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

"Tea Rhythm and Zen Heart·Secret Realm of Light and Shadow"——A Utopia Hidden in the Bustling City When the morning light shines through the carved window lattices and spreads onto the blue brick floor, this teahouse hidden in the high-rise building wakes up quietly. The moment you push the door, it feels like you’ve stepped into a Song Dynasty landscape painting - a white porcelain teapot lies quietly on the sandalwood tea table like cream under the moon, and the flowing glaze on the pot reflects the flowing clouds outside the window; next to the Longquan celadon teacup, a Monstera extends its emerald leaves, and fine water droplets roll down the veins of the leaves, reflecting star-like broken diamond light under the warm light. Move to the panoramic viewing area, where the entire floor-to-ceiling windows take in the skyline. On the circular tea table made of logs, moss micro-landscapes and blue and white porcelain incense holders are arranged in an orderly manner. The curling tea smoke rising from the spout of the purple clay teapot and the light and shadow of the fluttering gauze curtains are intertwined, outlining a composition with a very cinematic feel. In front of the specially designed antique display cabinet, Ru kiln celadon glaze plates and Jian teapots are displayed in a staggered manner. They are not only excellent props, but also a visual feast for appreciating oriental aesthetics.

Hey everyone👋, I recently discovered an amazing hotel in Dayao — the Dayao Hengji Hotel — and I just have to recommend it to you! Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, this place offers the ultimate experience. Without further ado, let's get to the details👇 🌟Location and Surroundings: The hotel is located on the north side of Dongta Lake Wetland Park in Dayao County. Step outside, and you're embraced by the beauty of the lake and mountains, breathing in the fresh air. It's like a natural oxygen bar🌳. The surrounding natural scenery is truly refreshing, perfect for a morning jog or an after-dinner stroll. Plus, the transportation is super convenient, making it easy to get to all the attractions in Dayao🚗. 🛏️Room Experience: The hotel boasts 124 meticulously designed guest rooms, offering a wide variety of room types. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with your family, you'll find the perfect fit. I stayed in a Lake View King Room, and as soon as I entered, I was captivated by the huge balcony. Standing there, I had a panoramic view of Dongta Lake. During the day, the sunlight streamed in, making the whole room warm and cozy; at night, falling asleep under the moonlight was pure bliss😴. The room was also fully equipped with smart voice control, and even the bathroom was spacious and clean. The attention to detail was impeccable💯. 🍱A Feast for the Senses: When it comes to food, the Dayao Hengji Hotel will not disappoint! The Xiwei breakfast restaurant offers a wide variety of Chinese, Western, Asian, and vegetarian options, ensuring a vibrant start to your day🥪. The Yunyan Chinese Restaurant brings together culinary treasures from all over, with each dish a feast for the eyes and the palate. During the Yi New Year, they even serve special Yi dishes like Tuo Tuo Rou (steamed pork) and Qiao Baba (buckwheat cake), giving you an authentic taste of the local ethnic cuisine😍. 🎈Leisure and Entertainment: In your free time, the hotel's leisure facilities offer plenty of ways to relax. The fully equipped gym is perfect for fitness enthusiasts💪; the coffee bar, with its aromatic coffee and stunning views, is an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon; tea lovers can gather in the tea room; and for those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, the chess and card room is a great choice. Oh, and there's also an outdoor swimming pool, perfect for cooling off and having fun in the summer🏊‍♀️. 💁‍♀️Thoughtful Service: I have to commend the hotel's service. The 24-hour customer support team is always on hand, taking care of everything from luggage storage and laundry to car services and personalized wake-up calls. Every detail is meticulously attended to, making you feel right at home. The hotel also organizes special events based on guest requests. During the Yi New Year, you can immerse yourself in the unique charm of Yi culture with traditional song and dance performances and competitive activities🎉. Whether you're in Dayao for business or pleasure, the Dayao Hengji Hotel is an excellent choice. Trust me, you'll fall in love with this place after just one stay💕!

