Start a Hiking Trip This May Day Holiday

I. Trip Highlights 1. Breathtaking Natural Wonders - Flying Sky Waterfall: A hundred-meter waterfall cascades down steep cliffs, creating rainbows across the gorge in sunlight—perfect for capturing magnificent panoramic shots. - Three Buddha Mountain Peaks: Three giant peaks rise like pillars into the clouds, with colorful rock layers (blue, brown, purple, red) resembling a natural oil painting. - Piaoshui Rock Waterfall: During autumn and winter, the clear river water creates a waterfall like hanging silver ribbons. You can descend to the riverbed via an abandoned quarry road for a "zero-distance" waterfall experience. - Pothole Landscape Stone Valley: The pothole landscape in the lower reaches of Jiaoyu River in Huidong County resembles "earth art," with formations like "Beauty Combing Her Hair" and "Giant Elephant Drinking Water"—ideal for photography enthusiasts. 2. Light Hiking Combined with Adventure - The hiking route mainly follows riverbeds and canyons, covering about 8 kilometers, requiring navigation through winding mountain paths and water crossings—suitable for intermediate adventurers. - You can challenge yourself with rock climbing and rappelling activities (professional equipment required), or explore the waterfall source along abandoned roads. --- II. Suggested Itinerary Day 1: Depart from Kunming → Jinyin'ao Grand Canyon → Piaoshui Rock Waterfall → Overnight at Lisu Ping - Transportation: - Self-driving: Kunming city → Jiaopingdu Town in Luquan (about 2.5 hours), navigate to "Jinyin'ao Water Station" (parking lot can accommodate multiple vehicles). - Carpool group: Meet at Kunming North Railway Station, cost approximately 159 yuan/person (including transportation and insurance), suitable for those without cars. - Hiking Route: - Morning: Descend along the canyon trail from the water station, crossing riverbeds and dense forests, focusing on photographing the Flying Sky Waterfall (wide-angle lens recommended). - Afternoon: Walk along the abandoned quarry road to the bottom of Piaoshui Rock Waterfall to feel the impact of the waterfall (wear non-slip shoes for safety). - Accommodation: - Lisu Ping Village: An authentic Yi ethnic village, recommended villager-operated homestays (about 150 yuan/night), experience fire pit barbecue and wild mushroom soup. - Luquan County: For more comfort, return to the county town for accommodation (such as "Yi Family Joy" inn, 80 yuan per person). Day 2: Lisu Ping → Huidong Stone Valley → Return to Kunming - Stone Valley Exploration: - Hike or drive to the lower reaches of Jiaoyu River in Huidong to photograph the pothole landscape (recommended to arrive before 9:00 AM for best lighting). - Focus on capturing "Shagou Waterfall Group" and "Biaoshui Cliff Waterfall," avoiding strong midday light. - Return Journey: Huidong → Kunming (about 6 hours driving), or choose to enjoy Yi ethnic cuisine in Huidong County before returning. --- III. Guide to Avoiding Travel Pitfalls 1. Transportation Tips: - Avoid going alone! Some sections of the canyon require wading through water and climbing. It's recommended to go with companions or professional outdoor teams (such as "Mountain Meatball" activities). - Be cautious about self-driving during rainy season (June-August) due to high risk of landslides; non-SUVs should avoid village roads. 2. Accommodation Tips: - Avoid overpriced homestays near scenic areas. Lisu Ping village homestays offer better value—contact in advance to confirm hot water supply. - Choose chain hotels (like Hanting) in Luquan County for better hygiene. 3. Dining Tips: - Be cautious about roadside stalls selling "wild fish" as they may be contaminated; recommended dishes include chicken hotpot and buckwheat pancakes at Lisu Ping farmhouses. - Must-try dishes in Huidong County: "Tuotuo Meat" and "Bitter Buckwheat Cake," filling meals for around 30 yuan per person. --- IV. Must-Visit Photo Spots and Tips 1. Flying Sky Waterfall: - Position: Viewing platform on the high ground opposite the waterfall (requires climbing a small hill), use wide-angle lens + low-angle upward shots. - Timing: Early morning mist or after rain when water vapor fills the air provides the best light effects. 2. Three Buddha Mountain Sunrise: - Check sunrise time in advance, climb to the canyon's highest point, and use a telephoto lens to capture the mountain silhouettes. 3. Pothole Stone Formations: - "Beauty Combing Her Hair" stone pool in Huidong's Jiaoyu River—shoot with side lighting to capture texture details; "Giant Elephant Drinking Water" stone is suitable for panoramic composition. 4. Piaoshui Rock Riverbed: - The crystal-clear pool beneath the waterfall is perfect for capturing reflections of people—bring waterproof phone protection (waterproof bag recommended). --- V. Important Notes 1. Safety First: - Wear non-slip shoes and knee pads for hiking, bring trekking poles; avoid deep water areas during rainy season. - Forest fire prevention period (December-May): no fire sources allowed, don't litter cigarette butts. 2. Equipment Checklist: - Essential: Windbreaker, quick-dry clothes, trekking poles, knee pads, 2L drinking water, trail snacks (energy bars, nuts). - Optional: Headlamp (in case of darkness), first aid kit, mosquito repellent (many insects in the canyon). 3. Environmental Tips: - Take all trash with you, don't damage pothole landscapes or pick wild plants. --- VI. Summary Jinyin'ao Grand Canyon is one of the few "wild secret places" near Kunming, offering both hiking adventure challenges and photography inspiration. Away from the noise of commercialized scenic spots, venture deep into the canyon to experience nature's magnificent craftsmanship. Recommended travel seasons are spring and autumn (March-May, September-November) when the climate is pleasant and the scenery offers rich layers.