2026 Yongping Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

Qudong, located in Yongping, Dali, is a millennium-old Hui ancient town along the historic Bonan Trail. It is also the largest and most well-preserved Hui settlement in western Yunnan. Bearing the trading legacy of the "Southwest Silk Road" and a profound Hui cultural heritage, the town weaves together ancient streets, age-old mosques, and mouthwatering Halal cuisine. It is the perfect destination for exploring ancient trade routes and ethnic minority cultures. ✨ Must-See Highlights in Qudong 1. Ancient Mosque: An Architectural Gem in Western Yunnan The Qudong Ancient Mosque, first built during the Yuan Dynasty, is one of the oldest mosques in western Yunnan and a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level. The temple beautifully blends traditional Chinese architecture with Islamic styles. Its double-eaves, gable-and-hip roofs, intricate wood carvings, and colorful paintings perfectly combine the delicate nature of Bai architecture with the solemnity of Hui culture. The grand main hall, prayer rooms, and other magnificent structures make it the cultural landmark of Qudong. 2. Ancient Street Vibes: A Living Memory of the Trade Route The ancient streets of Qudong have preserved their complete bluestone paths and traditional dwellings. Flanked by old houses with rammed-earth yellow walls and wooden doors and windows, the streets are filled with architectural details unique to the Hui people. In the early morning or late afternoon, as the setting sun casts a golden glow over the stone paths and the aroma of Hui street food drifts through the alleys, the town comes alive with an enchanting blend of everyday bustle and historical charm. 3. Tie-Dye and Handicrafts: Craftsmanship in Blue and White The handmade tie-dye workshops in town still preserve traditional Bai tie-dye techniques. Indigo fabrics, adorned with intricate and charming patterns, flutter in the breeze across courtyards, beautifully contrasting with blooming flowers to create the most poetic scene in the ancient town. You can also step into a workshop for a hands-on experience, making your own tie-dye piece and feeling the magic of this intangible cultural heritage. 4. Halal Cuisine: A Feast of Western Yunnan Flavors The Hui cuisine in Qudong is a major highlight: ◦ Yongping Braised Chicken (Huangmenji): Originating in Yongping, the Hui preparation method in Qudong adds a unique, rich, and savory flavor, making it a must-try signature dish. ◦ Pea Jelly (Youfen) and Iced Rice Shrimp (Miliangxia): These traditional street snacks offer a refreshing taste. Paired with local dipping sauces, they are the perfect summertime treats in the ancient town. ◦ Halal Pastries: A variety of traditional Hui pastries made with hearty ingredients and rich aromas—excellent choices for souvenirs. 📍 Practical Travel Tips · Location: Qudong Town, Yongping County, Dali Prefecture · Transportation: Driving or chartering a car is recommended. It's about a 10-minute drive from Yongping county center. You can easily combine this with the Bonan Trail and Huaqiao Village for a perfect day trip. · Recommended Itinerary: Half a day is enough to explore the town. We suggest pairing your stroll with a local food experience to fully soak in the everyday vibe of this Hui town. · Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft, ideal for photographing the ancient streets and the mosque. Visiting on market days lets you experience the lively local atmosphere. · Friendly Reminder: Please observe proper etiquette and dress modestly when visiting the mosque. Since some shops are run by Hui families, please respect their local dietary customs.

