Surrounded by forests, rivers and misty highlands, it has quietly earned a reputation as one of the country’s “hometowns of longevity” – a place where long life is not just celebrated, but woven into everyday life.
Awarded a longevity certificate by the China Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics in 2020, Jinping recorded an above-average life expectancy of 79.31 years, and is home to 48 centenarians, according to Yunnan province’s foreign affairs office.
What stands out most, however, is not the statistics but the people themselves. In Jinping village, it is not unusual to see residents in their 60s and beyond moving with striking energy and confidence.
During a cultural performance, senior citizens dressed in colourful traditional attire associated with China’s ethnic minority groups strode across the stage with the ease of seasoned models.
Many of them still work on farms and remain physically active well into their golden years.
Asked about her youthful appearance, one woman offered a simple answer: get quality sleep and keep moving, no matter your age. That philosophy appears deeply rooted in daily life here.
Located in Honghe prefecture near the China-Vietnam border, Jinping is blanketed by forests and lush greenery that cover about 70% of the county. The air is crisp, the rivers clear, and biodiversity remains rich across the mountainous landscape.
The area is also home to a vibrant mix of cultures, with 88% of the population belonging to nine ethnic minority groups including the Miao, Yao, Dai and Hani communities.
The road journey from Kunming to Jinping takes more than six hours, winding through verdant hills, wide rivers, and tunnels carved through mountainsides. Along the way, the scenery shifts between rolling highlands and quiet villages tucked into the landscape.
One of the most memorable stops is the Red River, or Honghe River, whose reddish waters cut through the region before flowing into Vietnam. Standing along its banks, visitors are greeted by sweeping views of green hills and distant border settlements.
Nearby lies Jiwozhai village, home to generations of Yao families and known for its production of green tea – one of the local staples believed to contribute to the community’s good health.
The village is said to have more than 11,000 tea plants that are over a century old. Tea cultivation has also helped improve livelihoods, lifting many residents out of poverty over the years.
Visitors are often welcomed with platters of freshly harvested fruits such as bananas, dragonfruit, pomegranates and oranges, reflecting the area’s close relationship with the land and its produce.
Nature, meanwhile, remains at the heart of the Jinping experience.
Among the region’s highlights is the breathtaking Biaoshuiyan waterfall in Biaoshuiyan village, another recognised “hometown of longevity”. In the local Hani language, “Biaoshuiyan” translates to “holy water bestowed by a fairy from heaven”.
The waterfall stretches 262m from top to bottom, plunging into deep pools surrounded by dense greenery.
Further along the China-Vietnam border lies the secluded Ladeng waterfall, hidden within forest trails and reachable only after a 30-minute hike.
Standing beside the cascading water, surrounded by cool mist and the steady rhythm of the falls, it is easy to understand why life seems to move a little differently here.
In Jinping, longevity feels less like a mystery and more like a way of living – one shaped by nature, community and the quiet discipline of staying active through the years.