https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/yanshan/best-things-to-do/10072170900000
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Yanshan [2025]
Show All Photos
Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Spot
4.7
/5
20558 reviews
9.0
From US$ 15.43
Based on 210 reviews
Detian waterfall/Shuolong Town | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8607713690199
Address: Detian Village, Shuolong Town, Daxin County, Chongzuo City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
Highlights:
Perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts
Raft ride & waterfall view
Saved by 1219 users16303 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
An In-Depth Review of the Detian Cross-Border Waterfall Scenic Area
I. Key Highlights
Transnational Wonders: As the largest transnational waterfall in Asia and the fourth largest in the world, Detian Waterfall faces Vietnam's Ban Gioc Waterfall across the river, creating a unique "one waterfall, two countries" landscape. The three-tiered cascade reaches a drop of 70 meters and reaches a maximum width of over 200 meters. During the rainy season, the water surges like a galloping horse, its roar resonating through the valley. 12
A Blend of Nature and Culture: The Guichun River symbolizes "returning home to meet spring," embodying the Zhuang people's patriotic sentiments. The waterfalls are dotted with kapok trees and phoenix-tail bamboo, creating a vibrant and delicate landscape, complemented by the filming location of the television series "The Journey of Flower." 34
Cross-Border Experiences: The China-Vietnam Detian Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation Zone, launching in 2024, allows visitors to "travel to both countries in one day" and experience the fusion of border trade and culture. 5
II. Practical Advice
Best Time to Visit: The waterfalls are at their most spectacular from noon to 2:00 PM, when the reservoir is released, and rainbows are easily visible. 24
Tour Route: Bamboo raft ride (48 yuan/person) for an up-close experience of the waterfall → Check-in at the Rice Paddy Café → Climb the mountain for a scenic view (viewing platform 6 offers the best views) → Sino-Vietnamese Food Street (4).
Tips: The scenic area bus returns at a fixed time, so one-way tickets are recommended. Self-driving offers more flexibility, but during peak season, it's important to get up early to avoid crowds (24).
III. Visitor Feedback
Positive Highlights: The scenery received a 4.8 out of 5 rating, with visitors praising it as "stunning" and "picturesque." The bamboo rafting experience and its international charm were particularly recommended (2).
Negative Notes: Some visitors reported inconvenient transportation connections, so be aware of the difference in bus return times. Heatstroke prevention is recommended in the summer. (24)
IV. Summary
Detian Waterfall's core competitiveness lies in its "magnificent and transnational" beauty, combining natural splendor with cultural depth. It is suitable for photography enthusiasts, families, and cross-border cultural explorers. A well-planned itinerary will maximize your experience of its unique charm (12).
It's definitely worth a visit. It's spectacular during the flood season. Some friends visited in April and the water wasn't as high, but September was incredibly hot and sunny. The boat ride was quite impressive. For those who enjoy taking photos, I personally think it's a great idea to take a short video on the boat. Photos are best taken from the riverside viewing path. There are treetops on the return path for photos of the waterfall, so it's up to you.
Show All Photos
Huangguoshu Waterfall
4.6
/5
35448 reviews
9.0
From US$ 37.86
Based on 633 reviews
Huangguoshu Waterfalls | >100 km from downtown
Phone +86085133592136
Address: Guihuang Highway (Huangguoshu Scenic Area), Huangguoshu Town, Zhenning Buyi and Miao Autonomous County, Guizhou Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 day
Highlights:
Explore Water Curtain Cave location
Feel waterfall power in Water Curtain Cave
Saved by 668 users23346 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
A trip to Huangguoshu Waterfall is a truly breathtaking natural spectacle.
Even before you even approach, you can hear the thunderous roar of the waterfall, a stirring symphony of nature. Witnessing the majestic 77.8-meter-high and 101-meter-wide curtain of water cascading from the sky is truly awe-inspiring. The mist permeating the surroundings creates a dreamlike wonderland. Entering the Water Curtain Cave and reaching out from behind the waterfall to touch the flowing water is a unique experience, like being transported to the fantastical world of "Journey to the West."