Located in Yongping, Dali, Huaqiao Village is a vital post station along the Bonan Ancient Road—part of the ancient "Southwest Silk Road." It's also a historic village chronicled firsthand in *The Travel Diaries of Xu Xiake*. Free from commercial hustle and bustle, you'll find only bluestone paths, yellow rammed-earth walls, and the ruins of the ancient post. Brimming with the charm of bygone eras, it is an absolute must-visit for exploring ancient road culture. ✨ Must-See Highlights in Huaqiao Village 1. A Living Fossil of the Bonan Ancient Road The village's bluestone paths were once the essential route for ancient caravans and horse trains traveling between Dali and Yongchang (modern-day Baoshan). The road surface is deeply grooved by a thousand years of horse hooves. Flanked by rammed-earth walls and traditional dwellings, walking here makes you feel as though you can still hear the ringing of ancient horse bells and the cries of merchants. The "Huaqiao" (Flower Bridge) at the village entrance is a landmark of the ancient road. With murmuring water flowing beneath and towering ancient trees at its ends, it stands as a silent witness to the historic post station. 2. Huaqiao Art Center: Rebirth of an Old Granary The most eye-catching photo spot in the village is undoubtedly the Huaqiao Art Center, transformed from an old granary. Two circular rammed-earth silos are enclosed by clean stone walls and reflecting pools, seamlessly blending modern architectural language with the ancient village's aesthetic. It's a perfect "industrial-meets-rural" backdrop for artsy photography. The center occasionally hosts exhibitions and events, injecting fresh vitality into the ancient village. 3. Puzhao Temple: Morning Bells and Evening Drums of the Ancient Post Nestled behind the village, Puzhao Temple was originally built in the Ming Dynasty and served as an important sanctuary along the Bonan Ancient Road. The stone archway and ancient steps leading to the temple are blanketed in moss, radiating an antique charm. In early spring, the century-old plum blossoms inside the temple bloom, filling the air with a subtle fragrance. Framed by the sweeping eaves of ancient architecture, the scene looks just like a traditional ink wash painting. Xu Xiake specifically visited this temple during his journey and left vivid records in his travelogues. 4. Authentic Ancient Village Vibe Huaqiao Village beautifully preserves the traditional residential style of the Bai ethnic group, featuring yellow rammed-earth walls, dark tiled flying eaves, and high-hanging red lanterns. Deep in the alleyways, you can still catch glimpses of the locals' daily lives. On rainy days, the wet bluestone paths glisten, mist shrouds the distant mountains, and the air is filled with the fresh, earthy scent of vegetation—taking the atmospheric vibes to the absolute max. 📍 Practical Travel Tips · Location: Huaqiao Village, Bonan Town, Yongping County, Dali Prefecture · Transportation: Driving or chartering a car is recommended. It takes about 20 minutes from Yongping County and can be combined with other attractions along the Bonan Ancient Road for a fantastic day trip. · Suggested Itinerary: Half a day is enough to explore the village. We highly recommend pairing your visit with a taste of the local delicacy, Yongping Braised Chicken (Huangmenji). · Best Time to Visit: Rainy days or early mornings offer the most photogenic views of the bluestone paths and misty mountains. Visit in early spring to admire the century-old plum blossoms at Puzhao Temple. · Friendly Reminder: Most paths in the village are paved with bluestone, so slip-resistant shoes are highly recommended. Some historical buildings are private residences, so please keep noise levels down during your visit.

All right, let’s switch to a bright and lively tone to reintroduce these three counties: · -- Lüchun county: the Hani mountain town above the clouds Lüchun is a small town built on a ridge, with its narrowest point only 30 meters wide. From afar, it looks like a long dragon lying on the mountaintop. The town is shrouded in mist year-round. Open your window early in the morning and you’ll see a sea of clouds, as if living in the sky. Its terraced fields are more pristine than those in Yuanyang. The Lagu terraces and Tongzhu terraces layer like fingerprints on the earth. You can stay in a mushroom house, watch the sunrise turn the terraces golden, and chat with Hani grandmas by the fire pit in the evening. If you come in November, you can catch the grand street banquet where the whole street is filled with dishes, and strangers raise their glasses together in a festive atmosphere like Chinese New Year. · -- Yongping county: a slow-paced town on the ancient path Yongping is a gem on the Bonan ancient trail where time moves slowly. Take a stroll through Qudong ancient town, where century-old houses line the bluestone streets. Hui elders sit at their doorsteps basking in the sun and praying. The air carries the aroma of baked flatbread. Hike along the Bonan ancient trail, passing through Huqiao village with towering ancient trees, all the way to Shanyang ancient town. The stones underfoot may be the very ones once trod by horse caravans. When tired, stop at a farmhouse by the road for authentic braised chicken, richly flavored and paired with a bowl of cold jelly made with papaya vinegar—it will revive you. There’s also a tea garden here known as the “closest to the sky,” where endless green tea bushes reflect the blue sky. Any photo you take here is worthy of a screensaver. · -- Lanping county: a colorful world hidden behind snowy mountains Lanping is a pure land in the heart of the Three Parallel Rivers, like a girl without makeup. Summer is the most beautiful season here. At Qinghuadian Wetland Park, wildflowers bloom everywhere—red, yellow, and purple forming a floral carpet. Yak and horse herds graze leisurely in the sea of flowers, with the snow-capped Laojun Mountain as the backdrop. Luoguqing Gorge hides red rock cliffs shaped by Danxia landforms, with streams rushing down the mountains. The air is filled with the fresh scent of pine needles and earth. This is the homeland of the Pumi people. You can join locals dancing the “Cuocuo” dance around a bonfire and listen to elders sing ancient narrative songs. Stay overnight at a mountain inn and look up to see a dense starry sky, with the Milky Way so clear it feels like you could reach out and grab a handful.

