Ailao Mountain (哀牢山) in Xinping, Yunnan, is a lush green haven and an unspoiled sanctuary. Here, the gentle waters of the Honghe River and the towering peaks of Ailao Mountain create a serene landscape, home to the descendants of ancient Dian tribes. The region is steeped in mystery, with intriguing customs such as the romantic Flower Street Festival, unique burial rituals, ancient tattoos, and the tradition of tooth-dyeing—customs that captivate the modern world.
As you trek through the Ailao Mountain Nature Reserve, the natural beauty unfolds like a living painting. Dense forests, flowing streams, wildflowers, mist, and ancient trails greet visitors at every turn. Adventurers, hikers, and explorers alike are drawn to this land, mesmerized by the majesty of waterfalls cascading down mountains and the pristine countryside views. It’s easy to lose yourself in the greenery, forgetting the distance traveled and focusing only on the sunshine-filled moments.
Ailao Mountain’s ecosystem is one of the most well-preserved examples of biodiversity at its latitude. Spanning tropical and subtropical zones, the mountain serves as a natural “corridor” for animal migration and a “gene pool” for plant species, making it a crucial area for conservation and study.
Travel Information about Ailao Mountain
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Price:
Combo ticket: ¥60 (includes Shimen Gorge, Tea-Horse Ancient Road, and Jinshan Primitive Forest)
Longxi Aristocratic Estate: ¥20
Da Muyu: ¥10
Da Binglang Garden: ¥15
Nan’en Waterfall: Free (as it is a natural roadside attraction).
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ailao Mountain in Xinping is during the spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom, and the trees are lush. The scenery is at its most beautiful during this period. Additionally, in the fifth month of the lunar calendar, the Dai people of Xinping hold the vibrant “San Yue Street” Festival, adding a festive atmosphere to your trip.
How to Get to the Scenic Area
Location: Ailao Mountain range, western Xinping County, Yuxi City.
By Bus: Take a bus from Xinping to Gasa, a 2-hour journey, then transfer to a local bus from Gasa to Ailao Mountain Scenic Area, which takes about 2.5 hours.
By Private Car: You can rent a minivan in Gasa for a one-day trip to Ailao Mountain. The rental fee ranges between ¥130–150, and the vehicle can accommodate 5–6 people comfortably.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★★
Highlights of Ailao Mountain
Nan’en Waterfall
Nan’en Waterfall is located along the Enshui Highway, cascading over large rock formations. The waterfall spans more than ten meters at its widest point and plunges from a height of over 100 meters. Surrounded by towering cliffs, the water rushes from the mountain’s peak, spraying mist in all directions as it descends.
The waterfall is especially majestic during the rainy season, resembling a roaring dragon tumbling from the sky. The powerful, thunderous flow of water creates an awe-inspiring sight that captivates visitors with its raw intensity and grandeur.
Longxi Aristocratic Estate
The Longxi Aristocratic Estate is a grand fortress nestled within the vast Ailao Mountains, representing the pinnacle of traditional Xinping garden architecture. It stands as a historical reflection of the Tusi (chieftain) system in Xinping and symbolizes the intense struggle between revolutionary forces and the remnants of feudal power during the Liberation War.
Overlooking the surrounding mountains, the estate is a solidly built structure with a unique design that blends elements of marble reliefs, red cedar wood carvings, traditional Chinese calligraphy and paintings, garden art, and Western architectural styles. These features highlight the once-prominent authority of the Li family. While the passing of time has left the estate quieter than in its heyday, it now welcomes a continuous stream of visitors eager to explore its history and charm.
Tea-Horse Ancient Road
The Tea-Horse Ancient Road in Ailao Mountain is a historic path stretching just over 50 kilometers, yet it encapsulates more than 1,000 years of Yunnan’s social development. It witnessed countless tales of officials, scholars, merchants, and travelers—stories filled with joy, sorrow, and partings.
Walking along the ancient road today, you can still see deep hoof prints in the ground, and if you listen closely, you might imagine hearing the distant calls of horsemen and the rhythmic clatter of hooves. Now, the road is quiet, its former bustle long gone, leaving only these ancient hoof prints, silently preserving the traces of the travelers who once walked this renowned path.
The Tea-Horse Road began during the Tang Dynasty, thrived in the Ming, peaked in the Qing, and declined in the Republic of China era, enduring more than a millennium of change. One of the most perilous sections lies within Xinping, crossing the Ailao Mountain’s primeval forest. The path is paved with stone slabs, and the ancient, mysterious hoof prints left on the road offer a glimpse into the once-thriving trade route where caravans passed in great numbers, accompanied by the sound of horse bells and the melodies of southern Yunnan.
