2025 Yongshan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

First Experience of Cloud Camping! Moved to Tears by the Sunrise on the Cloud Prairie in Yongshan, Zhaotong Escape the city for 48 hours! Self-driving into the secret realm of Yongshan, Zhaotong—the Cloud Prairie Camping Base🏕️ At an altitude of 2800 meters, this cloud paradise is truly not a branch of Altay, Xinjiang! It completely cured my mental exhaustion!💆‍♀️ 🚗 Direct to the clouds! Stress-free self-driving 📍 Navigation address: Cloud Prairie Tourist Area, Yongshan County (Maolin Town, Yongshan County, Zhaotong City) About 3.5 hours from Yibin/Zhaotong⏱️ The latter part is a winding mountain road that tests your skills, but the moment you roll down the window—endless meadows roll like green waves, and cotton-candy-like clouds are within reach☁️ Totally worth it! (⚠️ SUV recommended, drive slowly if in a sedan) 🏕️ Stay under the stars! The ultimate camping experience The campsite facilities exceeded expectations! We chose a tent with a prime viewing spot (💰 around 200+ per person), and opening the door revealed a 360° unbeatable mountain view⛰️ Wrapped in a blanket late at night, stepping out of the tent, the Milky Way poured down like scattered diamonds🌌 For the first time, I understood the romance of "reaching out to pluck the stars"✨! For those who feel cold, the campsite offers cozy wooden cabins with plenty of heating~ 🌅 Sunrise hit! The sea of clouds laps at your ankles At 5 a.m., shivering while waiting for the sunrise, when the horizon glowed with golden edges, the entire prairie woke up! The rolling sea of clouds lapped at my ankles☁️ Wind turbines spun in the morning light, standing here truly felt like being in a world apart😭 The camera couldn’t capture even a tenth of the beauty—I was too busy breathing deeply (the highland air is so pure your lungs cheer!) 📌 Handy Tips to Remember! ▫️ Temperature check: Wear a down jacket in the early morning and evening in July🧥, short sleeves at noon, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are a must🕶️ ▫️ Accommodation tips: Tents and sleeping bags can be rented at the campsite, but it’s recommended to bring disposable bed sheets ▫️ Highland caution: Move slowly🚶‍♀️, bring glucose and ibuprofen ▫️ Environmental reminder: Take your trash with you🗑️ to protect this pure green land! 💬 The afterglow is strong! On the way back to the city, my mind is still filled with images of rolling cloud waves🌊 There’s no noisy influencer check-in here, only: ▫️ The freedom of wind brushing past your ears🎐 ▫️ Whispered conversations inside tents under the starry sky💬 ▫️ Sharing hot cocoa at sunrise☕ Another hidden treasure in Yunnan +1, rush there while it’s still quiet! 🏷️

Time to visit the grasslands～🌿 This time, I recommend a super off-the-beaten-path secret spot in Yunnan—the Manan Mountain Cloud Grassland!✨ Manan Mountain in Zhaotong, Yunnan is absolutely amazing～ Standing on the plateau over 3000 meters above sea level☁️ Looking up, the blue sky and white clouds are within reach☀️ Looking down, the rolling green grasslands stretch endlessly🌱 360° breathtaking views with no dead angles😍 The best part is fewer people and stunning scenery perfect for photos! Every snap looks like a Windows wallpaper📸 An empty grassland means you can shoot however you want✨ Horse riding, camping, watching the sunrise and starry sky can all be arranged🔥 Tips: 📍Location: Manan Mountain, Yongshan County, Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province 🚗Transportation: Self-driving recommended, navigate to "Manan Mountain Cloud Grassland" ⏳Best season: May to October (perfect for summer cooling) 📝Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, jacket (big temperature difference between day and night) 💰Admission: Free (such a generous spot!) A must-check-off grassland on your life list +1✔️ This summer, take a spontaneous grassland trip～

[Inner Sixth Line] The scenery here is not inferior to that of Northern Shanghai and Guangzhou! The secret realm of the valley As the former Chengdu-Kunming Railway "East Line" scheme, the Nei-Six Railway connects the three provinces of Yun, Gui and Sichuan, and is the most convenient access to the sea in the southwest. After crossing the Jinsha River from Shuifu in Yunnan, the line crossed the Hengjiang River seven times, the Luoze River three times, and the lofty mountains in the hinterland of Meishan Mountain, leading from the Sichuan Basin to the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Among them, the 1,868-meter-long Salt Lake Tunnel No. 1 passes through the bottom of the Salt Lake County City. Therefore, Salt Lake County is considered to be the only county seat in the mountainous areas of China with access to the "metro"

