2025 Yun County Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Below is a travel guide to Lincang, Yunnan. We hope it will be helpful to you: Recommended Tourist Attractions in Lincang • Wengding Wa Village: The last primitive Wa tribe in China, the thatched-roof "Bull Head Village" is like an ancient secret realm. You can participate in the "Wooden Drum" sacrificial activities, dance with the Wa people around the bonfire, and photograph the village in the morning mist. The 11 village gates look like a time tunnel in the morning light. You can also stay in a Wa homestay, taste the Chicken Rice (Wa hand-grabbed rice), and listen to the elders sing the epic of creation, Sigangli, in the evening. • Lancang River Grand Canyon: The wild and surging river is hidden in a kilometer-deep canyon, comparable to the Colorado River in the United States. You can hike the "Xiaowan Power Station - Qinglong Bridge" section to see the river change from turquoise to muddy yellow, take a boat through the canyon to find the ruins of ancient ferry crossings on the cliffs by the river, or visit the Mengyou Town viewing platform, the best place to take photos, where the sunrise fills the canyon with mist like a milky river. • Cangyuan Cliff Painting Valley: 3,000-year-old red totems of the Wa ancestors, mysterious symbols that remain unsolved to this day. Focus on the "Menglai Cliff Paintings," where there are undeciphered hieroglyphs next to the hunting scenes. Ask a local guide to explain the legend of the "Sun Man" rock paintings. You can also take a bamboo raft down the Nangun River at the bottom of the valley and see the wild mango forest along the way. • Nangun River National Nature Reserve: The only tropical rainforest in China with wild Asian elephants, it has an amazing biodiversity. You can take a jeep tour of the reserve to look for wild elephant footprints and dung, hike the "Mangku - Banhong" line to see strangler figs and century-old Parashorea chinensis trees, or stay overnight at the research station and use infrared cameras to photograph nocturnal animals such as black bears and clouded leopards. • Shuangjiang Mengku Ancient Tea Plantation: The origin of tea trees in the world, the thousand-year-old wild ancient tea tree king stands here. You can visit the "Bingdao Old Village," taste ancient Pu'er tea worth tens of thousands of yuan, and watch tea farmers hand-fry tea. Hike the "Shennong Temple - Daxueshan" Tea Horse Road, where century-old tea trees cover the mountains along the way. In April, during the spring tea season, you can participate in tea picking and experience the "one bud and two leaves" picking standard. • Gengma Mengding Mangtuan Scenic Area: A living fossil of traditional Dai handmade papermaking, the birthplace of the intangible cultural heritage "Mangtuan Broussonetia papyrifera paper." You can experience the entire papermaking process and take home your own handmade floral paper, visit the Mangtuan Village Friday Market to find Dai brocade and sour ant eggs, or stay in a Dai bamboo house and participate in the alms-giving to monks in the morning (a Theravada Buddhist custom). • Yongde Daxueshan: The highest peak in southwestern Yunnan at 3,504 meters above sea level, with azalea seas and spectacular cloud waterfalls. In May, climb to the top to see tens of thousands of acres of azaleas in full bloom, with pink and purple flower blankets covering the ridges. Hike the "Tanglishan - Main Peak" line, which requires a guide to lead you through the virgin forest. The "Wanzhangyan Waterfall" on the mountainside is spectacular during the rainy season, and there are ice waterfalls in winter. • Fengqing Lushi Ancient Town: A major town on the Tea Horse Road, a living fossil of Ming and Qing Dynasty houses and caravan culture. You can walk the "Alusi Inspection Department - Luo Family Ancestral Hall" bluestone road to look for caravan hoofprints, taste "Baba Juan" (rice pancakes rolled with bean sprouts), which is a perfect match with Fengqing Dianhong tea, or stay in an ancient town inn and listen to the elders tell the story of how "Dianhong" tea made its way to London. • Yun County Manwan Baili Long Lake: A hundred-mile-long high gorge lake formed by the interception of the Lancang River, a landscape version of the "Norwegian fjords." You can take a boat from Manwan Power Station to Manghuai Township to see Yi villages hanging on the cliffs on both sides, fish for tilapia in the lake (a temporary fishing license is required), grill the fish you catch by the river, or drive along the lake road and take photos of the S-shaped lake bay and terraced fields at the "Bingzhai