Dahai Caoshan: A Miyazaki Hayao Fairytale in Yunnan

|||Morning: Dahai Caoshan (Recommended: 3–4 hours)
1. Early Start🔆
- 7:00–8:00 AM: Depart from Huize County, either by chartered car or driving yourself to Dahai Caoshan (navigate to "Dahai Caoshan Scenic Area"; be careful on the mountain roads)⚠️
- Along the way, enjoy the mountain scenery. In summer (June–August), the grass is lush and green, while in winter (November–March), there is snow❄️, offering completely different views🔆

2. Key Attractions
- Viewing Platform: Climb to the top and overlook the rolling meadows and wind turbines. Take photos📷 and check in✅
- Hiking or Horse Riding: Stroll along the boardwalk or experience horse riding (approx. CNY 50–100/person).
- Local Cuisine: There are stalls on the mountain selling roasted mutton 🥩, potatoes 🥔, and oat cakes 🍪. Highly recommended😋
Important notes⚠️
- The altitude is 3,000+ meters, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun and cold🧴 (even in summer, a jacket 🧥 is needed).
- The entrance fee to the scenic area is approx. CNY 30, and parking🚗 fees are separate.
Noon: Return to Huize County (1-hour drive)**
- Arrive in the county town around 12:30 PM. Recommended lunch🍽️:
- Huize Xidoufen (old shop near Wenmiao Street).
- Yang Ba Wan (local specialty mutton soup).
Afternoon: Huize Ancient City (Recommended: 2–3 hours)
Core Attractions
- Jiangxi Guild Hall (National Key Cultural Relic): Qing Dynasty architecture with exquisite carvings. Entrance fee: CNY 10💰.
- Tang Jiyao Former Residence: Learn about the modern history of Yunnan.
- Ancient City Streets: Stroll along Shizi Street and Erdao Alley to experience the Ming and Qing Dynasty residential style.
Cultural Experience
- Visit Tongjiang Street. Huize was once the "Copper Capital," where you can buy handmade copperware as souvenirs.
- Check in📷 at the century-old Catholic Church (a combination of Chinese and Western styles).
Recommended Snacks✅
- Hongxi Ciba, Huize Liangfen, and Casserole Rice Noodles🍜.
Evening Return or Extended Trip
- If time permits, you can visit Yili River Scenic Area (15-minute drive from the ancient city) to watch the sunset🌄.
- It takes approx. 2.5 hours to return to Kunming, so it is recommended to depart🚗 no later than 6:00 PM.
⚠️Important Notes⚠️
1. Transportation: It is recommended to charter a car to Dahai Caoshan (approx. CNY 200–300/car for a round trip), as public transportation is inconvenient.
2. Season: The best times to visit Dahai Caoshan are summer (June–August) and the snow season (December–February).
3. Physical Condition: Hike at high altitudes within your ability. There is a lot of walking in the ancient city, so wear comfortable shoes🥿.