Yongning Dam

Yongning Dam, surrounded by mountains, is one of the highest rice-growing regions in Yunnan province. It is one of the main grain-producing areas near Lugu Lake. The special local product, plateau red rice, has been hailed as “rice from heaven.” The area boasts rare specialties such as worm grass, fritillary bulbs, tricholoma matsutake and pumpkin seeds that often are exported.

Historically, Yongning was a communications hub and commodity distribution center for tea transportation in Yunan, Sichuan and Tibet. Many cultural relics remain, including the ruins of Yongning Headman Office, Zhamei Monastery and Yongning hot spring.

Fifty dwellings in the tourism zone – which includes the villages of Xiaoluoshui, Nisai, Zhashi, Yongning, Zhongshi and Wenquan – have been listed for preferential protection. Funds will be allocated soon to restore and promote these historic structures. This will lay the foundation for promoting the inclusion of China’s Mosuo culture in the list of intangible cultural heritage and world cultural heritage sites.