In October 2024, the official account of Ailao Mountain, located in China, posted a series of warnings to tourists, urging them not to visit the area. The message was clear: "Please don’t come. The place is too crowded, and it’s dangerous. Do not venture into Ailao Mountain for any adventure. It’s very mysterious, and if you get lost, we can’t guarantee we’ll be able to rescue you."
This sudden cautionary message went viral online, with netizens comparing it to the real-life version of “Yunnan Worm Valley.” But why did Ailao Mountain, which had been relatively low-profile, suddenly gain so much attention in October 2024?
The Ancient Ailao Kingdom: What’s the Mystery?
On China’s TikTok, there is a video blogger named Shanqu, who is a painter and part-time explorer. He travels to remote mountains to collect rare minerals, filming his journey with his camera. In October 2024, Shanqu received a task to find a special mineral called "exotic-grade ore" in Ailao Mountain. This mineral, a copper compound with blue and green hues, is highly coveted for its beauty.
Shanqu had previously visited the core area of Ailao Mountain two years ago in search of emeralds. He noticed that the emeralds here followed the distribution of limestone rather than silica, which was unusual. During that trip, he stumbled upon the exotic-grade ore, so he returned this year to continue his search.
A client, a woman who believed in the mystical properties of this ore, had hired Shanqu to find it. She believed that the ore had the power to ward off evil. As Shanqu trekked through the mountain, he encountered thick fog and eerie sounds. At one point, he found a sign warning of wild bears. With humor, he joked that if the bear didn’t attack, he would let it be, but if it did, he’d fight back.
Continuing his journey, Shanqu encountered a mysterious river. Two years ago, when he tried to cross it with a rudimentary raft, the raft collapsed. This time, however, he was prepared with an inflatable boat. While inflating the boat, he noticed something odd in the water. He cast a fishing line and caught a strange fish that seemed unnaturally calm, only flopping wildly when its tail was touched. He speculated whether there were larger, more dangerous predators lurking in the water.
Shanqu finally crossed the river and ventured deeper into the misty landscape. As he filmed, the thick fog closed in around him, and strange sounds seemed to follow him. Some viewers later speculated that a "dragon-like" creature, possibly a mythical Chinese dragon, was trailing him.
Shanqu eventually found the exotic-grade ore, which he then took back. His video, filled with suspense and mystery, exploded online, sparking heated debates among viewers. Some believed the strange phenomena were caused by mythical beings or supernatural forces. Others, including tarot and divination enthusiasts, speculated that the strange occurrences in the video were connected to female energy or ancient spirits tied to the land.
This surge of online interest led to the official warning from Ailao Mountain’s tourism authorities in October 2024, advising people against visiting the area.
The Real Ailao Kingdom and Its Mysterious Past
The Ailao Kingdom, a lost ancient civilization, has intrigued historians and archaeologists. In 2012, workers at a brick factory near Ailao Mountain in Yunnan made a significant discovery—an ancient bronze dagger. This led to an excavation of many more ancient bronze artifacts, including weapons and ritual items. These findings hinted at the existence of a sophisticated kingdom that once thrived in this region but vanished mysteriously around the end of the Han Dynasty.
The Ailao Kingdom, which may have been an important part of the ancient “Southwest Barbarians,” controlled crucial trade routes that connected China to India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Archaeological evidence suggests that the kingdom was wealthy, with a rich culture centered around wine and ritual practices. The term “Ailao” itself is thought to refer to a place where wine was abundant, as the people of the Ailao Kingdom lived luxurious lives.
However, the Ailao Kingdom’s downfall remains a mystery. Despite attempts by the Han Dynasty to explore the region, the kingdom disappeared, and its secrets remained buried until recent archaeological discoveries. In a mountain near the site, over 198 tombs were uncovered, along with mysterious artifacts such as bronze scepters resembling those of the Sanxingdui culture, pointing to an advanced civilization that practiced unique rituals.
Why Do So Many Mysterious Events Occur in Ailao Mountain?
Ailao Mountain’s strange occurrences can partly be attributed to its unique geography and natural conditions. The mountain is located at the confluence of multiple rivers, and the mist, fog, and volatile weather make the area unpredictable. Some believe the thick mist and “poisonous gases” in the area—possibly the result of decaying plant matter—can cause disorientation and even death, a phenomenon known as "suffocation gas."
Additionally, the region is prone to sudden changes in weather, from fog to hailstorms, which only add to the mountain's eerie reputation. The combination of natural hazards, supernatural lore, and the region’s rich history has made Ailao Mountain a place shrouded in mystery, attracting adventurers, historians, and spiritual seekers alike.
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