[2025 Zhaotong Attraction] Travel Guide for Dashanbao Black Neck Crane Nature Reserve (Updated Jul)

Located in Zhaotong, Yunnan, **Dashanbao** is a national nature reserve and one of the most important wintering grounds for black-necked cranes globally. From November to March each year, thousands of black-necked cranes gather here, attracting countless photography enthusiasts. **Must-Experience Activities:** 1. **Jigong Mountain Sea of Clouds**: Hike to the viewing platform at dawn to witness the rolling sea of clouds and breathtaking canyon vistas, as if stepping into a fairyland. 2. **Tiaodunhe Wetland**: The best spot to photograph black-necked cranes, where flocks dance at sunrise, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. 3. **Wingsuit Flying Base**: A world-class destination for extreme sports, hosting international competitions annually. Adventurers can challenge the suspended walkway on the viewing platform. **Practical Tips:** - **Transportation**: Self-driving or chartered cars from Zhaotong (about 2 hours) are recommended. Shuttle buses are required within the scenic area. - **Accommodation**: Simple yet affordable homestays are available in Dashanbao Town, but advance booking is advised during peak seasons. - **Admission**: 78 RMB (includes shuttle bus). Drones are strictly prohibited to avoid disturbing the birds. **Best Seasons**: Autumn and winter (for crane viewing) or summer (for escaping the heat). Due to significant temperature fluctuations on the plateau, windproof jackets are essential.

Zhaotong is located in the northeastern part of Yunnan Province, at the junction of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces, and is known as the "Gateway to Southern Yunnan and Throat of Western Sichuan." With a pleasant climate and distinct seasons, it is an ideal summer retreat. The best time to visit is from May to October. Main Attractions: 1. Dashanbao Black-Necked Crane National Nature Reserve: From October to April of the following year, thousands of black-necked cranes overwinter here, making it a paradise for bird lovers. 2. Huanglian River Scenic Area: Famous for its waterfall clusters, with more than 40 waterfalls of various sizes, including the "Huanglian River Waterfall" with a drop of 142m. 3. Doushaguan Ancient Town: A well-preserved ancient architectural complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with the remains of the Five-Foot Road witnessing the history of the Southern Silk Road. 4. Xiaocaoba Ecological Tourism Area: Covered with primitive forests, the mountains are covered with red leaves in autumn, and it is known as the "Shangri-La of Northeastern Yunnan." Featured Cuisine: 1. Zhaotong Sauce: A local specialty condiment with a history of more than 300 years, with a ruddy color and delicious taste. 2. Gastrodia elata Steamed Chicken: Made with Zhaotong's specialty Gastrodia elata and local chicken, it is nourishing and healthy. 3. Fried Rice Cake: A traditional Zhaotong snack, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, even more delicious with thin bean noodles. 4. Zhaotong Apple: Thin-skinned and crisp, with high sweetness, the best tasting period is from September to November. Transportation Suggestions: 1. Plane: Zhaotong Airport has flights to and from Kunming, Chengdu and other places. 2. Train: The Chenggui High-Speed Railway passes through Zhaotong, which can directly reach Chengdu, Guiyang and other places. 3. Highway: Multiple expressways connect surrounding cities, making it convenient for self-driving tours. Accommodation Recommendations: There are many star-rated hotels and budget chain hotels in the city, and there are distinctive B&Bs around the scenic spots to choose from. Travel Tips: 1. The temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountainous area is large, so you need to prepare warm clothes. 2. Some scenic spots are at higher altitudes, so pay attention to preventing altitude sickness. 3. Respect local ethnic customs. 4. It is recommended to go to regular stores to purchase local specialties and ask for invoices.

