Located near Jianshan Village in Yiliang County, about 70 kilometers from Kunming, the Mati River Bend is a beautiful but lesser-known trekking destination near the city.
The best viewpoint is Laoya Mountain, where visitors can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the hoof-shaped river bend below. The winding river creates a natural landscape surrounded by farmland, where local villagers grow crops such as rice and wheat along the riverbanks. The combination of the curved river, green fields, and rural scenery makes this place a peaceful escape from the city.

Taiji Diagram of Dali
Located about 1 kilometer north of Yunlong County Town in Dali, the Taiji Diagram is a rare natural landscape shaped by the Bijiang River.
The river makes an elegant S-shaped curve near the town, resembling the traditional Taoist Taiji symbol (Yin-Yang diagram). Local people have created many legends and stories about this mysterious formation.
The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons. In spring, the fields are covered in fresh green, while in autumn they turn golden yellow, attracting many photographers who come to capture this unique natural artwork.

First Bend of the Yangtze River in Lijiang
The First Bend of the Yangtze River is located in Shigu Town, Yulong County, Lijiang. It is one of the most famous natural landmarks in northwest Yunnan.
The Yangtze River originates from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and enters Yunnan as the Jinsha River, flowing through deep valleys between towering mountains. When it reaches Shigu Town, the river suddenly turns northeast, forming a spectacular V-shaped bend rarely seen elsewhere.
A drum-shaped stone monument stands on the hill beside the river, which gave Shigu Town its name (“Drum Stone Town”). Historically, the Shigu Ferry was an important transportation and military location because the river becomes wider and calmer here, making it an ideal crossing point.
Today, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the river bend and explore the surrounding Tibetan and Naxi cultural landscapes.
Great Bend of Jinsha River (Moon Bay) in Diqing
Located about 15 kilometers north of Benzilan Town in Deqin County, the Great Bend of Jinsha River, also known as Moon Bay, is another spectacular natural wonder in northwest Yunnan.
The Jinsha River, the upper section of the Yangtze River, flows southward before being blocked by surrounding mountains. Forced to change direction, the river creates a dramatic U-shaped hairpin turn, resembling a bright crescent moon from above.
The magnificent combination of the golden river, snow-capped mountains, and deep valleys makes Moon Bay one of the most photographed landscapes along the Yunnan-Tibet route.

First Bend of Nujiang River in Nujiang
Located near Bingzhongluo in Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, the First Bend of the Nujiang River is one of the most spectacular river landscapes in western Yunnan.
The Nujiang River originates from the Tibetan Plateau and flows through the dramatic Nujiang Grand Canyon, between the Gaoligong Mountains and Biluo Snow Mountains. When the river reaches Ridan Village, it is blocked by the Wangqing Cliff and changes direction from south to west, then turns east again because of the Danla Mountain, creating a huge semicircular bend.
Known locally as “Huo Jia” by the Lisu people, this natural wonder is surrounded by lush mountains and traditional villages. At the center of the bend lies Kangtong Village, a peaceful farming community surrounded by water on three sides. The simple lifestyle and beautiful environment make it feel like a hidden paradise.
Visitors can explore the area by boat, cable car, or hiking trails while experiencing the unique landscapes and ethnic cultures of the Nujiang Valley.