Zhaotong, China: A City of Majestic Charm in the Wumeng Mountains!

Zhaotong Specialties 1. Natural Landscapes - Dashanbao Black-necked Crane National Nature Reserve: This is an important wintering habitat for black-necked cranes in China. The reserve boasts vast alpine meadows and wetlands, offering magnificent scenery. In winter, flocks of black-necked cranes arrive gracefully, creating a stunning picture against the backdrop of blue sky, white clouds, grasslands, and wetlands. It's a paradise for photography enthusiasts. - Doushaguan: Located at the border of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, Doushaguan is famous for its magnificent and precipitous canyon scenery. Cliffs stand on both sides of the pass, with the Guan River rushing through and ancient post roads winding in between. Here, not only is the natural scenery unique, but there are also historical relics such as the remains of the ancient Five Feet Road and the Tang Dynasty Yuan Zi inscription on the cliffside, perfectly blending history and natural landscapes. 2. History and Culture - Site of the Zaxi Conference: This site holds significant historical importance. In 1935, the Central Red Army held the Zaxi Conference here during the Long March, laying a solid foundation for the victory of the Long March. The architecture of the conference site is simple and unsophisticated. Through displayed cultural relics, pictures, and other materials, the site vividly presents the magnificent revolutionary history and serves as an important destination for "red tourism." - Bo People's Hanging Coffins: These are a unique burial custom of the ancient Bo people. Some hanging coffins are still preserved on the cliffs of Doushaguan and other places. These coffins bear witness to the unique cultural customs of the Bo people, full of mystery, attracting many tourists to explore. 3. Specialty Cuisine - Zhaotong Small Meat Skewers: These are made of fresh pork cut into small pieces, marinated in special sauce, and grilled over charcoal fire. The small meat skewers are tender, spicy, and savory, making them irresistible. They are a star delicacy in Zhaotong's night markets. - Potato Dishes: Zhaotong potatoes are of excellent quality and can be prepared in various ways. There are roasted potatoes, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a captivating aroma; potato cakes, made by boiling potatoes, mashing them into a paste, and deep-frying them until golden and crispy; and potato rice, where potatoes are cooked together with rice, allowing the rice to absorb the sweetness of the potatoes, creating a unique flavor. Best Time to Visit 1. Winter (November - March): This is the best time to watch the black-necked cranes in Dashanbao. You can see a large number of black-necked cranes inhabiting and foraging in the reserve, experiencing the beauty of harmony between humans and nature. 2. Spring and Autumn (March - May, September - November): The climate is pleasant and the temperature is moderate during spring and autumn, making it suitable for visiting Doushaguan to appreciate the canyon scenery, explore the Bo people's hanging coffins, and visit the site of the Zaxi Conference to experience the "red culture." These two seasons are also good times to taste Zhaotong's specialty cuisine, as local seasonal ingredients are abundant and diverse. Things to Note 1. Visiting Scenic Spots: When visiting the Dashanbao Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve, keep quiet and do not make loud noises to avoid disturbing the black-necked cranes and other birds. When visiting historical relics such as the Bo people's hanging coffins, do not touch or damage the cultural relics and follow the regulations of the scenic spot. When visiting "red tourism" sites such as the Zaxi Conference site, visit with reverence and avoid inappropriate behavior. 2. Transportation: Some scenic spots in Zhaotong are located in mountainous areas, and transportation may not be very convenient. It is best to plan your transportation in advance. If you choose to drive yourself, be aware of the complex road conditions in the mountainous areas and drive carefully, especially in winter when you may encounter icy roads. 3. Food Hygiene: When tasting street food such as Zhaotong small meat skewers, choose shops with good hygiene conditions to ensure food safety. As Zhaotong cuisine generally has strong flavors, tourists with sensitive stomachs should eat in moderation.