Located at the junction of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi provinces, Luoping County in Qujing City is famous for its breathtaking canola flower fields (罗平花海) that bloom spectacularly in early spring, typically from February to March. During this time, the local Canola Flower Festival is also celebrated, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Spanning over 200,000 acres, the canola flowers in Luoping create an endless sea of golden yellow that captivates everyone who visits this natural garden. The sight is so mesmerizing that it evokes sentiments of Luoping being the “Land of Abundance.”
While canola flowers can be found in many regions, the fields in Luoping stand out not only for their grandeur but also for their unique formations. Here, the vibrant canola blooms harmonize beautifully with the surrounding mountains, clear waters, and quaint villages, resulting in picturesque landscapes that change with every angle—each view presenting a stunning scene.
Among the most renowned spots for canola flowers in Luoping are the Jinji Peak cluster and Niujie, both of which offer some of the best vistas for admiring this breathtaking natural phenomenon.
Travel Information about Luoping Canola Flower Fields
Canola Flower Fields in Niujie
The canola flower fields in Niujie Street offer a distinctly different charm compared to those at Jinjifeng. While the Jinjifeng fields are characterized by their grand and breathtaking expanse, Niujie is known for its exquisite and delicate beauty. The terraced fields here spiral gracefully along the contours of the hills, resembling strands of spiral noodles, which is why they are often referred to as “Spiral Fields.”
In Niujie, the undulating hills create a dynamic landscape where canola flowers grow in harmony with winter wheat and various vegetables, resulting in a vibrant patchwork of colors. This unique interplay of crops provides a contrasting yet equally captivating experience compared to the vast golden sea of flowers at Jinjifeng.
In the Spiral Fields of Niujie, the brilliant golden expanse of blooming canola flowers contrasts beautifully with the deep green hues of the wheat fields. These different crops create a stunning visual mosaic, radiating from the central circular basin and showcasing vibrant colors and graceful lines that are truly mesmerizing. This spectacular scenery is a testament to the remarkable collaboration between nature and human effort; the unique karst landscape of this region, combined with the hard work of local farmers and Luoping’s favorable climate, culminates in the breathtaking wonder of Niujie’s Spiral Fields.
For the best photography opportunities, it is advisable to visit at sunrise. In that magical moment when the sun rises, the vast fields of canola flowers are suddenly illuminated in golden hues, set against a backdrop of soft morning mist. The beautiful layout of the terraced fields creates a strikingly realistic portrayal of the countryside, capturing the essence of nature in all its glory.
Canola Flower Fields in Jinji Peak Cluster
Located just 12 kilometers north of Luoping County along National Route 324, the Jinji Peak Cluster are a stunning array of countless conical hills arranged harmoniously across the valley. During the winter and spring seasons, this area bursts into life with hundreds of thousands of acres of blooming canola flowers, creating a breathtaking golden ocean. As the spring breeze flows through, the yellow canola flowers ripple like waves, becoming increasingly vibrant and enchanting under the sun’s warming rays, presenting a dazzling spectacle of gold.
From the summit of an unnamed hill, the view is magnificent: distant blue mountains merge with the gold that spills over their slopes, while the flower fields cascade down in terraced layers. Amidst the endless canola sea, charming villages and winding streams punctuate the landscape, with fields of flowers stretching out like a vast yellow carpet or a tranquil golden ocean. Standalone hills rise within the fields, bathed in soft sunlight that enhances the golden glow of the blossoms, while the air is filled with a delicate floral fragrance that is intoxicating.
The extensive canola flower fields at Jinji Peak Cluster also attract numerous beekeepers. Beehives are placed among the blossoms, where swarms of bees flit about, busily gathering nectar and contributing to the bounty of canola seed harvests. Luoping produces nearly 30 million kilograms of canola seeds annually, making it Yunnan Province’s largest canola seed production base and one of the 31 canola seed production bases in the country.
For those looking to capture the beauty of the canola fields, there is a scenic viewing platform at Lingyi Temple, located on the mid-slope of the nearby Dake Mountain on the north side of National Route 324. However, the best vantage point for photographing the Jinji Peak Cluster and their fields of canola is from the mountain’s summit. On clear days, you can capture stunning images of the vibrant flower sea nestled between the peaks, providing a breathtaking view of nature’s splendor.
Jiulong Waterfall Group
Upon entering the Jiulong Waterfall Scenic Area, visitors are greeted by the serene sight of Biri Pool. The water is crystal clear and calm, with a small island in the center dividing the stream into three separate cascades, forming the first waterfall of the Jiulong Ten Waterfalls. The island is adorned with lush reeds, and schools of fish can often be seen playing among the flowing waters, creating a captivating scene.
Ascending the steps from Biri Pool, visitors encounter a natural limestone bridge where gentle streams flow from both sides into the pool below, merging to form a crescent-shaped calcified beach known as Crescent Lake. Further upstream, a series of shallow pools about 2 to 6 meters wide fan out in a picturesque arrangement, with splashing water and sparkling ripples, aptly named Play Water Pool.
