Escape the crowds of popular tourist destinations like Dali and the Stone Forest and embark on a unique, off-the-beaten-path adventure in Ailao Mountain (哀牢山). Nestled in Yunnan Province, Ailao Mountain offers a tranquil setting for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. With its mystical forests, breathtaking cloud seas, and charming local cuisine, this guide will cover everything you need to know about transportation, accommodations, and food to make your journey unforgettable.
Transportation:Driving is the Only Way
The only viable way to reach Ailao Mountain is by car. Be prepared for winding mountain roads that may include falling rocks or dense fog. If you’re not confident in your driving skills, reconsider visiting. Renting a car in Yuxi (玉溪) is the best option. While public transport is limited, there is a morning bus from Yuxi to Gasa Town (嘎洒镇) at 7:40 AM, but it’s far more convenient to rent a vehicle as public transport options are scarce.
For my trip, I rented a Kia five-seater for two days at 240 RMB, and fuel costs were under 200 RMB. I recommend skipping car rentals in Gasa Town, as there’s no real reason to stop there (explained further below).
Accommodation: Stay Close to the Scenic Cloud Sea Viewing Platform
Before heading to Ailao Mountain, I read numerous travel guides suggesting accommodations in Gasa Town. I initially booked a hotel there but quickly realized it wasn’t ideal. After visiting the Jinshan Scenic Area (金山景区), I canceled my Gasa booking and opted for a guesthouse near the Cloud Sea Viewing Platform (云海观景台).
Here’s why:
- The road up and down the mountain is extremely rugged and time-consuming.
- Returning to the mountain the next day would require at least four additional hours of driving.
- To catch the stunning cloud sea and sunrise, which occurs around 7:30 AM, you’d need to wake up at 4:00 AM, drive in the dark, and navigate challenging conditions.
Instead, staying near the Cloud Sea Viewing Platform allows for a leisurely experience. We walked to the platform in just a few minutes, enjoyed the sunrise, and returned to our guesthouse for breakfast. It was an incredibly relaxing and rewarding choice.
Cuisine: Delicious Local Delights
Food options are conveniently concentrated near the Cloud Sea Viewing Platform. Ailao Mountain can be chilly, making a meal of local black goat hot pot a perfect treat. For just 149 RMB, you get goat meat, offal, four vegetable dishes, and a staple dish – all incredibly fresh and flavorful. The goat meat is cooked in clear water and is remarkably tender without any gamy taste.
Most mountain restaurants are small, family-run establishments that serve home-style dishes. You can even pick ingredients from the kitchen and discuss your preferred cooking style with the owners.
For unique dining experiences:
- Visit Shuji Mountain Lodge (树几山舍) for handcrafted yogurt, which is highly recommended if you stay here.
- Enjoy Yun Shang Coffee (云上咖啡) the next morning while marveling at the cloud sea.
- In the evening, head to Chu Orange Manor (褚橙庄园) for dinner. The food here is phenomenal, especially the passionfruit-grilled fish—a perfect way to satisfy your appetite after a day of hiking.
My Itinerary
Day 1
- Morning: Rent a car in Yuxi.
- Afternoon: Explore the Jinshan Primitive Forest (金山原始森林) and Tea Horse Road (茶马古道).
- Evening: Stay near the Cloud Sea Viewing Platform.
Day 2
- Early Morning: Watch the sunrise over the cloud sea at 7:00 AM.
- Midday: Visit Shimen Gorge Scenic Area (石门峡景区) and Nan’en Waterfall (南恩瀑布).
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Chu Orange Manor and return to Yuxi for the night.
Travel Tips
- Best Season to Visit: November is ideal, as it’s the off-season with fewer tourists, clear weather, and no mosquitoes or leeches. The cloud sea is at its best during this time.
- Clothing: A light jacket is sufficient for late November. Despite being a mountainous region, the weather is not too cold.
- Kid-Friendly Spots: Jinshan Primitive Forest and Chu Orange Manor are great for families, but other attractions may not be suitable for children.
- Safety First: Avoid venturing into uncharted areas. Stick to marked trails and scenic spots to ensure your safety.