I've long heard of the Ancient Tea Horse Road in Pu'er, and today I finally have the chance to experience this ancient city full of history and ethnic customs. As soon as I arrived at the city gate, a tall and majestic gate came into view. The carvings on the gate are exquisite and delicate, as if telling the story of the prosperity of the ancient Tea Horse Road. Walking through the gate, the ancient stone road is underfoot, and the buildings on both sides are staggered, all made of wood, with flying eaves and painted beams, and every detail exudes a strong ancient style. Strolling along the street, the shops on the street are dazzling. There are shops selling exquisite ethnic costumes, with colorful fabrics embroidered with unique patterns, and every stitch and thread is full of the inheritance of ethnic culture; there are also tea shops full of various Pu'er teas, and the air is filled with the rich aroma of tea. When I walked into the shop, the owner greeted me warmly and invited me to taste Pu'er tea of different years and types. The aroma of the tea instantly dispelled the fatigue of the journey. What surprised me the most was encountering a performance of ethnic songs and dances. The actors, dressed in gorgeous costumes, used cheerful dances and loud songs to show the enthusiasm and vitality of the local ethnic minorities. The crowd was three layers inside and three layers outside, and everyone was infected by the warm atmosphere, bursting into applause and cheers from time to time. Tired of shopping, I found a small shop and ordered a local specialty bamboo rice. When I opened the bamboo tube, the rice had a bamboo fragrance, soft and delicious, and left a lasting impression. As night fell, the lights of the ancient city gradually lit up. The lights reflected on the buildings and the small river, sparkling and beautiful. At this time, the ancient city presented another charming scene, the lively night market began, and various special snacks and handicrafts were dazzling. On this day in the Ancient Tea Horse Road, I seemed to travel back in time, personally experiencing the glorious years of the Tea Horse Road, and feeling the profound historical heritage and unique ethnic customs. This is not just a simple trip, but also a spiritual baptism and cultural exploration, making me full of attachment and reluctance to leave this land. I look forward to having the opportunity to come again next time and continue to explore more of the charm of this ancient city.

Living in the hustle and bustle of the city, my heart yearns for nature and longs to break free. So, I packed my bags and headed to the Three Pools Waterfall for a date with nature. As soon as I arrived at the scenic area, a towering mountain came into view, like a giant standing between heaven and earth. I started climbing along the winding mountain road, with lush trees on both sides. The sunlight shone through the gaps in the leaves, forming golden spots of light, like a dreamlike fairyland. On the way, a clear stream stopped me in my tracks. The water flowed gently, and the stones and gravel at the bottom were clearly visible. The small fish and shrimp in the stream were like the elves of this world, their agile bodies flickering in the light and shadow. I couldn't help but reach out and touch the cool water, which slid over my fingertips and brought a sense of comfort, as if washing away all my fatigue and worries. The higher I climbed, the more enchanting the scenery became. The peaks were half-hidden in the mist, like a beauty with a pipa half-covered. After several hours of climbing, I finally reached the top. Standing at the peak, I felt a sense of pride, as if I could see all the mountains at a glance. The rolling mountains, dense forests, and winding streams were all in view, and nature had painted a magnificent picture with its magic. This trip to the mountains and rivers made me deeply feel the charm and power of nature. It not only gives us visual enjoyment but also soothes our souls. In our busy lives, we really need to go into nature often, to listen to the birds singing, to feel the gentle breeze, and to appreciate the beauty of the mountains and rivers. Because that is the home of our souls, the purest beauty in life.

✨ Walking into the hotel lobby is like stepping into a dream world, with every detail exuding luxury. 🛏️ The hotel's comfortable rooms and cozy bedding make me feel at home during my busy business trip.💤 🪟 Enjoy the hotel's exclusive lake view, with a panoramic view of the local wetland park and tower. 💖 The hotel staff are warm and attentive, and the breakfast is delicious and varied. This stay was truly enjoyable and unforgettable 😊

