[2025 Yuanmou Stay] Travel Guide for Yuanmou Grand Hotel (Updated Apr)

Never take your kids to this wild lake in Yunnan, or… they won't want to leave! Yes, I'm talking about Bingnong Village in Yuanmou, Chuxiong! Before we left, I saw a post online calling it "Yunnan's California." I thought it was just another hyped-up internet spot, but—wow, was I wrong! Few people, wild scenery, free entry, and tons of things to do! Here's my tried-and-true guide for a three-day, two-night trip with kids, including lessons learned and unfiltered photos📸. 🚗A 3-Hour Drive into Untouched Wilderness We started from Dali, put Bingnong Village into the GPS, and drove through mountains and valleys for 3 hours straight to the lake. The scenery outside the window changed from the blue of Cangshan and Erhai Lake to the vastness of red earth hills. My child, glued to the window, exclaimed, "Mom, the mountains look like a giant chocolate layer cake!"🍰 When we arrived, cows and sheep grazed peacefully on the meadows, the lake shimmered like scattered diamonds, and the mountains stretched like fingerprints on the earth… No noisy tourists, no commercial stalls, just the wind, birdsong, and my child's excited squeal: "I want to pitch a tent here!"⛺ 🌿Wild Fun Until the Batteries Run Out Lakeside Camping: We found a flat patch of grass, pitched our tent, and had a picnic under the shade of a tree. The sunlight filtered through the leaves onto our food, making even sandwiches taste amazing (maybe we were just hungry). Boating and Fishing: We tossed our inflatable kayak into the lake, and my kid splashed around with a fishing net, eventually scooping up a handful of seaweed, proudly declaring they would "keep it in a water bottle"💦. Hiking and Exploring: We strolled around the lake and discovered a reed bed. My child skipped stones, their dad taught them about wildflowers, and I took photos—it was a scene straight out of a family commercial! ⚠Hard-Learned Lessons, Heed My Warnings! Trash! Trash! Trash!🗑 This place is completely undeveloped, with no trash cans or cleaners. We saw drink bottles hidden in the grass, which turned my kid into an "environmental warrior" picking up trash along the way… Please take all your trash with you! Bring Enough Food: There are no shops nearby, so pack instant hot pot, fruit, and plenty of water. Hungry kids will literally gnaw on tree bark (slight exaggeration). Safety First: The edge of the lake is muddy, so don't let children play in the water alone. Waterproof boots are recommended. 🌄Side Trip to an "Alien Landscape" On the way back, we took a detour to Yuanmou Earth Forest (40-minute drive). It's like a fantasy world sculpted by giants, and my child ran around yelling, "I'm on Mars!" The 70 RMB entrance fee is a bit steep, but the sunset photos are stunning, making it worth the price! 📌Practical Information Address: Bingnong Village, Yuanmou County, Chuxiong, Yunnan (GPS will take you directly to the lake) Entrance Fee: Free! Free! Free! Accommodation: Day trip or camping is recommended, as there are no hotels nearby. If staying overnight, consider Yuanmou County (I recommend Yuanmou Hotel, clean and affordable, family rooms 300+/night). Final Thoughts: This place is so beautiful I want to keep it a secret, but I'm also afraid it'll be ruined if it becomes too popular😭. If you're intrigued, please tread lightly, leave only footprints, and take away only memories (and your trash). "Mom, let's come back and camp here next year!" my child mumbled in the car on the way back. I looked at the receding lake in the rearview mirror and thought: Maybe the real California isn't in America, but in this unknown red earth paradise in Yunnan. 🌄

| Enjoy the Beauty of Yuanmou Hotel. I didn't want to shiver in the cold this Lunar New Year, so I went to Yuanmou and stayed at the amazing Yuanmou Hotel. I have to share it with you! 🌤️ Weather: This place is a warm winter paradise during the Lunar New Year. The temperature is just right, and the warm sun shines on you, without any of the winter chill. The sky is clear every day, which is perfect for a vacation! 🏨 Hotel Facilities: Yuanmou Hotel has complete facilities. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, and the beds are soft, like being wrapped in clouds. The bathroom is clean and tidy, and the toiletries are of good quality. Oh, and I have to praise the restaurant. The food is rich and varied, and the Yunnan specialties are very authentic, satisfying my taste buds. 🌳 Surrounding Environment: The hotel is surrounded by a pleasant environment. There are many locals basking in the sun and chatting. Not far from the hotel is a bustling shopping street, with a variety of specialty shops, making it very convenient to buy souvenirs. This Lunar New Year at Yuanmou Hotel, enjoying the warm winter and a relaxing holiday, is really a blessing! You must come and experience it when you have time~

