Yiliang County

Yiliang County is located in the northeastern part of Yunnan Province, under the jurisdiction of Zhaotong City, situated in the Wumeng Mountain area at the junction of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces. It covers an area of approximately 2,797 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 450,000 (2023). Yiliang has a long history, belonging to Qianwei Commandery during the Qin and Han dynasties, established as a Jimi Prefecture in the Tang Dynasty, and officially designated as a county in the second year of the Republic of China (1913), named after the Yiliang River within its territory. As an old revolutionary base area, it was a passage for the Red Army's Long March and the hometown of the抗日 hero General Luo Binghui, with profound red culture. Yiliang County is predominantly mountainous, with altitudes ranging from 800 to 2,800 meters, featuring a distinct three-dimensional climate, unique biodiversity and natural landscapes, and is an important base for Chinese medicinal herb cultivation and the hometown of Gastrodia elata in Yunnan. The county is multi-ethnic, mainly Han, Yi, and Miao, with rich ethnic customs, such as the Yi Torch Festival and Miao Huashan Festival. Known for "high mountains, deep valleys, dense forests, and clear waters," Yiliang boasts magnificent natural landscapes like the Xiaocaoba Eco-tourism Area and the Luoze River Grand Canyon, along with abundant mineral resources (coal, lead-zinc, etc.), making it a distinctive tourist destination combining nature exploration, red education, and ethnic experiences.

[Yiliang County Travel Guide]

I. Key Attractions 1. Xiaocaoba Eco-tourism Area (National AAAA Scenic Spot) - Location: Xiaocaoba Town, Yiliang County, about 30 km from the county seat, 40 minutes by car. - Features: Known for primitive forests, waterfall clusters, and alpine meadows. The scenic area covers 163 square kilometers, with an average annual temperature of 14°C. Cool in summer, with red leaves covering the mountains in autumn. Core attractions include "Ten Thousand Mu Azalea Forest," "Chaotianma Waterfall," and "Galaxy Flying Waterfall" (drop over 100 meters). - Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00 (open year-round). - Tickets: Peak season (April-October) 60 yuan/person, off-season 40 yuan/person; sightseeing car one-way 20 yuan. - Tips: The total trail length in the scenic area is 15 km; wear non-slip shoes. Camping is available with advance reservation.

2. Luoze River Grand Canyon - Location: Longjie Township to Luozehe Town section, 20 km from the county seat. - Features: The Luoze River runs through deep valleys with steep cliffs on both sides, forming a "Thread of Sky" spectacle. The best viewing point is at "Wangfeng Terrace," overlooking the entire canyon. - Transportation: No direct bus; self-driving or chartered car recommended, along S301 provincial road. - Tips: Some sections of the canyon are prone to landslides; avoid during the rainy season (June-August).

3. Luo Binghui General Memorial Hall (Red Tourism Site) - Location: Luo Binghui Square, northern outskirts of Yiliang county seat; free admission. - Features: Exhibits the life of General Luo Binghui and relics of the Red Army's Long March through Yiliang, including battle maps and weapons. - Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-17:00 (closed on Mondays). - Tips: Free guide service available; recommended visit time: 1 hour.

4. Haiziping Nature Reserve (Provincial Nature Reserve) - Location: Haizi Town, Yiliang County, 40 km from the county seat. - Features: Primarily primitive bamboo forests and alpine wetlands, home to the nationally protected black-necked crane. Best bird-watching season: November to March. - Tickets: Free; report to the reserve management office (Tel: 0870-5432XXX).

II. Local Cuisine Recommendations 1. Yiliang Gastrodia Chicken: Local wild Gastrodia elata stewed with free-range chicken, clear broth with a slightly bitter and sweet aftertaste. Recommended restaurant: "Tianma Renjia" in the county seat (Address: No. 26 Zhenxing Road, Jiaokui Town, about 50 yuan/person). 2. Roasted Whole Lamb: Traditional Yi style, seasoned with Sichuan pepper and chili powder, crispy outside and tender inside. Available at "Yijia Shanzhuang" in Xiaocaoba Scenic Area; order 4 hours in advance (about 300 yuan/person). 3. Sour Soup Pig Trotters: Pig trotters cooked in tomato-fermented sour soup, sour and spicy. County night market "Laozihao Suantang Dian" (Renmin Street, Jiaokui Town), about 30 yuan/person. 4. Buckwheat Cake: Specialty from high-altitude areas, eaten with honey, fragrant and soft. Available at Xiaocaoba Town market (5 yuan each).

III. Transportation Guide - External Transportation: ① High-speed rail: Nearest station is "Zhaotong Station" (about 70 km from Yiliang county seat, 1.5 hours by car). Take a shuttle bus from the station to Yiliang (schedule: 6:30-18:00, every 40 minutes, fare 25 yuan). ② Self-driving: From Zhaotong city, take G85 Yunnan-Chongqing Expressway to "Yiliang Exit," then turn onto S301 provincial road to the county seat (about 1 hour total). - Internal Transportation: ① Taxi within county seat: starting fare 5 yuan; round-trip charter to Xiaocaoba Scenic Area about 200 yuan. ② Rural passenger transport: Minibuses to townships, e.g., to Longjie Township (15 yuan/person), departing from the county bus station.

IV. Recommended Itineraries - 2-Day Tour: Day 1: County seat → Luo Binghui Memorial Hall (1 hour) → Xiaocaoba Eco-tourism Area (stay overnight at guesthouse in scenic area, standard room about 200 yuan). Day 2: Xiaocaoba → Luoze River Grand Canyon (3 hours) → Return. - 3-Day In-depth Tour: Add Haiziping Nature Reserve for bird-watching and experience Yi bonfire party (contact village in advance).

V. Notes - Altitude: Xiaocaoba Scenic Area is 2,000-2,800 meters above sea level; some visitors may experience altitude sickness; consider bringing oxygen canisters (available at county pharmacies, 30 yuan/can). - Climate: Large temperature difference between day and night (summer daytime 25°C, nighttime 15°C); bring a jacket. Rainy season (June-September) requires rain gear. - Cultural Respect: Do not step on fire pits in Yi villages; avoid touching children's heads in Miao areas.