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A "chance encounter" with the Long-Nose Family
2025-09-24
A "chance encounter" with the Long-Nose Family
School's out, and my friend Xiaohei and I headed to Xishuangbanna. After soaking in the local ethnic charm, lush tropical rainforests, and rich religious culture, we started feeling a bit overwhelmed—and maybe even a little tired of the same old sights. So, we decided to kick back at our cozy guesthouse instead. While scrolling through TikTok livestreams, we spotted some exciting news: wild elephants have recently been spotted hanging around Elephant Valley! For the Dai people of Xishuangbanna, these majestic creatures are revered as symbols of good fortune and prosperity. Naturally, we couldn’t resist—so we hatched a plan to arrange a carefully timed "encounter" with these gentle giants!
Following the innkeeper’s advice, we took a rural public bus to Wild Elephant Valley—but later discovered that hopping on the scenic area’s direct shuttle bus would have been far more convenient, with door-to-door service. If you’re planning to visit and want an even smoother experience, be sure to keep an eye out for the scenic shuttle buses! As soon as we arrived at the South Gate Visitor Center of Wild Elephant Valley, we were warmly greeted by attentive staff who helped us purchase tickets and even handed us a detailed park map, complete with a thoughtfully designed itinerary. Heeding their recommendation, we opted to ride the one-way cable car instead, ensuring we’d avoid retracing our steps—after all, I’ve heard local Buddhist traditions encourage avoiding backtracking. So naturally, we embraced the spirit of the moment and laughed heartily as we stepped onto the gondola! By mid-morning, we’d already explored the Snake & Lizard Garden and the Butterfly Garden. My mind instantly flashed back to those iconic scenes from *Empress Wu Zetian* in the Qiong Yao drama series, where the beloved character Xiangfei was surrounded by fluttering butterflies. And stepping into the garden didn’t disappoint—it truly lived up to my imagination! Dozens of vibrant butterflies danced gracefully through the air, some nectaring lazily among the flowers, while others boldly landed right on visitors’ shoulders and arms. According to our guide, the Butterfly Garden here produces around 300,000 butterflies annually, showcasing no fewer than 48 species. We even spotted some of China’s most prized butterfly varieties, like the rare Chinese Leaf Butterfly and the majestic Golden Birdwing.
After visiting a few zoos, we headed straight to the Elephant Education Park—our 30-minute slot went by in a flash! Thankfully, I recorded the entire experience, because some of the highlights were simply too captivating to fully capture in memory. We learned that elephants feast daily on a diet rich in coarse, fibrous, and juicy plants, along with delicious, water-filled fruits. It’s amazing how they can gobble down everything from a whole watermelon in one bite to tiny peanuts! And let’s not forget the interactive Q&A session with the engaging guide—visitors eagerly raised their hands to share their answers, creating an incredibly lively and fun atmosphere!
After visiting the Elephant Science Park, we headed straight to the Rainforest Elephant Feast right inside the scenic area—time to "eat like an elephant"! Reservations are required 30 minutes in advance, and the meal features a perfect balance of meat and vegetables, ensuring a nutritionally well-rounded experience. To be honest, when I first heard about the "elephant meal," I actually expected us to munch on tree bark and bamboo—just like the majestic giants themselves! But once I arrived and saw the beautifully presented, vibrant green dishes bursting with flavor and healthfulness, I suddenly felt like the country bumpkin I am. Let me tell you, the Elephant Feast truly lives up to its reputation—it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Every time I recount this culinary adventure to my friends back home, I can’t help but swipe away the drool forming at the corner of my mouth. Sorry about that—though honestly, after indulging in such a feast, all I can do now is savor the memories longingly!
