Travel Guide to Ailao Mountain Shimenxia Scenic Area

🏞️Ailao Mountain Shimenxia Scenic Area Travel Guide 1️⃣Overview of the scenic spot Geographical location: Located in the middle section of Ailao Mountain in Jiasa Town, Xinping County, Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, it is named because the cliffs on both sides of the canyon resemble stone gates. 🎈Core features: pristine forests, clear streams, waterfalls, and rugged rocks. It is known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou". ⏳️Opening hours: 08:00-18:00, it is recommended to arrive early to avoid the crowds. 2️⃣Must-check-in experience 🚶‍➡️Canyon Hiking 🍂The one-way plank road is about 2.5 kilometers, and the round trip requires a 4-kilometer walk. You can enjoy waterfalls, streams and original vegetation along the way. ☔️During the rainy season (June-September), the stream is abundant and the road is slippery, so you need to wear non-slip shoes; in the dry season, the water flow is gentle, which is suitable for playing in the water. 🔆Waterfall Viewing Although there is no viewing platform at the final waterfall, the spectacular sight of splashing water mist is worth stopping to take pictures. There are small waterfalls scattered along the way, allowing you to experience the wildness of nature up close. 🔆Winter snow scene From December to February of the following year, the snow-covered canyons and waterfalls are even more tranquil, making them a great choice for photography enthusiasts. 3️⃣Route and transportation 🚗Self-driving route: Kunming → Jiasa Town (about 3.5 hours) → Shimenxia Scenic Area (1 hour on the winding mountain road). Along the way, you will pass Nan En Waterfall (a free attraction with the highest water volume in summer). Public transportation: Take the train from Kunming to Huanian Station, transfer to a passenger bus to Jiasa Town, and then charter a car to the scenic area. 4️⃣Tickets and fees Ticket price: 30 yuan/person, no sightseeing bus, pure walking tour. Parking: There is free parking at the entrance of the scenic area. It is recommended to arrive before 8:30 during peak season. Other expenses: At the end, you can take a minibus back to the gate for 15 yuan per person (payable in cash). 5️⃣Special food recommendations Shimenxia Grilled Fish: Freshly grilled live fish, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with local spices. Ailao Mountain Wild Mushroom Stewed Chicken: Winter only, slow-cooked chicken and wild mushrooms, the soup is delicious. Yi Erkuai: soft glutinous rice cake with chili sauce, authentic ethnic flavor. Recommended restaurant: The first restaurant at the entrance of the scenic area (honey rice cake has a good reputation). 6️⃣Practical tips ✅️Equipment recommendations: You must bring non-slip hiking shoes, a light backpack, and more than 1L of drinking water (there are no supply points along the way). Wear warm clothes in winter and prepare sunscreen and mosquito repellent spray in summer. ⚠️Safety Tips: Do not climb unopened areas. During the rainy season, be aware of rising water levels and some sections of the trail may be closed. The signal is weak in the canyon, so it is recommended to travel in groups. Accommodation recommendation: Jiasa Town: cost-effective B&B (60-200 yuan/night), convenient dining but far from scenic spots. Near the Sea of ​​Clouds Observation Deck: high-end B&B (500-1000 yuan/night), convenient for watching the sunrise the next day. 7️⃣Recommended itinerary ✅️One-day tour: Kunming → Shimenxia hiking → Nanen Waterfall → dinner in Jiasa Town → return. ✅️Two-day tour: Day 1: Kunming → Shimenxia → stay at Yunhai Observation Deck B&B; Day 2: Sunrise over sea of ​​clouds → Jinshan primeval forest → Jiasa Huayao market → return.