Located in northeast Yunnan, Zhaotong offers magnificent natural scenery, rich history, and unique cuisine. It's definitely worth a visit. Let this guide lead you on a journey to Zhaotong! Highlights 1. Dashanbao: This area combines mountains, wetlands, grasslands, lakes, and waterfalls. It's also a wintering habitat for the black-necked crane, a national first-class protected animal. Stroll through the vast meadows, admire the picturesque scenery, and experience the tranquility and magnificence of nature. The best time to visit is autumn and winter, when the black-necked cranes are here. Tickets cost CNY 98. Opening hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. 2. Huanglianhe Scenic Area: Famous for its waterfalls, the area boasts 47 waterfalls of varying sizes and shapes, such as the Fairy Waterfall and the Duge Waterfall. The waterfalls are magnificent, surrounded by lush trees. Walking through them is like entering a paradise. Tickets start from CNY 55. Opening hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. 3. Western Grand Canyon Hot Springs: This area features unique natural landscapes and abundant hot spring resources. There are various hot spring pools in the scenic area. Soaking in the hot springs will relax your body and mind. The hot spring water is of excellent quality and good for your skin. Tickets start from CNY 118. Opening hours: 10:00 am - 12:00 am. 4. Zhaotong Ancient City: Known as the "City of Guild Halls," it was an important post on the Southern Silk Road. It still retains Qing Dynasty architecture, blended with French style. Stroll along the ancient city's flagstone roads, visit Dou Street, and experience the historical charm and vibrant atmosphere. Free entry. Open all day. 5. Shanhai Cave: The cave features peculiar landscapes. The stalactites are stunning under the light, and technological elements add to the fun. Tickets start from CNY 88. Opening hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Local Specialties 1. Zhaotong Small Meat Skewers: These grilled beef skewers are tender, spicy, and savory. They are a signature dish of Zhaotong. Paired with a special dipping sauce, they are incredibly delicious. Masi Barbecue is a recommended restaurant that was featured on the TV show "A Bite of China." 2. Yougao Erkuai: This is the main breakfast for Zhaotong people. The yougao (fried cake) is crispy, and the erkuai (rice cake) is soft and glutinous. Spread with peanut butter, sweet sauce, and chili sauce, it offers a rich and unforgettable taste. 3. Tianma Qi Guo Ji (Gastrodia Chicken Soup): This soup is made with gastrodia and chicken. The broth is delicious and nutritious, with health benefits. Qingyiyuan Wild Mushroom Hot Pot Restaurant is a recommended place to try it. 4. Xidoufen (Pea Flour Soup): This soup is made from peas boiled into a paste. It has a light yellow color and a delicate fragrance. Sprinkled with chopped green onion, chili powder, and other seasonings, it is delicious when paired with youtiao (fried dough sticks) or yougao. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Downtown Hotels: For convenient travel, choose the Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Zhaotong. Located in the city center, it's a great place for family vacations. Vienna International Hotel (Zhaotong Hongxing Hepu Square Branch) offers convenient dining options nearby, with good service and breakfast. 2. Scenic Area B&Bs: When visiting Dashanbao, you can stay in a B&B near the scenic area, which is convenient for watching the sunrise, sunset, and black-necked cranes. However, accommodation options are limited, so it's recommended to check and book in advance. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation: ◦ By air: Zhaotong Zhaoyang Airport has flights to and from some cities. From the airport to the city, you can take the airport bus, a taxi, or a ride-hailing service. ◦ By train: Zhaotong Railway Station has trains to and from Kunming, Chengdu, and other cities. It's recommended to check train schedules and book tickets in advance. 2. Local Transportation: ◦ By bus: Bus routes cover the main urban areas, making travel convenient. You can check route information at bus stops. Some routes support scan-to-pay. ◦ By taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis have reasonable starting fares, and ride-hailing services are convenient to use. These are common ways to get around the city. ◦ By car: Driving allows for flexible itineraries. However, parking may be difficult around scenic areas during peak season, so plan your parking in advance. Itinerary 3-Day Itinerary • Day 1: Arrive in Zhaotong in the morning. Visit Zhaotong Ancient City, stroll through the old streets, experience the historical charm, and try local snacks like yougao erkuai. In the afternoon, go to Wanghai Park to enjoy the lake view. In the evening, try Zhaotong small meat skewers and other delicacies at the Hailou Road Night Market. • Day 2: Spend the whole day at Dashanbao, enjoying the natural scenery and watching black-necked cranes (in autumn and winter). • Day 3: Visit Huanglianhe Scenic Area in the morning to see the waterfalls. Return to the city in the afternoon and prepare for your departure.

