Things to do in Yongping

Yongping Qudong

Qudong Hui Cultural City

No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan and Guizhou

Cangshan Mountain

Cangshan Mountain, also called Diancangshan Mountain, is located on the west side of the Erhai Lake in Dali. It's scenery is spectacular and it is one of the four scenic spots of Dali. The main peak of the mountain is snowy all year round and the mountain is often shrouded in clouds. You can take the cablecar up the mountain or walk up the mountain. After ascending the Cangshan Mountain, you can overlook the beautiful Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient City.

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.

No. 1 of Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Dali City

The Chongsheng Temple And The Three-Pagoda Culture Tourist Area

The Chongsheng Temple And The Three-Pagoda Culture Tourist Area is located 1.5 km north of Dali Ancient Town, serving as the royal temple during the Dali Kingdom period. With Erhai Lake to the east and Cangshan Mountain's Yinglue Peak to the west, the scenery here is exceptionally beautiful. The three pagodas were originally part of Chongsheng Temple. While the temple seen today is a reconstruction, the pagodas remain as millennia-old relics and a major highlight for visitors. The tour route begins at the attraction's main gate, where the three pagodas immediately come into view atop the central axis staircase. The large central pagoda, called Qianxun Pagoda, stands majestically with two smaller pagodas to its north and south, forming a grand tripartite layout. The three pagodas resemble the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an. The perfect spot to photograph them is the "Three Pagodas Reflection Pool" in the Three Pagodas Reflection Park located diagonally behind them, where travelers can capture the pagodas and their reflections in the water. Many travelers take photos here as souvenirs. Walking around the pagodas and following the central axis inward, visitors can view Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom artifacts excavated during the pagodas' restoration at the cultural relics exhibition hall, admire the 16-ton Nanzhao Jianji Bell in the bell tower, see the Rain Copper Guanyin in the Rain Copper Guanyin Hall, and finally arrive at the Chongsheng Temple. The current Chongsheng Temple was rebuilt in 2005, boasting a grand scale that reflects the imperial monastery's grandeur during the Nanzhao and Dali periods. The temple houses over 10,000 dragon designs of various types, making it the temple with the most dragon depictions in China. Additionally, it features one of the country's largest cowhide drums, measuring 3.1 m in diameter and made from a single piece of cowhide, which is worth seeing.

No. 4 of Night Attractions in Yunnan

Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake lies quietly at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains and east of Dali Ancient Town, serving as Yunnan's second-largest plateau freshwater lake after Dianchi Lake. Stretching narrowly over 40 km from north to south, its silhouette resembles both a human ear and a crescent moon. The Bai people traditionally call large lakes "seas," and with its vast expanse and sea-like waves when winds rise, it earned this romantic name. The nineteen peaks of Cangshan stand like a screen to the west, reflecting the lake's shimmering waters—a scenery long praised as "silver Cangshan and jade Erhai." This is also the setting for the "Erhai moon," one of Dali's famed "wind, flower, snow, and moon" four scenic wonders. The classic way to explore Erhai Lake is riding or hiking along the lakeside ecological corridor, where you can stop anytime along the 100 km shoreline: Longkan Dock on the western shore features boardwalks extending into the water and rows of dawn redwoods, making it a popular sunrise spot. Further north, Panxi S-bend's waterfront trail curves gracefully along the lake, with a solitary tree in the water and pastoral shores serving as iconic photo backdrops. Taking a cruise offers distant views of Little Putuo Island and a chance to visit Nanzhao Folk Island, often accompanied by Bai ethnic tea ceremonies and dances. Jinsuo Island in the southern lake has been home to Bai fishermen for generations, preserving both village charm and Benzhu faith traditions. During the summer Torch Festival, lakeside villagers toss pine resin powder, creating fiery sparks, while the legend-linked Shuahai Festival—honoring Lady Bojie and Duan Chicheng's serpent-slaying tale—keeps Bai bravery alive by the lakeshore. To slow down, head to Shuanglang Ancient Town by the lake and pick a waterfront café to spend half a day. At dawn, wait for the sunrise on the western shore; in the evening, watch the sunset paint the Cangshan Mountains golden-red from the eastern shore—riding along the lakeshore, cruising back to gaze at the mountains from the lake center, or simply sitting by the water—these experiences perfectly piece together different facets of Erhai Lake.

2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Rehai Scenic Area

You will see hot springs everywhere at Tengchong Thermal Sea Scenic Area. As soon as you come in, the “Hot Sea Giant Boiling Pot” - a round geothermal pool that can hard-boil eggs - will catch your eye. You will see many geyser vents as you make your way around the path that rings the inside of the park. The Yugu Hot Springs within the scenic area offer more than 20 open-air and semi-enclosed bathing pools. The Meinu Hot Springs offer multiple open-air bathing pools, cavern pools, and large swimming pools. Accommodation is available within the Tengchong Hot Sea Geothermal Scenic Area, where you can relax in a private hot spring in your room.

