Hike in May and check in at Yunnan's "New Zealand in the Clouds," Jiejiping

I. Trip Highlights - Cloud Meadow Secret Realm: The alpine meadow at an altitude of 3,200 meters is like a green velvet blanket. Purple irises bloom from June to August, and colorful forests and snow peaks reflect each other in autumn. It is known as "Little New Zealand in Yunnan." - Light Hiking Challenge: A round trip of 8 km with a cumulative climb of 700 meters, with wooden boardwalks, Desperate Slope, glacial relics and other characteristic sections along the way, suitable for beginners to advanced players. - Niche Secret Realm Check-in: Avoid the crowds and enjoy the exclusive 3,450-level "Little Great Wall" wooden boardwalk, glacial pot cold springs, wild azalea valleys, Gesang flower seas and other stunning scenery. - Scenery in All Seasons: Alpine azaleas and Gesang flower seas in April and May, colorful forests and sea of clouds in September and October, and ice waterfalls in winter, each season has its own unique charm. --- II. Route Planning (2 Days and 1 Night Essential Route) Day 1: Kunming → Jiejiping → Meadow Hike → Stargazing Camping - Morning: Drive 2.5 hours from Kunming city to Jiejiping Village (navigate to "Dongchuan Jiejiping"), park next to the small house at the entrance of the village (safe and light-avoiding). - Afternoon: Hike along the steps to the Cloud Top Viewing Platform (5 km round trip, 3 hours): - 0-2km: Cross the Gesang flower fields. The sea of flowers is like a carpet from April to June. It is recommended to wear bright clothes to take forest-style blockbusters. - 2-5km: Climb to the top of the wooden boardwalk, overlooking the U-shaped glacial canyon, and take pictures of "sea of clouds over the ankles" (16:00-18:00 is the best time for forward light). - Night: - Stargazing Camping: Ecological camping area on the top of the mountain (tent rental CNY 100/tent). The Milky Way is clearly visible after 22:00. Use an equatorial mount to shoot star trails. - Accommodation Options: Return to Dongchuan city and stay at "Qingfeng Hotel" (standard room CNY 200/night, including breakfast) to experience the Yi ethnic group's fire pit culture. Day 2: Sunrise Photography → Glacial Relics → Return Trip Exploration - Sunrise Location: Climb to the top of Desperate Slope at 6:00 to photograph the meadow and distant mountain silhouettes in the morning mist (use an ND filter). - Core Attractions: - Glacial Relics: Explore the U-shaped canyon carved by the Quaternary Glacier. The "glacial abrasion marks" on the rock walls are like natural reliefs (it is recommended to shoot with a slow shutter). - Wild Azalea Valley: Red azaleas cover the hillside in May. Wear a long white dress and take pictures of the flower waterfall cascading down in the "Line of Sky." - Return Trip: Descend the mountain along the original route at 11:00. You can visit the Red Land Scenic Area along the way (40 minutes by car). --- III. Accommodation Recommendations (Avoid Pitfalls) 1. Camping on the Top of the Mountain - Ecological Camp: Windproof tent + sleeping bag (CNY 100/person), including hot water and simple breakfast, must be booked 3 days in advance. - Pitfall Avoidance Tips: Reject the "luxury camping package" privately provided by villagers, and be wary of high-priced oxygen cylinders (the camp's CNY 25/cylinder is more reliable). 2. Dongchuan City Hotel - Qingfeng Hotel: Chinese Zen style, including hiking pole rental (CNY 200/night), suitable for returning the next day. - Pitfall Avoidance Tips: Choose non-standard homestays in the village with caution, and give priority to shops with health permits. --- IV. Food Guide (Must-Eat List) - Dongchuan City: - Dongchuan Noodles: Silky and chewy, recommended "Xiaoyunshan Fresh Chef" braised noodles (CNY 15 per person). - Blooming Potatoes: The skin is powdery and soft like flowers, served with Yi ethnic spicy sauce ("Mabang Post" CNY 20 per person). - Return Trip Supplies: - Mutton Hot Pot: Rock sheep bones are used to make the soup, served with buckwheat cakes ("Old Brand Mutton Soup Restaurant" CNY 60 per person). Pitfall Avoidance Tips: - Be careful when buying "wild honey" in scenic spots, most of which are blended with syrup; - Avoid "high-priced horse rentals" at the entrance of the village. The villagers' mule and horse team charges are chaotic (the regular price is CNY 100/hour). --- V. Photography Guide (90% Success Rate) - Location Recommendations: - Gesang Flower Field: Shoot the sea of flowers and portraits from a low angle, shutter speed 1/60 second. - Desperate Slope: Use a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) to shoot the winding steps and sea of clouds. It is recommended to shoot with side light from 9:00-11:00. - Glacial Pot Group: Use a tripod + ND filter to shoot the water flowing like silk with a slow shutter (parameters: f/8, 1/200s, ISO 200). - Outfit Recommendations: Bright-colored windbreaker (eye-catching in the meadow), non-slip shoe covers (essential for slippery boardwalks). --- VI. Practical Tips (Safety First) 1. Transportation: - Self-driving: Kunming → Hangrui Expressway → Dongchuan Exit → G213 National Highway → Jiejiping (2.5 hours for the whole journey), parking fee CNY 10/day. - Public Transportation: Kunming Northern Bus Station → Dongchuan Bus (CNY 40/person), transfer to rural bus to Jiejiping (CNY 20/person). 2. Equipment List: - Must-have: Non-slip hiking shoes, windbreaker, hiking poles (2 non-slip), 2L of drinking water + packed lunch (recommended chocolate + nuts). - Recommended: Headlamp (for climbing to the top), sunscreen (SPF50+), glucose (to relieve altitude sickness). 3. Safety Instructions: - Altitude Sickness Prevention: Do not take a bath or do strenuous exercise on the first day, and prepare oxygen cylinders (CNY 25/cylinder in the county town). - Weather Warning: The temperature difference on the top of the mountain is large (-5℃~20℃). Prepare a raincoat in the rainy season (June-August) and crampons in the snow season (November-April). - Environmental Protection Tips: Take away your garbage and do not use open flames (the meadow is flammable). --- VII. Trip Reference (Flexible Choice) - 1-Day Quick Tour: Jiejiping hike + Cloud Top Viewing Platform photography (need to get up early), return in the evening. - 3-Day Deep Tour: D1 Jiejiping light hike; D2 Red Land photography; D3 Guniu Mountain exploration. --- VIII. Best Time to Travel - April-June: Alpine azaleas and Gesang flower seas, temperature 10-20℃. - September-October: The autumn is crisp and refreshing, and the colors of the colorful forests and ice lakes are in strong contrast. - Avoid: Slippery roads in the rainy season from July to August, low temperature and fog in December-February require professional equipment. --- Summary: Jiejiping is a "hidden fairyland around Kunming." Spend 2 days crossing alpine meadows and glacial relics, and feel the nature's craftsmanship in the starry sky and morning mist. Avoid Internet celebrity traps and measure the undeveloped secret realm in central Yunnan with your footsteps.