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Luoping, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, is famous for its expansive rapeseed flower fields, dramatic karst formations, and the Yellow Dragon Waterfall. Recommended activities include:
Luoping County is one of the counties under the jurisdiction of Qujing City, Yunnan Province. Luoping County enjoys a convenient location, 207 kilometers west of the provincial capital, Kunming, 120 kilometers north of Qujing City, 86 kilometers east of Xingyi City, Guizhou Province, and 156 kilometers south of Xilin County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In 2010, Luoping County had a population of 540,000 and governs three sub-districts, four towns, and six townships. Luoping County has been recognized as one of the "Top 100 National Tourism Counties," "National Advanced County for Grain Production," "National Leading Tobacco Leaf Producing County," and "National Civilized County."
Luoping is the primary settlement of the Buyi people. Its lush greenery and picturesque waters are dotted with picturesque stilt houses, unique ethnic customs, exquisite folk costumes, embroidery, batik, bamboo weaving, and other colorful ethnic handicrafts. In early spring, the vibrant yellow of rapeseed blossoms is a dazzling sight. The golden sea of flowers beneath the azure sky, accompanied by the occasional melodious sound of a flute, will captivate you.
January-April : The Luoping Rapeseed Flower Festival usually begins around January each year, with the rapeseed flowers typically blooming after the Spring Festival. The flowering period generally lasts until early April.
Jinji Peak Cluster
Twelve kilometers northeast of Luoping County along National Highway 324, you'll find a cluster of countless cone-shaped peaks neatly arranged across the plain. This is the Jinji Peak Cluster. From the summit, you can take in the entire Jinji Peak Cluster. Depending on the season, these diverse cones dot the boundless sea of green and yellow.
Ticket price: 10 yuan/person (collected by the local village committee)
Opening hours : Open all day
Jiulong Waterfalls
Hailed as "China's most beautiful waterfall," the 4-kilometer-long river boasts a drop of over 100 meters, with the most spectacular, the "Nine Dragons First Waterfall," reaching a height of 60 meters. While the sound of the falling water is loud, it's not obtrusive. The scenic area also boasts numerous rapeseed flower fields, which are worth viewing, though you won't be able to see them if you only visit the downstream area.
Tickets: 95 yuan per person, sightseeing cable car in the scenic area is 30 yuan for one way and 50 yuan for a round trip
Opening hours : 9:00-17:00
Luoping screw field
Luositian is a famous spot for photographing rapeseed flowers. Its circular terraces resemble the spirals of a screw from a distance. Different crops form diverse color patterns in different seasons, radiating from a small, circular basin in the center. Compared to the majestic rapeseed fields at Jinji Peak, these fields are smaller and more delicate.
All day, free
Luoping, located in the Yunnan Province, is known for its dramatic karst landscapes and vibrant rapeseed flower fields, which bloom every spring, turning the region into a sea of yellow. Historically, it has been home to various ethnic groups, including the Yi people, and is significant for its natural beauty and agricultural importance, particularly in rapeseed oil production.
Luoping is situated in the eastern part of Yunnan Province, near the border with Guizhou. To get there, you can take a bus or taxi from Qujing, the nearest city (about 110 km away). There are no metro lines, so traveling by car or bus is the most convenient option. A taxi or private car is recommended for exploring the surrounding areas.
Luoping is a natural site, so there are no specific opening hours. The best time to visit is during the rapeseed flower season (from February to April), when the fields are in full bloom. For a quieter experience, visiting during the shoulder seasons in early autumn (September to October) is ideal.
Entrance fees vary depending on the specific attraction. The rapeseed flower fields are free to visit, but there are fees for attractions such as the Yellow Dragon Waterfall (around 60-80 CNY) and Jiulong Waterfall (about 50 CNY). Tickets can be purchased on-site or through travel agencies offering tours to the area.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for the rapeseed flower fields, but it is recommended to book tickets for popular sites like the Yellow Dragon Waterfall during peak seasons (especially spring). Booking 1-2 days in advance should be sufficient.
You will need at least 1-2 days to explore the main attractions in Luoping, including the rapeseed fields, waterfalls, and karst landscapes. A day trip is possible if you're just visiting a few key sites.
The must-see highlights in Luoping include:
Guided tours are available for most of the attractions in Luoping, including the Yellow Dragon Waterfall and Jiulong Waterfall. Most guides speak Mandarin, though some may offer services in English upon request. Audio guides may also be available in Chinese at some sites.
Some of the best viewpoints for photography include:
A recommended itinerary could start with a visit to the rapeseed fields in the morning, followed by a trip to the Yellow Dragon Waterfall. In the afternoon, explore the Luoping Karst peaks and finish the day with a visit to Jiulong Waterfall. This route offers a great mix of natural landscapes and cultural exploration.
There are no night visits or light shows at most attractions in Luoping, but some areas, such as the Yellow Dragon Waterfall, may offer special evening events or performances during peak tourist seasons. It's best to check in advance for any special tours or events.
Luoping can be crowded during the spring flower season, particularly in March and April. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or during the shoulder months (September to November) when the weather is still pleasant but fewer tourists are around.
Facilities such as toilets and food stalls are available at the main tourist sites, including the Yellow Dragon Waterfall and Jiulong Waterfall. There are rest areas where you can take a break, and small shops selling snacks and souvenirs are common in popular areas.
While Luoping is a natural site, some of the main attractions, such as the waterfalls and karst peaks, involve some walking and hiking. These areas may not be fully accessible for elderly or disabled visitors, but there are easier paths and areas suitable for children.
While cash is accepted, mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in Luoping, particularly for ticket purchases and at local shops. It's advisable to have both cash and a mobile payment option available.
There are a few local restaurants offering traditional Yunnan cuisine near the main tourist sites. These restaurants often serve rice, noodles, and regional specialties like "crossing-the-bridge noodles" (guoqiao mixian). The city of Qujing, located nearby, has more dining options.
Vegetarian food is commonly available in Luoping, especially in the form of tofu and vegetable dishes. Halal food options may be more limited, but some restaurants may cater to Muslim visitors, particularly in the larger cities nearby like Qujing.
There are several budget hotels and guesthouses in Luoping, especially near the major tourist attractions. For more luxurious accommodations, visitors can stay in Qujing, where there are a variety of hotels ranging from mid-range to high-end.
Nearby attractions include the Jiulong Waterfall, which is another stunning natural site, and the city of Qujing, known for its cultural sites and historic architecture. You can also explore the traditional villages and scenic spots in the surrounding hills.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the main tourist sites, selling local handicrafts, ethnic jewelry, and traditional Yunnan tea. You can also find items like handmade baskets and textiles, which make for great souvenirs.
After visiting Luoping, the best way to continue your trip is by bus or taxi to Qujing, which offers better transportation connections to other parts of Yunnan. From Qujing, you can catch a train or bus to other major destinations in the province.
