Things to do in Yanshan
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Top 10 attractions in Yanshan
Tinghu Scenic Area
Tinghu Lake Scenic Area is located in the northeast of Yanshan County, Wenshan, Yunnan Province, 3.6 kilometers northeast of the center of the county. The five isolated islands in the reservoir have their own characteristics. Taking Shuangfeng Island as the center, the 4,900-meter-long reservoir area is divided into two parts; Shuangfeng Island is 500 meters long and 250 meters wide. The east side of the island resembles a huge mountain eagle due to the change of terrain. Pounce on the water, so it means "the eagle hits the water".Yanshan · 6.1 km from downtown
Yuxian Lake Scenic Area
Yanshan · 30.1 km from downtown
Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Spot
The Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Spot is located on the upper reaches of the Guichun River along the China-Vietnam border in Guangxi. Here, the boundary river meets a cliff, cascading down in three tiers with a width of over 200 m and a drop of more than 70 m, facing Vietnam's Ban Gioc Waterfall across the cliff. During the rainy season, the two waterfalls nearly merge into one, and their roar can be heard across the valley. This site also served as a filming location for the TV series The Journey of Flower. The highlights of the visit mostly revolve around this border river: after passing through the Detian memorial archway, known as the "transnational gate," you can take a bamboo raft from the shore to the foot of the waterfall, looking up as the curtain of water crashes down from the cliff top, with mist spraying onto your face—effectively "traveling abroad" on the border river. On the river, you'll often encounter Vietnamese locals paddling small bamboo rafts to sell coffee, dried fruit, and other goods, and the haggling adds a fun cross-border market vibe. After disembarking, follow the waterfall-viewing boardwalk and multi-level observation decks to admire the waterfall's full panorama from different heights. Boundary markers No. 53 (erected during the Qing Dynasty and inscribed with "Guangxi, China") and No. 836 are popular photo spots. Along the boardwalk, you'll also find Detian Temple, built by villagers in the 1980s to commemorate the Zhuang historical figure Nong Zhigao—worth a quick visit. The waterfall view varies significantly with water volume: during the summer peak season, the water is torrential and awe-inspiring, while it appears more delicate in the dry season; the bamboo raft dock has long queues in peak season, so it's advisable to arrive early for a close-up view of the waterfall; the rafts get quite misty, so remember to waterproof your phone and camera.China · Daxin
Huangguoshu Scenic Area
The Huangguoshu Scenic Area is located in Anshun, Guizhou, centered around the Huangguoshu Waterfall. Surrounded by deep gorges, dense vegetation, and dotted with limestone caves and stone forests, it is a typical karst landscape area. The waterfall's name originates from the locally abundant "Huangguoshu" (Ficus virens). Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake visited and documented this site, contributing to its fame. The scenic area primarily consists of three main sections: the Great Waterfall, Tianxing Bridge, and Doupotang. Most travelers follow the sequence of Doupotang, Tianxing Bridge, and finally the Great Waterfall, saving the most spectacular view for last. The grand waterfall has a drop of nearly 80 m and a width of over 100 m. The Baishui River plunges from the cliff top into Rhinoceros Pool, creating a vast mist. Multiple viewing platforms around it allow visitors to experience its grandeur, wonder, steepness, and beauty from different angles—above, below, front, back, left, and right. A particularly unique experience lies behind the waterfall: a 100 m long Water Curtain Cave runs horizontally through its midsection, featuring cave windows and halls. Reaching through a window, one can touch the cascading water. The cave served as the filming location for the Water Curtain Cave in the 1986 TV series Journey to the West. Due to the heavy humidity inside, bringing a raincoat in advance is recommended. Tianxing Bridge is renowned for its harmonious blend of rocks, water, trees, and caves—where rocks rise from the water, caves hide within rocks, and trees stand beside caves. The stepping stones along the path are engraved with dates, allowing travelers to find their own "birthday stone." The attraction is divided into upper and lower sections. Many travelers turn back after completing the upper section, missing the Silver Chain Waterfall in the lower part—where water cascades like silver chains into a funnel-shaped pool, the highlight of Tianxing Bridge. The Doupotang waterfall is located approx. 1 km upstream from the grand waterfall. With a width of over 100 m at its crest, the water spreads out smoothly like a beaded curtain. During the high-water season, its deep roar earns it the nickname "roaring waterfall." The scene of the four pilgrims leading their horse across the river in the 1986 TV series Journey to the West was filmed here. In summer and fall, the waterfalls are full and powerful, while in winter and spring, the flow becomes gentler, offering different viewing experiences. Nearby, visitors can also enjoy local snacks like sticky rice, love tofu, and Anshun spring rolls.China · Zhenning
Dianchi Lake
