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Yao’an Guanglu Ancient Town

Yao’an Guanglu Ancient Town

4.1
4.9/5
7 reviews

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.

Yao'an · 9.8 km from downtown
Yulong Snow Mountain
2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Yulong Snow Mountain

9.1
4.4/5
20.8k reviews

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.

China · Yulong
Dianchi Lake
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Dianchi Lake

8.9
4.7/5
10.6k reviews

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.

China · Kunming
Stone Forest Scenic Area
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Stone Forest Scenic Area

8.7
4.7/5
18.8k reviews

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.

China · Shilin
Dongfengyun Scenic Area
No. 12 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan and Guizhou

Dongfengyun Scenic Area

8.4
4.4/5
13.6k reviews

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.

China · Mile
Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge
No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge

8.3
4.6/5
6.5k reviews

Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the world's deepest gorges,Located in the east of Tiger Leaping Gorge town, Shangri-La county, it is divided into three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower Tiger Leaping, with a total length of approx. 20 km. The Jinsha River rushes here, flanked by the Jade Dragon and Haba snow mountains. At its narrowest, the river is only 20 to 30 m wide, and combined with the massive drop, the water surges with tremendous force. Beyond its magnificent natural scenery, Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge is also a world-renowned hiking destination, attracting a steady stream of outdoor enthusiasts every year. Only after passing through Middle Tiger Leaping and descending to the riverbank can you truly appreciate the grand and majestic momentum of Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge. Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge is renowned for its steepness, danger, grandeur, and magnificence. Among them, Upper Tiger Leaping is famous for the "gorge mouth" and the "Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area - Tiger Leaping Stone"; Middle Tiger Leaping is perilous due to "Starry Sky" and "A Sliver of Sky"; while Lower Tiger Leaping is beautiful for "a calm lake emerging from the high gorge" and "Daju scenery." Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Upper Tiger Leaping is the upper section of Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge and the narrowest part of the entire Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge. Near the viewing platform, the width is only less than 30 m, and a triangular boulder stands prominently in the middle of the river, splitting the torrent into two and sending up snow-white spray and waves of roaring sound. Legend has it that a fierce tiger once leaped from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain side to the Haba Snow Mountain side using this boulder in the middle of the river, hence the name of the stone: Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area - Tiger Leaping Stone. Upper Tiger Leaping was developed earlier, and a plank road has been built so you can descend from the roadside to the riverbank; a fast walker can get there in 20 minutes. Because the path is simple and easy, the distance is relatively short, and the difficulty is low, some people jokingly call Upper Tiger Leaping the "senior activity center." Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge Middle Tiger Leaping is below Upper Tiger Leaping, about 8 km from the Shangri-La Upper Tiger Leaping Scenic Area - Viewing Platform. The mouth of Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge in Shangri-La, Yunnan is slightly wider, and the river surface is relatively open, but there are many dangerous shoals. The river water threads through the reef area, and under the sunlight, it sparkles, like stars shining across the sky, hence the name: Starry Sky. Winding down along "Teacher Zhang's Trail," the path is narrow and rugged, and it takes about 40 minutes to reach the riverbank. By the river, jagged rocks stand, and the surging water splashes up a mist of spray, where you can see gorgeous rainbows. Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge Continuing along the road from Middle Tiger Leaping, you pass the "Slippery Rock Slab," where loose mountain rock causes frequent falling stones, and suddenly the view opens up: the river surface widens and the current grows gentle, as if a massive reservoir has appeared within the gorge—this is Lower Tiger Leaping. In the distance, fields stretch in a patchwork and cooking smoke curls upward; you have already reached Daju Township in Lijiang.

China · Shangri-La
Potatso National Park
No. 6 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Yunnan

