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Geladan is located opposite the famous Qiangui Mountain Scenic Area in Liming Township, Yulong County, Lijiang City, on the west side of the Jinsha River, at an altitude of about 3,600 meters. It is 24 kilometers away from the Qiangui Mountain Scenic Area and about 200 kilometers away from Lijiang Old Town. The mountain roads here are steep and rugged.
The Geladan Grassland is at its most beautiful from May to July each year. Besides the vibrant red, white, pink, purple, and yellow azaleas, the grasslands also boast a variety of magical flowers in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. The swallowtail flowers that blanket the mountains are particularly spectacular.
Geladan Grassland, a celestial grassland, is also known as "Lijiang's last pure land." Here, the sky is so close you can touch it, and the clouds rise and fall around you. This is Lijiang's Shangri-La, home to China's first high-end tent camp. Everything is preserved in its most natural state, with wagging yaks, lazy sheep, and neatly arranged tents, allowing you to return to your true self.
The low-latitude plateau has a South Asian monsoon climate, and the best time to visit the sea of flowers is from May to July.
2 days
free
All day
Geladan Grassland is an important natural and cultural site in Lijiang, known for its stunning landscapes and traditional cultural practices. It has been a key location for local nomadic tribes for centuries, and the grassland continues to be an important part of the Naxi and other local ethnic cultures.
Geladan Grassland is located about 50 km from Lijiang city center. You can get there by taxi, private car, or local tour bus. The journey takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. Public transport options are limited, so it's best to arrange transportation through a local travel agency or hire a taxi.
The grassland is open year-round, though the best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the grassland is lush. Avoid the summer months if you want to avoid crowds, and visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer visitors.
The entrance fee to Geladan Grassland is typically around ¥60. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance. Online booking options may be available through local tour agencies, but it's often more convenient to buy tickets at the site.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually necessary, except during the high tourist season. If you are traveling in peak months (summer or national holidays), it's advisable to book tickets a day or two ahead to avoid long waits at the entrance.
A visit to Geladan Grassland typically takes 2-3 hours. If you plan to hike or participate in horseback riding, you might want to allocate more time to fully enjoy the experience.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and can be arranged at the entrance or through local tour companies. Audio guides may also be offered, but they are typically available only in Chinese. It's best to arrange for an English-speaking guide in advance if needed.
Start by exploring the main entrance area and walking along the grassland, enjoying the open views. Next, visit the nearby Naxi villages to get a sense of the local culture, then take part in horseback riding if available. Finish the day with a photography session at one of the higher viewpoints.
There are no night visits or light shows at Geladan Grassland. It is primarily a daytime attraction, with the best experiences occurring during daylight hours, particularly at sunrise or sunset.
The grassland can get crowded during weekends and holidays. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays, especially during the off-season (spring and autumn).
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available at the site. There are a few local vendors selling snacks and drinks, but for more substantial meals, you should visit nearby towns or Lijiang. There are also some souvenir shops selling local crafts.
The grassland is generally accessible for elderly visitors and children, with flat paths for walking. However, some areas may require walking on uneven terrain, so be mindful if traveling with individuals who have mobility issues. Accessibility for disabled visitors may be limited, so check ahead if you require special accommodations.
Cash is accepted at most places, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. Credit cards are not commonly accepted, so it's advisable to carry cash or use mobile payment apps.
There are a few small cafes and restaurants near the grassland serving local food, but for more options, it's better to head to Lijiang. Lijiang offers a variety of dining choices ranging from traditional Naxi cuisine to international fare.
Vegetarian options are available, particularly in Lijiang. Vegan and halal options are more limited in the immediate area of Geladan Grassland, but Lijiang has a variety of restaurants offering these choices.
There are several hotels in Lijiang, which is about 1 hour from Geladan Grassland. From budget guesthouses to luxury resorts, you'll find plenty of options for accommodation. Some hotels also offer organized tours to the grassland.
There are several souvenir shops around Geladan Grassland selling local crafts, including handmade textiles, Naxi embroidery, and wood carvings. Local tea, jade items, and other cultural artifacts are also popular souvenirs.
After visiting Geladan Grassland, you can return to Lijiang by taxi or private car. If you're continuing your journey to other attractions in the area, hiring a local driver or joining a guided tour is recommended.