Viewing Platform." • Linxiang District Wulao Mountain National Forest Park: A natural oxygen bar next to the city, with waterfalls and forest hot springs. You can walk the "Jiudiequan - Yulong Waterfall" trail. The waterfalls are spectacular after summer rains. Soak in the forest hot springs. The 40°C sulfur springs will relieve your hiking fatigue. Go birdwatching in the early morning. Hoopoes and Mrs. Gould's Sunbirds hop among the azaleas. Lincang Food Recommendations • Chicken Rice: Wa hand-grabbed rice, one of Lincang's specialties. • Dai-style Sour Bamboo Shoot Fish: Dai flavor, sour and spicy. • Xidoufen Rice Noodles: Smooth and delicious. • Fengqing Bacon: Bacon with a rich aroma, a specialty of Fengqing. • Wild Roasted Whole Lamb: Roasted whole lamb is one of Lincang's specialties, with tender and juicy meat. • Lincang Copper Pot Casserole Fish: Fish cooked in a copper pot or casserole, delicious. • Lincang Butter Tea: With a strong ethnic flavor and rich taste. Travel Notes • Best tourist season: November to April of the following year. The dry season has many sunny days and a pleasant climate, suitable for tourism. July-August is the rainy season, and some attractions may be affected by weather conditions. • Transportation: There are flights from Kunming to Lincang Airport, and you can also take the high-speed train to Yun County Station. The attractions are scattered, so it is recommended to charter a car or rent a car for convenient travel. • Accommodation: It is recommended to stay in homestays in Wengding Village, Bingdao Old Village, and other places to experience the local ethnic customs. In the city, you can choose hotels around Yulong Lake. • Border pass: Some border attractions require a "Border Pass," which can be obtained on the spot with an ID card.

🌅 "Life is not about rushing to your destination, but about enjoying the journey." In February, a season full of hope and new beginnings, I embarked on a journey to Lincang, to explore this treasure city favored by nature. I. Preparation before departure 🌤 Weather: The temperature in Lincang in February ranges from 10-25°C. It's sunny with a significant temperature difference between day and night. 👚 Clothing: You can wear light short sleeves and shirts with a thin jacket during the day. You'll need a thicker jacket for warmth at night. Remember to bring comfortable sneakers for easy sightseeing. II. Best time to visit 🎯 February is a very suitable season to visit Lincang. It's the transition from winter to spring, avoiding the inconvenience of the rainy season while enjoying the warmth and vitality of spring. III. Itinerary Day 1: Lincang City - Nanmei Lahu Township 📍 Morning: Arrive in Lincang City, take a short rest, and head to Yulong Lake Park. The lake is clear, surrounded by lush trees. Stroll along the lakeside and enjoy the gentle breeze. 📍 Noon: Enjoy local specialties in the city, such as Chicken Mush Rice and Thin Soybean Flour Rice Noodles. 📍 Afternoon: Visit Nanmei Lahu Township to experience the folk culture of the Lahu people. You can visit traditional Lahu dwellings, enjoy their unique song and dance performances 🎶, and participate in making traditional Lahu handicrafts. 📍 Evening: Stay in a Lahu-style homestay and savor authentic Lahu cuisine, such as roast chicken and bamboo rice. Day 2: Nanmei Lahu Township - Cangyuan Wengding Primitive Tribe 📍 Morning: Wake up early to enjoy the morning scenery of Nanmei Lahu Township and breathe in the fresh air. Then, head to the Cangyuan Wengding Primitive Tribe. 📍 Noon: Have lunch on the way to Wengding, enjoying local farmhouse dishes. 📍 Afternoon: Arrive at Wengding Primitive Tribe, the last primitive tribe in China, which preserves the most primitive Wa architecture and lifestyle. Walking in the tribe feels like traveling back in time. You can visit the Wa King's House, the sacrificial square, and other attractions to learn about the history and culture of the Wa people. 📍 Evening: Participate in the Wengding bonfire party, sing and dance with the local Wa people, and experience their warm hospitality 🔥. Day 3: Cangyuan Wengding Primitive Tribe - Lincang City 📍 Morning: Visit the Wengding Primitive Tribe again, as the tribe has a unique charm in the early morning. Then, pack your luggage and prepare for the return trip. 📍 Noon: Have lunch in Cangyuan County and enjoy local specialties, such as Wa rice wine and sour bamboo shoot fish. 📍 Afternoon: Return to Lincang City and conclude the pleasant journey. IV. Nearby attractions 📍 Wulao Mountain National Forest Park: This park boasts dense forests and beautiful scenery, with five peaks resembling five old men sitting side by side, hence the name. You can climb the mountains, enjoy the panoramic views, and appreciate the natural scenery. 