[2025 Yanjin Attraction] Travel Guide for Yanjin Dousha Gate (Updated May)

Zhaotong is located in the northeastern part of Yunnan Province, at the junction of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces, and is known as the "Gateway to Southern Yunnan and Throat of Western Sichuan." With a pleasant climate and distinct seasons, it is an ideal summer retreat. The best time to visit is from May to October. Main Attractions: 1. Dashanbao Black-Necked Crane National Nature Reserve: From October to April of the following year, thousands of black-necked cranes overwinter here, making it a paradise for bird lovers. 2. Huanglian River Scenic Area: Famous for its waterfall clusters, with more than 40 waterfalls of various sizes, including the "Huanglian River Waterfall" with a drop of 142m. 3. Doushaguan Ancient Town: A well-preserved ancient architectural complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with the remains of the Five-Foot Road witnessing the history of the Southern Silk Road. 4. Xiaocaoba Ecological Tourism Area: Covered with primitive forests, the mountains are covered with red leaves in autumn, and it is known as the "Shangri-La of Northeastern Yunnan." Featured Cuisine: 1. Zhaotong Sauce: A local specialty condiment with a history of more than 300 years, with a ruddy color and delicious taste. 2. Gastrodia elata Steamed Chicken: Made with Zhaotong's specialty Gastrodia elata and local chicken, it is nourishing and healthy. 3. Fried Rice Cake: A traditional Zhaotong snack, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, even more delicious with thin bean noodles. 4. Zhaotong Apple: Thin-skinned and crisp, with high sweetness, the best tasting period is from September to November. Transportation Suggestions: 1. Plane: Zhaotong Airport has flights to and from Kunming, Chengdu and other places. 2. Train: The Chenggui High-Speed Railway passes through Zhaotong, which can directly reach Chengdu, Guiyang and other places. 3. Highway: Multiple expressways connect surrounding cities, making it convenient for self-driving tours. Accommodation Recommendations: There are many star-rated hotels and budget chain hotels in the city, and there are distinctive B&Bs around the scenic spots to choose from. Travel Tips: 1. The temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountainous area is large, so you need to prepare warm clothes. 2. Some scenic spots are at higher altitudes, so pay attention to preventing altitude sickness. 3. Respect local ethnic customs. 4. It is recommended to go to regular stores to purchase local specialties and ask for invoices.

Yanjin, a "first-tier city" in Zhaotong, Yunnan, is the narrowest county town. Yanjin, "a river runs through the city, and buildings hang halfway up the mountain", has narrow city walls, narrow roads, and narrow houses. It is known as the narrowest "first-tier" county town in China. There are many residential buildings along the river on both sides of the canyon, which feels a bit scary. [Joyful][Joyful] Doushaguan Scenic Area: 📍Shimen Pass It was first built in the Sui Dynasty as a military castle based on the terrain of Wuchidao. It was destroyed in the 1950s and was restored in the 1980s. It was named after the steep cliffs on both sides of the Guanhe River, which resemble a stone gate. It was also named after the garrison general of the Ming Dynasty, so it is also called Dousha Pass. 📍Five-foot Road The Wuchi Road is about 350 meters long and 1.7 meters wide. It is the longest, best-preserved and most horse-hoof print-filled (243) ancient post road site on the Qin Wuchi Road. The Wuchi Road was opened by Li Bing in the Qin Dynasty (221 BC) and continued to be repaired by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty (135 BC). It runs from Baidao (today's Yibin City) through Shimen Pass to Qianqingchi (Zhaoyang District) - the first passage into Yunnan - the "Baidao". This road is still used by ordinary people today. 📍Bó people hanging coffins In a natural sloping cave halfway up the cliff of Guanhe River, about 60 meters from the river surface, there are 9 hanging coffins and 11 pieces of hanging coffins. The Bai people are the remnants of the Xia Dynasty. They are brave and good at fighting. Their ancestors made great contributions in helping King Wu of Zhou to defeat King Zhou. Due to wars and suppression in the late Ming Dynasty, the Bai people migrated to other places and eventually disappeared. ​

