Things to do in Dayao

Santan Waterfall Scenic Area

Santan Waterfall is located in Dayao County, Chuxiong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, also known as Shuangou Waterfall. It is one of the ancient Eight Scenic Spots of Dayao. Santan Waterfall is a waterfall group featuring 33 cascades along a river stretch less than 4 km long. From upstream to downstream, the first tier stands 19m high with misty, elegant water patterns; the second tier plunges 121m, and the third drops 82m. The second and third tiers are perpetually enveloped in dancing water droplets, light mist, drizzling spray, and thunderous sounds. The three-tiered waterfall forms an integrated spectacle as the river cascades down, creating three deep pools—hence the name "Santan" (Three Pools). With a total drop of 220.28m, it ranks as the tallest waterfall in southwest China.

Shiyang Ancient Town

Shiyang Ancient Town is only a 30-kilometer drive from Dayao County. From the county seat, you can go northwest along the flat asphalt road. The road follows the peaks, sometimes winding and sometimes straight. It passes through more than a dozen roadside villages, with strange peaks and rocks, and lush ancient trees.As we walked along the way, we found ourselves in the embrace of the ancient town without realizing it. Shiyang has been a rich producer of Yunnan well salt since the Western Han Dynasty. The late Ming and early Qing dynasties were the heyday of Shiyang salt production. Although it was a manual workshop, the annual output of salt reached more than 9 million tons. Several provinces in southern Xinjiang and neighboring countries are proud to enjoy the white well salt as white as snow.The gathering of merchants and the rotation of officials from successive dynasties made Shiyang a golden land admired by all, but it also brought a multicultural impact to Shiyang, which is located in a remote mountain area. "Schools were established to boost the morals of the people, customs and laws were set up to facilitate travel, and pagodas and pavilions were built to cultivate literary style." Shiyang, formerly known as Baijing, is located in the northwest of Dayao County, Chuxiong Prefecture, 1.5 km from the county seat.35km, land area407Square kilometers, total population27668It is a small town with a long history and profound cultural heritage. Historically, the Central Plains culture and the Yi culture collided and blended here, and Confucian culture, salt culture, Buddhism, Taoism, Islam and other religious cultures interacted here, leaving behind a splendid historical culture and local customs. Shiyang is within a radius of no more than ten miles. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, there were five major academies, Lingyuan, Zhanggong, Luluo, Longquan, and Longyin, as well as many charity schools and private schools. Various cultures interacted and blended with each other, giving birth to the Shiyang culture with Shiyang characteristics.Despite the vicissitudes of history and the destruction of natural disasters, it still retains many long-standing historical relics and has a profound cultural heritage.1995Year8, named as one of the first three historical and cultural towns by the Provincial People's Government.

Santan Scenic Area

Yao’an Guanglu Ancient Town

Yao’an Guanglu Ancient Town is located approx. 12 km north of the county seat of Yao’an, Chuxiong Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It has a long history, beautiful mountains and rivers, and numerous historical sites, and is known as the Cultural hub of western Yunnan and the Home of flower lanterns. The town's architecture is laid out in the shape of the Chinese character "Kun," with many ancient buildings. It has been an important town for governing Yunnan since ancient times and served as a key stronghold on the ancient Southern Silk Road leading to Southeast Asia, India, and other regions. To highlight the town's unique features, the local government is focusing on developing four major themes: fortune, longevity, prosperity, and joy. Yao’an Guanglu Ancient Town is characterized by its historical and agricultural culture. The pastoral scenery is picturesque throughout the seasons, with spring, summer, fall, and winter each offering a different natural landscape, creating beautiful pastoral views. Visitors can see the coexistence of the Earth God belief, Taoism, and Buddhism here, which reflects the local area's profound cultural heritage and inclusivity. Yao’an Guanglu Ancient Town is a place where outstanding people are born. It has produced many famous figures, and the Gao family once had the legendary reputation of "nine scholars, seven dukes, eight prime ministers, three kings, one emperor, and five marquises," producing famous scholars such as Gao Jiongying, Zhao Zixiang, Ma Siliang, and Zhao Heqing. This place is not only a must-visit stop on the ancient Southwestern Silk Road but also a historic town that carries a thousand years of fortune culture.