📍 Manwan Baili Long Lake Scenic Area: The Lancang River flows through Lincang, forming the beautiful Manwan Baili Long Lake. You can take a boat tour and admire the landscape on both sides. 📍 Lushui Ancient Town: This is a historic ancient town that preserves many ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Stroll along the stone-paved roads of the ancient town and feel the passage of time. The beauty of Lincang lies in the blend of nature and culture, a baptism of the soul. Lincang in February awaits your arrival. Come and explore this mysterious and beautiful land together 🌍.

📍Attraction Address: Yun County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province 🚗Transportation: We drove there ourselves 👍️Must-visit Attractions: In the 24th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1391), the Dahu Chief Office was established. In the 4th year of Xuande (1429), it was promoted to Dahu Yuyi Prefecture. In the 26th year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1598), the Dahu Tusi Prefecture was abolished, officials were appointed, and it was renamed Yunzhou. In the 2nd year of the Republic of China (1913), it was renamed Yun County. On February 15, 1950, the county people's government was established, belonging to the Dali Special Zone. In January 1959, it merged with Fengqing to form Yunfeng County; in October of the same year, the Yun County system was restored. Yun County is the transportation hub of the Lincang area and the northern gateway for exchanges in the vast hinterland of Yunnan Province. The Lancang River, high mountains, valleys, and hot dam form a special three-dimensional climate and natural scenery. Within the territory, there are primitive forests in Daxue Mountain and Dabing Mountain, Nage River, Wenzhu River, Nayue River, valley hot springs, etc.; there are also cultural relics and human landscapes such as Western Han bronze drums, bronze spears, Yuan and Ming pottery, Maolan Chang'an Bridge, Wenbi Tower in the county town, ancient mosques, and the majestic Dawu Temple. 🎟️Ticket Information: No reservation needed, no ticket required 💗Other Tips: We drove from Lincang to Dali via Yun County.

📍【Must-Visit Attractions】 1. Cangyuan Cliff Painting Village - Located in Cangyuan Wa Autonomous County, Lincang City, the ancient cliff paintings tell stories of thousands of years, with each stroke revealing the mysteries of history. Address: Mengdong Town, Cangyuan Wa Autonomous County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province Transportation: You can take a long-distance bus from Lincang City to Cangyuan County, then transfer to a local minibus or hire a car to reach the Cliff Painting Village. 2. Nangun River National Nature Reserve - Explore the secrets of the primeval forest and get close to wildlife. Address: Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County, Lincang City Transportation: It is recommended to hire a car, about a 3-hour drive from Lincang City. 3. Yun County Manwan Hundred-Mile Long Lake - Enjoy the tranquil lake and mountain scenery, paddle on the lake, and let your soul truly relax. Address: Yun County, Lincang City Transportation: Drive yourself or hire a car from Lincang City, enjoying the pastoral scenery along the way. 🍽️【Food Recommendations】 - Sour Papaya Chicken: This dish is a specialty of Lincang, with tender chicken and a perfect balance of sweet and sour, making it a must-try delicacy. - Wa Grilled Fish: In Cangyuan, taste an authentic Wa grilled fish, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, spicy and delicious, making you crave for more. - White Fungus Soup: As a specialty of Lincang, white fungus soup is refreshing and cooling, nourishing and beautifying, making it a perfect summer treat. 🌄【Recommended Surrounding Attractions】 - Nansan Town, Zhenkang County: Experience the exotic charm of the border town and feel the collision of different cultures. - Mengding Town, Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County: Explore the small town on the China-Myanmar border and taste authentic Dai snacks. 💡【Tips】 - Best Travel Time: Lincang has a spring-like climate all year round, making it suitable for travel throughout the year. However, July is the rainy season, so please check the weather forecast before traveling. - The local ethnic groups are numerous, respect local customs, and friendly communication with villagers will enrich your travel experience. - Remember to bring mosquito repellent, especially in tropical rainforest areas.