When you come to Dali for summer vacation, don’t just squeeze into the Old Town and Erhai Lake! Discovered a hidden gem with fewer people and beautiful scenery🌿 🌸Dali Huachiao Ancient Village ✨Mountain waters, countryside, millennia-old paths, and artistic villages A summer trip that’s simply legendary! 💫Save this guide to avoid pitfalls~ 🏞️【Stunning Scenery】 Summer breeze flows through the alleys, lush and green🍃 No commercial noise Only mountain breeze and soothing slow life Perfect for family trips or a getaway with friends! 🎪【Limited Event|Huachiao Shanyin Village Market】 Every day during summer! 17 treasure stalls waiting for you~ 🍢Authentic mountain snacks 🎨Exquisite handmade goods 🌿Folk culture experiences Full of local charm and super fun to explore! 🌟【Top 8 Must-Visit Spots】 1️⃣ Hike the Thousand-Year-Old Bonan Ancient Path Step on millennia-old horse hoofprints, a romantic journey through time🚶‍♀️ 2️⃣ Bonan Ancient Path Museum Immerse yourself in the horse caravan culture👨‍👩‍👧A must-visit for families to learn something new 3️⃣ 800-Year-Old Yuanmei Ancient Tree Take a vintage-style photo📸A perfect spot for stunning shots 4️⃣ Yuan Dynasty Puzhao Temple A serene ancient temple surrounded by greenery🍃All your worries will vanish 5️⃣ Rural Art Center Modern art meets ancient path culture👩‍🎨A must for art lovers 6️⃣ Gumei Art Gallery Understand the story of Huachiao through paintings and calligraphy🖼️Full of artistic atmosphere 7️⃣ Local Tea Stall Free tea from a simple old man☕Experience local life 8️⃣ Shanyin Book House A peaceful afternoon reading spot📖Perfect for daydreaming 🍽️【Food Recommendations】 Shiguang Restaurant is a must-visit!🍲 Mountain-fresh vegetables with original flavors Feel like a local in Dali for a day~ 🏡【Accommodation Guide】 ▫️Shanyin Zhu · Huachiao Art Homestay Window views of the scenery⛰️The starry sky room is breathtaking ▫️Shanyin Zhu Qingshe Best value choice💰Student-friendly This summer, just hide away in Huachiao! Mountain breeze / thousand-year-old village / local life...🦋 This is the most beautiful side of Dali💕

Yongping County Qudong Cultural Tourism Area is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and an open scenic area that integrates city and landscape, open to the public free of charge all day. It is a thousand-year-old Hui ethnic town on the Bonan Ancient Road and the largest and best-preserved Hui ethnic settlement in western Yunnan. 📍 Address and Transportation · Address: Qudong Village, Bonan Town, Yongping County, Dali Prefecture. · Transportation: About 90 kilometers from Dali city center. Driving is the most convenient, about 10 minutes from Yongping County town; you can also take a shuttle bus from Dali Bus Station to Yongping, then transfer to Bus No. 2 for a direct route. 🎫 Tickets and Opening Hours · Tickets: Free. · Opening Hours: Open all day (0:00-23:00). 🗺 Suggested Routes and Key Attractions Recommended half-day “slow tour”: Start from the Ethnic Culture Square, stroll through Qudong Old Street (with bluestone pavements and traditional residences) → visit Qudong Ancient Hui Mosque (built in the Yuan Dynasty, blending Chinese and Islamic styles) → explore the former residence of Luohan Cai and Yongping County Simple Normal School. 💡 Practical Tips · Best Experience: Visit the Qudong morning market early to feel the local life and taste fresh beef, oil noodles, and other delicacies; the soft evening light is perfect for photography. · Food Recommendations: Yongping Braised Chicken (the place of origin), cured goose, and halal pastries are must-try specialties. · Unique Experience: Spend 10 yuan to enjoy a hot spring bath, or go to the Walnut Workshop for a free foot soak to relax and refresh. · Thoughtful Reminder: Please dress appropriately when visiting the mosque and respect local customs.

