After the Storm at Huanglian River, I Captured the Spectacle of a Rainbow Waterfall

🌿【2-Day 1-Night In-Depth Travel Guide to Daguan】Hidden Gorge of Northern Yunnan·Waterfall Wonders + Ancient Tea-Horse Road Experience

📅 Best Travel Season
✅ May-October (peak waterfall flow, rhododendron blooms)
⚠️ November-April (dry season with smaller waterfalls, ideal for hiking)

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🚗 Transportation Guide
✔ Major Transport:
- 🚌 Zhaotong→Daguan (1.5-hour bus/¥25)
- 🚗 Self-drive via G85 Yinkun Expressway (4 hours from Kunming)
✔ Local Transport:
- Private car between scenic areas (¥200-300/day)
- Huanglian River Scenic Area electric cart (¥30/person)

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🏡 Accommodation Recommendations
📍 Top Pick in Town: Huanglian River Grand Hotel (scenic rooms from ¥180)
📍 Unique Experience: Luohanba Forest Cabins (wake up to sea of clouds)
📍 Budget Option: Guesthouses near bus station (¥80-120)

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📸 Must-Do Itinerary

**Day 1: Waterfall Adventure**
☀️ Morning: Huanglian River Scenic Area (highlights):
- 8:00 Water Curtain Corridor (bring raincoat)
- 10:00 Maiden Waterfall natural pool
🌿 Afternoon: Qinglong Cave Gorge (explore underground rivers)
🌙 Evening: Cultural Square roasted lamb feast

**Day 2: Culture & Nature**
⛰️ Morning Options:
A. Luohanba Alpine Meadow (May rhododendron fields)
B. Ancient Tea-Horse Road Three-Station Section (follow historic hoofprints)
🍲 Afternoon: Tianxing Town (Miao ethnic bamboo-tray banquet)

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🍽️ Food Guide
🔥 Must-Try Local Delicacies:
- Gastrodia Elata steamed chicken (buy fresh gastrodia at herb market)
- Bamboo shoots with cured pork
- Buckwheat cakes dipped in honey
⚠️ Tips:
1. Be cautious with "wild gastrodia" sold at scenic spots
2. Confirm prices before ordering bamboo worm dishes

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💡 Local Tips
1️⃣ Hidden Gems:
- Huanglian River waterfalls are most spectacular the day after rain
- Bring strong flashlight for Qinglong Cave stalactite photography
2️⃣ Photography Secrets:
- Shoot Maiden Waterfall in afternoon sunlight
- Tea-Horse Road is most photogenic at dawn mist

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⚠️ Important Notes
1. Wear anti-slip shoes for gorge hiking
2. Avoid photographing elderly villagers without permission
3. Rafting only available June-August

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💰 Budget Reference
Budget trip: ¥400/person (bus + guesthouse)
Quality trip: ¥800/person (private car + specialty meals)