2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Yulong Snow Mountain

Yulong Snow Mountain is one of Lijiang's famous attractions and a sacred mountain in the hearts of the Naxi people. It consists of 13 undulating peaks that resemble a dancing silver dragon, which is how it got its name. Within the attraction, visitors can take a cable car directly up the mountain to easily admire the magnificence of the high-altitude glacier, which is a highlight for many visitors coming here. Snow mountain overview Yulong Snow Mountain is renowned for being "dangerous, wondrous, beautiful, and elegant." From the foot to the summit, there are multiple tiers of views ranging from subtropical to temperate to frigid zones. At the foot of the mountain lies Ganhaizi, a vast pasture where gentians and azaleas bloom across the meadows in spring and summer. From here, the peaks of Yulong are clearly visible in the distance. Yunshanping, at an elevation of over 3,200 m, is a sacred place in the hearts of Naxi youth. It is a tranquil meadow surrounded by ancient towering trees and dense vines, creating a serene environment. Below the thirteen peaks of Yulong are 13 modern maritime glaciers, which from afar appear like a waterfall hanging overFanzi DouBelow, under the sunlight, it glistens with silver light. Tourists can take the large cableway to an altitude of 4506 m, and then follow the mountain boardwalk to view the glacier and the majestic main peak up close. Large cableway The attraction's popular cable car transports visitors from the lower station at Ganhaizi to the Glacier Park at an elevation of 4,506 m. After getting off the cable car, you can follow the wooden boardwalk laid out on the glacier all the way to the highest point at an elevation of 4,680 m, where you can experience the charm of the snow-capped mountains and glaciers up close. In case of strong winds, the cable car may be suspended; please keep an eye on official messages for details. Spruce meadow cableway The lower station of the cableway is located at the foot of the snow mountain by the Baishui River, and can be reached by taking the attraction's eco-friendly bus. Riding the Yunshanping cableway takes you to Yunshanping at an elevation of 3,240 m, a great spot to view the peaks of Yulong Snow Mountain from afar. Yak Meadow cableway Maoniuping is a large meadow located on another side of Yulong Snow Mountain, about 15 km from Yunshanping. Climbing up to Maoniuping, you can view Yulong Snow Mountain from another angle.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Dianchi Lake

Dianchi Lake, also known as Kunming Lake, is the sixth-largest freshwater lake in China. Its expansive and magnificent surface has earned it the reputation of "five hundred li of Dianchi Lake" since ancient times. As one of the larger plateau lakes in Yunnan Province, Dianchi Lake is surrounded by numerous waterfront parks and wetlands, making it an unmissable stop when visiting Kunming. Every winter, large flocks of black-headed gulls fly all the way from Siberia to Dianchi Lake to spend the winter. This spectacle has occurred faithfully every year since 1985, and feeding the black-headed gulls along the lakeshore has become a highly popular winter experience in Kunming. Strolling along the sightseeing road on the east bank of Dianchi Lake is a great way to experience the lake up close. On one side is the vast, misty expanse of water, with the Western Hills stretching across the distance; in winter, the sightseeing road is especially lively, as residents and visitors alike stop by the lakeside to interact with the black-headed gulls. For a different perspective, you can take the cableway from the lakeside to Dragon Gate in the Western Hills and look down from above, taking in the entire Dianchi Lake at a glance. In the Caohai area at the northern end, you can also take a boat out on the lake and experience its vastness from the water. In recent years, through sustained governance, the water quality and lakeside ecology of Dianchi Lake have gradually improved, the wetland views along the lake are also continuously being restored, and the sightseeing environment has been significantly enhanced compared to the past.

Selected for Best Things to Do in Chuxiong Prefecture

Langbapu Earth Forest (Xinhua Earth Forest)

The Langbapu Soil Forest, also known as Xinhua Soil Forest, is located in Longbapu Village, Xinhua Township, Yuanmou County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture. The soil columns there are tall and dense with various types. The conical soil forest is well developed, which has become an important scenic spot of the Yuanmou soil forest. The Langbapu Soil forest is in different colors and shapes, looking from a distance like a magnificent palace.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Stone Forest Scenic Area