Yun County's Maolan Town is located in the northeast of the county, at the foot of Dabing Mountain. It is an ancient town with a history of over 300 years. Historically, it was an important post station on the ancient Tea Horse Road, and it was also the first horse station for Yun County, Lincang, Shuangjiang, Zhenkang, Gengma, Cangyuan and other places to go north to Dali, Lhasa, and east to the provinces of the mainland. Shaojie Village: It is said that the world is confusing, and people often lose themselves in the smoky sea of the world, and the worldly smoke and fire always choke you and me from breathing freely, so go touch the centuries-old charm of Shaojie. Shaojie was a unique goods production and transit distribution center on the ancient Tea Horse Road, with a long history. The ancient road left in the Shaojie section is 1000 meters long and 1.3 meters wide. The bumps and traces of the stone blocks on the road surface can distinguish the hoof prints of the horses of the year, like a history book, clearly recording the hardships of the people of Yun County in business during the Ming, Qing and even the Republic of China, and the prosperity of Shaojie at that time. Today's ancient road is mottled, only the old houses remaining next to the ancient road and the ancient buildings in the village are left, but there are still people coming and going here. Why not experience the farm life, grind soy milk, make tofu, make traditional handmade moon cakes and other traditional foods by hand, and there are also traditional cultural activities such as Yi nationality drum blowing, etc. Transportation: Shaojie Village is 26 kilometers away from the town government and 28 kilometers away from the county town. Tips: In July, Shaojie Village will hold a Torch Festival. The content of the Torch Festival mainly includes: bonfire party, tug-of-war competition, square dance competition, singing competition, cultural performance, etc., and at the same time, local special products - pure handmade roasted moon cakes are on sale. Anle Natural Village: The largest village of the virtuous gentry, 'Anle Village' is a refined version of 'Ailuoqing' from the Kangxi era, implying 'live and work in peace and contentment'. Anle was an important post station on the ancient Tea Horse Road, known as 'a pond every five li, a post every ten li'. The village is nestled against the mountain and near the water, with the charm of small bridges and flowing water, and the momentum of two dragons playing with pearls. The climate is pleasant. There is a popular saying in Yun County: 'Cold Shaojie, hot Maolan, neither cold nor hot Anle Pond.' Transportation: It is 30 kilometers away from the county town, and it takes about 50 minutes by car on the Xianglin Highway. Tips: Anle Village was nominated for the top 20 of the 2018 China Rural Revitalization Pioneer List; every year on the first day of the Lunar New Year, a large-scale traditional Yi 'singing and tuning' event and a folk 'top spinning' competition are held. Tour Anle Poverty Alleviation Demonstration Village, watch Yi family customs, appreciate tea horse culture, eat farmhouse meals, stay in farmhouse houses, enjoy farmhouse fun, and experience farming culture. Chenjia Natural Village: Alpine meadow, good weather and beautiful scenery, it is hard to imagine that the scene of 'the sky is vast, the wild is vast, the wind blows the grass and sees cattle and sheep' can be seen in the deep mountains of Yun County. Chenjia Natural Village in Bohuanhe Village, Maolan Town, has hundreds of acres of alpine meadows. Here the grass is green and the cattle and sheep are in groups. It is an excellent place for barbecue and outing. Bohuanhe Village has a unique Yi style and Yi culture. The village has a scattered and elegant farmhouse courtyard with a Yi style. The unique altitude, mountain shape, topography and climate make it rich in characteristic agricultural and sideline products such as white papaya, pepper, tea, walnut, alpine ecological running chicken, pig, cattle, sheep, eggs, ham, etc. Transportation: It is 35 kilometers away from the town government, the road to the town is a dirt road, and it is 50 kilometers away from the county. Tips: The best time to visit is in the summer and autumn seasons. The village relies on the mythological advantages of Lingbao Mountain and promotes the spirit of Yi culture. Fully exploit the ecological advantages of Lingbao Mountain and create an integrated mountain and grassland.

