Yi Ancient Capital · Hometown of Dinosaurs

Yunnan Chuxiong — the cultural center of China's Yi ethnicity. Visit Yi People Ancient Town for millennia-old charm, marvel at Yuanmou Earth Forest geological wonders, explore Dinosaur Valley fossil secrets. Feel the perfect fusion of the Yi October Solar Calendar and geological wonders.

1.7 Million Years Ago
Yuanmou Man Site
Yi Ethnicity
Cultural Center
Dinosaur Fossils
World-Class
6 Major Earth Forests
Geological Wonder

Chuxiong Five Days Four Nights Yi Culture Journey

Ancient town charm + Geological wonders + Dinosaur secrets, feel the unique charm of Yi hometown in central Yunnan

Duration
5 Days 4 Nights
Main Destinations
Yi People Ancient Town, Yuanmou Earth Forest, World Dinosaur Valley, Heijing Ancient Town
Suitable For
Culture Enthusiasts, Geological Explorers, Families, Photographers
Per Capita Budget
¥1800-¥3200
01
Yi Culture Experience
Ancient Town Charm
Highlights

Full day visit to Yi People Ancient Town, experience Yi culture

Attractions
Yi People Ancient Town
China's largest Yi culture-themed ancient town, recreating traditional Yi architectural styles, featuring Bimo Cultural Square and October Solar Calendar Square, with daily Yi song and dance performances.
China Yi October Solar Calendar Cultural Park
A thematic park showcasing the ancient Yi calendar system, featuring an observatory, totem poles, and other facilities. An important window into Yi traditional culture.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Yi People Ancient Town themed hotel
  • Solar Calendar Cultural Park inn
  • City center boutique hotel
Experience Suggestions
  • Yi song and dance interaction
  • Solar calendar cultural experience
  • Torch Festival celebration
02
Geological Wonder Exploration
Earth Forest Scenery
Highlights

Full day tour of Yuanmou Earth Forest, explore human origins

Attractions
Yuanmou Earth Forest
World geological wonder, wind-eroded earth pillar groups stretching 50 square kilometers, including Wumao Earth Forest and Langbapu Earth Forest scenic areas, hailed as a "Natural Geological Museum".
Yuanmou Man Site
National key cultural relics protection unit, the discovery site of the "Yuanmou Man" teeth fossils from 1.7 million years ago, including a museum and site protection area, showcasing ancient human life scenes.
Practical Information
Precautions
  • Bring sun protection for Earth Forest hiking
  • Do not climb weathered earth pillars
  • Protect geological heritage
Special Experiences
  • Earth Forest sunrise photography
  • Ancient human life experience
  • Jinsha River sightseeing
03
Dinosaur Secret Exploration
Fossil Kingdom
Highlights

Full day visit to Dinosaur Valley, explore fossil sites

Attractions
World Dinosaur Valley
National 4A-level scenic area, world-class dinosaur fossil burial site, featuring a Dinosaur Heritage Hall and Dinosaur Time-Space Park, showcasing hundreds of dinosaur fossil skeletons.
Dinosaur Fossil Heritage Hall
The world's largest indoor dinosaur fossil protection site, showcasing dinosaur fossil burial states from 180 million years ago in situ, known as the "Dinosaur Cemetery".
Practical Information
Cultural Tips
  • Do not touch fossil specimens
  • Keep quiet in exhibition halls
  • Follow science education regulations
Food Recommendations
  • Lufeng Fragrant Vinegar
  • Dinosaur themed meal
  • Yi Family Lamb Stew
04
Ancient Salt Capital Exploration
Heijing Memories
Highlights

Full day tour of Heijing Ancient Town, experience salt culture

Attractions
Heijing Ancient Town
China's famous historical and cultural town, a millennium-old salt capital, preserving Ming and Qing Dynasty salt industry relics, including Wu Family Grand Courtyard, Ancient Salt Wells, and Confucian Temple — all national key cultural relics protection units.
Wu Family Grand Courtyard
National key cultural relics protection unit, a Qing Dynasty salt merchant mansion with a three-courtyard, four-compound, five-skywell layout, showcasing Heijing's salt industry history and architectural art.
Practical Information
Experience Suggestions
  • Ancient salt-making experience
  • Salt road caravan culture
  • Cave scripture music appreciation
Precautions
  • Wear comfortable shoes for ancient town stone roads
  • Do not touch historical buildings
  • Respect local customs
05
Buddhist Holy Mountain Pilgrimage
Lion Mountain Wonders
Highlights

Morning visit to Lion Mountain, afternoon return journey

Attractions
Lion Mountain
National 4A-level scenic area, a famous Buddhist mountain in central Yunnan, known as the "First Mountain in Southwest", featuring Zhengxu Zen Temple, Peony Garden, and cliff stone carvings.
Jiyi Grand Canyon
A geological wonder, the canyon is over 300 meters deep and 12 kilometers long, known as the "Earth's Scar", featuring natural bridge, karst caves and other natural landscapes.
Practical Information
Return Suggestions
  • Reserve 3 hours to get to the airport
  • Purchase Yi embroidery souvenirs
  • Dried wild mushrooms
Special Experiences
  • Lion Mountain vegetarian cuisine tasting
  • Yi costume photography
  • Peony flower sea photography

Chuxiong Prefecture Must-Try Foods

Chuxiong Wild Mushrooms

China's Wild Mushroom Hometown, featuring rare varieties such as matsutake and boletus, with an annual output accounting for one-third of Yunnan's total, protected by National Geographical Indication.

Yi Family Lamb Stew

A traditional Yi dish, goat meat slow-cooked with secret seasonings. The soup is fresh, the meat tender, representing the highest etiquette for hosting guests, selected as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage.

Yuanmou Cold Chicken

A local specialty dish, free-range chicken boiled and cut into pieces, served with a special dipping sauce. Crispy skin, tender meat, tangy and spicy — hailed as the "Best Delicacy of Central Yunnan".

Chuxiong Prefecture Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • May-October: Wild mushroom picking season
  • July-August: Torch Festival celebration period
  • November-March: Best Earth Forest photography season
Cultural Etiquette
  • Respect Yi sacrificial customs
  • Do not touch religious items without permission
  • Participate in songs and dances with enthusiasm
Safety Tips
  • Bring sun protection for Earth Forest hiking
  • Do not climb dangerous geological formations
  • Wild mushrooms require professional identification
Transportation Guide
  • Kunming to Chuxiong high-speed rail: 1 hour
  • Chartering a car is recommended between scenic spots
  • Ancient town stone roads are not suitable for driving
  • Airport is 40km from city center