The Yunnan Grasslands You Must Visit in June, July, and August!

## Daghaicaoshan Travel Guide: The "Oriental New Zealand" That's Beautiful in Every Season Daghaicaoshan is located in the southeast of Dahai Township, Huize County, Qujing City, Yunnan Province. It belongs to the main peak section of the Wumeng Mountains, with an altitude between 2,570–4,017 meters. It is known as the "Oriental New Zealand." It has 180,000 acres of alpine meadow, with different scenery in each season. In spring, the mountains are full of flowers, in summer, the grass is green, in autumn, it is golden and magnificent, and in winter, it is covered in silver. The following is a detailed travel guide: ### **Best Time to Visit** - **Summer (June–August)**: Green grass, herds of cattle and sheep, cool climate, suitable for summer vacations. - **Autumn (September–October)**: The sky is clear and the air is crisp, the grassland is golden, and the scenery is magnificent. - **Winter (November–March of the following year)**: Covered in snow, you can experience the ski resort (open from December–March). ### **Transportation** 1. **Self-driving** (recommended): - From Kunming: Drive along the G85 Yukun Expressway to Huize County, then transfer to the S207 Provincial Highway to Dahai Township, the whole journey is about 4 hours. - From Qujing: About 2 hours' drive. - **Note**: You need to transfer to a shuttle bus in the scenic area. Self-driving cars can only be parked at the visitor center. 2. **Public Transportation**: - Take a bus from Kunming East Juju Bus Station or Qujing Gaokuai Bus Station to Huize County (ticket price is CNY 40–75), then take a shared car/chartered car to the scenic area (about 42 km). ### **Ticket Information** - **Scenic Area Ticket**: About CNY 35–50/person (half price for students and seniors). - **Sightseeing Bus**: CNY 20–25/person (round trip). - **Ski Resort** (winter): - Snow Play Area: Suitable for family fun (snow tubes, sleds, etc.). - Ski pass: Including beginner and intermediate ski runs, full-day tickets can be used until the park closes. ### **Main Attractions** 1. **Guniuzhai** (altitude 4,017.3 meters): - The highest peak of the Wumeng Mountains, surrounded by clouds and mist, shaped like a bull playing in the sea of clouds. - Legend has it that the Nanzhao King named it "Dongyue". It was once one of the crash sites of the "Flying Tigers" air route. 2. **Alpine Meadow**: - 200,000 acres of grassland, with different scenery in each season. Wildflowers are everywhere in summer, and the snow scene is picturesque in winter. 3. **Buddha's Light and Sea of Clouds**: - "Buddha's Light" may appear on a clear morning, and the sea of clouds is surging, like a fairyland. 4. **Ski Resort** (winter): - The first large-scale outdoor ski resort in Yunnan, with a snow-making area of 120,000 square meters. ### **Accommodation Recommendations** - **In the Scenic Area**: - **Container View Room**: With floor heating, you can enjoy the snow scene (winter). - **Tent Camping**: You can experience grassland camping in summer. - **Huize County**: More hotel options, suitable for entering the scenic area early the next day. ### **Food Recommendations** - **Roasted Mutton Kebab** (CNY 3/kebab), roasted potatoes, oat cakes. - **Huize Black Goat Hot Pot**: The meat is tender and has no mutton smell. - **Wild Mushrooms** (summer): Local specialty. ### **Precautions** 1. **Altitude Sickness**: The altitude is high, avoid strenuous exercise, and you can prepare Rhodiola Rosea. 2. **Changeable Weather**: Bring a windproof jacket, sunscreen, and rain gear. 3. **Environmental Protection**: Do not litter and protect the grassland ecology. 4. **Winter Road Conditions**: Some road sections may be icy, drive with caution. ### **Recommended Itinerary** - **One-day Tour**: Visit the meadow and Guniuzhai in the morning, and experience skiing or horseback riding in the afternoon (around CNY 30). - **Two-day Tour**: - **Day 1**: Grassland sightseeing + skiing. - **Day 2**: Go to Nianhu Lake (Black-necked Crane Reserve) or Yulu Great Land Seam. Daghaicaoshan is a paradise for photography, hiking, and skiing enthusiasts. Whether it is the green in summer or the ice and snow world in winter, it is worth a visit!