✨ Major discovery! A treasure hotel with incredible value for money is here! The moment you step into the hotel, you are greeted by a unique atmosphere. The cleanliness of the rooms is impeccable, with every inch of space cleaned to perfection, and every corner reflecting the hotel's dedication to cleanliness. The enthusiasm of the hotel staff is like the warm sunshine in winter, sweeping away your fatigue. From the meticulous attention of the staff during check-in to the thoughtful care throughout your stay, every detail makes you want to give a thumbs up. The room I stayed in was cleverly and reasonably laid out, with a cozy atmosphere. It not only met all the needs of daily life but also made me feel at home, comfortable, and at ease. As for the price, the cost per person was a pleasant surprise. The value for money is beyond imagination, given the high-quality accommodation experience! In short, this hotel is clean and tidy, with a comfortable layout, cozy and practical rooms, and unbeatable value for money. Next time I travel, this will undoubtedly be my first choice! 💖

I recently had the pleasure of staying at this hotel (Dayao Hengji Hotel 🏨) and experienced unprecedented luxury and comfort. From the moment I stepped into the hotel lobby, I was captivated by its magnificent architecture and exquisite interior. The enthusiasm and professionalism of the front desk staff made me feel warmly welcomed. My room was spacious and bright, with a modern and elegant decor. The bed was soft and comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep every night. The various amenities in the room, such as the smart TV and high-speed Wi-Fi, made my stay even more convenient and enjoyable. The hotel's dining service is also worth mentioning. Whether it was the wide selection of breakfast options or the exquisite dinner dishes, I was able to savor delicious cuisine. The hotel's signature dishes, in particular, left a lasting impression. In addition, the hotel's gym and swimming pool facilities are also very well-equipped. I could work out in the gym or relax by the pool. These facilities added more fun and comfort to my stay. Overall, this hotel left a deep impression on me in terms of service, facilities, and environment. I highly recommend it to travelers seeking a high-quality accommodation experience. I'm sure you'll fall in love with every detail of this hotel, just like I did.

Hey guys, I recently went on a business trip to Dayao and stayed at the Dayao Hengji Hotel. The experience was amazing! 👍 - The hotel is located on the north side of Dongta Lake in Dayao County. The location is great, with convenient transportation nearby, and is close to the Chuda Expressway, Yongda Expressway, and toll station. 🛣 - As soon as you enter the hotel, you can feel the fusion of classical charm and modern luxury. The brand positioning of "fusion of ancient and modern, a new chapter of luxury" is really great. 👍 The hotel facilities are complete, with elegant rooms, two wedding palaces (Chinese and Western), Xiwei Breakfast Restaurant, Yunyin Chinese Restaurant, coffee bar ☕, tea room 🍵, chess room, executive lounge, laundry room, gym, swimming pool 🏊‍, etc., meeting various needs. - The room I stayed in was spacious, bright, warm, and comfortable, with soft bedding 🛏 and a large bathroom that was very clean. 🧼 The room is smart, with Xiaodu controlling everything, and there is also a robot meal delivery service, which is very convenient. 🤖 The soundproofing is also very good, so you can sleep well at night. 😴 From the room window, you can see the Dongta Lake Wetland Park and the ancient tower shadows complementing each other, and the night view is beautiful. 🌃 - Let's talk about the service. The front desk lady is not only beautiful and gentle, but also very fast at check-in. 😄 The hotel staff are enthusiastic, attentive, and considerate. 🤗 Once, I accidentally left an important document in the lobby, and the staff contacted me immediately to return it. They were very responsible. 👏 - The breakfast is also worth praising, as it is rich, varied, and delicious. 😋 The restaurant staff will also prepare hand-drawn maps for guests who ask about attractions, which is very thoughtful. 🤩 By the way, the hotel also has a KTV and a whiskey craft bar, which I didn't have time to experience this time, but I will definitely try it next time. 🍷 - The Dayao Hengji Hotel is very cost-effective, offering five-star quality and service at an affordable price. I highly recommend it to everyone. 🤗 I will stay here again when I come to Dayao in the future. 🤝

