Tacheng county, only two hours by car from Shangri-la, is located between the Yangzi and Mekong rivers, where some of the best old-growth forests in the world can be found.  This is one of the most fertile valleys with two crops of rice and fruit trees. The semi-wild boars, which fed on wild nuts before winter, make the best ham in the world. Tacheng is also famous for its rich Tibetan culture and Naxi and Lisu villages with charming distinctive black-roofed farmhouses. The rare species of Yunnan Golden monkey (Rhinopithecus biteti), is one of the world's most endangered primates: less than 2000 can be now found in the wild. They live at the highest altitude (3,000-4,500m) of any primate, except for humans  

The journey down the Mekong River from Meili to Tacheng is simply incredible. Within only 250 kilometers the road winds through hugely differing landscapes; descending from high to low altitude and from colder to warmer climates; taking in Tibetan and Lisu culture; buckwheat crops and rice fields; and different styles of architecture. From Cizhong to Tacheng, the countryside is incredibly beautiful - industry is absent and the area’s natural beauty remains untouched. As passers-by, travelers will see farmers singing in the fading light while working in the fields.