpectedly gone to the starry sky, but I am still looking forward to traveling with it in the second half of the year). It’s dark now, so we set out for the farm’s natural hot spring. Regret not bringing a swimsuit (Hé Chén reminded me, I was lazy and didn’t buy one). I only soaked from the thighs down! The outdoor natural hot spring is the local villagers’ communal bathhouse—so clean, with clear water and a comfortable temperature. No disgusting skin metabolites like in city hot springs... No wonder Hé Chén said to go hot spring bathing at night; now the temperature and water are just right!

 After a night of struggle at the inn, we finally arrived the next morning. I had mentally prepared for the accommodation beforehand, and upon entering the room, I found it better than I had imagined. But when I actually lay on the bed, I had to admit I was being a bit pretentious! This is already the best inn Hé Chén could find in town. People, don’t be so greedy. If you want to have fun, don’t ask for too much. I silently scold myself! 

Many feelings stem from Zhu Shan Shi and Zheng Chu. On the way up the mountain to Sandie Water, these two must be listened to as Hé Chén tells their stories. Aside from the scenery before my eyes, their personal charisma alone is enough to attract me to Sandie Water! On the way back to Dali, I eagerly posted a moment on social media, saying: 'From Zhu Shan Shi’s cultivation and self-built temple to Zheng Chu, a 25-year-old girl with a coffee farm, crossing different eras of people’s cultivation. A middle-aged man returning to build a temple with the rest of his life, and a goal-oriented 25-year-old girl working hard for her dreams! Seemingly unrelated, these two are cultivating their own fruits on the same high mountain.' 

Friends who want to hike lightly and take it slow, try this route boldly—different from the current popular fixed-pattern hiking routes. 

My trip to Dali in April was my second time specifically for Cangshan Hiking House. In January 2025, Yanzi and I went to Cangshan to pick pinecones. Since then, any place I visit in Yunnan that isn’t near Dali, I will make a special effort to go! Later, I participated in activities and gradually met tailors, Xiaochun, Wang Wang, Hé Chén, Xiaoqi, Xiaomi, Hanhán. I couldn’t help but marvel at how kind, spontaneous, and interesting these people all gathered together. Every time I finish an activity, I recommend it to close friends, whether they’re interested or not. I even talk to myself about it. This two-day Nujiang trip was no exception. Sometimes I hope Cangshan Hiking House isn’t too popular (afraid I won’t be able to book 🤣), but more often I hope they become wildly popular! So more friends can see the shining team leaders and experience the projects they carefully select and thoroughly enjoy!

I rambled on a lot, reminiscing while editing. At home, I want to set out for Dali again, but I can no longer see the dedicated Xiao Huangping—an excellent team leader who, at a young age, successfully kept his job but couldn’t control his mouth! May it eat enough in the starry sky~

The route is fantastic. Quietly relax by the Nujiang River, watch the sunset, and pick up stones. Climb Gaoligong Mountain to visit ancient temples. Walk on the stone bridges and terraces built by early pioneers. Also visited a newly established coffee drying yard run by young people, where their bright dreams fill the scenic foothills.

Stroll through Mangkuan Township, enjoy snacks (so delicious!), sip a sweet yet cool Myanmar coffee, and in the evening, visit an open-air hot spring set up by local villagers. In the morning, chat with locals about this year’s harvest in the countryside.

Guide He Chen is a natural & cultural encyclopedia who hikes in slippers, cool and broad-minded. It’s a pleasure chatting with him along the way. I also saw him enthusiastically help a fellow hiker plan his route, teach him how to avoid pitfalls. A great guide in Dali.

Overall, it was a slow, fulfilling, and enriching trip. I walked a lot but didn’t feel tired. The photos have been in my album for a week now, and I still browse through them to reminisce. However, I regret it every time I see that only one photo can be selected for the review. I’m a photo hoarder, and choosing just one makes me exhausted!

I recommend everyone try this route. It’s different from many popular hiking routes nowadays, and there will definitely be surprises and highlights that make you cherish the experience.

Writing so much to support Director He and his team to develop more interesting routes. After returning, my mind is wild, and I don’t want to go back to work. With suitable routes available, I can set out at any time.

The meaning of travel is to make us always look forward to the next destination. Finally, here’s a photo of our little companion, Little Angel, who must be rushing off to a happier and more interesting place, waiting for us there.