I went to Dayao with my girlfriend👭 and chose the Evergrande Hotel in Dayao. It was really great👏👏. —— The hotel is located on the north side of East Tower Lake in Dayao County. —— Once we arrived at the hotel, the waiter enthusiastically helped move the luggage🧳, and carefully introduced the facilities, super courteous💗. The front desk check-in is efficient and enthusiastic 🥰, and also sent welcome fruit 😍, immediately overflowing with happiness. —— The room is spacious and bright ✨, the layout is reasonable 👏, the decoration style is simple and fresh 🎈, which is my favorite tone. Complete and intelligent facilities 📱, easy to operate, comfortable bedding 🛏️, sleep until the sky 😴. The bathroom has dry and wet separation 🚿, high quality bath supplies, and free mineral water 🥤 and tea bags 🍵. The point is, although the hotel has not been newly renovated for a long time, there is no taste of decoration at all 👍, which is really too complimentary. —— The hotel's catering amazed me🤩, the breakfast at Ziwei Breakfast Restaurant is rich in variety🥐, both Chinese and Western, instant coffee☕ is superb, start a day full of vitality. The main meal at Yun Yan Chinese Restaurant is exquisite and delicious😋, which makes people have endless aftertaste. —— The public areas are clean and tidy 🧹, the gym equipment is fully equipped 💪, and there are swimming pools 🏊‍♀️, KTV 🎙️ and other entertainment facilities to meet all kinds of needs. Next to the hotel is the park🌳, take a walk in the afternoon🚶‍♀️, feel the breeze, not to mention how comfortable it is🥰. —— The service is even better 👏, the staff responds to requests 🙌, and also courteously provides gameplay strategies 🗺️. There are also souvenirs🎁 when you leave the store, it's so thoughtful. —— The Evergrande Hotel in Dayao is super high value for money💰, completely five-star standard 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟, highly recommended to you, next time you come to Dayao still stay here 🤩🤩.

[Introduction to the Waterfall] The waterfall in the picture is the Three Pools Waterfall, also known as the Double Ditch Waterfall. It is located about 25 kilometers northeast of Dayao County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Specifically, it is located on the right side of the蜻蛉River on the Nanhuato Yongren Secondary Road, within the territory of Zhaojiadian Township. It is the famous "Southwest First High Waterfall" and one of the Eight Ancient Scenic Spots of Dayao. The Three Pools Waterfall is a group of waterfalls. There are 33 waterfalls in a river course less than 4 kilometers long. The most famous three-level waterfall has a total drop of 220.28 meters. The surrounding vegetation is rich, and the rocks around the waterfall pool are entwined with ancient vines. Old trees stand tall and proud, with their roots spreading and intertwining. - 🚗【Transportation】 Transportation is very convenient, with two expressways leading directly from Kunming. Navigate to "Three Pools Waterfall", and it takes about 260 kilometers to drive from Kunming. 1⃣ You can choose the Kunming-Chuxiong Expressway or the Beijing-Kunming Expressway, which are both expressways. Get off at the Three Pools Toll Station and follow the national highway for another 10 minutes to reach the destination. The toll is about 180 yuan. 2⃣ The 190-kilometer Hangzhou-Rui Expressway + 100-kilometer national highway section, the toll is about 80 yuan, it takes about 4 hours to get there, it is recommended to take the expressway all the way. - ⚠️The waterfall has a large volume of water only during the rainy season. The water volume has gradually decreased in autumn, and the water volume will decrease or even dry up in winter and spring. Please note that if you plan to visit, don't miss it.