🌲 In the heart of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau lies a dazzling tourist destination—Zhaotong. This is a dreamland where nature and culture intertwine, a beautiful tapestry where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. When you step onto this magical land, every step will be a spiritual baptism, and every gaze a sincere dialogue with nature. 🌟[Magnificent Mountains and Rivers, Nature's Masterpiece] Stepping into Zhaotong, the first thing that catches your eye is the endless Wumeng Mountains. Shrouded in clouds and mist, they resemble a flowing ink painting. The Daguang Huanglian River Waterfalls, known for their grandeur, strangeness, danger, and beauty, cascade down like ribbons, roaring like thunder, leaving you in awe of nature's magnificence and wonder. The Xiaocao Dam National Nature Reserve is an excellent place to explore the mysteries of the primeval forest and observe rare plants and animals. The fresh air and lush greenery fill every breath with the vitality of life. 🏞️[Historical Relics, A Dialogue Across Time and Civilizations] Zhaotong is not only blessed with beautiful natural scenery but is also an ancient city bearing a rich history and culture. Dousha Pass, a vital point on the ancient "Southern Silk Road," has witnessed thousands of years of commercial prosperity and cultural exchange. Walking along the ancient pass, you can almost hear the echoes of horses' hooves and the ancient road. In Yanzin Dousha Ancient Town, the ancient buildings along the stone-paved streets tell stories of past prosperity, with every brick and tile revealing the vicissitudes and stories of time. 🎨[Ethnic Culture, A Colorful Chapter of Diverse Customs] Zhaotong is home to many ethnic groups, including Miao, Yi, and Hui, who live together in harmony, each preserving their unique cultural traditions and folk customs. From the passionate Torch Festival to the colorful Miao Flower Mountains, from the Yi torch dances and songs to the Hui Muslim cuisine, every corner is filled with a rich ethnic atmosphere, making it a truly unforgettable experience. 🍽️[Zhaotong on the Tip of Your Tongue, A Feast for the Taste Buds] Speaking of Zhaotong, one cannot forget the mouthwatering delicacies. Zhaotong apples are renowned for their thin skin, crisp flesh, juicy texture, and sweet taste. Daguang Tianma stewed chicken is a nourishing and healthy dish with a rich aroma. There are also authentic flavors such as Weixin sour soup pig's feet and Ludian peppercorns, each bite a temptation to the taste buds, leaving a lasting impression. 🌲In Zhaotong, every journey is a new discovery, and every moment is a homecoming for the soul. Whether you are pursuing nature's footsteps, exploring the depths of culture, or satisfying your taste buds, Zhaotong can offer you unexpected surprises. Come, let us walk together into this land gently treated by time and embark on a spontaneous journey of the heart!🌹🌹

Below is a detailed travel guide for Yanjin, Zhaotong, the world's narrowest county: 1. Must-See Attractions: • Doushaguan Ancient Town: With a rich history, this is a major highlight of Yanjin County. The architecture here is classic, with shops lining both sides of the streets, and you can sample local snacks. The ancient town is open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. • Wuchidao Scenic Area: This is a well-preserved ancient road, and walking on it is like hearing the hoofbeats of ancient people. There are also free explanations in the scenic area, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of Yanjin's history and culture. Opening hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. • Bo People's Hanging Coffins: This is another wonder of Yanjin County. The hanging coffins stretch for six or seven kilometers and are a unique expression of the Bo people's funeral culture. 2. Natural Scenery: • Baishui River Canyon: About 60 kilometers long, with high mountains and deep valleys on both sides, and clear river water, it is an excellent place to admire the beautiful mountain scenery. • Xiangbidong (Elephant Trunk Cave): A natural karst cave with various stalactites, resembling a fairyland. 3. Food Recommendations: • Yuding Roast Duck (Miaoba Main Branch): A well-known local roast duck restaurant. The duck is crispy and tender, making it an excellent choice for sampling Yanjin cuisine. Opening hours are from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. 4. Accommodation Recommendations: • Yanjin County has a variety of hotels and guesthouses to choose from, such as the Yanjin Huangjia Hotel, which offers reasonable prices and convenient transportation.