After lunch, we headed straight to the cable car as per our itinerary. Having taken plenty of cable cars before—some with hours-long queues, others wobbly and unsettling—we were prepared for a bumpy ride. But this time, the cable car at Wild Elephant Valley was completely different! Smooth as silk, it glided effortlessly without any shaky or unsafe movements. Plus, its semi-enclosed design made it perfect for tourists to snap photos and soak in the breathtaking views. The staff even shared a handy tip: when boarding, always step on with your right foot first, followed by your left! At first, I wasn’t sure what they meant—but then, as I watched the cable car glide smoothly toward me from my right side, it suddenly clicked: stepping on with the right foot first is not only the most convenient but also the safest way to get aboard. Once inside, we couldn’t resist snapping away—peering down from high above, the lush forest stretched out below us in an entirely new, awe-inspiring perspective. It truly felt like standing atop the world, gazing down at the tiny trees below. As the cable car slowly carried us forward, cresting one hill after another, we suddenly heard a soft rustling sound coming from nearby. Peering closer, we realized—it was wild elephants! Without hesitation, we grabbed our cameras and started snapping away again. Haha, this was incredible! To actually see real wild elephants up close was nothing short of magical. We felt incredibly lucky as our cable car gracefully passed right over their heads. There must have been five elephants in total—likely a mother leading her playful baby calves on a leisurely stroll through the jungle. Watching them, we couldn’t help but chuckle; despite being under the watchful eyes of countless tourists, the little ones seemed totally absorbed in their own fun, while the mom kept pausing occasionally to check if everyone was keeping up. Looking back, though, we knew this moment made the entire trip worthwhile. It was far more exciting than lounging around in our hotel room!
After we arrived at the observatory, a science interpreter from the scenic area immediately stepped in to share fascinating insights about tropical rainforests, Asian elephants, and other related topics—clearing up many of the questions I’d been carrying in my mind. Once her explanation concluded, it finally clicked: elephants used to roam freely across regions like Henan, Hebei, and Shandong. However, due to shifting climate conditions, rapid population growth, and the destruction of their natural habitats, Asian elephants have now retreated exclusively to Yunnan Province. If we don’t start taking this issue seriously soon, wild elephants could eventually vanish entirely from China—because venturing further south would lead them right to the borders of Myanmar and Laos!
Later, we retraced our steps along the 2,280-meter-long elevated boardwalk back to the South Gate, stopping by the Asian Elephant Museum along the way. Inside, we gained a deeper understanding of the vital work being done by the Asian Elephant Observation and Conservation Team—and realized just how urgent it is for China to strengthen its efforts in protecting these majestic creatures! It’s thanks to dedicated individuals like them that elephants are actively safeguarded. At Wild Elephant Valley, this commitment to conservation not only underscores the park’s core brand philosophy but also helps create a relatively safe haven where wild elephants can thrive. According to staff members, within the valley and its surrounding areas, visitors can spot a wild Asian elephant on average once every 1.3 days! The museum also proudly displays "William Paints an Elephant—A Leaf Covers the White Elephant," a stunning sculpture created on March 4, 2015. On that day, Prince William joined wildlife conservationists and volunteers at the observation platform atop Wild Elephant Valley’s elevated boardwalk to collaboratively paint this vibrant masterpiece. The artwork features a charmingly endearing Asian elephant gently cradled by a lush green leaf—a nod to the iconic "dripping water tips" characteristic of Xishuangbanna’s tropical rainforests. At its heart, the piece conveys a profound message: the tropical rainforest serves as the home and nurturing ground for Asian elephants and countless other wildlife species. Without healthy forests, there can be no thriving ecosystems—or, for that matter, no sustainable habitat for elephants or any other precious creatures. Protecting elephants means cherishing their forest homes, because only by preserving these vital environments can we ensure the survival of both wildlife and the rich biodiversity they depend on. After all, safeguarding nature isn’t just about saving animals; it’s about securing a brighter future for humanity itself. Throughout the journey on the elevated boardwalk, clear and informative signage highlighting local flora and fauna, combined with detailed park maps, made our exploration effortless and enjoyable. Along the way, we were delighted to encounter a variety of fascinating wildlife, including playful squirrels, lively groups of wild monkeys, and even the strikingly elegant white-cheeked gibbons—all adding to the magic of this extraordinary natural sanctuary.
On my way back to the hotel, I kept reflecting that these adorable wild animals are exactly where they belong—in this pristine tropical rainforest. After all, they are the true masters of this place. Let’s hope that, through each of our efforts, we can help make our Earth home a better, more vibrant sanctuary for them—and for all life on our planet! Please join me in consciously refusing ivory products—because "no buying means no killing"!
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