Da Binglang Garden Ecological Village
Nestled at the foot of Ailao Mountain, Da Binglang Garden is a poetic Dai village, where the charm of Dai culture flourishes. By the banks of the flowing Honghe River, the village offers a picturesque setting. The river’s sandy beaches are soft and expansive, while towering banyan trees and other subtropical giants create a lush canopy. The surrounding fields stretch in a patchwork of vibrant greenery.
Visitors to the village can experience the rich ecological and cultural landscapes of the Dai people. The gentle sound of water wheels turning in the stream, the rhythmic clatter of looms, the kind and warm faces of elderly villagers, and the musical laughter of young Dai girls all reflect the sweet, pastoral life of the Dai community. Here, life flows serenely through the passing of time, offering a glimpse of a simpler, more harmonious way of living.
Huajie Festival
Every year in the fifth month of the lunar calendar, the Dai people in Mosha and Gasa, Xinping, celebrate the grand traditional Huajie Festival. The festival originates from the ancient legend of Pinniu Ferry in Mosha and commemorates the heroic figure Yanlong, who protected the people by defeating evil forces.
One of the key highlights of the Huajie Festival is the Maomao Dance, a traditional Dai folk dance known for its simple yet vigorous and mystical style. The festival is also a joyful occasion for young Dai men and women, where they dress up, showcase their beauty, and seek their romantic partners. This lively celebration is filled with vibrant cultural expressions and a sense of community spirit.
Da Muyu Ecological Village
Upon entering Da Muyu Village in Mosha Town, you are welcomed with a traditional Dai hospitality ritual. A red thread is looped three times around your body, and a delicate red bracelet is tied around your wrist, symbolizing your formal entry into the “Dai Elegant” village. This ancient, solemn ritual brings a sense of spiritual purity and detachment from the mundane world.
Da Muyu is a natural Dai village, offering an authentic glimpse into the Dai people’s way of life. The village is a cultural eco-park showcasing traditional Dai architecture, history, and customs. Surrounded by betel nut trees, phoenix tail bamboos, and lychee trees, the homes blend seamlessly with the environment. Here, the unique Dai customs, lifestyle, music, dance, and religious practices merge, creating a harmonious cultural tapestry.
Legend of the Dai People in Xinping
According to legend, the Dai people of Xinping are descendants of the aristocracy from the ancient Dian Kingdom. In ancient times, the Baiyue people began migrating southward in search of a more prosperous and stable place to settle. Among them was a noble tribe whose members, due to their luxurious attire and slower pace, fell behind the main group. When they reached the Honghe River Valley at the foot of Ailao Mountain, they noticed that the banana plants they had cut had already sprouted new shoots. Believing that the main group had moved far ahead, they decided to settle in the valley. They built homes, cultivated the land, and their descendants have lived in the region ever since.
Visitor Guide for Ailao Mountain
Accommodation in Xinping
When staying in Xinping, you can enjoy the elegance and warm service of star-rated hotels in the small town or experience the tranquility of countryside retreats. Xinping County offers a variety of options, including star-rated hotels like Xinping Hotel (新平宾馆) and Huitong Hotel (惠通酒店). Alternatively, you can stay in the Dai-style villages in Gasa (戛洒) or Mosha (漠沙) Towns for an immersive cultural experience with the local Dai customs.
Huitong Hotel (惠通酒店): Located on Xiyuan Road in Xinping County, this upscale hotel features luxurious décor, both Chinese and Western restaurants, and entertainment facilities. It is one of the more expensive options.
Xinping Gaga Youth Hostel (新平嘎嘎青年旅舍): Situated in Gasa Town, the main gathering place of the Dai people, this hostel offers a distinct cultural experience with a strong ethnic atmosphere.
Xinping Time Inn (新平时光小筑酒店): Located at the entrance of Gasa Town, directly across from Phoenix Plaza on Gasa Avenue, this hotel provides a view of the plaza’s musical laser fountains and water curtain movies.
Cuisine in Xinping
Xinping is home to over a dozen ethnic groups, each contributing unique customs and enticing local dishes. The local culinary scene is vibrant, with a variety of ecological delicacies to enjoy. Here are some of the most famous dishes:
Yao Sa Soup Pot (要洒汤锅): This local specialty features a large pot filled with various parts of yellow cattle, including beef, beef heart, and beef liver, all simmered to perfection. The rich flavor is a must-try for meat lovers. A recommended place to enjoy this dish is Mango Garden Soup Pot (芒果园汤锅), located on Agricultural Trade Street in Gasa Town.
Pickled Vegetables (酸腌菜): These golden-hued pickles come in a variety of types, including pickled leeks, pickled greens, pickled sour bamboo shoots, and pickled wood ear mushrooms. You can find them served as cold dishes in most restaurants throughout Xinping.
Pickled Duck Eggs (腌鸭蛋): Made from eggs of free-range wild ducks raised in the mountains, these pickled duck eggs are known for their vibrant color and rich flavor, with particularly delicious oiliness in the yolk that leaves a lasting impression.