Things to do in Gejiu

hai le shi jie

No. 2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Yunnan

Hani terrace of Yuanyang

The Hani terrace of Yuanyang is located in the southern part of Ailao Mountain, where the Hani people have cultivated vast terraced fields over more than a thousand years. The mountaintop forests conserve water, villages nestle on the slopes, and layered paddies stretch from the foothills to the river valleys. Forests, villages, terraces, and water systems coexist, forming a high-altitude rice farming system still in use today. The attraction consists of areas like Bada, Duoyishu, Laohuzui, and Qingkou. A local saying, "Sunrise at Duoyishu, sunset at Laohuzui," captures the classic spots for sunrise and sunset views. For sunrise, head to Duoyishu. These terraces face east, and during the irrigation season, the fields mirror the sky. Morning mist often fills the valleys, and as the sun rises, its glow and cloud reflections shimmer on the water, turning the slopes golden. Before dawn, the viewing platforms are crowded with photographers carrying tripods—arrive early to secure a front-row spot. For sunset, visit Bada, where thousands of terraced levels cascade from the mountaintop to the valley, glowing from warm yellow to crimson under the evening light, offering expansive views. Laohuzui's terraces are nestled in deep valleys with dramatic elevation changes and steep lines, each area offering a distinct charm. Qingkou is a Hani ethnic village beside the terraces, where mushroom-shaped thatched houses and creaking water mills preserve the traditional village atmosphere. After exploring the viewing platforms, stroll through the village to glimpse the authentic Hani way of life behind the terraces. The areas are connected by mountain roads, so allow time for travel. Plan one to two days to experience sunrise, sunset, and village life. The irrigation season from winter to spring enhances the mirror-like effect of the terraces and increases the chances of witnessing sea of clouds.

Nisu Town

Nisu Town is located along the northern edge of Tianma Road with convenient transportation. Themed around building a beautiful home, the town has been developed into a tourist area featuring ethnic minority customs and distinctive architecture, serving as a model for the integrated development of culture and tourism in Mengzi.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Dianchi Lake

Dianchi Lake, also known as Kunming Lake, is the sixth-largest freshwater lake in China. Its expansive and magnificent surface has earned it the reputation of "five hundred li of Dianchi Lake" since ancient times. As one of the larger plateau lakes in Yunnan Province, Dianchi Lake is surrounded by numerous waterfront parks and wetlands, making it an unmissable stop when visiting Kunming. Every winter, large flocks of black-headed gulls fly all the way from Siberia to Dianchi Lake to spend the winter. This spectacle has occurred faithfully every year since 1985, and feeding the black-headed gulls along the lakeshore has become a highly popular winter experience in Kunming. Strolling along the sightseeing road on the east bank of Dianchi Lake is a great way to experience the lake up close. On one side is the vast, misty expanse of water, with the Western Hills stretching across the distance; in winter, the sightseeing road is especially lively, as residents and visitors alike stop by the lakeside to interact with the black-headed gulls. For a different perspective, you can take the cableway from the lakeside to Dragon Gate in the Western Hills and look down from above, taking in the entire Dianchi Lake at a glance. In the Caohai area at the northern end, you can also take a boat out on the lake and experience its vastness from the water. In recent years, through sustained governance, the water quality and lakeside ecology of Dianchi Lake have gradually improved, the wetland views along the lake are also continuously being restored, and the sightseeing environment has been significantly enhanced compared to the past.

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden

The Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is located in Yilun Town, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna. The park is divided into two parts: the eastern area and the western area. The West District is the main attraction. It includes more than 20 specialized botanic gardens. The “Exotic Flower Garden" is the most popular among tourists. Eastern District is a large area of ​​old-growth tropical rain forest. Most areas are paved with viewing trails, suitable for travelers who enjoy hiking.

No. 2 of Night Attractions in Mengzi

Mengzi Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles Town

Mengzi Cross-Bridge Rice Noodle Town is located in Mengzi City, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is known as the birthplace of Yunnan Cross-Bridge Rice Noodle. In this small town with unique scenery, you can not only taste authentic Cross-Bridge Rice Noodle, but also learn more about the unique production process and rich history of this local specialty.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Manting Imperial Garden

Manting Imperial Garden is located in southeastern Jinghong, Yunnan Province. This natural village-style park is also the oldest urban park in Xishuangbanna. At Manting Imperial Garden, travelers can explore the vine plant area and peacock garden to see diverse flora and fauna, admire the charming Dai and Thai-style architecture, and enjoy ethnic minority song and dance performances in the evening.

