The Yusun Geological Wonder in Xiluodu

Yusun Village of Xiluodu Town lies 15 kilometres south of Yongshan County seat. It borders Shuangfeng in the east, Fuqing in the west, Shuangtun in the south and Xinla in the north. The village gets its fame from the natural stalagmite geological wonder behind the settlement.

The stalagmites are delicate and translucent, rising abruptly from the ground like two fresh bamboo shoots breaking through the earth. Hence the name “Stone Shoots”, also known as “Jade Shoots”. The two pillars stand facing Ma’an Mountain north of the county town. From here you can overlook the entire Jingdi Basin, with farmlands, woodlands, rural cottages and the county seat spread out before your eyes.

The small market town of Yusun was formerly called Xiaxingchang. The old street stretches more than 200 metres, paved with flagstones and lined with mud-brick houses covered with grey tiles, witnessing an ancient and prosperous past. It was once an indispensable stop on the Southern Ancient Silk Road linking Yibin in Sichuan with Zhaotong in Yunnan.

The Luo Family Blockhouse at the northern end of the town boasts a unique architectural style and preserves many anecdotes from the early years of Long Yun, the warlord known as the King of Yunnan, carrying profound historical heritage. In bygone years, porters and caravan teams travelled ceaselessly along this thousand-li ancient road, transporting salt and cloth. The little street became an ideal rest station. On market days, crowds gathered here to trade cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, vegetables, grain, cloth and general merchandise. The lane would be packed and bustling with activity.

According to local legend, a roaring underground tide could once be heard beneath the old street, audible within a one-kilometre radius. Shortly before the liberation of China, however, the sound faded away. Some locals claimed that a wealthy family built a pile-structured blockhouse at the upper end of the street, which suppressed the earth dragon vein underground. Others said a mysterious Taoist monk wandered into the area. The monk rambled bizarrely and erected a small pagoda at the lower street entrance, pinning down the dragon vein and silencing the underground tide. As time went by, the tinkling of caravan bells and the shouts of porters faded into the pages of history.

There is a touching legend behind the Jade Shoots. Long ago in Tundu of Yongshan lived a beautiful Yi maiden named Jiana. She was bright, lively, kind-hearted, and skilled in singing and dancing. Jiana fell in love with Aqiang, a poor yet brave young man. Every day they sang songs to ease the toil and hunger of poor villagers.

Their deeds enraged the tyrannical chieftain, who tried every means to tear the lovers apart. Persecuted ruthlessly, Aqiang led a group of brave youths to rise up against the chieftain. In the end, both Jiana and Aqiang were brutally killed.

Villagers buried their ashes at the site where Aqiang had died, a place with blue skies, clear springs and green grass. Before long, two stalagmites grew side by side above the grave. One resembled an Yi woman in festive ethnic costume; the other looked like a handsome young man carrying a flute and bow and arrow, wrapped in a traditional woolen cape. People believed their sincere love moved heaven and earth, so they would never be separated again. Not far from the two pillars stands another stalagmite shaped like a great eagle — Aqiang’s loyal bird. Countless stone pillars behind them represent his warriors, forever frozen in heroic fighting stances.

Aqiang’s given name was Ma Yuqiang. In memory of him, people named this place Yusun (Jade Shoots). For centuries, the twin stalagmites have stood gazing into the distance, praying for an end to poverty and disasters and for prosperity for their hometown folks.

Carved by floodwater, the Laxiang Stream running north of the town has formed a narrow gorge over one hundred metres deep. The brook babbles all year round, and ancient vines and tall trees cover both banks, making it a perfect summer retreat.

Heading east along the river, you will find more than 3,000 mu of gently sloping farmland, nearly 1,000 mu of which are planted with high-quality fruit trees. Golden fruits carpet the ground in autumn, and fresh melons and fruits ripen all year long. More than ten reservoirs and fish ponds are scattered across the land. Many local farmers have launched rural tourism businesses, including rod rental for angling, fruit-picking experiences and farmhouse meals. Homestays have become another major source of income for the village.