Xiaocaoba, Yiliang County, Zhaotong, a trip to search for Gastrodia elata under the canyon waterfall

Hidden inside the mountains of Wumeng Mountain is a forest park with flowing clouds, dense forests, and canyon waterfalls - Xiaocaoba. It is said that you can enjoy flowers in spring, waterfalls in summer, red leaves in autumn, and walk on snow in winter. There is a Milky Way Waterfall that is over a hundred meters high. In this season, the mountain is covered with yellow leaves and red maples. It is so beautiful just thinking about it. I was particularly "tricked" by its promotional pictures of golden autumn, so Sasha must come here to take a look when she goes to Zhaotong this time. Just as I was about to enter the mountain, I felt the sea of ​​clouds floating towards me very low. I quickly flew a drone and saw the Welcoming Waterfall under the sea of ​​yellow leaves and clouds. It really looked like a fairyland. I thought it was worth the trip! Facts proved that I was too naive. When I really arrived at the biggest waterfall, I found that it was shrouded in thick fog. I couldn't see it at all, as if it was the Milky Way falling from the sky. I happened to meet a little Corgi, and looked for wild mushrooms with it under the woods. However, the mountains and rivers here are beautiful, and the air is absolutely fresh. Doing some exercise can cleanse your lungs and escape from the hustle and bustle. It is like a paradise. Xiaocaoba is the origin of wild Gastrodia elata, which likes places with year-round fog. So you can dig Gastrodia elata by yourself, which will give you a satisfying harvest and the pleasure of dopamine secretion. The Secret Treasure Village next to the Xiaocaoba Scenic Area is the most suitable place to eat and stay after visiting the scenic area. Of course, the most attractive thing is to dig Gastrodia elata by yourself and then pack it up to take home. And I found out that this Gastrodia elata-themed rural tour was actually supported by Songjiang District, Shanghai. It just happened to be the location of Sasha's home in Shanghai. I didn't expect there would be such a fate~ Nowadays, there are not only traditional Chinese medicine methods such as Tianma powder and dried Tianma, but also a small Tianma has been made into various peripheral products, such as Tianma wine, Tianma noodles, Tianma drinks, and even Tianma toothpaste. In addition, there is a Gastrodia elata museum in Xiaocaoba Town, where you can visit and learn a little about it, such as the historical development, classification and efficacy of Gastrodia elata. The Gastrodia elata in Zhaotong are all black Gastrodia elata, which are leading in the country in terms of output and quality. Especially the touching story of Professor Zhou Xuan, the father of Gastrodia elata. For decades, he has been conducting research in the mountains of Xiaocaoba, rewriting the history that Gastrodia elata can only grow in the wild and cannot be cultivated artificially. Not only did he help the farmers in the mountains to get out of poverty and achieve a well-off life, he also made this treasure, which was more valuable than gold in ancient times, become an ordinary item that ordinary people can enjoy. Among the older generation, people like Grandpa Yuan Longping who do one thing well throughout their lives are truly admirable. TIPS: The leaves are not yet completely yellow, so I guess November is the right time. It is usually foggy here at noon and densely foggy in the afternoon. It is best to check the weather forecast and go into the mountains early in the morning if the weather is clear. You need to climb uphill in the scenic area, so be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. If you drive yourself, you need to park your car at the entrance of the mountain and switch to an electric car to enter. Location: Xiaocaoba Township, Xiaocaoba Town, Yiliang County, Zhaotong City Tickets: Xiaocaoba Scenic Area Ticket + Battery Car Ticket, 108/two people