Potatso National Park

8.3
4.4/5
10.2k reviews

Potatso National Park is located in Shangri-La, Yunnan, in the heart of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage site in northwest Yunnan. In Tibetan, "Potatso" means ferrying all beings to the shores of happiness. The park is composed mainly of two plateau lake areas, Bita Lake and Shudu Lake, which are more than ten km apart, with subalpine meadows such as Militing and Tibetan villages such as Luorong Village scattered between them. Lakes and wetlands, primeval forests, and plateau pastures are concentrated here, and most of the mountain forests remain in their original ecological state. Sightseeing is done by taking eco-friendly shuttle buses between the areas and then hiking along boardwalks to observe the details. The water of Shudu Lake is clear and blue, and by the lakeside stretches a vast highland pasture. In spring and summer, wildflowers bloom across the grassland, making it very beautiful. On winter mornings, moisture on the lake condenses into a white mist that spreads over the water's surface; only by taking the first bus of the early morning can you witness this wonder. A walking boardwalk has been built along the lake across the pasture, and it takes about an hour to walk the full loop. At the end of the boardwalk is the eco-friendly bus stop, where you board after sightseeing to reach the next destination. The next stop of the eco-friendly bus is Militing Grassland, which is flat and open. Bitahai Lake is the last stop on the eco-friendly bus route and also the highlight of this trip. In Tibetan, Bitahai means "lake of oak trees like a felt blanket" — as the name suggests, the lakeside is covered with dense oak trees like a green felt. Large numbers of azaleas grow among the oak forest. Every year in May and June when spring comes and flowers bloom, azalea petals fall into the water, and the fish that eat the slightly toxic azalea flowers float to the surface one after another. This is the famous scene of Bitahai Lake: drunken fish amid azaleas. A boardwalk has also been built along the shore of Bitahai Lake; walking slowly along it leads to the lakeside pier. There are cruises on the lake, allowing you to tour the mountain scenery and water views around the lake.

China · Shangri-La
Lugu Lake Scenic Area
No. 2 of Night Attractions in Yunnan

Lugu Lake Scenic Area

8.3
4.7/5
11.9k reviews

Lugu Lake Scenic Area spans the two provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan, with a lake surface elevation of approx. 2690 m. It is a deep-water plateau lake at the border of Yunnan and Sichuan, long known as the "pearl of the plateau." The lake water is clear and transparent, allowing the naked eye to see several meters deep, a water quality rarely seen among China's alpine lakes. Scattered across the lake are 5 full islands, 3 peninsulas, and 1 island connected by an embankment, each with a different shape. Among them, Liwubi Island is the largest, and on the island stands a temple built by the Mosuo people; Lige Peninsula extends narrowly into the lake, only a little over ten m wide at its narrowest point, and is a classic spot for enjoying the lake view. On the southeast side of the lake, Caohai is a wetland covered with aquatic plants, which together with the vast Lianghai waters forms the lake's view. In summer, ottelia flowers bloom across the lake surface, with white blossoms floating like scattered stars on the water, a signature natural scene of Lugu Lake Scenic Area. The shores have long been home to the Mosuo people, who to this day retain a matrilineal clan system and the walking marriage custom; this distinctive cultural tradition has earned Lugu Lake Scenic Area the name "Oriental Kingdom of Women." The Mosuo's traditional pig-trough boat remains the main means of boating on the lake, and taking a boat tour is a classic way to experience Lugu Lake Scenic Area. The Walking Marriage Bridge by the lakeside spans the grassy marsh and is an important place to experience Mosuo culture. Villages such as Daluoshui and Lige are distributed around the lake; the Lige Peninsula area is a popular viewpoint, while villages on the lake's north shore such as Nise and Xiaoluoshui have fewer visitors and are more tranquil. The residence of the last tusi's princess consort on the southeast shore is also worth a stop to learn about local history.

China · Ninglang

Experiences you can't miss in Yao'an

Featured Day tours in Yao'an

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Jizu Mountain 1-day tour [includes admission ticket + cable car + sightseeing bus | quality pure play | round-trip pickup & drop-off]
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FromVND 1,019,231
 Dali One-Day Tour to Jizu Mountain: Ticket+Private Car[Buddhist Holy Land/Late Departure]
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Duration: 8 hrs
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1-day tour to Jizu Mountain in Dali with private charter [private small group · flexible stops · easy trip to Jizu Mountain]
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5.0/5
· 7 reviews
Duration: 7.6 hrs
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FromVND 2,185,315
Dali Unmissable Jizu Mountain Group One-Day Tour: Immersively Unveil the Sacred Secrets
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Duration: 10.3 hrs
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FromVND 1,398,602
Dali Private In-depth Day Tour to Jizu Mountain:A Spiritual Odyssey Amidst Temples&Peaks
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Duration: 7.8 hrs
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1-day tour in Dali and Weishan [diverse snacks / explore the famous Taoist mountain Weibao Mountain / private vehicle]
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5.0/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 6.5 hrs
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FromVND 2,185,315
One-Day Tour to Dali Jizu Mountain, Jinding Temple, and Zhusheng Temple [Includes Round-Trip Direct Bus + Ticket + Cable Car]
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FromVND 1,490,385
Yunnan Dali custom trip | Dali Luge Theme Park + The Dream Land (Santorini) ※adjustable
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Duration: 5.5 hrs
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FromVND 7,342,658

Featured Culture & history in Yao'an

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Free things to do in Yao'an

What travelers say about Yao'an

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阴阳宝瓶October 7, 2024
4.0
Guanglu Ancient Town in Yao'an is a scenic spot in the county and a must-visit place when visiting Yao'an. It has a sense of age and you can go and experience it. As a county, it is not appropriate to have this culture.

