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 Situated
half way up the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, at an altitude of 3,100 metres
(10,171 feet) is the famous land meadow called Spruce Plateau. The meadow
covers an area of one square kilometer (240 acres) midway to Shanzidou
Peak (Fan Peak), next to the Dry Sea.
As its name implies, Spruce Plateau is a pasture surround by a forest
of gigantic and straight spruces and firs, just like a beautiful green
skirt laced by the perfect chiffons. The verdurous grassland, exuberant
spruce forest, holy snow mountain and the clean blue sky tier up and represent
a majestic sight. Yaks, scalpers, goats and horses roam freely and play
leisurely on the meadow. Ringdove, cuckoo, titmouse and many other unnamed
birds fly and sing freely in the forest. The beauty of natural serenity
and harmony are thoroughly demonstrated here.
Legends say that a long time ago, a couple of lovers named Kaimei and
Yulepai committed suicide on Spruce Plateau because their love was not
accepted by the common customs. After their death, their spirits entered
a fantastic ideal world called the Third Kingdom of Jade Dragon and found
their true free love. Everyone in that kingdom now live a happy and rich
life without bondages, feudalistic crackdowns or mundane annoyances. Local
people believe that the Third Kingdom of Jade Dragon is a wonderland and
sanctuary of lovers and Spruce Plateau is the entrance of this ideal kingdom.
Spruce Plateau is a large natural stage for the beautiful girls and handsome
boys of Naxi and Yi ethnic Minorities. Wearing colorful characteristic
dresses and accouterments, they are the most dazzling stars on this expansive
grassland. You can sit there and enjoy the graceful dancing and fair-sounding
singing, or take part in the frolic crowds and be a member of them. Passionate
and hospitable local people will make your journey a most warm and memorable
one.
You can get to Spruce Plateau on horseback or by taking the ropeway from
the White Water River. Taking the ropeway is faster and can get a bird's-eye
view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, but riding a horse provides a better
chance of getting to know the mountain and the people.
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