A guide to visiting Tinghua Valley Scenic Area: a real-life fairytale.
Tinghua Valley, a hidden gem of Lijiang, blends snow-capped mountains and seas of flowers, creating a fairytale dream. Embark on a romantic journey with this guide.
Preliminary Preparations
1. ID: Bring your ID for inspection.
2. Sun Protection: Located on a plateau, UV rays are strong. Bring high-factor sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to prevent sunburn.
3. Clothing: Lijiang experiences a significant temperature swing between morning and evening, so bring a thick jacket. Light-colored dresses are recommended for daytime photography, as they complement the sea of flowers.
4. Photography Equipment: A camera and power bank ensure you capture breathtaking moments, and a fully charged battery ensures peace of mind.
Getting There
1. By Car: From Lijiang Old Town, navigate to "Tinghua Valley" on the navigation system. It will take approximately 25 minutes to reach the scenic area. Free parking is available at the entrance, making it convenient for you to stop and take photos. 2. Taxi: From Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Ancient Town, or other areas, taxis are available for 30-50 RMB. For the return trip, book a taxi in advance to avoid waiting.
3. Bus: Take bus No. 17 to Gouluo Village Station and walk 1.8 km; or take bus No. 6 to Xiwen Village Station and walk 3 km. Alternatively, take bus No. 101 Snow Mountain Express to Yunnan University School of Tourism Station and walk 4.5 km. This is suitable for travelers with ample time and a budget.
Ticket Information
1. Regular Ticket: 80 RMB/person, including admission to the park.
2. Package Ticket: 128 RMB/person, including admission, afternoon tea, and a DIY flower cake. This package offers a richer experience and excellent value.
3. Special Offers: Children under 1.2 meters tall and active military personnel are free; children over 1.2 meters tall, students, and seniors are charged 45 RMB with ID.
Check-in Attractions
1. The Hobbit House: Lijiang's version of "Lord of the Rings" world, with five colorful houses nestled amidst a sea of flowers. The soft lighting before 10 a.m. makes for stunning portraits and close-ups of the houses, like stepping into a fairytale.
2. Snow Mountain Church: The white triangular structure, set against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, is a popular wedding photo location. Shoot against the light around 4 p.m. for a dreamy light and shadow. Standing in front of the church with the snow-capped mountains as your backdrop, the atmosphere is captivating.
3. Hydrangea Field: Peak bloom occurs from June to September, when vast fields of hydrangeas in shades of blue, pink, and white create a dreamy carpet of flowers. Wear a light-colored dress and wander through the flowers. There are photo trails between the flowers, making it a safe and photogenic experience.
4. Alpaca Ranch: The three adorable alpacas are incredibly charming. You can feed them carrots (30 yuan per basket) and capture their tongue-out, adorable expressions for a truly captivating photo opportunity. 5. Sky Mirror: The mirrored platform by the lake creates a magical "people amidst a sea of flowers" effect. Bring a wide-angle lens for stunning photos.
Route
Enter from the north gate and take photos of the Hobbit Hut first. Then, walk counterclockwise, visiting the Alpaca Ranch, the Hydrangea Field, the Sky Mirror, and the Snow Mountain Church. The entire tour takes 2-3 hours, allowing you to avoid backtracking and avoid crowds.
Best Time to Visit
1. 9-11 AM: The light is excellent, and the morning mist still lingers over the flower fields, making for a truly atmospheric photo opportunity.
2. 3-5 PM: Perfect for photographing the Snow Mountain Church, which glows against the backlight for a breathtaking view.
3. 6-7 PM: If you're lucky, you might catch the "Sunset on the Golden Mountain," where the snow-capped mountains are stained a pink-gold, creating a dreamlike contrast with the sea of flowers.
Photography Tips
1. Leverage the Foreground: Use flowers, fences, or huts as the foreground to add depth to the image.
2. Shoot from a Low Angle: Avoid crowds and capture the majestic feeling of the sky connecting to the sea of flowers.
3. Capture Motion: Run through the sea of flowers, interact with alpacas, and capture natural moments.
Recommended Restaurants
1. Tinghua Bistro in the Park: Order the rose latte, garnished with edible petals, blending the floral fragrance into the coffee for a unique and delicious experience. They also offer specialty flower cakes with a crispy crust and soft filling.
2. Nearby Baisha Ancient Town: Close by, try affordable and authentic Naxi dishes like Huotang Chicken, Chicken Bean Jelly, and Cured Pork Ribs.
Notes
1. Flowering Season: Flowers bloom differently in different seasons. If you want to see specific flowers, check the blooming season in advance.
2. Alpaca Behavior: Alpacas may spit, so avoid shouting or approaching suddenly, and interact politely. 3. Weather Changes: Lijiang's weather can be unpredictable, so bring rain gear and be prepared.
4. Consumer Notice: Prices within the park are clearly marked. Please confirm any additional charges in advance to avoid disputes! #NationalDayTravelDiary #MostCommentedOnFacebook #SceneryOnTheRoad #LocalFood #PhotoGuide