5-day in-depth travel guide for Qujing-Zhaotong, covering beautiful scenery and cultural charm! Come and unlock your exclusive journey! -------------------- 🛣️Route Overview: D1: Huize Ancient Town -> Liuzu Cultural Square Visit the ancient Huize Ancient Town, and then go to Liuzu Cultural Square to experience the profound cultural heritage. D2: Dashanbao Scenic Area -> Shanhai Cave Enjoy the natural beauty of Dashanbao Scenic Area, and then explore the mysterious Shanhai Cave to experience the wonders of nature. D3: Doushaguan -> Western Grand Canyon The ancient charm and history of Doushaguan are fascinating, and the spectacular scenery of the Western Grand Canyon is even more breathtaking. D4: Xiaocaoba Ecotourism Area Spend a relaxing day in Xiaocaoba Ecotourism Area and enjoy the freshness and tranquility of nature. D5: Zhaotong Museum On the last day, visit Zhaotong Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the city and end your journey on a perfect note. -------------------- Some tips: - Specialty Prices: Zhaotong has a wide variety of specialties. Remember to shop around to avoid being overcharged. 🛍️ - Airport Transportation: From Qujing to Zhaotong, book a bus ticket in advance for more convenience and time-saving! 🚗 - Customs: In Zhaotong, experience the charm of folk culture with the Four Drum Dance and Duangong Opera. 💃 - Sunscreen Essentials: The sun is strong in Yunnan, so prepare sunscreen before you go out to protect your skin from damage. ☀️ - Be Careful with Photos: Some cartoon characters in the scenic spots charge for photos, so ask in advance to avoid being charged. 📸 -------------------- Don't hesitate, follow my steps to explore the infinite charm of Qujing and Zhaotong. More exciting things are waiting for you to discover, so follow me now!

Shanhai Cave Scenic Area is located in Shanggaoqiao Hui, Yi, and Miao Ethnic Township, Daguan County, Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province. It is a tourist attraction themed around the 'Classic of Mountains and Seas.' The scenic area is meticulously crafted around the main storyline of 'Mystical Mountains and Seas, Tracing Origins.' The cave's interior features both water and dry route landscapes. The clear spring inside the cave is as calm as a mirror, crystal clear and emerald green. Various stalactites take on myriad forms, appearing dazzling and colorful under the illumination of lights, mesmerizing visitors. The scenic area employs sound, light, and electrical technology to perfectly present over 40 fantastical scenes such as 'Nuwa Mending the Sky,' 'Chiyou Battlefield,' 'Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,' and 'Yu Killing Xiangliu,' allowing tourists to feel as if they are in the scenes, enjoying a visual feast. We enter the cave by boat and exit on foot. Shanhai Cave Scenic Area not only has high ornamental value but also significant scientific research value. It is an astonishing tourist destination, renowned for its magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural heritage.

Zhaotong Mountain Sea Cave Tour The Mountain Sea Cave is about 50 kilometers away from Zhaotong city center, located within the territory of Daguan County. It takes only about 20 minutes on the Yinkun Expressway, but afterwards, there's a stretch of county or township road with frequent rockfalls, approximately twelve or thirteen kilometers long, with many zigzagging mountain roads. Going there is all downhill, and coming back is all uphill. When we went with a full charge, the estimated range once reached over 900 kilometers, but on the return trip, it plummeted to just over 200 kilometers. There's also a section about one kilometer long that is under construction, which is not very friendly to small cars. Aside from the road issues, this scenic area is very much worth a visit. The cave interior is spacious; you enter by boat and then walk to tour it, and 2 hours is not enough to enjoy it fully. Inside the cave, scenes are set up according to ancient myths, with scenarios like Hou Yi shooting the sun, Kunlun Holy Land, Nuwa mending the sky, etc. The artificial settings and the natural stalactites of the cave at various stages of growth integrate seamlessly, making it highly visually appealing. Moreover, there are not many visitors, possibly due to the road conditions, and the cave is also very clean. My child went to the toilet and came out saying that it was unexpectedly clean, the life jackets for the boat ride were new, and had no smell. It's a blessing for those with a penchant for cleanliness. Ticket price: 90 RMB per person, half price for children between 120-140 cm, free for seniors over 70 years old