📍Address of the attraction: Santan Scenic Area, free parking, no entrance fee, Santan Waterfall, Zhaojiadian Township, Dayao County, Chuxiong City, Yunnan Province 🚗Transportation to the attraction: You can drive to Santan Waterfall by yourself or follow the local hiking organization. 👍️Must-see attractions: Santan Waterfall is a group of waterfalls. There are 33 waterfalls in a river less than 4 kilometers long, arranged in order from upstream to downstream. The first level is 19 meters high, with a pool of misty water and beautiful shape; the second level is 121 meters high, and the third level is 82 meters high. The second and third pools are full of water balls dancing all day long, shrouded in mist, with continuous drizzle, and the sound of waterfalls filling the ears. The three waterfalls are integrated into one, and the river water rushes down along the section with great force, forming three deep pools, hence the name "Three Pools". The total drop of Santan Waterfall is 220.28 meters, making it the highest waterfall in the southwest. 💗Other tips: Key points: The typical mountain road in Yunnan has 18 bends and many S-bends. Those who are not good at driving should choose carefully and pay attention to safety! 📸When traveling on sunny days, please take precautions against the sun. You can also wear Hanfu or ethnic costumes. The ancient pavilion that is currently under construction will definitely be photographed with a waterfall in the future.

Chuxiong Prefecture has several famous ancient towns. Shiyang Town in Dayao County is about 140 kilometers away from both Chuxiong City and Dali City. From Dali, you can take the Kunming-Chuxiong-Dali Expressway and then transfer to the Xiangyao Road at Xiangyun. As you approach Shiyang Town, you can see large fields of mulberry trees. In early spring, the mulberry trees just begin to sprout new buds, showing vibrant vitality. Shiyang is a renovated ancient town with streets winding along the mountains. Shiyang Town began drilling wells and producing salt in the Western Han Dynasty, and until modern times, it was famous for its 'Baijing' salt in neighboring provinces and countries. Today, the Qingfeng Well, drilled in the Han Dynasty, is still full of brine, which is transported through pipelines to salt drying sheds hundreds of meters away for concentration, then baked using traditional techniques in various sizes of chicken nest stoves, and finally molded into different shapes for tourists to purchase. The prosperity of the salt industry in Shiyang Town led to cultural flourishing. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, numerous academies and schools were scattered inside and outside the town. Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, and Christianity coexisted harmoniously, with many temples, monasteries, shrines, and pavilions. The Shiyang Confucian Temple was first built in the first year of the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty and has been expanded and renovated over the generations, becoming quite large. Inside the temple, there is a 2.3-meter-high, 2.5-ton bronze statue of Confucius cast during the Kangxi period, said to be the largest bronze statue of Confucius in China. The Shiyang Confucian Temple was admired by scholars and literati in the past and is still revered by students today. The pine and cypress trees in front of the Dacheng Hall are hung with golden ribbons and wishing plaques from students all over. The temple has erected a new top scholar monument and opened an exhibition room, with the names of recent top scorers in the college entrance examination engraved on the monument, and the exhibition room introducing their details with pictures and texts. A company in the prefecture has set up scholarships for the top three in the college entrance examination and has also established a bulletin board in the temple. In front of the temple is the Confucius Cultural Square paved with bluestone, with a large relief of the character 'Confucian' in the center. Cultural festivals or Confucius worship activities are held here. Longquan Street connects to Xionglin Street, winding through the ancient town. At the intersection with Xiangyao Road, you can see the sculpture of the Dragon Girl Herding Sheep and the Salt Feng Martyrs Monument not far away. The ancient town is fully equipped with banks, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, police stations, and more. The various people seen on the streets all appear to be enjoying life, which is both a result of cultural accumulation and an expression of improved living conditions and standards.