Dianchi Lake is also called Kunming Lake. It is the sixth largest freshwater lake in China. It has the nickname of "Sparkling Pearl Embedded in a Highland". The lake is wide and spectacular. Every winter, a large flock of red-billed gulls migrate here from Siberia, making it a good place for bird watching and bird feeding. There are different ways to explore Dianchi lake. You can stroll around the lake, cycle, or ride a boat. You can also climb up to the Dragon Gate overlooking Dianchi Lake to get a better view of the entire lake.China · Kunming
Stone Forest Scenic Area
The Stone Forest Scenic Area is located in Shilin County, Kunming, and is one of the key attractions in the city. This scenic area showcases typical karst landforms, featuring stone peaks, pinnacles, sinkholes, and underground rivers. The towering rock formations take on various shapes—sword-like, pagoda-like, mushroom-like, and more—creating a breathtaking and fantastical landscape. The Stone Forest Scenic Area is divided into several widely spaced sections, with the Greater and Lesser Stone Forest attractions at its core. The Naigu Stone Forest is located approx. 12 km north of the main attractions, while the Dadie Waterfall scenic area sits approx. 29 km southwest. The Changhu Lake area is positioned 26 km southeast of the main site. When visitors refer to touring the Stone Forest, they typically mean exploring the Greater and Lesser Stone Forest sections. The Greater and Lesser Shilin are located in the same area. After purchasing tickets at the main entrance and walking along the path for 20 minutes, you'll find the smaller and more gently sloped Lesser Shilin Scenic Area on your left. Amidst the dense cluster of peaks stands the famous Ashima Stone, where the majestic karst formations resemble a graceful Yi ethnic maiden named Ashima, seemingly waving to visitors—a favorite photo spot for travelers. Beyond the striking Ashima, the Lesser Shilin area features other captivating views like the Steed and Pillar Supporting the Sky, each with unique shapes. This is where your imagination is put to the test. If you find your imagination lacking, we recommend hiring a guide who can offer fresh perspectives on these remarkable formations. As you drive leisurely along the highway, you'll encounter a series of remarkable rock formations lining the roadside—the Tang Monk Stone, Stone Prison, Phoenix Combing Its Wings, and Lingzhi Mushroom Rock—each vividly lifelike and exquisitely crafted by nature's artistry, presenting their unique postures to showcase Earth's wondrous creations. Strolling along the pathway, you'll unexpectedly arrive at the Great Stone Forest Scenic Area. After marveling at wonders like "Two Birds Sharing Food," "Rhinoceros Gazing at the Moon," "Lotus Peak," "Shilin Grand View," and "Stone Screen," you might feel slightly fatigued. Take a peaceful break at Lion Pavilion while admiring the inverted peaks reflected in Lion Pool across the way. After prolonged exposure to these karst formations, visual fatigue may set in—making it the perfect moment to shift perspectives. Board a cruise on Shilin Lake, where mountain vistas and water scenery converge into one breathtaking panorama, dissolving all stress and worries. If you prefer not to walk, electric carts driven by Yi ethnic women shuttle between attractions and stop upon request. You can still marvel at the wonders of the Stone Forest Scenic Area, and some friendly drivers may even share interesting local anecdotes along the way. Naigu Stone Forest, also known as New Stone Forest or Mozhai Stone Forest, is located 13 km north of the Stone Forest Scenic Area. It features a landscape composed of stone formations, Baiyun Lake, Shifeng Mountain, and Yougu Xianpu Waterfall. Compared to the Stone Forest Scenic Area, this site offers a distinct style. The towering gray-black stone pillars here are densely packed, resembling castles, towers, and mushrooms. The rugged, primitive rock formations surge skyward like waves, creating a majestic atmosphere. Walking through these dark peaks feels like stepping into a primeval world.China · Shilin
Dongfengyun Scenic Area
Mile's “Dongfengyun” town is a characteristic town with cultural tourism, health care and art as its core. The tens of thousands of acres of vineyards and hundreds of acres of lavender fields Souvenir the Attraction add color to the town. All year round, there are flowers in full bloom in spring, evergreen trees in summer, yellow ginkgo trees in autumn, and quiet and peaceful things in winter. Play in the charm of Dongfeng, flower field windmills, lakeside trails, and special-shaped buildings, bringing you a visual feast of art. Sculptor Luo Xu took the red soil from this plateau and used the red bricks from this land to implant unique-style buildings into the original landforms, and built a group of red brick art buildings in various shapes. The kaleidoscope displays the only two sets of "Thousands of Chorus Pottery Figurines" in the world, and the Half Cloud Art Living Room creates a Zen and quiet Refreshment environment. International Art Center, Agricultural Reclamation Museum, Flower Hill, Seal Workshop... Here, architecture tells stories and art conveys emotions. Eat at Dongfengyun, where the Seal Shop and Cultural and Creative Market, which combine local snacks from Mile, bring you a food carnival. Stay at Dongfengyun, MGallery Art Hotel, with 5 different themes to meet your business, administration, parent-child, vacation, and honeymoon needs; Niuduoluo Music Farm, takes you into a different rural life; Art Inn, with modern intelligent technology, allows you to experience the butler-style immersive stay experience cared for by artificial intelligence. Here, life becomes poetry, allowing time to flow slowly in the poetry and paintings of art, and allowing the soul to rest quietly in the long river of years. The wind rises, the clouds fall, wine is consumed among the flowers, and life is filled with the rare charm of the east wind.China · Mile
