Qujing Huize Daicao Mountain｜Into the "Oriental New Zealand" Cloud Pasture

------ 📍Geographic Profile: The Summit of Wumeng Mountains Above the Clouds Deep in the Wumeng Mountain range of northeastern Yunnan lies a magical highland at 3,570-4,017 meters above sea level—Daicao Mountain. Dubbed the "Oriental New Zealand" and "Little Tibet," its 200,000 acres of meadows stretch like a green carpet to the horizon, with the Guniu Peak (4,017.3m) piercing through the clouds, offering dramatically different visual spectacles across seasons. 🏅 Honors: National AAAA-level Scenic Area, One of China's Top Ten Most Beautiful Grasslands ------ 🚗Transport Guide: How to Reach This Cloud-Cloaked Paradise 🚌 Public Transport (for backpackers): 1. Kunming East Bus Station → Huize County (4h by bus, ¥80) 2. Huize Bus Station → Private car to Dahai Township (1.5h, shared ride ¥50/person) 🚗 Self-Drive Routes (recommended for flexibility): Route 1️⃣ Classic Express: Kunming → Kunqu Expressway → Songdai Expressway → Huize Exit → Dahai Township (280km, 4h) Route 2️⃣ Scenic Detour: Kunming → Kunqu Expressway → Songdai Expressway → Dongchuan District → Lümao Township → Dahai Township (+1h but passes Red Land) ⚠️ Notes: • Last 15km is mountain switchbacks—SUVs advised • Scenic area parking fee: ¥10/day ------ ⏰Seasonal Highlights: Two Seasons, Dual Paradises [Table] Season Time Landscape Highlights Activities Outfit Tips Summer Jun-Aug Emerald meadows/wildflowers Horseback riding, photography, camping Sun jacket + bright scarf Winter Dec-Mar Snowfields/ice blooms Skiing, snowmobiling Down coat + wool hat Spring Apr-May Rhododendron blooms/new sprouts Hiking, sketching Windbreaker + hiking boots Autumn Sep-Nov Golden waves/sea of clouds Stargazing, photography Trench coat + cardigan 📸 Best Photo Times: • Summer: 7 AM (misty meadow like fairyland) • Winter: 3 PM (sunlight glinting on snow) ------ 🏞️In-Depth Exploration: From Meadows to Cloud Peaks 1️⃣ Core Grassland Area (Ticket + shuttle ¥55) • 20km shuttle through meadows with 3 stops: ▫️Lovers' Valley: Densest wildflowers, perfect for couples ▫️Little Sky Pond: Alpine lake reflecting snow peaks—bring telephoto lens ▫️Guniu Peak Viewpoint: 30min hike to summit overlooking cloud sea 2️⃣ Ski Resort (Winter only) • Beginner/intermediate slopes, gear rental ¥120/day • Open 9:00-17:00 (last entry 15:30) 3️⃣ Yurt Food Quarter • Grassland experience: Whole lamb roast requires 2hr pre-order (¥888) ------ 🥘Highland Flavors: Grassland Feast 🔥 Must-Try Trio: 1. Lamb skewers (¥5/stick): ▫️ Huize black goat, perfectly marbled with cumin/chili 2. Naan + lamb soup (¥15/set): ▫️ Crispy freshly baked naan softens in broth 3. Oat fried noodles (¥10): ▫️ Local staple, best with butter tea 🍵 Specialty Drinks: • Butter tea (savory/sweet, ¥8/cup) • Tartary buckwheat wine (low-alcohol, ¥15/pot) 📍 Food Map: • "Mongolian Grill" in scenic area (shuttle stop 2) • "Cloud Homestead" in Dahai (amazing yak hotpot) ------ 🏨Accommodation Guide: Sleeping Between Clouds and Stars 💎 Luxury Options: • "Grassland Star Camp": Glass tents with floor heating (¥800/night) • "Huize Royal View Hotel": 4-star with hot springs (¥500/night) 🌿 Budget Picks: • Dahai homestays (¥150-300/night, recommend "Cloud Lodge") • Huize town budget hotels (¥100/night, walkable to food street) ⚠️ Pro Tips: • No luxury stays in scenic area—stay in town for return trip • Bring electric blankets! Night temps can drop to -10°C ------ ⚠️Highland Travel Essentials 1. Altitude Sickness: • Take rhodiola in advance, avoid showers first day • Summit at 4,017m—limit strenuous activity 2. Weather Shifts: • Summer: pack rain gear; Winter: snow boots • Extreme UV—SPF50+ mandatory 3. Eco Rules: • Carry trash back to town, no meadow trampling ------ 💌 Travel Reflections: When horse herds gallop through morning mist, And grass rolls in emerald waves, That moment atop Guniu Peak touching the clouds— You finally understand: Some vistas demand every mountain crossed.