Far from the bustling crowds of Dali Ancient City, Baotai Mountain in Yongping is a pure land forgotten by time. Embraced by 160,000 acres of primeval forest where ancient trees reach the sky and crystal-clear streams murmur, Jinguang Temple—a renowned temple of western Yunnan—lies hidden amidst the sea of trees at the mountain's peak. Every brick and tile here whispers 400 years of vicissitudes and Zen serenity. Free from the city's clamor, the only sounds are the morning bells, evening drums, chirping birds, and rustling pines. It’s an exceptional destination for those seeking solitude, tranquility, and ancient history. 🌿 Baotai Mountain: Western Yunnan's Natural Oxygen Bar, Picturesque in Every Season Baotai Mountain National Forest Park is the secret backyard garden of Dali. The year-round evergreen primeval forest is rich in negative ions; a stroll here feels like a cleansing retreat for your lungs and soul. · Spring (March-April): Tens of thousands of acres of wild rhododendrons and magnolias bloom across the mountains. The slopes are blanketed in pink, white, and crimson, with the ancient temple nestled in the sea of flowers—a scene straight out of a fairy tale. · Autumn: Ginkgo and sweetgum trees dye the forest canopy in golden hues. The 600-year-old ginkgo tree in front of the temple sheds its leaves, creating a golden carpet full of Zen atmosphere. · Year-round Scenery: Towering ancient trees, hanging vines, and babbling brooks define the landscape. Occasional sightings of rare birds and wild animals add to the primeval mountain's spiritual charm. 🏯 Jinguang Temple: A 400-Year-Old Ming Dynasty Ancient Temple, The Premier Temple of Western Yunnan Originally built in the first year of the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty (1628), Jinguang Temple is known as the "Great Qing Lotus Ancient Maitreya Bodhimanda." During its peak, it housed nine nunneries, eighteen temples, and over a thousand monks, rivaling the famous Jizu Mountain. The legendary traveler Xu Xiake even visited in person and recorded it in his "Travel Diaries of Xu Xiake." · Ming Dynasty Architectural Treasures The temple perfectly preserves its Ming Dynasty architectural style, featuring flying eaves, bracket sets, and intricately carved beams and painted rafters. The most precious treasures are the 28 three-layer hollowed-out relief lattice doors. These masterpieces, depicting rare birds, exotic beasts, blooming flowers, and Buddhist sutra stories, are renowned for the saying, "An ounce of wood shavings is worth an ounce of silver." · Master Calligraphy and Antiquities The three characters "Jin Guang Si" (Jinguang Temple) on the mountain gate were personally inscribed by Li Genyuan, accompanied by a horizontal plaque reading "Famous Scenic Spot of Western Yunnan." Inside the halls, the solemn Buddha statues and exquisite bronze Buddhas are breathtaking. The temple also houses plaques inscribed by eminent monks of the Qing Dynasty, while ancient steles and bells silently recount the passage of time. · Tranquil Zen Environment The courtyard is lush with ancient trees and fragrant flowers, complemented by curling incense smoke and echoing bell chimes. With very few tourists around, sitting alone under the corridor, listening to the wind rustling through the leaves and birds singing in the empty valley, your mind will naturally find inner peace. 📌 Practical Guide (Traditional Chinese) · Location: Baotai Mountain National Forest Park, Shangyang Town, Yongping County, Dali Prefecture · Tickets: Baotai Mountain is free; Jinguang Temple is about 30 RMB (discounts for students and seniors) · Transportation ◦ Driving: Navigate to "Jinguang Temple" (金光寺). It takes about 2.5 hours from downtown Dali, and road conditions are good. ◦ Public Transit: Take a bus from Xiaguan to Yongping (about 2.5h), then transfer to a dedicated shuttle bus to the temple gate. · Best Seasons: March-April (sea of rhododendrons), October-November (golden autumn leaves) · Recommended Duration: 4-6 hours (hiking in the forest + exploring the temple) · Outfit Suggestions: Light-colored, plain cotton/linen clothing or Hanfu. These look incredibly photogenic against the ancient temple and forest backdrop. · Tips: The temperature difference in the mountains is significant, so bring a light jacket; wear non-slip shoes; respect the temple rules and tour quietly. Baotai Mountain is more than just beautiful scenery; it's a soul-cleansing journey. Step into this sea of trees and Buddhist sanctuary to briefly escape the hustle and bustle, and let the 400-year-old temple breeze soothe all your worries.