Puzhehei Scenic Area
Puzhehei is a land of karst landscape and scenic agricultural fields. In 2013, it was a filming location for the hit reality TV series Where Are We Going, Dad? Here you can see karst caves, endless acres of lotus blossoms, and the beautiful country landscape that made Puzhehei famous. There are also ethnic minority villages here. The karst caves are a highlight of Puzhehei. Not only are these caves full of all sorts of stalactites, there are also many legends and myths about them. The golden season for visiting Puzhehei is from June to September, when the lotuses are in bloom.Qiubei · 60.3 km from Yanshan
Yunnan Nationalities Village
Yunnan Nationalities Village is located on the south side of Kunming, and is one of its most popular attractions. In the village, ethnic minority villages including those of the Dai, Bai, and Yi people are built to a 1:1 proportion. Each village has its own folk customs and craft performances. You can see the customs of many ethnic groups in Yunnan within a day. During minority festivals such as the Songkran Festival in April and the Torch Festival in July and August, the ethnic village will also host lively celebrations.China · Kunming
Wanfenglin Scenic Area
Wanfenglin Scenic Area is located in the southwest of Xingyi City, Guizhou Province, in the hinterland of Southwest Guizhou on the southeastern edge of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, between 104 51' and 104 58' east longitude and 24 58' and 25 42' north latitude. The southern end borders Guangxi, the west reaches Sanjiangkou at the junction of Yunnan, Guangxi and Guizhou, and the north is connected to the main peak of Wumeng Mountain. The peak is 1,600 meters above sea level, with an average altitude of 1,200 meters. The forest coverage rate is 68.5%, and the total area is more than 2,000 square kilometers. It is a typical area for the development of conical karst peak forest landforms in the world. Wanfenglin has a pleasant climate, with an average annual temperature of 16-18 , no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer. The average temperature in July is 21-26 . It is listed in the national summer resort city rankings and is an excellent leisure and tourism place in China.Wanfenglin Scenic Area is dominated by conical peak forests and peak clusters with Triassic strata rocks, among which are various geological relic landscapes such as karst caves, funnels, underground rivers, sinkholes and sedimentary strata. The peak clusters and peak forests are widely distributed, diverse in types, rich in form and well developed, which are extremely rare in China and even in the world. They are typical representatives of the conical karst landforms formed in the transition slope zone from the western Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau to the Guangxi hills, and are the "China Conical Karst Large Museum".The scenic resource types of the scenic area are mainly natural landscapes such as pastoral scenery and strange peaks and mountains, supplemented by cultural landscapes such as ethnic minority villages. In terms of natural resources, according to the form of the peak forest, Wanfenglin is divided into karst isolated peaks, valley peak forests, karst cone peaks, blade-shaped stone peaks and other types, forming a magnificent and vast karst landscape, which is a typical representative of the cone-shaped karst landform landscape and has great geological research value; in terms of cultural resources, the long history of the Buyi people has accumulated a rich national culture. Whether it is their clothing, language, or living customs, they all contain a strong national cultural atmosphere. The "Eight Sounds Sitting Singing" which enjoys the reputation of "living fossil of sound" and "sound of nature" is the folk rap art passed down from generation to generation by the Buyi people. It has a history of more than a thousand years and has been rated as a "national intangible cultural heritage."China · Xingyi
Free things to do in Yanshan
Tinghu Scenic Area
Yanshan · 6.1 km from downtownYuxian Lake Scenic Area
Yanshan · 30.1 km from downtownDetian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Spot
China · DaxinImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeHuangguoshu Scenic Area
China · ZhenningBook now for tomorrowDianchi Lake
China · KunmingStone Forest Scenic Area
China · ShilinDongfengyun Scenic Area
China · MileImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimePuzhehei Scenic Area
Qiubei · 60.3 km from YanshanYunnan Nationalities Village
China · KunmingWanfenglin Scenic Area
China · XingyiImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytime
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What travellers say about Yanshan
118***58July 2, 2022
5.0
The environment of this place is very good. I will come here next time.