| The first stop for a Spring Festival road trip. 🌈Zhaotong Ancient City: Located in Zhaoyang District, Zhaotong City, it was built during the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty and has a history of nearly 300 years. Its architecture is a blend of Qing Dynasty, various regional, and Republican Chinese-Western styles. Inside the city, there are attractions such as the city gate tower, the bell tower, the Confucian Temple, and the Zhu Family Garden. [Food Recommendations] 🥧Lao Chao Yougao Erkuai: The first choice for breakfast! Their yougao (fried rice cake) is crispy, and the erkuai (rice rolls) are covered in sauce. One bite is super satisfying. 🥘Li Tan Beef Hot Pot: Different from Sichuan hot pot, the soup base has a unique fermented black bean flavor. The marinated beef is chewy, and it's amazing to eat it with mint leaves. 🐔Yi Bing Ding Tianma Ham Chicken: Zhaotong's specialty Tianma chicken soup is made with sanqi powder, which has a slightly bitter taste. The ham is salty, fragrant, and sweet. It's so delicious that I bought some ham to take home. 🍟Xiaoyudian Classic Fried Potatoes: I randomly walked into this shop and was super impressed. The taste is unique and surpasses other restaurants. 🍜Small Pot Rice Noodles: Rice noodles are a must-try in Yunnan, and you can't go wrong with any restaurant. 🥤Banza Lemon Tea: A local Yunnan milk tea. The Qiaoxian brown sugar milk tea is amazing, with lots of toppings and a rich flavor. 🍗Ma Si Barbecue: Zhaotong barbecue is a must! The marinated meat is flavorful, and the roasted tofu, mushrooms, and other dishes are all delicious. 🍖Dashanbao Scenic Area Barbecue Skewers: Taking advice from netizens is always right. I randomly tried five restaurants, and each skewer cost 2 yuan. They were all incredibly fragrant. 🥔Roasted Potatoes: You can find them everywhere. The roasted potatoes in Dashanbao are amazing, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. 🥣Red Bean and Pickled Vegetable Soup: I had this in Doushaguan Ancient Town. The pickled vegetable flavor is light, and the combination with red beans is quite unique. 🏞️Attractions: ⛰️Dashanbao: The Altay of Zhaotong. Standing on the cliffs, you can see the magnificent momentum of the Wumeng Mountains stretching beyond the mountains. It is a wintering habitat for the black-necked crane, a national first-class protected animal. From November to March of the following year, a large number of black-necked cranes come here to spend the winter. ⛲Huanglian River: Known as the "hometown of waterfalls," the scenic area is famous for its cluster of 47 waterfalls in various shapes. ⛩️Long Family Ancestral Hall: Built by Long Yun, the chairman of Yunnan Province during the Republic of China. 🏯Zhaotong Ancient City: With its unique architectural features, the east gate is called Fuzhen Gate, the south gate is Meining Gate, the west gate is Jichuan Gate, and the north gate is Quma Gate. 🏛️Zhaotong Museum: A cultural landmark of Zhaotong City, it's an encyclopedia recording the long history and culture of Zhaotong. 🚗Transportation Guide: High-speed Rail: There is currently no direct high-speed rail to Zhaotong. You can transfer in Kunming and take the high-speed rail to Zhaotong. • Bus: There are several bus stations in Zhaotong City, and you can take buses to surrounding areas. • Ride-hailing: There are several ride-hailing platforms in Zhaotong City, and you can book a car to your destination. • Taxi: There are several taxi companies in Zhaotong City, and you can take a taxi to your destination. • Shared electric bikes: There are several shared electric bike platforms in Zhaotong City, and you can ride a shared electric bike to your destination. It is recommended to choose according to your actual situation and preferences. 💗Other tips: Zhaotong, an underrated and hidden gem for tourism. The natural scenery here is intoxicating, and the culture is unique. Come and experience its charm!📸