Stone Forest Scenic Area is located in Shilin County, Kunming, and is one of Kunming's key attractions. Stone Forest Scenic Area is a typical karst landscape, with stone peaks, stone buds, sinkholes, and underground rivers everywhere. The peak forest transforms into various forms—sword-shaped, tower-shaped, mushroom-shaped, and more—bizarre and magnificent. The entire scenic area consists of the Major and Minor Stone Forest, Naigu Stone Forest, Dadieshui, Changhu, and other sections. These sections are relatively scattered, and regular tours are mainly concentrated in the Major and Minor Stone Forest area. The Major and Minor Stone Forests are located in the same area. Walk along the path for 20 minutes, and on your left is the smaller Minor Stone Forest Scenic Area with relatively gentle stone peaks. Amid a dense cluster of peaks stands the famous Ashima Rock, where the towering peak forest transforms into a graceful Yi girl named Ashima, as if beckoning to you. This is a favorite spot for visitors to take photos. Besides the pretty Ashima, the Minor Stone Forest area also features views such as Shenjun and Cushi Qingtian, each with its own distinct shape. This is a test of your imagination. If your imagination is not vivid enough, it is recommended to hire a guide, under whose guidance you will gain a whole new understanding of the peak forest before your eyes. As you slowly drive along the highway, the roadside unfolds in turn with Tang Monk Rock, Stone Prison, Phoenix Preening Its Feathers, Lingzhi Rock, and more—each vividly lifelike and exquisitely true to form, displaying the wondrous craftsmanship of nature to you in all manner of poses. Walking along the passageway, you will unexpectedly arrive at the Major Stone Forest area. After passing such wonders as "Two Birds Feeding Each Other," "Rhinoceros Gazing at the Moon," "Lotus Peak," "Stone Forest Wonderland," and "Stone Screen," you may be feeling a bit tired. Taking a short rest at Lion Pavilion and admiring the reflection of the peak forest in Lion Pond across the way is a serene pleasure in itself. After seeing so many peak forests, it is only natural to feel some aesthetic fatigue. It is time to enjoy the water scenery. Board a cruise on Stone Forest Lake and drift across the water, where mountain scenery and lake views come together in one place, and all your stress and worries simply melt away. Naigu Stone Forest, also known as New Stone Forest or Mozhai Stone Forest, is composed of the Stone Forest Scenic Area, Baiyun Lake, Shifeng Mountain, and Yougu Xianpu Waterfall. Compared with the Major and Minor Stone Forests, this place presents another style. The peak forest here is overall grayish-black, with tall and densely packed stone pillars in castle, tower, and mushroom shapes. The simple and rugged grotesque rocks surge skyward like waves with magnificent momentum. Strolling through the black peak forest feels like entering a wild and primitive world.

No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Chuxiong Prefecture

Yuanmou Earth and Forest Scenic Resort

Yuanmou Earth and Forest Scenic Resort is located in Yuanmou County, Chuxiangzhou and features a number of tall stone pillars. Be amazed by the beautiful quartz, agate and other substances shimmering in the sunshine. The resort is a solid choice for shutterbugs. Get accommodation and shoot the marvelous sunrise and sunset. At night, looking up at the array of stars glittering in the boundless sky is a wonderful experience.

No. 12 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan and Guizhou

Dongfengyun Scenic Area

Mile's “Dongfengyun” town is a characteristic town with cultural tourism, health care and art as its core. The tens of thousands of acres of vineyards and hundreds of acres of lavender fields Souvenir the Attraction add color to the town. All year round, there are flowers in full bloom in spring, evergreen trees in summer, yellow ginkgo trees in autumn, and quiet and peaceful things in winter. Play in the charm of Dongfeng, flower field windmills, lakeside trails, and special-shaped buildings, bringing you a visual feast of art. Sculptor Luo Xu took the red soil from this plateau and used the red bricks from this land to implant unique-style buildings into the original landforms, and built a group of red brick art buildings in various shapes. The kaleidoscope displays the only two sets of "Thousands of Chorus Pottery Figurines" in the world, and the Half Cloud Art Living Room creates a Zen and quiet Refreshment environment. International Art Center, Agricultural Reclamation Museum, Flower Hill, Seal Workshop... Here, architecture tells stories and art conveys emotions.  Eat at Dongfengyun, where the Seal Shop and Cultural and Creative Market, which combine local snacks from Mile, bring you a food carnival. Stay at Dongfengyun, MGallery Art Hotel, with 5 different themes to meet your business, administration, parent-child, vacation, and honeymoon needs; Niuduoluo Music Farm, takes you into a different rural life; Art Inn, with modern intelligent technology, allows you to experience the butler-style immersive stay experience cared for by artificial intelligence. Here, life becomes poetry, allowing time to flow slowly in the poetry and paintings of art, and allowing the soul to rest quietly in the long river of years. The wind rises, the clouds fall, wine is consumed among the flowers, and life is filled with the rare charm of the east wind.