200,000 Mu of Secret Land in Northeast Yunnan, The Four-Season Pastoral Song of the Cloud Grassland

Discover Dahai Caoshan In Huize County, Qujing, Yunnan, there lies an astonishing alpine grassland—Dahai Caoshan. It belongs to the main peak section of the Wumeng Mountain range, with an elevation between 3,570 and 4,017 meters, covering a vast 200,000 mu of subalpine meadows. The terrain here is gentle, with rolling mountains stretching endlessly, broad and open, earning it the nickname "New Zealand of Yunnan." In 2016, it was recommended by National Geographic China as one of the 108 most beautiful landmarks in the country. The first time I set foot on this land, I was instantly overwhelmed by its vastness. In spring and summer, the grass grows tall and orioles fly, with flocks of sheep like clouds; in autumn and winter, clouds drift and fog swirls, with snow covering the land. Visiting at different times reveals different landscapes of the grass mountain. The Changing Alpine Scenery Through the Seasons Spring and Summer: The Land of Oz From May to September is the greenest season on the grassland. Tens of thousands of mu of meadows are dressed in green, dotted with wildflowers of various colors, and herds of cattle and sheep stroll leisurely. Standing on the grass mountain, it feels like being deep in the Mongolian steppe, yet you can also sense the snowy plateau scenery of Tibet. Autumn and Winter: Clouds, Mist, and Snow After October, the grass mountain begins to turn yellow, and the sea of clouds becomes even more spectacular. In winter, you can see the snowy northern scenery. The scenic area also features the Dahai Caoshan International Ski Resort, with about 230,000 square meters of snow-making area and six ski trails ranging from beginner to advanced levels, making it one of the largest ski tourism resorts in Southwest China. Guniuzhai Peak At the southeast corner of the grass mountain is Guniuzhai Peak, with an elevation of 4,017.3 meters, the main peak of the Wumeng Mountains in northeast Yunnan. The mountain is steep on the south side and gentle on the north, with year-round rain and snow, often covered by clouds and mist, resembling an ox playing in the sea of clouds, hence the name. Practical Travel Guide Ticket Information: Adult tickets vary by season (please refer to on-site announcements) Discount tickets: 17 RMB (applicable to seniors aged 60-70, full-time students, and minors aged 7-18) Free admission: Children under 1 meter, seniors over 70 years old Best Time to Visit: May to October is the peak season, with pleasant weather and the most beautiful scenery Winter offers skiing experiences, with the ski resort generally open from late December to March of the following year Transportation: Self-driving: About 2.5 hours from Qujing city center; about 3.5 hours from Kunming Public transport: Take a shuttle bus from Huize County town to Dahai Township, then transfer to local vehicles Recommended Itineraries: One-day tour: Arrive at the scenic area in the morning, take a sightseeing bus to visit main attractions, enjoy local lamb cuisine at noon, and experience hiking or horseback riding in the afternoon Two-day tour: On the first day, explore the core area of the grass mountain and stay overnight at a local guesthouse; on the second day, visit Guniuzhai or try skiing (in winter) Must-Do Experiences: Watch the sea of clouds sunrise: Early morning is the best time to enjoy the cloud sea on the grass mountain Horseback riding on the grassland: Feel the joy of galloping on the highland grassland Taste roasted whole lamb: The local Yi ethnic group's roasted whole lamb has a unique flavor Star photography: The scenic area has little light pollution, making it ideal for shooting the starry sky Winter skiing: Experience alpine skiing from late December to March Nearby Attractions Suggestions Huize Ancient Town: About an hour's drive from the grass mountain, rich in historical and cultural heritage, with local specialty foods to try. Baiwu Village: Known as the "First Station of the Ten-Thousand-Mile Jingyun," it preserves nearly a hundred Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, authentic and uncommercialized, perfect for visitors who enjoy tranquility. Travel Tips Altitude Sickness: The scenic area is at high elevation; move slowly and prepare altitude sickness medication in advance Warmth and Sun Protection: Even in summer, there is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so bring warm clothes; strong ultraviolet rays on the plateau make sun protection essential Weather Changes: Mountain weather is variable; rain gear and windproof jackets are important Food Recommendations: Don’t miss local specialties like roasted lamb and cow dung roasted potatoes Accommodation Options: There are simple accommodations within the scenic area, or you can choose to stay in Huize County town The beauty of Dahai Caoshan is a vast and simple beauty. There are no many artificial traces, only the purest natural scenery. When you stand on the 4,000-meter-high peak, looking at the rolling grass mountains and herds of cattle and sheep, you will feel that all the effort was worth it. Transportation Tips: The scenic spots inside the area are scattered; it is recommended to take the sightseeing bus. Self-driving visitors should be cautious as the mountain roads have many curves.