A Guide to Wumeng Grassland, the "Little Switzerland" of Guizhou
Friends, do you want to experience the grassland scenery of "wind sweeping low across the grass revealing grazing cattle and sheep" in Guizhou? Then you must come to Wumeng Grassland! Here, you'll find not only vast grasslands but also a wide variety of fun activities. It's definitely a tourist destination that will make you want to stay longer. Today, we'll share a super detailed travel guide to Wumeng Grassland 📖
Attraction Introduction
1. Tianchi Lake: Also known as Changhaizi Reservoir, it is the most unique plateau lake in Southwest China and the highest altitude lake in Guizhou Province. The lake water is crystal clear, surrounded by vast grasslands and rolling mountains. Standing by the lake, with a gentle breeze on your face, it feels as if all your worries have been blown away.
2. Guanfotai (Buddha-Viewing Platform): One of the unique features of Wumeng Grassland is the Brocken spectre, and Guanfotai is the best place to see it. However, the Brocken spectre is not visible every day, as it requires specific climatic conditions, so whether you see it or not depends entirely on luck. Even if you don't see the Brocken spectre, the sea of clouds and the sunrise and sunset here are breathtakingly beautiful.
3. Niupeng Liangzi: As the second highest peak in Guizhou Province, with an altitude of 2,857 meters, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire grassland from the top of the mountain. If you are a photography enthusiast, this place will definitely satisfy all your imagination for beautiful scenery. Every shot is a masterpiece.
4. Azalea Sea: Every year from March to May is the flowering season of the Azalea Sea. Azaleas of red, pink, and purple bloom all over the mountains and plains, intertwining with each other, as if you are in a fairy tale world.
5. Rainbow Slide: In the ski resort, using the principle of physical gravity sliding, you can slide down naturally while sitting on a snow tube. It's super exciting. Even if you don't ski, experiencing the Rainbow Slide in summer is a good choice.
Transportation Guide
- Self-driving: Directly navigate to "Wumeng Grassland". You can drive into the scenic area, allowing you to stop and admire the scenery along the way at any time. However, please note that you need to make a reservation in advance on the official WeChat public account for vehicle entry, as only 500 vehicles are allowed per day.
- High-speed Rail: First, take the high-speed train to Panzhou Station. Then, you can choose to take a bus to Wumeng Grassland, which takes about an hour; or you can take a taxi directly, which is relatively more expensive but more convenient and faster.
Ticket Information
Adult tickets are CNY 30 per person. Children under 1.4 meters are free of charge. Seniors over 60 years old can enter for free with their ID card but need to purchase CNY 5 insurance.
Tour Route
Morning: After entering the scenic area, first go to Tianchi Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the plateau lake and take photos by the lake. Then, head to Niupeng Liangzi to climb high and look far, overlooking the entire grassland.
Noon: Enjoy local cuisine at the restaurants in the scenic area, such as roasted whole lamb, Wu potatoes, and mutton rice noodles.
Afternoon: Go to Guanfotai to try your luck and see if you can see the Brocken spectre. If not, it's okay. Enjoying the surrounding sea of clouds and sunset is also very beautiful. Afterwards, you can visit the Azalea Sea (during the flowering season) or the Rainbow Slide.
Evening: You can choose to stay in the unique homestays in the scenic area, such as the popular Guaimeng Tent Camp or the Colorful Snail RV Camp, to experience the feeling of being close to nature; or you can return to the city for accommodation.
Accommodation Recommendations
1. Inside the Scenic Area: There are various unique accommodations for you to choose from, such as Mongolian yurts, Youyouran wooden houses, and the Colorful Snail RV Camp, allowing you to better experience the grassland style. However, the prices are relatively high, and reservations may be required in advance during holidays.
2. Panzhou City: About 40 minutes' drive from the scenic area, hotel prices are more affordable, and there are many snack streets in the city where you can taste more local delicacies. If you have a limited budget or want to experience city life, you can also choose to stay in the city.
Food Recommendations
1. Roasted Whole Lamb: How can you come to the grassland and not eat roasted whole lamb? Freshly slaughtered and roasted, the outer skin is golden and crispy, and the meat inside is tender and juicy. One bite is super satisfying.
2. Wu Potatoes: These are local specialty potatoes, small in size and soft in texture. They are delicious whether roasted, fried, or boiled.
3. Mutton Rice Noodles: One of Guizhou's specialties, delicious mutton soup with smooth rice noodles, sprinkled with coriander and chopped green onion. The taste is amazing.
4. Tartary Buckwheat Cake: Made from tartary buckwheat, it is rich in nutrients and has a unique taste with a slightly bitter flavor. It's worth a try.
Travel Tips
1. There is a large temperature difference between day and night, so be sure to bring windproof and warm clothing, such as thick jackets and windbreakers. Also, take sun protection and moisturizing measures, as the altitude is high here and the ultraviolet rays are strong. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats are essential.
2. Many stalls in the scenic area sell frozen and processed meat skewers, which may not taste very good. If you want to eat roasted beef or mutton skewers, pay attention to the quality of the meat.
3. Traffic control is usually implemented in the scenic area during holidays. If you encounter peak season, it is recommended to understand the traffic conditions in advance and arrange your itinerary reasonably to avoid delays.
4. There are horse riding and camel riding activities in Baicaoping. If you want to experience them, be sure to pay attention to safety and follow the instructions of the staff.