Wumeng Prairie Lazy Day Diary: Horseback Riding, Cloud Gazing, and Sheep Counting

🌈The Wumeng Prairie is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city during the May Day holiday. Located in Liupanshui, Guizhou, this alpine prairie sits at an altitude of nearly 3,000m, with an average summer temperature of 18℃, making it an ideal summer retreat. The prairie is vast, with herds of cattle and sheep, and ever-changing seas of clouds. Strolling through it on horseback feels like being in a paradise. ✅Transportation: It's about a 4-hour drive from Guiyang. You can also take the high-speed train to Liupanshui Station, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (about 1.5 hours). Within the scenic area, it is recommended to drive or rent a car, so you can stop and take photos at any time. ✅Best route: Enter through Gate 1 > Guanfo Platform > Baicaoping > Guaimeng Tent Camp > Viewing Platform 2 > Qicaiwo Niu RV Camp. Guanfo Platform is the best place to watch the sunrise and the sea of clouds. Baicaoping is suitable for horseback riding (approx. CNY 80/hr). You can experience prairie camping at the tent camp. ✅Must-try activities: Horseback riding is a prairie specialty. Beginners can choose gentle ponies. Wake up at 5am to chase the sunrise and the sea of clouds. Wait for the sunset at Viewing Platform 2 in the evening. Stargaze at night, where the Milky Way is clearly visible. ✅Accommodation recommendations: Guaimeng Tent Camp (approx. CNY 500/night) offers unique tents with private bathrooms. Qicaiwo Niu RV Camp (approx. CNY 400/night) is suitable for families. You can also choose a hotel in Panzhou (1-hour drive). ✅Food guide: There are few restaurants in the scenic area, so it is recommended to bring your own dry food. Don't miss the Panzhou specialties: Panxian Ham (the time-honored "Sige Wuji"), lotus leaf sticky rice chicken (the most authentic one is made by the Ma Dajie family), mutton rice noodles (Liuji on Jiaotong Road), and Laoguo (Wangji in the old city). ⚠️Note: There is a large temperature difference on the plateau, so bring a windproof jacket. The ultraviolet rays are strong, so be sure to apply sunscreen. Follow the herdsmen's instructions when riding horses. Protect the environment and do not disturb the cattle and sheep. There are many tourists during the May Day holiday, so it is recommended to enter the park before 8am to avoid the crowds. 💵Cost reference: Entrance ticket CNY 30, parking fee CNY 10/day, horseback riding CNY 80/hr, tent accommodation approx. CNY 500/night, average total cost approx. CNY 600–800/day. 💖Special note: Prairie wildflowers bloom in early May, and the scenery is full of greenery, but the temperature may drop to 10℃ in the early morning and evening. If it rains, the misty clouds have a special flavor, but be careful of slipping. Bring your camera and a good mood. On this alpine prairie, you can truly empty yourself and feel the vast beauty of "the sky is vast and the field is boundless."