Qujing Huize Daicao Mountain｜Into the "Oriental New Zealand" Cloud Pasture

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📍Geographic Profile: The Summit of Wumeng Mountains Above the Clouds

Deep in the Wumeng Mountain range of northeastern Yunnan lies a magical highland at 3,570-4,017 meters above sea level—Daicao Mountain. Dubbed the "Oriental New Zealand" and "Little Tibet," its 200,000 acres of meadows stretch like a green carpet to the horizon, with the Guniu Peak (4,017.3m) piercing through the clouds, offering dramatically different visual spectacles across seasons.

🏅 Honors: National AAAA-level Scenic Area, One of China's Top Ten Most Beautiful Grasslands

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🚗Transport Guide: How to Reach This Cloud-Cloaked Paradise

🚌 Public Transport (for backpackers):

1. Kunming East Bus Station → Huize County (4h by bus, ¥80)

2. Huize Bus Station → Private car to Dahai Township (1.5h, shared ride ¥50/person)

🚗 Self-Drive Routes (recommended for flexibility):

Route 1️⃣ Classic Express:

Kunming → Kunqu Expressway → Songdai Expressway → Huize Exit → Dahai Township (280km, 4h)

Route 2️⃣ Scenic Detour:

Kunming → Kunqu Expressway → Songdai Expressway → Dongchuan District → Lümao Township → Dahai Township (+1h but passes Red Land)

⚠️ Notes:

• Last 15km is mountain switchbacks—SUVs advised

• Scenic area parking fee: ¥10/day

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⏰Seasonal Highlights: Two Seasons, Dual Paradises

[Table]
Season Time Landscape Highlights Activities Outfit Tips
Summer Jun-Aug Emerald meadows/wildflowers Horseback riding, photography, camping Sun jacket + bright scarf
Winter Dec-Mar Snowfields/ice blooms Skiing, snowmobiling Down coat + wool hat
Spring Apr-May Rhododendron blooms/new sprouts Hiking, sketching Windbreaker + hiking boots
Autumn Sep-Nov Golden waves/sea of clouds Stargazing, photography Trench coat + cardigan

📸 Best Photo Times:

• Summer: 7 AM (misty meadow like fairyland)

• Winter: 3 PM (sunlight glinting on snow)

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🏞️In-Depth Exploration: From Meadows to Cloud Peaks

1️⃣ Core Grassland Area (Ticket + shuttle ¥55)

• 20km shuttle through meadows with 3 stops:

▫️Lovers' Valley: Densest wildflowers, perfect for couples

▫️Little Sky Pond: Alpine lake reflecting snow peaks—bring telephoto lens

▫️Guniu Peak Viewpoint: 30min hike to summit overlooking cloud sea

2️⃣ Ski Resort (Winter only)

• Beginner/intermediate slopes, gear rental ¥120/day

• Open 9:00-17:00 (last entry 15:30)

3️⃣ Yurt Food Quarter

• Grassland experience: Whole lamb roast requires 2hr pre-order (¥888)

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🥘Highland Flavors: Grassland Feast

🔥 Must-Try Trio:

1. Lamb skewers (¥5/stick):

▫️ Huize black goat, perfectly marbled with cumin/chili

2. Naan + lamb soup (¥15/set):

▫️ Crispy freshly baked naan softens in broth

3. Oat fried noodles (¥10):

▫️ Local staple, best with butter tea

🍵 Specialty Drinks:

• Butter tea (savory/sweet, ¥8/cup)

• Tartary buckwheat wine (low-alcohol, ¥15/pot)

📍 Food Map:

• "Mongolian Grill" in scenic area (shuttle stop 2)

• "Cloud Homestead" in Dahai (amazing yak hotpot)

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🏨Accommodation Guide: Sleeping Between Clouds and Stars

💎 Luxury Options:

• "Grassland Star Camp": Glass tents with floor heating (¥800/night)

• "Huize Royal View Hotel": 4-star with hot springs (¥500/night)

🌿 Budget Picks:

• Dahai homestays (¥150-300/night, recommend "Cloud Lodge")

• Huize town budget hotels (¥100/night, walkable to food street)

⚠️ Pro Tips:

• No luxury stays in scenic area—stay in town for return trip

• Bring electric blankets! Night temps can drop to -10°C

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⚠️Highland Travel Essentials

1. Altitude Sickness:

• Take rhodiola in advance, avoid showers first day

• Summit at 4,017m—limit strenuous activity

2. Weather Shifts:

• Summer: pack rain gear; Winter: snow boots

• Extreme UV—SPF50+ mandatory

3. Eco Rules:

• Carry trash back to town, no meadow trampling

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💌 Travel Reflections:

When horse herds gallop through morning mist,

And grass rolls in emerald waves,

That moment atop Guniu Peak touching the clouds—

You finally understand:

Some vistas demand every mountain crossed.