Magnificent Wumeng · Cranes Dancing on the Plateau

Zhaotong, Yunnan — The ecological barrier of Northeast Yunnan. Visit the hometown of the Black-necked Crane in China, traverse the millennium-old Five-foot Road, and experience the Jinsha River Grand Canyon hot springs. Feel the natural ecology and historical culture of the Wumeng Mountain region.

3150m
Dashanbao Elevation
World Heritage
Five-foot Road Ruins
Millennium
Zhuti Culture
Hometown of Hot Springs
Geothermal Resources

Zhaotong Five Days Four Nights Northeast Yunnan Deep Tour

Plateau Wetland + Ancient Road Fortress + Primeval Forest, feel the charm of Wumeng Mountain

Duration
5 Days 4 Nights
Main Destinations
Dashanbao, Doushaguan, Xiaocaoba, Western Grand Canyon
Target Audience
Nature lovers, cultural explorers, photographers, historical researchers
Per Capita Budget
¥1800-¥3200
01
Plateau Wetland Exploration
Cranes Dancing at Dashanbao
Trip Highlights

Full day tour of Dashanbao Reserve

Attraction Schedule
Dashanbao Black-necked Crane National Nature Reserve
A wetland of international importance and the largest wintering habitat for Black-necked Cranes in China. It includes attractions such as Tiaodun River and Jigong Mountain, where you can watch the spectacular sight of cranes dancing and canyon sea of clouds.
Jigong Mountain
The core attraction of Dashanbao, featuring three-sided cliffs at an altitude of 3364 meters. It includes a glass viewing platform and cliff plank roads, offering views of the Jinsha River Canyon and sunrise over the sea of clouds.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Dashanbao Eco Inn
  • Zhaoyang District Boutique Hotel
  • Plateau Tent Camp
Experience Suggestions
  • Black-necked Crane Observation
  • Canyon Paragliding
  • Buckwheat Cake Tasting
02
Ancient Road Fortress Traversal
Legend of the Five-foot Road
Trip Highlights

Full day exploration of Doushaguan Scenic Area

Attraction Schedule
Doushaguan
A provincial-level scenic area containing the Five-foot Road, Yuan Zi Inscription Cliff Stone Carving, Tang Dynasty Stele Pavilion, and the Bo people's Hanging Coffins, showcasing the historical relics of the Southern Silk Road.
Five-foot Road
An ancient road carved in the Qin Dynasty and a vital artery of the Southern Silk Road. It retains over 300 meters of well-preserved bluestone slabs, about five feet wide, serving as the throat of ancient Yunnan-Sichuan transportation.
Practical Information
Precautions
  • Wear anti-slip shoes for the ancient road
  • Do not touch stone carvings or relics
  • Protect historical sites
Special Experiences
  • Ancient road horse riding experience
  • Hanging Coffin exploration
  • Black-bone Chicken feast tasting
03
Primeval Forest Exploration
Xiaocaoba Secret Realm
Trip Highlights

Full day hiking in Xiaocaoba Scenic Area

Attraction Schedule
Xiaocaoba
A provincial-level scenic area with a forest coverage rate of 78.8%, containing attractions such as Chaotianma and Niujiaoyan. It is known as the "Green Gem of Northeast Yunnan," and the autumn colorful forests are particularly spectacular.
Chaotianma
The main peak of Xiaocaoba at an altitude of 1950 meters, containing primeval forests, waterfall groups, and azalea seas. It is an important biodiversity conservation area in Northeast Yunnan.
Practical Information
Cultural Tips
  • Protect wild flora and fauna
  • Do not pick Gastrodia Elata
  • Respect local customs
Food Recommendations
  • Gastrodia Elata Steamer Chicken
  • Bamboo Fungus Soup
  • Yi Ethnic Tuotuo Meat
04
Canyon Hot Spring Wellness
Jinsha Riverside
Trip Highlights

Visit the Western Grand Canyon in the morning, experience hot springs in the afternoon

Attraction Schedule
Western Grand Canyon Hot Spring
A National 4A-level Scenic Area, a geothermal hot spring on the banks of the Jinsha River with a water temperature of 85°C. It contains a variety of minerals and is known as the "First Spring of Sichuan and Yunnan," featuring an ethnic customs garden and a water park.
Xiangjiaba Hydropower Station
An important hydraulic engineering project on the Jinsha River, featuring a viewing platform and exhibition hall. It showcases hydropower technology and resettlement culture, serving as a demonstration base for industrial tourism.
Practical Information
Experience Suggestions
  • Hot spring wellness experience
  • Ethnic song and dance performance
  • Jinsha River fish feast
Precautions
  • Control hot spring soaking time
  • Bring swimwear and swim cap
  • Be safe when viewing the hydropower station
05
Red Culture Tour
Zhaoxi Memories
Trip Highlights

Visit the Zhaoxi Conference Site in the morning, return trip in the afternoon

Attraction Schedule
Zhaoxi Conference Site
A National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, an important meeting place during the 1935 Long March of the Red Army. It includes the Conference Memorial Hall, the Martyrs Cemetery, and the Red Army Street, serving as a classic red tourism scenic spot.
Tiantaishan
A provincial-level forest park containing primeval forests, karst caves, and ancient temples. It is known as the "Little Huangshan of Northeast Yunnan" and was a place the Red Army passed through during the Long March.
Practical Information
Return Trip Suggestions
  • Reserve 3 hours to get to the airport
  • Purchase Zhaotong Apples
  • Gastrodia Elata souvenirs
Special Experiences
  • Red Army meal experience
  • Long March route hiking
  • Miao ethnic song and dance appreciation

Zhaotong City Must-Try Foods

Gastrodia Elata Steamer Chicken

A Zhaotong specialty medicinal dish, made by steaming local chicken with Gastrodia Elata slices in a steamer pot. The soup is fresh and delicious, known as the "Wumeng Nourishing Supreme," embodying the concept of food as medicine.

Zhaotong Apple

A National Geographical Indication product, a representative of sugar-heart apples, crispy, sweet, and juicy. It is praised as the "Plateau Ruby" and has obtained National Agricultural Product Geographical Indication registration protection.

Yougao Erkuai (Fried Rice Cake)

A Zhaotong traditional snack, made by deep-frying rice slurry into erkuai (rice cake), served with thin pea flour. It is crispy on the outside and glutinous on the inside, known as the "King of Northeast Yunnan Breakfast."

Zhaotong City Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • November-March: Black-necked Crane viewing season
  • September-October: Apple harvest season
  • May-August: Forest summer retreat season
  • All year round: Hot spring wellness
Photography Guide
  • Photograph Black-necked Cranes before sunrise at Dashanbao
  • Use wide-angle lens for canyon shots at Doushaguan
  • Capture autumn colorful forests at Xiaocaoba
  • Photograph hot spring mist at Western Grand Canyon
Ecological Tips
  • Do not disturb Black-necked Cranes
  • Do not pick protected plants
  • Protect historical relics
  • Bring your own garbage bags
Transportation Guide
  • Kunming to Zhaotong high-speed rail: 2.5 hours
  • Car rental recommended between scenic spots
  • Dashanbao requires off-road vehicle
  • Airport is 10km from city center