Huayao Dai Township · Ailao Secret Realm

Yuxi Xinping County — the cultural center of the Huayao Dai people. A 2-day-1-night trip to traverse the primeval forest of Ailao Mountain, explore the geological wonders of Shimen Gorge, and experience the Huayao Dai customs in Gasa Town. Feel the perfect fusion of multi-ethnic culture and natural wonders in the secret lands of central Yunnan.

1500m

Shimen Gorge Depth

National Level

Nature Reserve

Huayao Dai

Cultural Center

Green Lung of Central Yunnan

Ecological Reputation

Xinping County Ailao Mountain Sea of Clouds and Terraced Fields

An ecological scroll painting composed of primeval forest and sea of clouds over terraced fields

Xinping County Two Days One Night Ethnic Cultural Journey

Primeval Forest + Geological Wonders + Huayao Dai Customs, feel the unique charm of Central Yunnan's secret lands

                    
Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                    
Main Destinations
Ailao Mountain, Shimen Gorge, Gasa Huayao Dai Town, Nan'en Waterfall

                    
Suitable For
Nature lovers, cultural explorers, photographers, foodies

                    
Per Capita Budget
¥400-¥700

Ailao Secret Realm Exploration

Natural Wonders

Highlights

Traverse primeval forest in the morning, explore Shimen Gorge in the afternoon

Attractions

Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve

The area with the richest biodiversity at the same latitude on Earth, preserving a complete primeval forest ecosystem, with landscapes such as sea of clouds, terraced fields, and waterfall groups, including attractions like Nan'en Waterfall and the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

Shimen Gorge

A geological wonder scenic area, with a canyon depth of 1500 meters. The plank road winds between steep cliffs, and the stream flows through a giant rock formation, known as the "First Scenic Spot of Ailao Mountain".

Nan'en Waterfall

A representative waterfall of Ailao Mountain, with a drop of 100 meters and a width of 20 meters. It is magnificent during the rainy season, with the spectacular sight of the "Milky Way falling from the sky".

Practical Information

Travel Tips

Prepare anti-slip shoes for canyon hiking
Large temperature difference in mountain areas, pack extra clothing
Protect wild animals and plants

Accommodation Recommendations

Ailao Mountain Forest Cabin
Shimen Gorge Cliff Hotel
Gasa Huayao Dai Homestay

Huayao Dai Customs Experience

Ethnic Culture

Highlights

Visit Gasa Town in the morning, taste Xinping cuisine in the afternoon

Attractions

Gasa Huayao Dai Town

The cultural center of the Huayao Dai people, preserving traditional earthen-walled house architecture. It features Phoenix Square and Flower Street, where folk activities such as the Water Splashing Festival and tattooing customs can be experienced.

Dabinglang Garden Huayao Dai Cultural Ecological Village

A traditional Huayao Dai village, completely preserving the Dai stilt-style architecture, brocade weaving skills, and sacrificial customs, with a Huayao Dai cultural exhibition hall.

Chu Orange Orchard

A modern agricultural tourism park, the rock sugar orange planting base founded by Chu Shijian, featuring sightseeing trails, a museum, and a picking experience area.

Practical Information

Special Experiences

Huayao Dai costume experience
Dai brocade DIY
Chu Orange picking (seasonal)

Return Suggestions

Reserve time for buying local specialties
Huayao Dai silver jewelry souvenirs
Xinping pickled vegetables gift box

Must-Try Foods in Xinping County

Gasa Soup Pot

A Huayao Dai specialty, yellow beef simmered for 8 hours with over 20 spices including mint and lemongrass. The soup is fresh and the meat is tender, selected as Yunnan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Xinping Pickled Vegetables

A local specialty preserved food, shredded radish fermented with chili spices, sour and appetizing. It has obtained National Geographical Indication protection and enjoys the reputation of "King of Central Yunnan Pickles".

Dai-Style Barbecue

A Huayao Dai specialty cooking method, ingredients are grilled with lemongrass and lemon leaves, sour, spicy, fresh and fragrant. It was featured on "A Bite of China" and certified as a "Famous Dish of Yunnan".

Xinping County Travel Tips

Best Season