On my way to Dali, I stumbled upon this hidden gem of a county – Yongping! It boasts not only rich ethnic culture but also stunning natural scenery. Every snapshot is a masterpiece! Must-Visit Attractions: 1. Ethnic Village Stepping into this village on the ancient Tea Horse Road feels like stepping back in time. The rustic architecture, clear streams, and the century-old Yuanmei plum tree attract numerous artists to sketch here. 2. Alpine Meadow Standing atop the mountain, the view is expansive, shrouded in mist. Below lies a vast meadow, dotted with herds of cattle and sheep – a truly natural painting. Food Recommendation: When in Yongping, you absolutely must try the braised chicken! The broth is rich and flavorful, the chicken tender and juicy – ​​a true rice killer! Accommodation Recommendation: Baili Aishang International Hotel (Dali Prefecture Yongping Branch) This hotel truly amazed me! The decor is simple yet modern, with complete facilities. The rooms are spacious and bright, with comfortable bedding. Free laundry facilities and a gym are available in the public areas. What's most delightful is the room's soundproof windows with thermal break, ensuring a quiet and undisturbed night. The front desk service is excellent, and check-in and check-out are efficient. The surrounding environment is also fantastic, within walking distance of restaurants and shopping venues, and nearby attractions like the Bonan Cultural Park. For those traveling by car, convenient parking is available in the hotel's private parking lot. If you're traveling to Dali, don't miss this hidden gem of a hotel!

Who can relate? I recently found a super treasure homestay - Shanyinzhu, which is simply a spiritual haven for urban workers! 🌳 Hidden in the mountains, return to nature The homestay is hidden in the green mountains and rivers, and the whole is a simple and natural wooden structure. As soon as you walk in, you feel that time has slowed down, as if you have traveled back to the ancient paradise. Open the window, and you will be greeted by fresh air and greenery. Every breath feels like a spa for your body, and the fatigue disappears instantly. 🍲 A feast on the tip of the tongue, unforgettable The point is here! Their yak meat hot pot is really one of the most delicious hot pots I have ever eaten! The yak meat is tender and juicy, the soup base is rich and mellow, and with the local fresh wild mushrooms and vegetables, every bite is a gift from nature, and the happiness is directly full 💯 Sitting in the yard at night, accompanied by the sound of the wind in the mountains, eating hot pot and drinking hot tea, all the troubles are thrown away. ✨ Healing time, empty yourself Here, there is no work pressure, no hustle and bustle of the city, only the purest tranquility and beauty. If you also want to find a place to take a vacation and relax, Shanyinzhu is definitely your best choice! 📍 Address: Yongping County, search "Shanyinzhu" directly on the map

🤍Hidden restaurants in small counties 📍Rumi Tea Restaurant (opposite to Yongping County Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Dali Prefecture) Halal, Muslim friends are blindly rushing 🍽️ So chill🍾 🍕Pizza, pasta, coffee Small town prices The product is a surprise and unforgettable 🍰There will often be dessert cuts You're lucky to get that. Delicious, say more I can only say that I come often 🖤🖤🖤

✨Yongping Baotaishan National Forest Park✨, a hidden sanctuary nestled in the embrace of nature!🌳🏞️ The famous site here, Jin Guang Temple, is ancient and mysterious, making one feel as if they are traveling through a time tunnel.🧘‍♀️ The Washing Body Pool is crystal clear to the bottom, the water is like jade, purifying the soul.💧 🚶‍♀️Hiking here, every step is an intimate contact with nature. Feel the lush beauty of the forest, breathe the fresh air, as if you are in a natural oxygen bar.🍃🌿 🐾What's more surprising is that this is also a paradise for wild animals. Occasionally, a cute little squirrel will jump past you, or a few birds will sing in the treetops.🐿️🐦 Come to Yongping Baotaishan National Forest Park for an impromptu date with nature!