Selected for Best Things to Do in Jianshui

Jianshui Confucian Temple

Located in Northwest Jianshui County, Jianshui Confucius Temple was built in the Yuan Dynasty and was expanded in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It enjoys a time-honored history. Jianshui Confucius Temple is the second largest Confucian temple after the one built in Qufu, Shandong Province. The overall layout is that of an axial symmetry palace, following the architecture style of the Temple of Confucius in Qufu. The well-preserved temple faces south and has a magnificent presence.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Stone Forest Scenic Area

Stone Forest Scenic Area is located in Shilin County, Kunming, and is one of Kunming's key attractions. Stone Forest Scenic Area is a typical karst landscape, with stone peaks, stone buds, sinkholes, and underground rivers everywhere. The peak forest transforms into various forms—sword-shaped, tower-shaped, mushroom-shaped, and more—bizarre and magnificent. The entire scenic area consists of the Major and Minor Stone Forest, Naigu Stone Forest, Dadieshui, Changhu, and other sections. These sections are relatively scattered, and regular tours are mainly concentrated in the Major and Minor Stone Forest area. The Major and Minor Stone Forests are located in the same area. Walk along the path for 20 minutes, and on your left is the smaller Minor Stone Forest Scenic Area with relatively gentle stone peaks. Amid a dense cluster of peaks stands the famous Ashima Rock, where the towering peak forest transforms into a graceful Yi girl named Ashima, as if beckoning to you. This is a favorite spot for visitors to take photos. Besides the pretty Ashima, the Minor Stone Forest area also features views such as Shenjun and Cushi Qingtian, each with its own distinct shape. This is a test of your imagination. If your imagination is not vivid enough, it is recommended to hire a guide, under whose guidance you will gain a whole new understanding of the peak forest before your eyes. As you slowly drive along the highway, the roadside unfolds in turn with Tang Monk Rock, Stone Prison, Phoenix Preening Its Feathers, Lingzhi Rock, and more—each vividly lifelike and exquisitely true to form, displaying the wondrous craftsmanship of nature to you in all manner of poses. Walking along the passageway, you will unexpectedly arrive at the Major Stone Forest area. After passing such wonders as "Two Birds Feeding Each Other," "Rhinoceros Gazing at the Moon," "Lotus Peak," "Stone Forest Wonderland," and "Stone Screen," you may be feeling a bit tired. Taking a short rest at Lion Pavilion and admiring the reflection of the peak forest in Lion Pond across the way is a serene pleasure in itself. After seeing so many peak forests, it is only natural to feel some aesthetic fatigue. It is time to enjoy the water scenery. Board a cruise on Stone Forest Lake and drift across the water, where mountain scenery and lake views come together in one place, and all your stress and worries simply melt away. Naigu Stone Forest, also known as New Stone Forest or Mozhai Stone Forest, is composed of the Stone Forest Scenic Area, Baiyun Lake, Shifeng Mountain, and Yougu Xianpu Waterfall. Compared with the Major and Minor Stone Forests, this place presents another style. The peak forest here is overall grayish-black, with tall and densely packed stone pillars in castle, tower, and mushroom shapes. The simple and rugged grotesque rocks surge skyward like waves with magnificent momentum. Strolling through the black peak forest feels like entering a wild and primitive world.

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Wild Elephant Valley

Located in the heart of the Mengyang sub-reserve of the Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve, Wild Elephant Valley is one of the main habitats for wild Asian elephants in China. Situated at the junction of the eastern and western sections of the Mengyang area, it serves as a corridor where wild Asian elephants gather and interact, which is how it got its name. A visit to Wild Elephant Valley offers two main experiences: learning about Asian elephants and immersing yourself in the tropical rainforest. The attraction features walking trails winding through the rainforest and an elevated elephant-watching boardwalk. Strolling along these paths, you can take in the atmosphere of the tropical rainforest and spot rare tropical plants along the way. You may also come across footprints, dung, and other traces left by wild elephants, and with some luck, even catch sight of a herd roaming through the forest. The Elephant Science Park is the core experience area of the attraction, where visitors can observe the daily behaviors and habits of Asian elephants up close through natural behavior displays. At the entrance of the park, there is an elephant canteen where visitors can hand-feed bananas, cucumbers, and other fruits and vegetables to the elephants, enjoying the fun of close interaction with Asian elephants. The elephant observation deck area is a zone where wild Asian elephants frequently roam. It was established by researchers for monitoring and research, and is now also an ideal spot for visitors to wait for wild elephants to appear. The Asian Elephant Museum within the attraction systematically introduces the species knowledge and conservation status of Asian elephants through science exhibitions. Riding the tropical rainforest sightseeing cableway offers a panoramic view of the rainforest with its intertwined vines, and with luck, you may even spot wild elephants foraging and playing beneath the cableway; the elevated patrol and elephant-watching boardwalk allows visitors to safely observe the rainforest ecology from the canopy layer, and even when encountering wild elephants, they can watch safely from above. In addition, small attractions such as the butterfly garden, snake and lizard garden, and orchid garden each have their own distinctive features and can be visited along the way.