The Huangguoshu Waterfall scenic area is well worth a visit. It was the filming location for the TV series Journey to the West. The majestic grandeur of the waterfall is truly breathtaking. The area is vast and divided into three smaller areas: Doupotang, the Grand Waterfall, and the Seven-Star Bridge. The most beautiful spots are the Grand Waterfall and Doupotang, where you can experience the sheer majesty of the cascading waterfall up close. Doupotang, also a filming location for the TV series, is a relatively beautiful waterfall, with a dramatic flow. I recommend visiting the latter half of the Seven-Star Bridge area; the first half is relatively uninteresting, while the latter offers a more unique view. Shuttle buses are available throughout the area, making it convenient and quick. However, I recommend walking down to the Grand Waterfall area. There's an observation deck from which you can view the waterfall from a distance, and taking the escalator up is a great way to save energy. The entire Seven-Star Bridge area is on foot, taking about two hours to complete. It requires some stamina, so I recommend the latter half.
Show All Photos
Stone Forest Scenic Area
4.7
/5
15578 reviews
8.8
Based on 54 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +86087167711439
Address: Extension of Shilin Middle Road, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
See the bizarre karst peaks
Ashima rock: unique & captivating
Saved by 1438 users7777 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The lotus flowers were in full bloom; any later would have withered. The Stone Forest is huge. My parents are over 70, so the entrance fee and the sightseeing bus are free. However, the park is so large, and I was worried they might get hungry at noon, so I just visited the Stone Forest and climbed to the pavilion at the top before heading back. As long as they don't have any regrets, that's fine.
Kunming Stone Forest, with its array of bizarre peaks and jagged rocks, resembles a work of nature. A stroll through it offers a breathtaking view, like being transported to a magical wonderland. It's a truly memorable experience, a truly memorable experience.
No.
4
Show All Photos
Dianchi Lake
4.7
/5
8621 reviews
8.5
Based on 296 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +86087164310175
Address: 1318 Dianchi Road, Xishan District, Kunming City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Surrounded by mountains & Daguan Tower
Majestic plateau freshwater lake
Saved by 1035 users4182 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The scenery on the mountain is particularly beautiful, and there are various seasonal flowers. There is an ancient temple on the mountain, and there are kittens, birds, squirrels and other animals everywhere.
Dianchi Lake, the birthplace of the ancient Dian Kingdom, has been a vibrant cultural hub for thousands of years and boasts a rich history. Nestled alongside the Xishan Mountains, Dianchi Lake boasts abundant natural resources and breathtaking scenery. The surrounding Daguan Park (Daguan Tower), Haigeng Park, Xishan Scenic Area (Longmen), and numerous wetland parks offer excellent recreational opportunities. However, the entire Dianchi Lake is surrounded by a circuit, making it difficult to reach the lake's edge for scenic views.
No.
5
Show All Photos
Dongfengyun Scenic Area
4.5
/5
9231 reviews
8.5
From US$ 11.22
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8608736292698
Address: Hudong Highway, Maile City, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Scenic platform & trail
Enjoy a choir of thousands and terracotta art
Saved by 406 users7970 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Dongfengyun Scenic Area is worth visiting. It is very photogenic. You can check in and take photos from time to time. You can also eat and drink coffee in the scenic area. The prices are relatively affordable and not outrageous. Overall, I am satisfied and will recommend it to my friends and family to visit.
Located in Mile City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Dongfengyun Art Town is a unique town built around art and grape culture, integrating natural beauty, and cultural tourism. Known as the "Provence" of central Yunnan, the Dongfengyun scenic area boasts a vast landscape, with the Kaleidoscope Art Museum at its core.
No.
6
Show All Photos
Yunnan Nationalities Village
4.4
/5
14048 reviews
8.4
From US$ 13.32
Based on 513 reviews
Dianchi Lake Scenic Area/ Sunac World | >100 km from downtown
Phone +86087164311255
Address: 1310 Dianchi Road, Xishan District, Kunming City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
Highlights:
12 villages & 26 cultures
Experience lively folk shows & festivals
Saved by 791 users6145 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
It's a large scenic area. It is recommended to buy a shuttle bus ticket, which can be used multiple times. There are many ethnic architectural landscapes and many free ethnic performances. It is worth seeing.
The project of climbing the knife mountain is really exciting. I even went to verify whether it is a real knife. The other scenery is okay. It is just that the houses of other ethnic groups in Yunnan are built into a park.
No.
7
Show All Photos
Yunnan Wild Animals Park
4.7
/5
4751 reviews
8.1
From US$ 14.02
Based on 21 reviews
Kunming Wild Animal Park/The Golden Temple scenic spot | >100 km from downtown
Phone +86087165018888
Address: Yunnan Zoo, Panlong District, Kunming
Recommended sightseeing time: 4-5 hours
Highlights:
Elephant shows & red panda meetups
Feed & interact with red pandas
Saved by 224 users3850 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I really enjoyed coming here with my mom and husband. We were able to see the animals up close while still feeling safe, which was amazing! I was a bit disappointed with the panda area, as it wasn't as engaging as I had hoped, but overall it was still a wonderful experience. I wouldn’t mind coming back again next time. Highly recommended!