🌬️When the cold wind is howling elsewhere, Yuanmou invites you to a winter date with warm sunshine and unique customs. This ancient and magical land is full of surprises. Pack your bags and let's go! Yuanmou at a Glance 📍Yuanmou is located in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is one of the birthplaces of mankind and is known as the "Hometown of Oriental Man". The climate here is pleasant, with an average winter temperature of around 20°C. The gentle sunshine warms your body and heart, allowing you to escape the cold winter and enjoy the comfort. Must-visit Attractions 1. Yuanmou Man Museum 📍Address: East foot of Phoenix Mountain, Yuanma Town, Yuanmou County 🎫Admission: Free 🕒Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00–17:00 (last admission at 16:30) 🌟Highlights: The museum houses a large number of Yuanmou Man fossils and Paleolithic relics. Travel back in time and "talk" to your ancestors to explore the mysteries of human origins. 2. Wumao Earth Forest 📍Address: Wumao Township, Yuanmou County 🎫Admission: CNY 70 🕒Opening Hours: 8:00–18:00 🌟Highlights: The earth forest is a masterpiece of nature, with strange and unique shapes. The winter sun casts long shadows, draping the earth forest in orange gauze. Walking through it is like entering a magical maze. 3. Langbapu Earth Forest 📍Address: Langbapu Village, Xinhua Township, Yuanmou County 🎫Admission: CNY 50 🕒Opening Hours: 7:30–19:00 🌟Highlights: Compared to Wumao, Langbapu Earth Forest is more majestic and grand. The towering earth pillars are stacked layer upon layer, creating a stunning and beautiful scene under the morning light or sunset glow. 4. Yuanmou Film and Television Base 📍Address: Majie Town, Yuanmou County 🎫Admission: Varies by area 🕒Opening Hours: All day (some filming areas are restricted) 🌟Highlights: Many popular film and television works have been filmed here. Stroll through the familiar scenes and you might even encounter a film crew, experiencing a different kind of "star" journey. 5. Longjie Ferry on the Jinsha River 📍Address: Longjie Village, Jiangbian Township, Yuanmou County 🎫Admission: Free 🕒Opening Hours: All day 🌟Highlights: The ferry is a crossing point of the Red Army's Long March. The surging river tells the story of that magnificent history. Stand on the shore, watch the rushing river, remember the ancestors, and feel the red spirit. 6. Bingxianghe Reservoir 📍Address: Bingxianghe Village, Laocheng Township, Yuanmou County 🎫Admission: Free 🕒Opening Hours: All day 🌟Highlights: A quiet place away from the hustle and bustle. The winter lake sparkles, surrounded by green mountains. Have a picnic, enjoy the scenery, and steal a moment of leisure. Yuanmou Cuisine 🥘Yuanmou Cold Chicken: Tender chicken with special dipping sauce, sour and spicy, a bite will make your taste buds dance. 🌶️Roast Suckling Pig: Crispy skin and tender meat, sizzling with oil, fragrant and delicious, a bite will make your taste buds explode. 🥔Yuanmou Cold Noodles: Smooth and chewy, rich in seasoning, melts in your mouth, refreshing and appetizing, a unique winter flavor. Recommended Accommodation 🏨Yuanmou Hotel: Located in the city center, convenient transportation, complete facilities, and attentive service, a comfortable choice. 🛖Earth Forest Inn: Close to the Earth Forest Scenic Area, open the window to see the scenery, ethnic style decoration, full of immersion. Tips 💡Check the weather forecast before traveling, prepare sunscreen and warm clothes, and pay attention to the temperature difference between morning and evening. 💡Wear comfortable sports shoes when visiting the Earth Forest Scenic Area, as some areas have complex terrain, making it easier to walk. 💡Choose a regular restaurant to taste the food, ensure food hygiene, and enjoy the delicious food without stepping on the mine. 🎉This trip to Yuanmou will leave you with a hot memory in winter, with historical echoes, natural gifts, food temptations, and comfortable rest. Pack your bags and come to Yuanmou to meet the beauty, let your body and mind travel in warmth and novelty, and look forward to you starting this unforgettable journey!