Zhaotong Specialties 1. Natural Landscapes - Dashanbao Black-necked Crane National Nature Reserve: This is an important wintering habitat for black-necked cranes in China. The reserve boasts vast alpine meadows and wetlands, offering magnificent scenery. In winter, flocks of black-necked cranes arrive gracefully, creating a stunning picture against the backdrop of blue sky, white clouds, grasslands, and wetlands. It's a paradise for photography enthusiasts. - Doushaguan: Located at the border of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, Doushaguan is famous for its magnificent and precipitous canyon scenery. Cliffs stand on both sides of the pass, with the Guan River rushing through and ancient post roads winding in between. Here, not only is the natural scenery unique, but there are also historical relics such as the remains of the ancient Five Feet Road and the Tang Dynasty Yuan Zi inscription on the cliffside, perfectly blending history and natural landscapes. 2. History and Culture - Site of the Zaxi Conference: This site holds significant historical importance. In 1935, the Central Red Army held the Zaxi Conference here during the Long March, laying a solid foundation for the victory of the Long March. The architecture of the conference site is simple and unsophisticated. Through displayed cultural relics, pictures, and other materials, the site vividly presents the magnificent revolutionary history and serves as an important destination for "red tourism." - Bo People's Hanging Coffins: These are a unique burial custom of the ancient Bo people. Some hanging coffins are still preserved on the cliffs of Doushaguan and other places. These coffins bear witness to the unique cultural customs of the Bo people, full of mystery, attracting many tourists to explore. 3. Specialty Cuisine - Zhaotong Small Meat Skewers: These are made of fresh pork cut into small pieces, marinated in special sauce, and grilled over charcoal fire. The small meat skewers are tender, spicy, and savory, making them irresistible. They are a star delicacy in Zhaotong's night markets. - Potato Dishes: Zhaotong potatoes are of excellent quality and can be prepared in various ways. There are roasted potatoes, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a captivating aroma; potato cakes, made by boiling potatoes, mashing them into a paste, and deep-frying them until golden and crispy; and potato rice, where potatoes are cooked together with rice, allowing the rice to absorb the sweetness of the potatoes, creating a unique flavor. Best Time to Visit 1. Winter (November - March): This is the best time to watch the black-necked cranes in Dashanbao. You can see a large number of black-necked cranes inhabiting and foraging in the reserve, experiencing the beauty of harmony between humans and nature. 2. Spring and Autumn (March - May, September - November): The climate is pleasant and the temperature is moderate during spring and autumn, making it suitable for visiting Doushaguan to appreciate the canyon scenery, explore the Bo people's hanging coffins, and visit the site of the Zaxi Conference to experience the "red culture." These two seasons are also good times to taste Zhaotong's specialty cuisine, as local seasonal ingredients are abundant and diverse. Things to Note 1. Visiting Scenic Spots: When visiting the Dashanbao Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve, keep quiet and do not make loud noises to avoid disturbing the black-necked cranes and other birds. When visiting historical relics such as the Bo people's hanging coffins, do not touch or damage the cultural relics and follow the regulations of the scenic spot. When visiting "red tourism" sites such as the Zaxi Conference site, visit with reverence and avoid inappropriate behavior. 2. Transportation: Some scenic spots in Zhaotong are located in mountainous areas, and transportation may not be very convenient. It is best to plan your transportation in advance. If you choose to drive yourself, be aware of the complex road conditions in the mountainous areas and drive carefully, especially in winter when you may encounter icy roads. 3. Food Hygiene: When tasting street food such as Zhaotong small meat skewers, choose shops with good hygiene conditions to ensure food safety. As Zhaotong cuisine generally has strong flavors, tourists with sensitive stomachs should eat in moderation.

