Things to do in Nanjian

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Nanjian

Wuliang Mountain Cherry Blossom Valley

Wuliang Mountain Cherry Blossom Valley is a cherry blossom valley hidden within the tea mountains. The low-latitude, high-altitude climate of Wuliang Mountain has caused these cherry blossoms to develop the habit of blooming in the cold winter. Today, they have grown into a sea of flowers that spreads across the valley, creating a beautiful contrast with the thousands of acres of tea plantations. Every winter, the valley welcomes its annual flowering season: winter cherry blossoms begin to bloom from late November, and reach their peak in early to mid-December. Pink cherry blossoms look like rosy clouds amidst the dark green tea ridges, and the "green tea and pink cherry" scenery is a rare sight in China. The valley consists of sections such as Mingying Garden, Menghuan Garden, Diecai Garden, and Lingbo Garden, with Lingbao Mountain Forest Park nearby. It is especially worth waking up early in the morning, as clouds and mist often drift over the tea mountains around sunrise, and the pink flowering trees float between the sea of clouds and the green waves, resembling a celestial paradise.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Weishan

Weibao Mountain

Weibao Mountain, also called Weishan, is located about 10 kilometers southeast of Weishan county in Dali. It was considered auspicious within the Nanzhao kingdom and is a Taoist sacred land and one of the 13 famous Taoist mountains in China. Its peak is 2569 meters above sea level, with Cangshan in the distance, and the ancients believe there was treasure hidden inside the mountain. It attracts many visitors with its magnificent beauty and sacred importance. On the north and south sides of the main peak there are more than 20 panoramic viewing points. There is also Nanzhao Temple where sacrifices can be made to the ancestors of the Nanzhao kingdom.

Nanjian Earth Forest

Nanjian Soil Forest is located at the Bazi side of Nanjian River Valley, Nanjian County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province.

Wuliang Mountain

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Weishan

Weishan Ancient City

Weishan Ancient City is the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom and once served as its early capital. Its layout is square like a seal, with streets and alleys crisscrossing in a chessboard-like pattern, and the Xinggong Tower, located in the center of the city, resembles the handle of the seal. Most residences are earth-and-wood structures, still retaining the Ming and Qing dynasty style of three sides with a screen wall and four-sided courtyard with five patios. Walking through here, you can see bluestone roads, wooden shops, and traditional buildings with local characteristics, with the overall space maintaining a relatively quaint and historic appearance. Its streets are moderately scaled, with main streets and alleys crisscrossing, lined with shops, restaurants, teahouses, and residences. Traditional buildings mostly adopt the courtyard-style layout common in Yunnan, and the building facades have distinct regional characteristics.

Mizhi Tourism Town

2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Yulong Snow Mountain

Yulong Snow Mountain is one of Lijiang's famous attractions and a sacred mountain in the hearts of the Naxi people. It consists of 13 undulating peaks that resemble a dancing silver dragon, which is how it got its name. Within the attraction, visitors can take a cable car directly up the mountain to easily admire the magnificence of the high-altitude glacier, which is a highlight for many visitors coming here. Snow mountain overview Yulong Snow Mountain is renowned for being "dangerous, wondrous, beautiful, and elegant." From the foot to the summit, there are multiple tiers of views ranging from subtropical to temperate to frigid zones. At the foot of the mountain lies Ganhaizi, a vast pasture where gentians and azaleas bloom across the meadows in spring and summer. From here, the peaks of Yulong are clearly visible in the distance. Yunshanping, at an elevation of over 3,200 m, is a sacred place in the hearts of Naxi youth. It is a tranquil meadow surrounded by ancient towering trees and dense vines, creating a serene environment. Below the thirteen peaks of Yulong are 13 modern maritime glaciers, which from afar appear like a waterfall hanging overFanzi DouBelow, under the sunlight, it glistens with silver light. Tourists can take the large cableway to an altitude of 4506 m, and then follow the mountain boardwalk to view the glacier and the majestic main peak up close. Large cableway The attraction's popular cable car transports visitors from the lower station at Ganhaizi to the Glacier Park at an elevation of 4,506 m. After getting off the cable car, you can follow the wooden boardwalk laid out on the glacier all the way to the highest point at an elevation of 4,680 m, where you can experience the charm of the snow-capped mountains and glaciers up close. In case of strong winds, the cable car may be suspended; please keep an eye on official messages for details. Spruce meadow cableway The lower station of the cableway is located at the foot of the snow mountain by the Baishui River, and can be reached by taking the attraction's eco-friendly bus. Riding the Yunshanping cableway takes you to Yunshanping at an elevation of 3,240 m, a great spot to view the peaks of Yulong Snow Mountain from afar. Yak Meadow cableway Maoniuping is a large meadow located on another side of Yulong Snow Mountain, about 15 km from Yunshanping. Climbing up to Maoniuping, you can view Yulong Snow Mountain from another angle.

