Yongping Ancient Road & Eco-Cultural Tour

Dali Yongping County — Bonan Ancient Road, Gateway to Western Yunnan. A 2-day-1-night itinerary experiencing Baotai Mountain natural ecology, Bonan Ancient Road historical heritage, and Yongping specialty food culture.

Western Yunnan Scenic Spot
Baotai Mountain
Thousand-Year Ancient Road
Bonan Ancient Road
Hometown of Fine Food
Braised Chicken
Ecological Secret Realm
Primeval Forest
Yongping Baotai Mountain Natural Scenery
Yongping Baotai Mountain Jinguang Temple & Azalea Sea
Western Yunnan scenic spot Baotai Mountain, hailed as the "Green Pearl on the Southwest Silk Road"

Yongping County 2 Days 1 Night Themed Tour

Natural ecology + ancient road culture + food experience, feel the diverse charm of Yongping

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Baotai Mountain, Bonan Ancient Road, Braised Chicken Food Street
Suitable For
Nature Enthusiasts, History Explorers, Food Adventurers
Per Capita Budget
¥500-¥750
01
Baotai Mountain Ecological Exploration
Full-Day Baotai Mountain Tour
Itinerary Highlights

Full-day exploration of Baotai Mountain National Forest Park, admiring primeval forest and ancient temple scenery.

Attractions
Baotai Mountain National Forest Park
A famous nature reserve and Buddhist sacred site in Western Yunnan, with a forest coverage rate exceeding 95% and rich flora and fauna resources. Ancient trees tower to the sky, streams murmur, and the scenery varies across four seasons — the azalea sea in spring is the most spectacular.
Jinguang Temple
The core scenic spot of Baotai Mountain, first built during the Ming Dynasty. It is an important Buddhist temple in Western Yunnan, surrounded by ancient trees in a serene environment, preserving Ming and Qing Dynasty Buddhist statues and cultural relics, with flourishing incense offerings.
Azalea Sea
The most distinctive natural landscape of Baotai Mountain. Every year from March to May, ten thousand mu of wild azaleas bloom in competition, forming a spectacular sea of flowers with brilliant colors — a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
  • Best viewing period: March-May azalea bloom
  • Mountain weather changes quickly — bring rain gear
  • Wear anti-slip shoes for mountain climbing
Accommodation Recommendations
  • B&B near Baotai Mountain
  • Yongping County Hotel
  • Characteristic Farmhouse Inn
02
Ancient Road Culture & Food Experience
Bonan Ancient Road + Food Exploration
Itinerary Highlights

Retrace the Bonan Ancient Road ruins in the morning, taste authentic Yongping braised chicken in the afternoon.

Attractions
Bonan Ancient Road Ruins
An important section of the Southern Silk Road, first built during the Han Dynasty, it was an ancient transportation artery connecting Central China with Southeast Asia. The existing ancient road ruins are well preserved, with historical traces such as horse hoof prints and ancient post station ruins visible along the way.
Yongping Braised Chicken Food Street
The most distinctive food gathering place in Yongping, featuring authentic Yongping braised chicken as the signature dish, along with various local snacks and agricultural products — the best place to experience Yongping food culture.
Practical Information
Experience Suggestions
  • Wear comfortable shoes for ancient road hiking
  • Braised chicken comes in different spice levels
  • Yongping specialty products available for purchase
Return Trip Suggestions
  • Allow ample time for the return trip
  • Braised chicken can be vacuum-packed to go
  • Pay attention to mountain road safety

Must-Try Foods in Yongping County

Yongping Braised Chicken

Yongping's most iconic dish, made with premium local free-range chicken, prepared with various spices and secret seasonings using traditional braising techniques. The meat is tender and flavorful, spicy and delicious, hailed as the "One Chicken of Western Yunnan".

Baotai Mountain Delicacies

Various wild mushrooms and mountain vegetables, a specialty of Baotai Mountain, prepared using local traditional methods. The taste is fresh and delicious, rich in nutrition — an ecological and healthy food choice.

Yongping Walnuts

Premium walnuts, a Yongping specialty, with plump kernels and rich aroma. They can be eaten fresh or processed into various walnut products — a highly nutritious local specialty.

Yongping County Travel Tips
Best Seasons
  • March-May: Azaleas in full bloom, best viewing period
  • September-November: Crisp autumn, ideal for mountain hiking
  • All Year Round: Braised chicken and other foods available anytime
Special Notes
  • Baotai Mountain is a nature reserve — please protect the environment
  • Pay attention to safety during ancient road hiking — travel in groups recommended
  • Braised chicken is quite spicy — spice level can be adjusted to taste
Transportation
  • Direct bus from Dali to Yongping
  • Rural passenger transport available from the county town to various scenic spots
  • Chartering a car is recommended for distant scenic spots like Baotai Mountain