Santan Waterfall is located at the junction of Dayao and Yongren in Chuxiong. It is said to be the highest waterfall in the southwest! It’s higher than Gasa Nan’en Waterfall! A highly recommended place to visit during the flood season! 🌟Highlights: The Santan Waterfall Grand Canyon Scenic Area is located beside the Nanyong Highway in Zhaojiadian Town, Dayao County, 24 kilometers away from Dayao County. It is famous for its strange and steep cliffs, magical legends, flocks of birds and beautiful and colorful wild animals and plants. It is the place where the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster first appeared, the birthplace of the Torch Festival, the passing place of the Southern Silk Road, and the former site of Zhuge Kongming's southern expedition. It consists of the Santan Waterfall, Stone Bell Cave, Zhuge Camp, Yugong Cave, Bai Ren Rock, Ziqiu Mountain and Jiangdi River Bridge and other attractions. Santan Waterfall, also known as Shuanggou Waterfall, is one of the eight ancient scenic spots in Dayao. Santan Waterfall is not just three pools, it is a group of waterfalls with a total of 33 waterfalls in a river less than 4 kilometers long. The so-called Three Pools refer to the three waterfalls with the largest drop in the waterfall group. From upstream to downstream, the first level is 19 meters high, the second level is 121 meters high, and the third level is 82 meters high. The three waterfalls are integrated into one, forming three deep pools respectively, hence the name Three Pools, which has the reputation of "the highest waterfall in the southwest." The scenic area is a half-developed, semi-wild scenic area that is currently being developed. No tickets are required, and you can even see excavators at work. Just follow the main road in the village down toward the waterfall; the road is very obvious! It’s impossible not to find it, there’s even a wooden pedestrian gate as shown in Figure 14! 📍Detailed address: Chuxiong Yaoan Sandietan Waterfall If you are departing from Kunming, it is recommended that you search "Dayao Zhaojiadian Town Santan Scenic Area" on Gaode Navigation and get off the highway at the Yijiu Town Expressway Exit. Do not follow the navigation to exit at the Santan Toll Station. This can save you a lot of distance and time. 📝Note tips: The environment is very good, so you can wear sunscreen and mosquito repellent. If you bring a drone, you can take great pictures. If you have a raincoat, bring it with you. A waterproof jacket is also OK.

During the May Day holiday, a hiking event that traverses the Qingliuchuan Grand Canyon and explores the Santan Waterfalls kicked off in Zhaojiadian Town, Dayao County. More than 100 hiking enthusiasts participated in this energetic and challenging event. At 9:00 AM, with the bright sunshine, the hiking team set off from the upstream river trail of Santan, passing through the Luangling East Trail, Longtan Trail, Qingliuchuan Trail, and the parallel trail, finally arriving at the village road of Yaowan River. The scenery along the way was beautiful, with undulating mountains. Hiking on the more than 10-kilometer track, everyone encouraged, cared for, and helped each other, fully enjoying the natural beauty, breathing fresh air, and indulging in the joy brought by the healthy hiking activity. The Santan Waterfalls, also known as the Shuanggou Waterfalls, are one of the ancient eight scenic spots of Dayao. Within a river course less than 4 kilometers long, there are 33 cascades. In order from upstream to downstream, the first cascade is 19 meters high, the second is 121 meters, and the third is 81 meters, with a total drop of 221 meters. The three cascades merge into one, with the river water flowing down the cliff face, powerful as a mighty force, forming three deep pools, hence the name Santan, and it is known as the 'highest waterfall in the southwest'. After nearly 5 hours of walking, the hikers successively reached the endpoint, and everyone expressed that the hiking event not only exercised their bodies, brought them closer to nature, but also gained friendships. Hiking enthusiast Yang Zhenhua said, 'I have been to Santan many times, and since last September, I feel that there have been significant changes, not only the waterfall is spectacular, but many of the infrastructure facilities in the scenic area are quite well constructed. It is very suitable for hiking activities.' It is reported that in recent years, Dayao County has deeply excavated the tourism resources of the Santan Waterfalls scenic area, intensified development efforts, and highlighted the natural endowment of the Santan Waterfalls as 'strange, dangerous, and beautiful'. With the themes of extreme experience, cultural appreciation, leisure vacation, and health and wellness travel, they aim to build the brand 'Homeland of the Torch Festival, Beautiful Santan' and turn the Santan Waterfalls scenic area into a health and adventure travel resort, making it an important node in the Chuxiong State's beautiful mountain and water corridor, and the excellent Yi culture corridor. By the May Day holiday, the construction of various facilities was nearing completion and will soon be put into use. The preliminarily completed flower corridors and trails left a deep impression on the tourists participating in this hiking event. During the May Day period, Zhaojiadian Town also held a series of Yangmei Festival activities, including tasting bayberries, catching ducks and fishing, a special trade street, and an exciting basketball competition. By May 2nd, the entire Zhaojiadian Town had received 30,000 visitors.