🌟 Niè Lake Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve The homeland of the black-necked crane, the best season to watch them is from November to March of the following year. Sunrise and sunset offer rich layers and are the best times to view. 🌟 Xiaocaoba Primeval Forest Park Home to one of Yunnan's four treasures, Gastrodia elata, this park is shrouded in mist with high concentrations of negative oxygen ions in its deep valleys and streams. The vegetation and wildlife are diverse, with many rare animals and plants, including over 1200 species of higher plants and 96 species of wild vertebrates. 🌟 Dashanbao Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve An ideal winter habitat for the endangered black-necked crane, where one can watch the sea of clouds and sunset. The glass jumping platform offers a view of the magnificent canyon's thousands of ravines and the deep abyss. 🌟 Huize Ancient Town Known as the 'Hometown of the Money King,' this place produced copper 3200 years ago. It retains its original flavor with retro, old stone roads and mural walls, preserving the footsteps of historical literati. 🌟 Zhaotong Ancient City Known as the 'City of Guild Halls,' it is currently the only large-scale, concentrated area reflecting the historical culture and regional characteristics of Zhaotong. It is a well-preserved area of traditional market culture, traditional street features, and the most densely packed streets, holding high historical, cultural, and sentimental value for old Zhaotong.

The climate in Big Mountain Bag in Zhaotong, Yunnan is unpredictable. In a single day, you can experience fog, rain, and snow, as well as the rainbow that appears after the snow, which is colorful. The weather in Big Mountain Bag changes rapidly. Yesterday it was still sunny and sunny. Overnight, the temperature dropped sharply. The next day it seemed to come to another world. When you wake up from your dream, the window is already 'Morning silver threads hang on branches', like a fairy tale world.

I traveled thousands of miles to see the black-necked crane in the mountains of Zhaotong, Yunnan~~ Someone even bought a telephoto lens specifically. Because it can only be shot from a distance, I found that the lens is still not enough when I use it The black-necked crane is a national first-class protected animal. Local materials show that there are only more than 8,000 in the world (a documentary a few days ago said that there are now 15,000 in the world), and there are more than 1,800 in the mountains of Zhaotong, which is the place with the most black-necked cranes in the world. These black-necked cranes fly from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the mountains of Zhaotong to overwinter every November, and fly back before March of the following year. People say that these black-necked cranes usually fall in love in the mountains, and reproduce offspring after breeding on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The black-necked crane has several gathering points in the mountains. At 11 o'clock every day and 1 o'clock in the afternoon, workers will specifically feed them into the mountains. Therefore, during these two time periods, the black-necked cranes are the most concentrated. Although I can't shoot the black-necked cranes by the water at close range, I happened to encounter a few black-necked cranes foraging in the snow on the mountain on the way back, very close to the roadside, which is still very lucky

In Yunnan, the geographical concept of northeastern Yunnan, as long as you look at the map, it is understood to be part of Zhaotong City and Qujing City. There is a little secret in Zhaotong - Dashanbao, where there is the sea of Jigong Mountain, the black-necked crane with the sea, and the scenery is excellent. The following is a self-driving road book for Chengdu and Chongqing. Self-driving route: Chongqing Chengdu is the first to go into the high-speed highway, and the inner river to Yibin Expressway to Yibin (the lunch can be arranged in the inner river, and the squid museum is delicious not far from the lower crossing of Neijiang Expressway). After going to Yibin, continue to go to Yunnan. After passing through Shuifu County in Yunnan Province (the location of the Grand Canyon in the west, the hot springs) is a pseudo-high speed of more than 80KM. After the walk, it will go to Zhaotong. Generally, it takes 6 from Chongqing to Zhaotong. Many hours. The next morning, I will take the 80KM Panshan Road from Zhaotong to Dashanbao, Zhuquan Road---Old Town----(All the way to ask)-----Dashanbao, this section is relatively narrow, sometimes I also have to encounter foggy weather. Generally, after going to Dashanbao Township, I will drive to the sea to see the black-necked crane. After reading it, I will return to Dashanbao Township for lunch. I will take another road to the Flea River after dinner. I will not let the car go here. Yes, you can walk 3KM to the Jigong Mountain Scenic Area, or you can ride a horse for 15 yuan one way. After enjoying the clouds in Jigong Mountain, you can return to Zhaotong. Back to Zhaotong is basically 7 or 8 o'clock in the evening.