👍Yuanmou in winter is like a shining pearl hidden in time✨, exuding a unique charm, attracting countless travelers to explore its beauty. Introduction to Danzhou 😃Yuanmou belongs to Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, which has a profound historical heritage and unique cultural customs. The winter climate is relatively warm and comfortable, with plenty of sunshine. It is a great place to escape the cold and enjoy a pleasant trip. Scenic Spots 😎Yuanmou's scenic spots combine natural wonders with cultural landscapes. The ancient earth forests tell the story of the years. The magnificent natural scenery makes people feel as if they are in a fantasy world. Moreover, watching these under the unique warm sun in winter has a special charm. Must-visit attractions 1. Yuanmou Earth Forest Scenic Area 🌟Highlights: The unique earth forests have various shapes, some are like swords piercing the sky, and some are like castles standing majestically. Under the reflection of the winter sun, the light and shadow effects are excellent, as if they are works of art carefully carved by nature. 📍Address: Wumao Township, Yuanmou County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. 🎫Tickets: Wumao Earth Forest Ticket is 70 yuan/person, Langbapu Earth Forest Ticket is 50 yuan/person. 🕙Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00. 2. Yuanmou Man Museum 🌟Highlights: It fully displays the history and culture of "Yuanmou Man". Through rich cultural relics and detailed information, people can deeply understand the mystery of human origin. Visiting in winter will give you a sense of tranquility that travels through time. 📍Address: Longchuan Street, Yuanma Town, Yuanmou County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. 🎫Tickets: Free. 🕙Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 - 17:00 (closed on Monday). 3. Jinsha River Longjie Ferry 🌟Highlights: The Jinsha River flows slowly in winter, and Longjie Ferry carries a heavy history. Here you can feel the heroic momentum of the Red Army crossing the river and enjoy the magnificent river view. 📍Address: Longjie Village, Jiangbian Township, Yuanmou County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. 🎫Tickets: Free. 🕙Opening hours: Open all day. 4. Dashuijing Village, Liangshan Township 🌟Highlights: The ancient village is well preserved. In winter, you can see the unique life scenes of the villagers. The traditional Yi architecture is unique and full of strong ethnic customs. 📍Address: Liangshan Township, Yuanmou County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. 🎫Tickets: Free. 🕙Opening hours: Open all day. 5. Yuanmou Phoenix Lake Park 🌟Highlights: The lake is clear and the surrounding greenery is beautiful. Many migratory birds live here in winter. It is very pleasant to walk along the lake and feel the tranquility and beauty. 📍Address: Yuanmou County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. 🎫Tickets: Free. 🕙Opening hours: Open all day. 6. Banguo Earth Forest in Pingtian Township 🌟Highlights: Compared with other earth forests, this one is more primitive and quiet. The earth forests have different shapes and present a different kind of desolate beauty under the warm winter sun. It is suitable for tourists who like to explore niche attractions. 📍Address: Pingtian Township, Yuanmou County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. 🎫Ticket price: 30 yuan/person. 🕙Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00. 7. Bingnong Reservoir 🌟Highlights: The scenery around the reservoir in winter is pleasant, with mountains and waters complementing each other. It is a good place to get close to nature, relax, and experience the local rural life. 📍Address: Bingnong Village, Laocheng Township, Yuanmou County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. 🎫Tickets: Free. 🕙Opening hours: Open all day. What to eat 😋- Yuanmou cold chicken: The chicken is fresh and tender, and paired with a special dipping sauce, it tastes fresh and refreshing. It is one of the must-try delicacies in Yuanmou. - Roasted suckling pig: The skin is roasted to a golden and crispy texture, and the meat inside is tender and juicy, with a fragrant aroma. It tastes super satisfying. - Tamarind Cake: It is sour and sweet, soft and sticky with a strong tamarind flavor, making it a great snack. Where to stay 🛏️ Hotels in Yuanmou County: There are many choices and complete supporting facilities. It is convenient for traveling and dining. Yuanmou Hotel can provide a comfortable accommodation experience. - B&Bs near the scenic area: If you want to get closer to the scenic spot and feel the local life atmosphere, you can choose a B&B around the Earth Forest Scenic Area. It is very convenient to enjoy the scenery in the early morning and evening. For example, there are many distinctive B&Bs to choose from near Wumao Earth Forest. Tips [Glister]- Although Yuanmou is relatively warm in winter, the temperature difference between morning and night is still a bit large. Remember to bring a thick coat to prevent catching a cold. - It is best to wear comfortable sports shoes when visiting the Earth Forest Scenic Area, because you need to walk for a long time to appreciate the different landscapes. - Plan your trip in advance. The distances between various attractions vary. It is better to arrange transportation in a reasonable way. Self-driving or chartering a car will be more free and convenient. 🤗A winter trip to Yuanmou is like a wonderful date with time and nature. Every scenery and every bite of food here can leave you with unforgettable memories. Come to Yuanmou to start your winter trip. I believe you will fall in love with this magical land💕.