Zhaotong

Zhaotong is located in northeastern Yunnan and is known for its highland seas of clouds, ancient road relics, and beautiful natural scenery. The overall pace of sightseeing is relaxed, making it ideal for spending a few days exploring at leisure.

• Dashanbao National Park: At an elevation of 3,100 meters, the park features alpine meadows, seas of clouds, and wetlands. Winter (November to March) is the best time to see black-necked cranes, while summer is ideal for escaping the heat and hiking.

• Zhaotong Ancient Town: The century-old streets are free to enter, with many well-preserved Ming- and Qing-era buildings and Republican-era Western-style houses. Stroll along the flagstone streets, then enjoy a meal and the night views in the evening.

• Doushaguan Ancient Town: This ancient pass on the Southern Silk Road is home to the Qin-era Wuchi Road, the hanging coffins of the Bo people, and Tang-dynasty cliff carvings. It is a good place to explore the area's historical heritage.

• Huanglian River Scenic Area: With 47 waterfalls, the area is known as the “Home of Waterfalls.” Lovers' Waterfall and the Water Curtain Corridor are among its highlights. The scenic area is quite large, so buying a sightseeing bus ticket is recommended. It is also a good place to escape the summer heat with children.

• Wanghai Park: Located beside an artificial lake, the park has a fine sandy beach and is a pleasant place to stroll, enjoy the breeze, and take in the sunset and night views. Families with children can also set aside some time to play in the sand.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Get to know Wumeng and explore the ancient town's food scene
  • Morning: After arriving in Zhaotong, head to your hotel in the city center to check in and first acclimatize to the elevation of around 1,900 meters.
  • Afternoon: Visit Zhaotong Ancient Town, passing through Fuzhen Gate and Dou Street to experience the atmosphere of daily life along the old flagstone streets. Then head to Wanghai Park for a lakeside walk and views.

• Evening: Head to the Shenggeng Water Street Night Market or the barbecue street near the ancient town to try freshly grilled Zhaotong small meat skewers.
• Day 2: Head into the clouds and discover Dashanbao
  • Morning: Set out early from the city center. The drive to Dashanbao National Park takes around 1.5–2 hours. Enjoy views of the alpine meadows along the way and make brief stops as conditions allow.

• Afternoon: You can hike to Jigongshan Grand Canyon and look down over the mountain landscape from the cliffside walkway. In winter, you can instead visit Dahaizi Wetland to observe migratory birds. Winds are strong on the plateau, so bring windproof and warm clothing in advance.

• Evening: After returning to the city center, try gastrodia-and-ham chicken, a hot soup made with local ingredients that can help ease travel fatigue.

• Day 3: Explore a thousand-year-old road or seek out waterfalls
  • Option A (history and culture): Drive to Doushaguan Ancient Town, which takes around 2 hours. Walk along Wuchi Road, see the hanging coffins of the Bo people, and learn about the thousand-year-old culture of horse caravans before returning in the afternoon.

• Option B (nature and summer escape): Head to Huanglian River Scenic Area, about a 1.5-hour drive away. Explore the waterfalls and Water Curtain Corridor before returning in the afternoon.

Zhaotong Food to Try

Besides Zhaotong apples, the following local specialties are also worth adding to your itinerary:

• Zhaotong small meat skewers: Made with local small yellow cattle beef and grilled fresh over charcoal, these are usually sold by the bunch and have a spicy, savory, and fragrant flavor. Try Cao Ji Small Meat Skewers, Ma Si Barbecue, or one of the busy old roadside restaurants.

• Fried rice cakes and erkuai: A common local breakfast. The potato-based fried cake is crisp on the outside and soft and chewy inside. Rice batter is wrapped around it and fried until golden, then served with a house sauce or stuffed with stinky tofu.

• Pea-flour noodles: Made by simmering a pea paste, this dish has a thick, smooth texture and a savory yet refreshing flavor. It is ideal with fried rice cakes or erkuai. Zhang's Special Pea-Flour Noodles is one option.

• Gastrodia-and-ham chicken: Zhaotong gastrodia, Xuanwei ham, and free-range chicken are simmered together to make a flavorful soup, which is especially suitable during a highland itinerary.

• Charcoal-roasted potatoes: Potatoes are roasted over charcoal until crisp outside and fluffy inside, then served with Danshan dipping sauce or a special spicy chili paste. This is a common local snack.

Transportation and Accommodation Tips

• Getting there:
  • High-speed rail: You can take a train from Kunming, Guiyang, Chengdu, and other cities to Zhaotong Station. The journey takes around 1.5–3 hours, depending on the route.
  • By air: Zhaotong Airport is relatively close to the city center and can be reached by taxi in around 10–20 minutes. Flights are relatively limited, so you can also consider flying to Kunming first and then taking a high-speed train.
• Getting around the city: Attractions in the city center are relatively close together, and taxis and buses are convenient. The surrounding attractions, including Dashanbao, Doushaguan, and Huanglian River, are farther away and are reached mainly by winding mountain roads. Driving yourself or hiring a car is recommended. Travelers prone to motion sickness should bring medication in advance.
• Where to stay:
  • Convenient for food and sightseeing: Choose central Zhaoyang District or an area near Shenggeng Park, where night markets and shopping areas make dining and transportation convenient. Hotels cost around CNY 150–300 per night.

• For scenic views: If you plan to watch the sunrise and stars at Dashanbao, you can stay at a guesthouse near the scenic area. Local accommodation is relatively basic, and the temperature difference between day and night is substantial, so confirm that heating and other warming facilities are available before booking.

Things to Know and Practical Tips

• Temperature changes and sun protection: Dashanbao is above 3,100 meters in elevation, with a marked temperature difference between morning and evening. Bring a thick jacket even in summer. Ultraviolet radiation is strong on the plateau, so sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are recommended.
• Road safety: The roads to Dashanbao and Doushaguan are mostly winding mountain roads with many bends and narrow lanes. Drive carefully, avoid driving when tired, and watch for slippery surfaces in rainy weather.
• Buying fruit: When buying Zhaotong apples, cherries, and other fruit at farmers' markets, avoid buying too much at once so it stays fresh. Confirm the weight with the seller before paying to avoid being shortchanged. Zhaotong apples usually become widely available after August, so fresh apples may not be available if you visit in spring.
• Museum opening hours: Zhaotong City Museum offers a systematic introduction to local history, but it is closed on Mondays and stops admitting visitors at 4:30 p.m. Plan your itinerary around these hours.