Fenglongwan Pasture: A Hidden Gem
In Xundian, Yunnan, there's a place that feels like paradise: Fenglong Mountain. Originally named Fengwu Mountain, it's the second highest peak in Xundian County and a landmark on Xu Xiake's travel route. With its sheep-filled meadows and high-altitude clouds, it's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Attraction Highlights
- Xundian Pasture: A sheep breeding base supported by the United Nations. The blue skies, white clouds, green hills, and lush grass, combined with the snow-white sheep, create a picturesque scene. It's a great place for taking photos and interacting with the sheep.
- Cloud Alpaca Pasture: Here, you can see adorable alpacas. For CNY 10, you can buy a bag of carrots to feed them, which is a lot of fun.
- Mountain Top Viewing Platform: At an altitude of 2,816m, it offers a panoramic view of Xundian County and the surrounding vast mountains and pastoral scenery. The continuous mountain ranges and blue skies are a sight to behold.
Recommended Cuisine
- Roasted Lamb: The local roasted lamb is made with high-quality lamb, marinated with a unique recipe, and roasted using traditional methods. The skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is tender and juicy with a rich aroma. You can taste it at the farmhouses around the scenic area for an average of CNY 80–100 per person.
- Mutton Soup Hot Pot: Made with fresh mutton and mutton bones, simmered for a long time, the soup is fresh, delicious, and nutritious. Paired with local vegetables, the taste is excellent, averaging CNY 50–60 per person.
- Dried Beef: Made from local beef, it's cured, air-dried, and prepared through multiple processes. It can be pan-fried, stir-fried, or deep-fried, with a salty, savory, and chewy taste. You can buy it in restaurants or specialty stores in Xundian County for an average of CNY 30–40 per person.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Xundian County Hotels: Such as Xundian Jinshiji Hotel, with convenient transportation and complete supporting facilities, prices range from CNY 150–300.
- Campsites: Fenglong Mountain has Qingqing Grassland Campsite, etc. You can bring your own camping equipment or rent a tent. At the campsite, you can fall asleep under the stars and the sounds of insects, and feel the tranquility of nature. Camping prices range from CNY 50–100 per person.
Travel Tips
- Best time to travel: April–May to enjoy the azaleas all over the mountains, and July–August when the meadows are lush with greenery.
- Transportation:
- Self-driving: Depart from Kunming, via Songming, Xundian, etc. Navigate to "Xundian Pasture" or "Qingqing Grassland Campsite", which is about 100 km from Kunming, about a 90-minute drive.
- Public transportation: Take a bus or taxi from Kunming to Xundian County, then transfer to a local bus or charter a car to Fenglong Mountain.
- Precautions:
- The pasture has fences, so do not climb over them without permission to avoid affecting the sheep or causing danger.
- The ultraviolet rays are strong, so take sun protection measures and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, etc.
- If you choose to hike, wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and bring enough water and food.
Xundian Fenglong Mountain is full of charm, whether it's the fresh and natural grassland scenery or the fun-filled interactive experiences.