The Wumao Earth Forest (物茂土林, also know as Tiger Leaping Beach Earth Forest), located in Yuanmou, Yunnan, is a stunning natural wonder that captivates visitors with its otherworldly landscapes of unique earth formations. Often compared to a miniature version of the famous Stone Forest, this site offers a diverse range of geological features, including towering rock pillars, ancient caves, and striking desert-like terrain. As one of the three Earth Forest scenic areas in Yuanmou, Wumao is the most developed and accessible for tourism. This guide will provide essential travel tips, transportation details, and a suggested route for exploring this breathtaking destination.
Transportation to Wumao Earth Forest
Yuanmou is conveniently located on the route from Kunming to Dali, making it easy to access Wumao Earth Forest en route. Here are some transportation options to get there:
By Train: You can take a high-speed train from Kunming to Yuanmou West Station.
- Option 1: Train departs from Kunming at 08:12, arriving at Yuanmou West at 09:46.
- Option 2: Train departs from Kunming at 09:55, arriving at Yuanmou West at 11:18.
A one-way ticket costs approximately 50 RMB. Once you arrive at Yuanmou West, you have two choices:- A: Take a taxi directly to Wumao Earth Forest Scenic Area. The fare for a round-trip taxi is around 200 RMB.
- B: Go to the local bus station and take a bus. Make sure to book in advance as tickets are limited. The bus fare is about 23 RMB. Note that Yuanmou West Station no longer offers luggage storage, so if you’re carrying a lot of baggage, a taxi might be more convenient.
Return Journey: There is no direct trains to Dali, so we need to make a transfer at Guangtong North Station (广通北).
- Option 1: Take the 18:00 train from Yuanmou West to Guangtong North Station, then transfer to a train bound for Dali, arriving at 20:36.
- Option 2: Take the 14:18 train to Lufeng South, transfer, and reach Dali by 17:37.
- Option 3: Depart from Yuanmou West at 15:01, transfer at Kunming, and arrive in Dali at 19:41.
- Ticket prices vary depending on the route, with options ranging from 103 RMB to 164 RMB.
Touring the Wumao Earth Forest Scenic Area
The full tour of Wumao Earth Forest typically takes about 4 hours, depending on your pace and the amount of time you spend taking photos. However, most visitors finish the tour in about 2 hours, especially if they skip some of the less-observed spots. Here’s a recommended route for exploring the site:
- Starting Point: Begin from the right side of the park, following the path marked in the map.
- Key Spots:
- Ring Island: A picturesque spot with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Buddha Pagoda: A striking structure that offers a unique photo opportunity.
- Frog’s Croak Rain: A fascinating area featuring rock formations shaped like frogs.
- Yuanmou Human Cave: A historical site with significance to the area’s early inhabitants.
- Ancient Tusi Castle & Qishi Ancient Castle: These historic structures add a cultural touch to the natural beauty.
- Little Garden Service Area: A perfect spot to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
- Path Tips:
- Stay on the right-side road as you walk through the scenic areas. Avoid the left pedestrian path, as it is less maintained and can be overgrown with weeds.
- When you reach the Sky Tower, be sure to visit Ape Valley first, then head back and follow the outer walking loop.
- For great photo opportunities, take pictures at the Spiral Staircase and the observation deck, where you’ll find a couple of small protruding areas ideal for snapping a shot.
- Additional Advice:
Many of the paths marked with black lines on the map are overgrown and can be a bit challenging to walk on. These paths often lead to areas littered with paper money, so it’s best to avoid them.- Ticket Price: The entrance fee for the scenic area is 70 RMB.
- Food: There are no food vendors inside the park, so be sure to bring your own snacks and water.