Introduction:The "Big Water Tank Viewing Platform" near Feilai Temple in Deqen County, Diqing, Yunnan, has become a popular internet-famous photo spot for its breathtaking views of the "Golden Summit at Sunrise" over Meili Snow Mountain. Recently, however, this free scenic viewpoint was enclosed by a local café, requiring visitors to make a purchase in order to take photos, sparking complaints from many outdoor enthusiasts. After market regulators stepped in to investigate, it was found that the café did not have a business license and has been ordered to suspend operations for rectification. This article takes you through the full story and explores the issues of commercialization of natural landscapes and safety management.
Near the Feilai Temple Viewing Platform in Deqen County, Diqing, Yunnan, there is a free scenic spot called the "Big Water Tank Viewing Platform." It has become a favorite among photography enthusiasts and travelers for its stunning views of the "Golden Summit at Sunrise" over Meili Snow Mountain. Especially when drones capture the mountain with a dramatic "pop-up" shot from this vantage point, the visual impact is striking, attracting a large number of tourists.
However, this once-open free viewing platform has recently been enclosed by a local café. Visitors now must make a purchase inside the café before they are allowed to enter the area to take photos, drawing dissatisfaction from many netizens. According to multiple visitors sharing on social media platforms, the site features a glass-walled structure surrounded by wire fencing, preventing non-paying customers from getting close. Some visitors have bluntly stated: "You have to make a purchase to go in and take photos" and "You must buy coffee to come up here and shoot."
It is understood that the enclosed viewing spot was originally an abandoned quarry. After undergoing mine restoration efforts and tree planting, it gradually transformed into a natural viewing area. Due to its prime location offering a clear view of Meili Snow Mountain, it became one of the ideal spots for photographers and tourists to capture the "Golden Summit at Sunrise," earning it the nickname "pop-up" shooting spot among netizens.
However, as soon as this once-public internet-famous photo spot was turned into a commercial profit model, it immediately sparked controversy. Many netizens questioned whether the café, located in a remote mountainous area, involved illegal construction. In addition, environmental advocates expressed concerns that constructing a glass building on the mountainside could further damage the region’s fragile natural environment.
Of even greater concern is that landslides have occurred in this area in the past, and the terrain is not stable.According to locals familiar with the environment, "many of the rocks seem at risk of collapse, and the slope is covered with slippery loose stones."Building and operating facilities in such terrain has also raised serious questions about safety.
In response to this controversial incident, some netizens reported it to local government departments. One poster told the media that, suspecting the café of engaging in disguised "land enclosure and fee collection," he called the 12345 government service hotline to report the situation. Subsequently, local market regulatory authorities launched an investigation.
On December 17, the local market supervision bureau confirmed that this café had not obtained a legal business license and was operatingwithout a license,leading to an immediate order for it to cease operations and undergo rectification. Reporters further contacted the Market Supervision and Administration Bureau of Deqen County, Yunnan Province, for verification. A staff member confirmed that they had indeed received relevant reports and inspected the café in question, finding it to be unlicensed. As a result, they required it to suspend business until it obtains a proper license.
The staff member also emphasized: "Without a business license, we do not allow operations," highlighting the local authorities' emphasis on business legality and consumer rights protection. Currently, market regulatory authorities will continue to follow up on the café's rectification progress to ensure it complies with relevant regulations before resuming business.
This incident not only sparks discussions on the commercialization of natural landscapes but also serves as a reminder to all travelers to pay attention to their own safety and be mindful of local environmental and business regulations when visiting mountainous or remote scenic areas. For photography and outdoor activity enthusiasts, choosing legal and safe viewing spots ensures that every journey is more secure and enjoyable.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