Continuing along the Play Water Pool, four calcified terraces unfold in a tiered formation. The first terrace is covered with shrubs and lush grass, with streams flowing in numerous directions, producing a delightful “ding-dong” sound that is enchanting. The second terrace rises 6 meters high and is 160 meters wide, featuring a green pool beneath a waterfall that cascades down like a silver ribbon, creating a mesmerizing scene. The third terrace is 11 meters high and 80 meters wide, with a curved surface that hosts a circular pool approximately 40 meters in diameter, resembling a dazzling pearl. The fourth terrace stands at 4.5 meters high and 70 meters wide, connecting a pool of green water to the large waterfall below, with gentle streams cascading down both sides.
Beyond these four calcified terraces lies the most spectacular waterfall of the Jiulong series, known as the First Waterfall of Jiulong, or Shendlong Waterfall. This is the largest waterfall on the Jiulong River and serves as the centerpiece of the entire scenic area. With a height of 56 meters and a width of 112 meters, this waterfall features a 10-meter diameter water curtain cave behind the cascade, and the pool below is semi-circular and unfathomably deep.
During the rainy season, the First Waterfall showcases a wide cascade where the river plummets from the cliff, producing a thunderous roar and a breathtaking display of power. From the top of the waterfall, visitors can enjoy views of Biri Pool, Crescent Lake, Play Water Pool, and the calcified terraces, forming a stunning landscape reminiscent of a masterful watercolor painting.
In recent years, Luoping County has intensified development efforts for Jiulong Waterfall, constructing walking paths and viewing platforms. From these vantage points, the grandeur of Jiulong Waterfall can be fully appreciated, with the torrents of water cascading down, reminiscent of the Milky Way tumbling from the heavens.
Experts assert that the scale, power, and scenery of Jiulong Waterfall rival that of the famous Huangguoshu Waterfall, with an even greater concentration of scenic spots. Within just 4 kilometers along the Jiulong River, visitors can find dozens of calcified beaches and over ten unique waterfalls, all nestled within a pristine natural environment, making this a rare gem in China.
Each year around September 16th, the annual Jiulong Waterfall Festival is held, drawing thousands of visitors to celebrate with performances of Bui folk songs, traditional Western concert events, and exhibitions of Jiulong cultural artifacts and unique stones, offering a rich experience of local traditions and warm hospitality.
Travel Information about Luoping Canola Flower Fields
Luoping is famous for its stunning rapeseed flower fields, attracting numerous tourists each spring. As a result, the area offers a variety of hotels and private inns, making accommodation quite convenient. However, during the peak flower season, hotels tend to be very busy, and prices can rise significantly, so it’s advisable to book in advance. Here are some recommended accommodations in Luoping:
- Huayu Tang Boutique Inn (花语堂精品人文客栈)
- Location: Flower Sea Avenue, Luoping
- Description: This boutique inn features a traditional siheyuan (courtyard house) style, providing a cozy and refined atmosphere for guests. The design reflects local architectural styles, offering a unique cultural experience.
- Tian Yuan Hotel (天缘宾馆)
- Location: No. 432, Yun Gui Road
- Description: Located near Fuyuan Hotel, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, including king-sized beds with free broadband internet access. It’s a good option for those looking for convenience and comfort.
- Duoyi River Hotel (多依河宾馆)
- Location: Intersection of Jiulong Street and Xiguan Road
- Description: With relatively new room decor, this hotel provides a modern stay, although it is a bit farther from the bus station, which may be a consideration for travelers relying on public transport.
Local Cuisine in Luoping
Luoping County has a wide range of specialty dishes, among which the more famous ones include flower rice (花米饭), sour bamboo shoot fish (酸笋鱼), zongba (粽粑), stewed pig’s trotters with ginkgo (白果炖猪脚), lily crystal balls (百合水晶球), pickled ginger strips (凉渍姜丝), honey buckwheat cakes (蜂蜜荞饼), and braised yellow goat (黄焖黄羊). These dishes are uniquely prepared and rich in local ethnic flavors, making them worth trying.
In the evening, the pedestrian street opposite the Xinhua Bookstore on Zhengxing Road comes alive with many snack stalls offering delicious food at reasonable prices.
Shopping in Luoping
Luoping’s specialties are prominently represented by the “Three Whites and Three Yellows.” The “Three Whites” refer to ginkgo (白果), white sweet potato (白薯), and lily (百合), while the “Three Yellows” are turmeric (黄姜), vegetable oil (菜油), and honey (蜂蜜).
In Luoping County and at various scenic spots, there are many tourist shops selling local products, primarily honey and vegetable oil. If you’re looking to buy honey, the Luokang Honey Products Store is recommended, offering honey, pollen, royal jelly, and other related products.