Xichang hides a "Little Switzerland" secret spot - Gukede

Who knows, family! Besides Qionghai Lake and the Jacaranda trees, Xichang hides a "Little Switzerland" secret spot—Gukede! At an altitude of 3,500 meters, the alpine meadows are covered with Soma flowers, with cattle, sheep, and windmills in the same frame. Every casual shot looks like a cinematic masterpiece 📸 I've compiled a super comprehensive pitfall-avoidance guide, so quickly save it!

- Top choice for self-drivers: 1.5 hours direct drive from Xichang, navigate to "Gukede Alpine Cloud Land West Gate," then drive a bit further to get closer to the barbecue area entrance. The last 30 kilometers are all mountain roads with many curves; beginners are advised to rent a car directly in Xichang and compare prices. Driving an SUV is more stable.
- Friendly for independent travelers: Take a bus from Xichang Bus Station to Zhaojue County (2 hours/35 yuan), then find a car rental in the county town to the scenic area (1 hour/150 yuan). Carpooling can be cheaper!

🌸 Must-play highlights! Missing it will be regretted for a year
1. Soma Flower Sea Check-in: The peak blooming period is from late April to mid-May. Pink, white, and purple alpine rhododendrons cover the Qiliba hillside. Shooting flower clusters and sheep in the early morning mist feels like a fairy tale. Wear light-colored dresses for forest-style photos, with a 100% chance of great shots!
2. Nidi Heavenly Lake Walk: A sapphire lake hidden on the plateau, with a wooden boardwalk along the lake. Bring bread to feed the wild ducks; every shot is a healing masterpiece. It’s even more poetic on rainy days, with raindrops hitting the lake creating a very artistic scene.

🍖 Food and accommodation pitfall guide
- Choose accommodation wisely to avoid pitfalls: Recommended to stay at Muyun Inn in Qiliba, with floor-to-ceiling windows to watch the starry sky, about 150 yuan per person including breakfast; camping lovers should book car camp tents one week in advance to enjoy the starry night. Avoid the Mongolian yurts inside the scenic area—they are drafty and very cold at night!
- Must-try Yi ethnic delicacies: Buckwheat pancakes with butter tea at herders’ homes are a must-try, so delicious you’ll lick the plate! Also try Tuotuo meat and Rainwater tofu. The Yunshang Restaurant in the scenic area offers panoramic views of the wetlands while dining, and if lucky, you might see a rainbow. Pair it with local Liangshan snow yogurt drinks for a refreshing and grease-cutting experience.

⚠️ Listen up! Remember these precautions
1. Altitude is over 3200 meters with big temperature differences! Even in summer, bring a windbreaker. UV rays are very strong, so prepare a full set of hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
2. The scenic area is large; driving around takes 2 hours. Fill up your gas before entering! There are many forks; if you get lost, ask the staff.
3. Tickets are free during some periods; even when charged, it’s only 20 yuan per person. Parking fee is about 20 yuan, offering great value.

This cloud-hidden secret spot in Liangshan has few people, beautiful scenery, and immersive Yi culture experiences. Quickly invite your friends for a holiday trip!

Post by zacharyphoenix | Oct 22, 2025