Ailao Mountain: Where Lush Forests and Emerald Valleys Meet

📍 Location: Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve is located in central Yunnan Province, spanning Chuxiong, Yuxi, and Pu'er. It is mainly distributed in Xinping, Jingdong, Zhenyuan, and Chuxiong counties📍.

🚗 Transportation:
- 🚗 Self-driving: Driving from Kunming to Ailao Mountain is convenient via routes such as the Kunming-Mojiang Expressway. The drive takes 3–5 hrs depending on your starting point and destination🚗.

- 🚌 Public transportation: You can first reach the local county seat, such as Xinping County, and then transfer to local rural buses to reach the areas around the reserve. However, buses are infrequent, so plan ahead🚌.

🌟 Must-see attractions:
- 🌳 Shimen Gorge: Deep valleys, dense forests, and gurgling streams. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge are magnificent. Walking along the plank road, you can fully experience the charm of nature🌳.

- 🐘 Longxi Shizu Manor: This historical and cultural site features unique architecture, showcasing its former glory and offering insights into the local history and culture🏰.

- 🌲 Jinshan Primeval Forest: With high forest coverage and diverse rare plants and animals, this forest offers fresh air, like a natural oxygen bar🌲.

🎫 Tickets: Some areas of Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve are free. However, some specific attractions, such as Shimen Gorge, may require tickets, costing approx. CNY 30–50. Prices are subject to change.

📌 Other tips:
💰 Budget: A 2–3 d trip to Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve, excluding transportation, costs approx. CNY 300–500 per person per day, including basic expenses such as meals, accommodation, and entrance fees😁.
🌞 Sun protection: The sun's UV rays are strong here. Regardless of the season, take sun protection measures, such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses🌞.
👚 Clothing: The mountain climate is changeable, with large temperature differences between day and night. Wear light and breathable clothing during the day, such as short sleeves and shorts. Bring long-sleeved jackets and pants for cooler evenings and mornings👚.
🏨 Accommodation: There are some homestays in the towns around the reserve at reasonable prices. For more choices and better facilities, you can return to the county seat for accommodation🏡.

Which attraction at Ailao Mountain are you most interested in🧐?