Tinghu Scenic Area
老挝彭于晏November 22, 2020
4.0
The boat ticket is quite expensive, it is 170 yuan. If you want a more luxurious boat, it will cost more. It depends on how you view this place. If you are going to play for two or three days, it is more suitable to travel by water.
Yuxian Lake Scenic Area
Anonymous userOctober 14, 2026
5.0
Last night I saw a comment on Douyin saying that because it hadn't rained for the past few days, the water level at Detian Transnational Waterfall wasn't particularly high. Having that in mind, I wasn't particularly disappointed when I arrived today.
Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Spot
M62***32October 14, 2026
5.0
A must-see attraction in one's lifetime, easily accessible and boasting exceptionally beautiful scenery. One ticket allows for two days of sightseeing, providing ample time. An elevator has also been added to reduce fatigue for seniors. Besides the world-famous waterfall, the stones of Tianxin Bridge and the karst caves are also remarkable. Absolutely breathtaking.
Huangguoshu Scenic Area
Anonymous userOctober 14, 2026
5.0
Location: Haigeng Park/No. 16 Hubin Road ↔ Xishan Longmen (West Mountain Dragon Gate), not near the old street, you have to go to the Dianchi Lake area.
Experience: Crossing the lake + climbing the mountain, about 20 minutes one way, views of Dianchi Lake, Sleeping Beauty Mountain, and city scenery, great for taking photos.
Ticket Price: One way about 59-60 RMB, round trip about 98-100 RMB.
Advantages: Easy for lazy people to climb West Mountain, no climbing required, unique views; seagulls in winter.
Disadvantages: Stops during strong winds/thunderstorms; long queues during peak season; separate ticket/walking required for Longmen after climbing the mountain; don't confuse with the "Xishan Longmen Cableway".
Conclusion: First time in Kunming, taking the Dianchi-Xishan route → worth it; if just exploring the old street → not worth a special trip.
Dianchi Lake
_TI***72October 12, 2026
5.0
Excellent package. No Q and vip treatment. The assigned tour guide is friendly and good!
Stone Forest Scenic Area
lydialuluOctober 9, 2026
5.0
The architecture is distinctive, and it's quite photogenic. However, it's essentially a modern, man-made tourist attraction; it's not particularly interesting, with nothing particularly fun or story-driven. People who enjoy taking photos and checking off landmarks can come here; it's definitely suitable for posing and taking pictures.
Dongfengyun Scenic Area
Anonymous userAugust 26, 2026
5.0
When visiting Puzhehai, we specifically brought our children to play in the water. We prepared basins and buckets for water fights, which the kids loved. Middle-aged and elderly people can choose the western or central route, where they don't need to play water fights and can just enjoy the scenery.
Puzhehei Scenic Area
300***93October 2, 2026
5.0
Overall, I recommend visiting Kunming.
I originally planned to go for the nighttime activities, but after having dinner near the entrance it was already past 8 PM, and the park staff advised against going in. So we entered the park at 11 AM the next morning. Because I had a child with me, we didn't plan to spend too much time there, so we didn't hire a guide. We regretted it a bit after entering, but finding a guide later was difficult.
I recommend hiring a guide upon entry; it costs 200 yuan for 3 hours. It allows you to learn about the various ethnic cultures and customs, and also helps you avoid missing some villages and performances while exploring on your own.
Yunnan Nationalities Village
Anonymous userOctober 12, 2026
4.0
There were so many people, and the weather wasn't great either, with a sudden downpour. The service was definitely not up to par, but the scenery was still nice, and the cool climate in summer is also appealing.
Wanfenglin Scenic Area