Yanjin County is under the jurisdiction of Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province, located in the deep mountains of northeast Yunnan. The county seat is built along the mountains and rivers, making it a veritable "one-line" city. 🛤️There is only one street in the county seat, and all the food, drink, and entertainment are basically here. Outside the county seat, you can navigate to the viewing platform to see the whole view of the county seat; you can also drive to the platform on the other side of the river to see the scene of the train coming out of the tunnel. 🌄Transportation: It is recommended to drive by yourself, but be cautious if you are a novice or not good at driving, as the roads here are too narrow, and there are many people and cars, which is a test of your skills. In addition, you can choose to take a bus from Yibin for about 3 hours, or a bus from Zhaotong for about 2.5 hours🚗, or a slow train from Neijiang, Zigong, Yibin, or Zhaotong🚂. You can't buy tickets on 12306, you need to go to the window to buy tickets to Yanjin North Station. 🍚The old county seat is full of special snacks from Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan, as well as various internet-famous shops. Even Luckin, Miniso, and Auntie Shanghai have all opened in this small city. There is little food in the new city, and basically no entertainment, but the accommodation conditions are better and relatively quieter. 🌃If you have the conditions, you can also go to the nearby Doushaguan to have a look, where there is the Ancient Tea Horse Road and the hanging coffins of the Bo people. The whole town of Doushaguan is not large, but it is relatively quiet and well-organized.

✅Itinerary for December 25-26: Liangshan Cliff Village ~ Leibo County Ma Lake Scenic Area ~ Yanjin Dou Sha Guan Ancient Town, a less crowded and beautiful route. Because the weather was not good these two days, some of the photos I took were a bit gray. The car basically drove along the Jinsha River, and the actual scenery along the way was quite magnificent. ✅Cliff Village (Atuleer Village) Ticket: Free Also known as the Sky Ladder Village, it is located in Guli Town, Zhaojue County, Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan. The village is located on the cliff, with the highest altitude of 2300 meters and the lowest of 628 meters, with a relative altitude difference of 1672 meters. In the past, villagers had to climb vine ladders to travel, some of which were almost vertical and very steep. Now steel ladders have been erected and tourism projects are being developed. Those who are afraid of heights and not very strong are not recommended to climb the steel ladders. The steel pipes between them are all in the air, and it is quite scary to go down the mountain. I didn't go up, I just walked around leisurely, just to see the scenery, there is no need to come here specifically. The canyon scenery at the entrance to the Cliff Village is spectacular, but the Cliff Village, I personally think the scenery is very ordinary. After the poverty alleviation resettlement, most of the villagers moved down, and there are small shops opened by the remaining villagers, and there are also accommodations. · ✅Ma Lake Ticket: Free Located in Dahai Village, Huanglang Town, Leibo County, Liangshan, Sichuan, Ma Lake is the third largest plateau freshwater lake in Sichuan, along with Qionghai and Lugu Lake. But Ma Lake is more niche, low-key, and original. The scenic area consists of Ma Lake, Jinsha River Canyon, and primitive forest. It is a paradise in the depths of Xiaoliangshan. If the weather is clear, the lake and mountain scenery is quite beautiful. The core scenic spot of Ma Lake, Golden Turtle Island, was built to commemorate Meng Huo, the Yi leader during the Three Kingdoms period. The story of Zhuge Liang's seven captures of Meng Huo happened here. Stayed at a farmhouse by the lake at night, the lake view room, the scenery and air are good, but the accommodation conditions are poor, the air conditioning does not heat, I didn't think about it at the time, I should ask the landlady for a quilt. · ✅Dou Sha Guan Ancient Town 📍Ticket: Free 🌟Location: Dou Sha Guan Ancient Town, Yanjin County, Zhaotong City Dou Sha Guan Ancient Town, only 28 kilometers away from Yanjin County, can be self-driving or take a city bus. ✅The ancient town has a history of more than two thousand years, and the current ancient town is rebuilt after the earthquake. Dou Sha Ancient Town is the first pass from Sichuan to Yunnan. There are historical and cultural relics such as the Five Chi Road, Stone Gate Pass, Tang Yuanzi's Cliff Inscriptions, Ancient City Fort, and Bo People's Hanging Coffins. The Five Chi Road scenic area, the road is quite steep and slippery, pay attention to safety. We didn't enter the paid scenic area, we went up the mountain from the parking lot along the river, overlooking the panoramic view of the ancient town, there is an ancient plank road along the river, we walked a section, the scenery is very beautiful.