Zhujun Pavilion - Prince's Palace

The Prince's Hall, located in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, is a religious structure steeped in history and culture. As one of the mountain's most prominent attractions, the Hall attracts numerous tourists and pilgrims with its exquisite architecture and rich religious culture. Dedicated to Taoist guardian deities, the Hall's architectural style blends Taoist and local ethnic characteristics, embodying a unique religious artistic charm. The exquisite carvings and murals within the hall vividly depict Taoist myths and rituals, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The religious activities and temple fairs held at the Hall attract large numbers of believers and tourists. These events are not only a manifestation of religious faith but also an integral part of local culture, offering visitors an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and experience local traditional culture. For those interested in religious culture and historical architecture, the Hall offers a wonderful opportunity to explore and appreciate it.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Dianchi Lake

Dianchi Lake, also known as Kunming Lake, is the sixth-largest freshwater lake in China. Its expansive and magnificent surface has earned it the reputation of "five hundred li of Dianchi Lake" since ancient times. As one of the larger plateau lakes in Yunnan Province, Dianchi Lake is surrounded by numerous waterfront parks and wetlands, making it an unmissable stop when visiting Kunming. Every winter, large flocks of black-headed gulls fly all the way from Siberia to Dianchi Lake to spend the winter. This spectacle has occurred faithfully every year since 1985, and feeding the black-headed gulls along the lakeshore has become a highly popular winter experience in Kunming. Strolling along the sightseeing road on the east bank of Dianchi Lake is a great way to experience the lake up close. On one side is the vast, misty expanse of water, with the Western Hills stretching across the distance; in winter, the sightseeing road is especially lively, as residents and visitors alike stop by the lakeside to interact with the black-headed gulls. For a different perspective, you can take the cableway from the lakeside to Dragon Gate in the Western Hills and look down from above, taking in the entire Dianchi Lake at a glance. In the Caohai area at the northern end, you can also take a boat out on the lake and experience its vastness from the water. In recent years, through sustained governance, the water quality and lakeside ecology of Dianchi Lake have gradually improved, the wetland views along the lake are also continuously being restored, and the sightseeing environment has been significantly enhanced compared to the past.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Stone Forest Scenic Area

Stone Forest Scenic Area is located in Shilin County, Kunming, and is one of Kunming's key attractions. Stone Forest Scenic Area is a typical karst landscape, with stone peaks, stone buds, sinkholes, and underground rivers everywhere. The peak forest transforms into various forms—sword-shaped, tower-shaped, mushroom-shaped, and more—bizarre and magnificent. The entire scenic area consists of the Major and Minor Stone Forest, Naigu Stone Forest, Dadieshui, Changhu, and other sections. These sections are relatively scattered, and regular tours are mainly concentrated in the Major and Minor Stone Forest area. The Major and Minor Stone Forests are located in the same area. Walk along the path for 20 minutes, and on your left is the smaller Minor Stone Forest Scenic Area with relatively gentle stone peaks. Amid a dense cluster of peaks stands the famous Ashima Rock, where the towering peak forest transforms into a graceful Yi girl named Ashima, as if beckoning to you. This is a favorite spot for visitors to take photos. Besides the pretty Ashima, the Minor Stone Forest area also features views such as Shenjun and Cushi Qingtian, each with its own distinct shape. This is a test of your imagination. If your imagination is not vivid enough, it is recommended to hire a guide, under whose guidance you will gain a whole new understanding of the peak forest before your eyes. As you slowly drive along the highway, the roadside unfolds in turn with Tang Monk Rock, Stone Prison, Phoenix Preening Its Feathers, Lingzhi Rock, and more—each vividly lifelike and exquisitely true to form, displaying the wondrous craftsmanship of nature to you in all manner of poses. Walking along the passageway, you will unexpectedly arrive at the Major Stone Forest area. After passing such wonders as "Two Birds Feeding Each Other," "Rhinoceros Gazing at the Moon," "Lotus Peak," "Stone Forest Wonderland," and "Stone Screen," you may be feeling a bit tired. Taking a short rest at Lion Pavilion and admiring the reflection of the peak forest in Lion Pond across the way is a serene pleasure in itself. After seeing so many peak forests, it is only natural to feel some aesthetic fatigue. It is time to enjoy the water scenery. Board a cruise on Stone Forest Lake and drift across the water, where mountain scenery and lake views come together in one place, and all your stress and worries simply melt away. Naigu Stone Forest, also known as New Stone Forest or Mozhai Stone Forest, is composed of the Stone Forest Scenic Area, Baiyun Lake, Shifeng Mountain, and Yougu Xianpu Waterfall. Compared with the Major and Minor Stone Forests, this place presents another style. The peak forest here is overall grayish-black, with tall and densely packed stone pillars in castle, tower, and mushroom shapes. The simple and rugged grotesque rocks surge skyward like waves with magnificent momentum. Strolling through the black peak forest feels like entering a wild and primitive world.