Yao’an Guanglu Ancient Town

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KOSIKNovember 3, 2026
5.0
Amazing actors, lovely music, we enjoyed our VIP seats,the money worth it, just organization by entrance was confusing, no marking of the VIP lines

Yulong Snow Mountain

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一木亦善November 4, 2026
4.0
I recommend starting your hike from Xishan Park, then taking the cable car from the Longmen Grottoes entrance to Haigeng Dam. (The reverse route, starting from Haigeng Dam, is easier and I suggest going in the morning.) I don't recommend visiting the Longmen Grottoes.

Dianchi Lake

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铜墙铁壁阿童木November 3, 2026
4.0
I visited this well-known 5A scenic spot several years ago. I bought Ashima cigarettes there for 260 yuan a carton, but I heard they've been discontinued for a few years. There were many vendors selling ginseng fruit in the parking lot, the cheapest being 10 yuan for five bags. I bought quite a few.

Stone Forest Scenic Area

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yhm005yNovember 5, 2026
5.0
Mile Dongfeng Farm is a red-brick art town designed by artist Luo Xu. It was transformed from an old state-owned farm, and the entire group of red-brick buildings is constructed without a single steel bar or nail, relying solely on the interlocking of red bricks. Its unique style is highly recommended.

Dongfengyun Scenic Area

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_TI***duNovember 5, 2026
5.0
I change for a walk to zhonghe cable car from middle of the ximatan cable car after I had completed view the top of cangshan (top of ximantan cable car- got very good view of cangshan). The view is very good during the walk, and the road is quite good and the journey is quite smooth. Only litter up hill and down hill. In short it is a very relaxing and smooth walk, can be better with some titbit.

Cangshan Mountain

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_CF***69October 23, 2026
5.0
I visited more than 10 years ago, and this return trip is still just as impressive. Now there are escalators, which are much more convenient than before and more friendly to those with limited mobility or the elderly, but there is an additional charge.

Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge

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Anonymous userNovember 2, 2026
4.0
Entering the park directly with the QR code is convenient. Autumn is a very pleasant time to visit Atami. The walk from the entrance to the Big Boiling Pot is shaded by trees, so it's not too sunny. Soaking your feet and eating some onsen eggs is quite nice! 👍

Rehai Scenic Area

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到处溜达的yingNovember 6, 2026
5.0
I went in at 9 am and stayed until almost 5 pm. It was a place that didn't even sell much instant noodles, but I really liked it. The second section involved renting bicycles, which was quite tiring, but I loved the scenery. I hardly saw anyone along the way. As for food, there's a KFC at the end of Shudu Lake. The service station between the first and second sections didn't even sell instant noodles, only hot dogs, so I suggest bringing some food with you.

Potatso National Park

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M25***15October 24, 2026
5.0
Lugu Lake truly lives up to its name as a pearl of the plateau. Its waters are crystal clear, a vibrant blue like a piece of warm jade. The Goddess Gemu Mountain serenely embraces the lake, while traditional wooden boats float gently on its surface. The Walking Marriage Bridge and Lover's Beach each possess their own unique charm, creating a soothing and tranquil landscape. We slowed down and strolled around the lake, enjoying the breeze and watching the clouds drift across its surface. Away from the hustle and bustle, we felt incredibly relaxed. We also experienced a bonfire party, immersing ourselves in the simple and honest customs of the Mosuo people. The scenic area is well-managed, with excellent ecological protection and a moderate level of commercialization, avoiding excessive noise. It's perfect for relaxing with friends, taking photos, and was the most delightful surprise of our Yunnan trip – definitely worth a special trip.

Lugu Lake Scenic Area

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Frequently asked questions

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Jizu Mountain 1-day tour [includes admission ticket + cable car + sightseeing bus | quality pure play | round-trip pickup & drop-off], Dali One-Day Tour to Jizu Mountain: Ticket+Private Car[Buddhist Holy Land/Late Departure], and 1-day tour to Jizu Mountain in Dali with private charter [private small group · flexible stops · easy trip to Jizu Mountain]. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 7, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Yao'an is around VND 1,019,231 – VND 7,342,658. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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