I really enjoyed coming here with my mom and husband. We were able to see the animals up close while still feeling safe, which was amazing! I was a bit disappointed with the panda area, as it wasn't as engaging as I had hoped, but overall it was still a wonderful experience. I wouldn’t mind coming back again next time. Highly recommended!
No.
8
Show All Photos
Wanfenglin Scenic Area
4.6
/5
4259 reviews
7.9
From US$ 9.82
Based on 39 reviews
Wanfenglin National Scenic Spot | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8608593342299
Address: Xingyi, Qianxinan, Guizhou, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Panoramic view of karst peaks
Karst landscapes & Bouyei villages
Saved by 362 users2908 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Unique Landforms: Wanfenglin is the world's most typical region for the development of conical karst peak forests. Its landscape is dominated by conical peaks and peak clusters, formed from Triassic rocks. Dotted throughout are various geological relics, including karst caves, funnels, and underground rivers. It is known as the "China Conical Karst Museum."
Diverse Peak Forests: Wanfenglin is divided into East and West Peak Forests. The East Peak Forest is characterized by towering karst peaks, while the West Peak Forest is a plateau karst landscape. The peak forests vary in form, with five major types, including the Array Peak Forest, the Sword Peak Forest, and the Dragon Peak Forest, forming a magnificent and vast karst landscape.
Pleasant Climate: The region boasts a subtropical monsoon humid climate, with an average annual temperature of 16-18°C, with neither severe cold in winter nor extreme heat in summer. The average temperature in July is 21-26°C. It is listed as a national summer resort city and a popular destination for health and leisure tourism in China. Beautiful countryside: The Nahui River winds through it, and the Bagua fields, rice fields and Buyi villages complement each other, forming a picturesque pastoral landscape. The rapeseed flowers are brilliant in spring, and the rice paddies are golden in autumn. The scenery varies with each season.
Tickets + sightseeing bus 120, there are various ticket discounts, parking charges are based on time, it is necessary to take the sightseeing bus, get off at each stop in the first half to view the scenery and take photos, continue to take the bus or walk between scenic spots, it is recommended to take the bus between scenic spots in the second half, if you have enough time, you can take photos in the fields or close-up, stop at coffee shops or dining areas to taste, the buffet at the exit of the scenic area is 18 (vegetarian), the set meal is 38 or different (vegetarian and meat with soup, drinks, etc.), the taste is good, clean, and you can eat enough
No.
9
Show All Photos
Kunming Xishan Scenic Resort
4.5
/5
3258 reviews
7.9
From US$ 24.96
Based on 207 reviews
Dianchi Lake Scenic Area/ Sunac World | >100 km from downtown
Phone +86087168426668
Address: Xishan District, Kunming City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
50-foot natural stone gateway
Cable car ride overlooking temples
Saved by 625 users1652 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
It's a great place to see downtown Kunming and Dianchi Lake. The facilities are excellent, with electric cars, buses, and cable cars available for your convenience. You'll find the stupa and memorial hall of Master Xuyun. Both Huating Temple and Taihua Temple are worth a visit. The Longmen Gate hike is challenging, but well worth it. The forests are lush and the air is fresh.
Finally climbed the West Mountain and had a great view of the Dianchi Lake from a high place. It was easy to go up and down the mountain by sightseeing bus. In addition to Longmen, there were 2 or 3 stops on the way to get on and off, which was convenient for visiting temples near the stops.
No.
10
Show All Photos
Mt. Jinping Scenic Resort
4.5
/5
3475 reviews
7.9
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8608736264399
Address: Xisanzhen, Mile, Honghe, Yunnan, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Majestic mountain & unique springs
Hidden Maitreya Temple in Jinping Mountain
2954 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
The main attraction of Jinping Mountain is to see the world's largest Maitreya Buddha and Buddha's hand. There are 1,999 steps, and you will see the 19.99-meter-tall Maitreya Laughing Buddha nestled among the lush trees of Jinping Mountain. This is also the world's largest laughing Buddha.
It's really convenient to buy tickets on Ctrip. You can use them right away. The scenery of Jinping Mountain is quite nice, and the Big Buddha is also quite spectacular. It's best to buy a package ticket, take a bus up the mountain, and walk down the mountain. Climbing more than 1,000 steps is quite tiring, especially for the elderly.
1
2
3
4
5
