Zhaotong

Zhaotong has a large temperature difference between day and night. If you are heading to high-altitude areas, be sure to bring warm clothing.

Zhaotong is located in northeastern Yunnan. The pace of the city is relatively relaxed, with natural sights such as plateau cloud seas, ancient roads, and waterfalls, as well as a strong local food culture. Below is a suggested 3-day, 2-night Zhaotong itinerary, suitable for a first visit.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Zhaotong and Explore the Ancient City
  • Afternoon: After arriving in downtown Zhaotong, check in to your hotel. For accommodation, the area around the ancient city or Shengeng Park is a good first choice, as both dining and transport are convenient.
  • Evening: Head to Zhaotong Ancient City. Enter through Quma Gate, then pass Dou Street and Tiaoshui Lane in order. Visit the Li Ancestral Hall and Shaanxi Guild Hall to learn about this 300-year-old “Turtle City” and its everyday local atmosphere.

• Dinner: Try Zhaotong small meat skewers around the ancient city or on Tongmao Street. These small skewers are grilled fresh over charcoal, with a good mix of fat and lean meat, and are usually eaten with fish mint and Danshan dipping sauce.

• Day 2: Head to the Plateau and Visit Dashanbao
  • Morning: Depart from the city at 8:00 for Dashanbao. The drive takes about 1.5–2 hours. The final 20 km before reaching the scenic area is a winding mountain road, so drive carefully.
  • Daytime: After buying a full sightseeing pass for the scenic area, visit Jigongshan Grand Canyon first to enjoy the cliffs and sea of clouds, then continue to Xianrentian to walk across the broad meadows.

• Reminder: There are few restaurants inside the scenic area, so it is best to prepare snacks and drinking water in advance. The local altitude is about 3,100 meters, so slow down your pace during activities and pay attention to how you feel.
  • Evening: Try to take a return bus or chartered car back to the city before 16:00. For dinner, you can arrange to have gastrodia stewed chicken.

• Day 3: Visit a Cave or Explore a Farmers’ Market
  • Morning: If you have enough time, you can visit Shanhai Cave to see a natural limestone cave. Alternatively, go to Fengxia Farmers’ Market to observe local daily life and buy fresh Zhaotong apples.

• Afternoon: Pack your luggage, bring along some local specialties, and end your Zhaotong trip.

Must-Try Foods in Zhaotong

Transport and Accommodation Tips

• Transport:
  • By air: Zhaotong Airport is close to the city center. It takes about 20 minutes by taxi.
  • By high-speed rail: Zhaotong Station is still under construction and is expected to open in 2026. Once completed, travel to Zhaotong from Kunming or Chengdu will be more convenient.
  • By car: The expressway drive from Chengdu to Zhaotong takes about 5–6 hours, and overall road conditions are fairly smooth. The final section to Dashanbao is a winding mountain road, so keep your speed under control.
  • Within the city: Taxi fares in the city are relatively affordable. To get to Dashanbao, you can charter a car, drive yourself, or take a scheduled bus from a regular passenger transport station.
• Accommodation:
  • Accommodation prices in Zhaotong are generally reasonable. You can usually stay in a good-quality hotel for under 300 yuan.
  • Consider staying near Qingnian Road Financial Center or Shengeng Park, where there are many dining options nearby and it is also convenient to reach the ancient city. If you are driving, you can park at your hotel and then walk to the core area of the ancient city.

Practical Information

• Warm clothing and sun protection: Dashanbao is about 3,100 meters above sea level, with a clear temperature difference between day and night. In the morning and evening, you will need a down jacket or windproof shell jacket. The local UV rays are strong, so prepare sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Bus times: If taking public transport to Dashanbao, buy an early bus ticket at Zhengyu Rural Passenger Transport Station and leave enough time to catch the last return bus at 16:00 in the afternoon. If you miss it, it can be difficult to get a taxi at short notice.
• Adjusting to the plateau: When you first arrive at a high-altitude area, avoid strenuous exercise. You can prepare an oxygen canister or glucose in advance.
• Black-necked crane watching: December to March of the following year is a good time to observe black-necked cranes. Around 15:00, when the crane keepers feed them, the cranes tend to gather and become more active. In summer, the main highlights are the meadows and cloud sea scenery.
• Buying fruit and mushrooms: Zhaotong apples and local mushrooms can be bought at the Fengxia Road farmers’ market or from roadside farm stalls. Prices are usually lower than in scenic areas. When buying, compare several vendors and negotiate the price.