Confucian South Frontier · Walnut Hometown

Chuxiong Dayao County — China's Walnut Hometown and the land where Confucian culture spread southward. A 2-day 1-night itinerary to visit Shiyang Ancient Town's Confucian cultural relics, marvel at the Three Pools Waterfall natural wonder, and pilgrimage to Tanhua Mountain Yi sacred mountain. Experience the perfect fusion of historical culture and natural scenery in central Yunnan.

Confucius Bronze Statue

World's Tallest

China's Walnut Hometown

Geographical Indication

Yi Sacred Mountain

Tanhua Mountain

Three Pools Cascade

Natural Wonder

Dayao Shiyang Ancient Town Confucius Statue and Three Pools Waterfall

Dayao Shiyang Ancient Town Confucius Bronze Statue and Three Pools Waterfall

The world's tallest Confucius bronze statue and a three-tier cascade waterfall forming a magnificent landscape

Dayao County Two Days One Night Cultural Nature Tour

Ancient town exploration + Waterfall wonder + Sacred mountain pilgrimage, feel the charm of central Yunnan cultural county

                    
Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                    
Main Destinations
Shiyang Ancient Town, Three Pools Waterfall, Tanhua Mountain, White Pagoda Park

                    
Suitable For
Culture Enthusiasts, Nature Explorers, Photographers, Foodies

                    
Per Capita Budget
¥350-¥650

Historical Culture Exploration

Ancient Town & Salt Capital

Highlights

Morning visit to Shiyang Ancient Town, afternoon viewing Three Pools Waterfall

Attractions

Shiyang Ancient Town

China's famous historical and cultural town, a millennium-old salt capital, preserving Ming and Qing Dynasty salt industry relics, including Confucian Temple, salt-drying pavilions, and ancient salt wells — all national key cultural relics protection units. Home to the world's tallest Confucius bronze statue (16.9 meters high).

Dayao Confucian Temple

National key cultural relics protection unit, first built in the Ming Dynasty, preserving Dacheng Hall, Lingxing Gate and other architectural structures, enshrining the world's tallest Confucius bronze statue, serving as an important symbol of Confucian culture in the southwest frontier.

Three Pools Waterfall

Provincial-level scenic area, a three-tier cascade waterfall with a total height of 220 meters. During the rainy season, it displays majestic power and is known as the "First Waterfall of Central Yunnan", featuring waterfall viewing boardwalks and canyon exploration areas.

Practical Information

Travel Tips

Wear comfortable shoes for ancient town stone roads
Bring anti-slip shoes for waterfall area
Respect Confucian culture

Accommodation Recommendations

Shiyang Ancient Town B&B
Zhaojiadian Hot Spring Hotel
County boutique hotel

Nature & Culture Pilgrimage

Sacred Mountain Secret Realm

Highlights

Morning pilgrimage to Tanhua Mountain, afternoon visit to White Pagoda Park

Attractions

Tanhua Mountain

Provincial-level scenic area, Yi sacred mountain, 3,117 meters above sea level, with 96% forest coverage. Features thousand-year-old cypress forests, azalea gardens and Yi sacrificial altars, known as the "Green Gem of Central Yunnan".

Yi Heaven Sacrifice Altar

Yi primitive religious sacrificial site, located at the summit of Tanhua Mountain. The Yi Flower-Inserting Festival is held annually on the eighth day of the second lunar month, serving as an important carrier of Yi traditional culture.

White Pagoda Park

National key cultural relics protection unit, a Tang Dynasty white pagoda 18.4 meters tall with unique design, one of the earliest surviving ancient pagodas in Yunnan, featuring a pagoda courtyard and historical culture exhibition area.

Practical Information

Special Experiences

Yi Flower-Inserting Festival experience
Sacred mountain hiking
Ancient pagoda photography

Return Suggestions

Reserve time for specialty shopping
Dayao walnut souvenirs
Yi embroidery handicrafts

Dayao County Must-Try Foods

Dayao Walnuts

National Geographical Indication product, thin-shelled with white kernels and high oil content, renowned as "China's Walnut Hometown", registered under China's Agricultural Product Geographical Indication protection.

Pepper-Salt Biscuit (Jiao Yan Bing)

A traditional local food, flour mixed with Sichuan pepper and salt, baked until crispy outside and soft inside, savory and delicious, known as "Dayao Pizza", selected as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage.

Walnut Feast

A specialty innovative cuisine featuring walnuts as the main ingredient, including walnut milk, walnut pastry, walnut chicken and other dishes, showcasing the culinary culture of the Walnut Hometown.

Dayao County Travel Tips

Best Seasons