Yun County, under the jurisdiction of Lincang City, Yunnan Province, is located at the junction of the southwestern region of Yunnan Province and Dali, Pu'er, and Lincang, three states and cities. It is the main transportation route of the Lincang region and the northern gateway to the vast hinterland of Yunnan Province. The Lancang River, mountains, valleys, and hot dams have formed a special three-dimensional climate and natural scenery. There are Da Xue Mountain, Da Bing Mountain primitive forest, Na Ge River, Wen Zhu River, Na Yu River, valley hot springs, etc. within its territory; there are also Western Han copper drums, copper spears, Yuan Ming pottery, Maolan Chang'an Bridge, county town Wenbi Tower, ancient mosques, majestic Da Wu Temple and other cultural relics and human landscapes. Yun County Nanhe, flowing eastward, Yun County New Town and Old Town face each other across the river. Following Nanhe out of the city, there is such a peculiar hydropower station that can fry eggs, soak in hot springs, and also soak feet, "boil" eggs. Soak your feet by the mother hot spring guarded by the naturally formed stone mother statue, eat sulfur eggs cooked in the hot water pond, the main spring of the mother hot spring of Nanhe Wild Hot Spring is a steam boiling spring, and the hot water of the male hot spring seeps out from the rocks on both sides of the mountain. The Spring Festival is the busiest time for wild hot springs. Mountain people from all around come down from the mountains with eggs, medicinal materials, and other easily cooked ingredients, soak their feet in the valley, take baths, cook food, exorcise evil spirits and pray for blessings. It is very lively. When the white flowers in the mountains bloom, it is a special occasion for women. Women from the mountains will come to take a bath and soak. It is said that soaking can make women more moisturized... Winter is here, and the days of soaking in hot springs in Yun County have also arrived. Manwan Hydropower Station cannot soak feet, but can enjoy the scenery. The hydropower station is located 1km downstream of the mouth of Manwan River in the middle reaches of the Lancang River. It is the first million-kilowatt hydropower station developed by the Lancang River Mainstream Hydropower Base. Upstream is Xiaowan Hydropower Station, downstream is Dachaoshan Hydropower Station, it is a good place to taste delicious river fish. In Xiyi Village, in addition to enjoying the wonderful scenery, you can also taste a variety of characteristic ecological river fish such as leaf fish, face melon fish, Lancang River mirror carp, Lancang River flower silver carp, wild green fish, Lancang River silver fish; the characteristic commodity trading area by the river, the cultivation and production of oranges, Australian nuts, silver fish, late-maturing mangoes, honey and other characteristic agricultural products are full of eyes... Several scenic spots in Yun County are worth recommending. Dachaoshan is located southeast of Dachaoshan West Town, a famous mountain in the Lincang area. It is bordered by the Lancang River to the east and the Daxue Mountain to the west. It is open to the north and south. Because there are many strange stones such as stone bridges, stone houses, and yin and yang stones on the mountain, it is also called Dashi (original name). Lancang River Gorge Hundred Mile Long Lake Scenic Area, since the 1980s, the state has successively built million-kilowatt Manwan Power Station and Dachaoshan Power Station on the Lancang River, and the two power station dams have formed two high gorge flat lakes and a hundred-mile long lake, that is, the high gorge flat lake of Manwan Reservoir and the hundred-mile long lake from Manwan Power Station to Dachaoshan Power Station, with a total length of 91.3 kilometers. Liangshan Tianchi is located in the south of Yongbao Township, 66 kilometers away from the county town. It is bordered by Liangshan Forest Sea in the south and Grassland Flower Sea in the north. It is a good place to relax.