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge

Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the world's deepest gorges,Located in the east of Tiger Leaping Gorge town, Shangri-La county, it is divided into three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower Tiger Leaping, with a total length of approx. 20 km. The Jinsha River rushes here, flanked by the Jade Dragon and Haba snow mountains. At its narrowest, the river is only 20 to 30 m wide, and combined with the massive drop, the water surges with tremendous force. Beyond its magnificent natural scenery, Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge is also a world-renowned hiking destination, attracting a steady stream of outdoor enthusiasts every year. Only after passing through Middle Tiger Leaping and descending to the riverbank can you truly appreciate the grand and majestic momentum of Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge. Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge is renowned for its steepness, danger, grandeur, and magnificence. Among them, Upper Tiger Leaping is famous for the "gorge mouth" and the "Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area - Tiger Leaping Stone"; Middle Tiger Leaping is perilous due to "Starry Sky" and "A Sliver of Sky"; while Lower Tiger Leaping is beautiful for "a calm lake emerging from the high gorge" and "Daju scenery." Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Upper Tiger Leaping is the upper section of Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge and the narrowest part of the entire Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge. Near the viewing platform, the width is only less than 30 m, and a triangular boulder stands prominently in the middle of the river, splitting the torrent into two and sending up snow-white spray and waves of roaring sound. Legend has it that a fierce tiger once leaped from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain side to the Haba Snow Mountain side using this boulder in the middle of the river, hence the name of the stone: Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area - Tiger Leaping Stone. Upper Tiger Leaping was developed earlier, and a plank road has been built so you can descend from the roadside to the riverbank; a fast walker can get there in 20 minutes. Because the path is simple and easy, the distance is relatively short, and the difficulty is low, some people jokingly call Upper Tiger Leaping the "senior activity center." Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge Middle Tiger Leaping is below Upper Tiger Leaping, about 8 km from the Shangri-La Upper Tiger Leaping Scenic Area - Viewing Platform. The mouth of Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge in Shangri-La, Yunnan is slightly wider, and the river surface is relatively open, but there are many dangerous shoals. The river water threads through the reef area, and under the sunlight, it sparkles, like stars shining across the sky, hence the name: Starry Sky. Winding down along "Teacher Zhang's Trail," the path is narrow and rugged, and it takes about 40 minutes to reach the riverbank. By the river, jagged rocks stand, and the surging water splashes up a mist of spray, where you can see gorgeous rainbows. Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge Continuing along the road from Middle Tiger Leaping, you pass the "Slippery Rock Slab," where loose mountain rock causes frequent falling stones, and suddenly the view opens up: the river surface widens and the current grows gentle, as if a massive reservoir has appeared within the gorge—this is Lower Tiger Leaping. In the distance, fields stretch in a patchwork and cooking smoke curls upward; you have already reached Daju Township in Lijiang.

No. 6 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Yunnan

Potatso National Park

Potatso National Park is located in Shangri-La, Yunnan, in the heart of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage site in northwest Yunnan. In Tibetan, "Potatso" means ferrying all beings to the shores of happiness. The park is composed mainly of two plateau lake areas, Bita Lake and Shudu Lake, which are more than ten km apart, with subalpine meadows such as Militing and Tibetan villages such as Luorong Village scattered between them. Lakes and wetlands, primeval forests, and plateau pastures are concentrated here, and most of the mountain forests remain in their original ecological state. Sightseeing is done by taking eco-friendly shuttle buses between the areas and then hiking along boardwalks to observe the details. The water of Shudu Lake is clear and blue, and by the lakeside stretches a vast highland pasture. In spring and summer, wildflowers bloom across the grassland, making it very beautiful. On winter mornings, moisture on the lake condenses into a white mist that spreads over the water's surface; only by taking the first bus of the early morning can you witness this wonder. A walking boardwalk has been built along the lake across the pasture, and it takes about an hour to walk the full loop. At the end of the boardwalk is the eco-friendly bus stop, where you board after sightseeing to reach the next destination. The next stop of the eco-friendly bus is Militing Grassland, which is flat and open. Bitahai Lake is the last stop on the eco-friendly bus route and also the highlight of this trip. In Tibetan, Bitahai means "lake of oak trees like a felt blanket" — as the name suggests, the lakeside is covered with dense oak trees like a green felt. Large numbers of azaleas grow among the oak forest. Every year in May and June when spring comes and flowers bloom, azalea petals fall into the water, and the fish that eat the slightly toxic azalea flowers float to the surface one after another. This is the famous scene of Bitahai Lake: drunken fish amid azaleas. A boardwalk has also been built along the shore of Bitahai Lake; walking slowly along it leads to the lakeside pier. There are cruises on the lake, allowing you to tour the mountain scenery and water views around the lake.

No. 2 of Night Attractions in Yunnan

Lugu Lake Scenic Area

Lugu Lake Scenic Area spans the two provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan, with a lake surface elevation of approx. 2690 m. It is a deep-water plateau lake at the border of Yunnan and Sichuan, long known as the "pearl of the plateau." The lake water is clear and transparent, allowing the naked eye to see several meters deep, a water quality rarely seen among China's alpine lakes. Scattered across the lake are 5 full islands, 3 peninsulas, and 1 island connected by an embankment, each with a different shape. Among them, Liwubi Island is the largest, and on the island stands a temple built by the Mosuo people; Lige Peninsula extends narrowly into the lake, only a little over ten m wide at its narrowest point, and is a classic spot for enjoying the lake view. On the southeast side of the lake, Caohai is a wetland covered with aquatic plants, which together with the vast Lianghai waters forms the lake's view. In summer, ottelia flowers bloom across the lake surface, with white blossoms floating like scattered stars on the water, a signature natural scene of Lugu Lake Scenic Area. The shores have long been home to the Mosuo people, who to this day retain a matrilineal clan system and the walking marriage custom; this distinctive cultural tradition has earned Lugu Lake Scenic Area the name "Oriental Kingdom of Women." The Mosuo's traditional pig-trough boat remains the main means of boating on the lake, and taking a boat tour is a classic way to experience Lugu Lake Scenic Area. The Walking Marriage Bridge by the lakeside spans the grassy marsh and is an important place to experience Mosuo culture. Villages such as Daluoshui and Lige are distributed around the lake; the Lige Peninsula area is a popular viewpoint, while villages on the lake's north shore such as Nise and Xiaoluoshui have fewer visitors and are more tranquil. The residence of the last tusi's princess consort on the southeast shore is also worth a stop to learn about local history.