Things to do in Yongsheng

2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Yulong Snow Mountain

9.1

4.4/5

20.8k reviews

Yulong Snow Mountain is one of Lijiang's famous attractions and a sacred mountain in the hearts of the Naxi people. It consists of 13 undulating peaks that resemble a dancing silver dragon, which is how it got its name. Within the attraction, visitors can take a cable car directly up the mountain to easily admire the magnificence of the high-altitude glacier, which is a highlight for many visitors coming here. Snow mountain overview Yulong Snow Mountain is renowned for being "dangerous, wondrous, beautiful, and elegant." From the foot to the summit, there are multiple tiers of views ranging from subtropical to temperate to frigid zones. At the foot of the mountain lies Ganhaizi, a vast pasture where gentians and azaleas bloom across the meadows in spring and summer. From here, the peaks of Yulong are clearly visible in the distance. Yunshanping, at an elevation of over 3,200 m, is a sacred place in the hearts of Naxi youth. It is a tranquil meadow surrounded by ancient towering trees and dense vines, creating a serene environment. Below the thirteen peaks of Yulong are 13 modern maritime glaciers, which from afar appear like a waterfall hanging overFanzi DouBelow, under the sunlight, it glistens with silver light. Tourists can take the large cableway to an altitude of 4506 m, and then follow the mountain boardwalk to view the glacier and the majestic main peak up close. Large cableway The attraction's popular cable car transports visitors from the lower station at Ganhaizi to the Glacier Park at an elevation of 4,506 m. After getting off the cable car, you can follow the wooden boardwalk laid out on the glacier all the way to the highest point at an elevation of 4,680 m, where you can experience the charm of the snow-capped mountains and glaciers up close. In case of strong winds, the cable car may be suspended; please keep an eye on official messages for details. Spruce meadow cableway The lower station of the cableway is located at the foot of the snow mountain by the Baishui River, and can be reached by taking the attraction's eco-friendly bus. Riding the Yunshanping cableway takes you to Yunshanping at an elevation of 3,240 m, a great spot to view the peaks of Yulong Snow Mountain from afar. Yak Meadow cableway Maoniuping is a large meadow located on another side of Yulong Snow Mountain, about 15 km from Yunshanping. Climbing up to Maoniuping, you can view Yulong Snow Mountain from another angle.

Yulong · 73km from Yongsheng

Selected for Night Attractions in Yunnan

Mu Fu Mansion

7.8

Lijiang · 55.3km from Yongsheng

11.4k reviews

Mu Fu Mansion is located at the foot of Lion Mountain in the ancient town of Lijiang. It served as the residence of the Mu family chieftains for centuries since the Ming Dynasty. The architecture retains the central plains style of the Ming era while incorporating Bai and Naxi craftsmanship. When Xu Xiake visited Lijiang, he could only admire the grand complex from outside the gates, leaving behind the praise "The splendor of these palaces rivals that of imperial courts." These eight characters are now gilded on the entrance screen wall. Locals often say "As there is the Forbidden City in the north, so there is Mu Fu Mansion in the south," regarding it as Lijiang's version of the Forbidden City. Visiting Mu Fu Mansion, you first pass through the wooden archway inscribed with "Tian Yu Liu Fang" – these four characters are a homophone for "Go study" in the Naxi language, reflecting the Mu chieftain family's tradition of valuing education – then through the exquisitely carved stone archway bearing the words "Loyalty and righteousness." In the past, locals praised it with the saying, "The Three Pagodas of Dali, the stone archways of Lijiang." Stepping through the vermilion gate, the central axis runs east to west, lined with the assembly hall, Wanjuan Tower (Ten-Thousand-Volume Library), guardian hall, Guangbi Tower, Yuyin Tower, and Sanqing Hall. The assembly hall was where the chieftain conducted political affairs, dignified and imposing. Wanjuan Tower once housed thousands of Dongba scriptures, hundreds of Buddhist sutras, poetry collections of six chieftains, and numerous calligraphy and paintings by renowned scholars, embodying the mansion's cultural heritage. The guardian hall, also called the rear assembly hall, was used for family discussions. Guangbi Tower, the gatehouse of the rear garden, has long been hailed as "the finest in western Yunnan." Yuyin Tower was where imperial edicts were received and banquets with music and dance were held. At the axis's end stands Sanqing Hall, situated high at the foot of Lion Mountain, offering a panoramic view of the entire mansion and the layered rooftops of the ancient town. Over a hundred auxiliary halls, pavilions, street-crossing buildings, and family courtyards flank the axis in staggered elevations, recreating the grandeur of the chieftain's residence. Most structures of Mu Fu Mansion were destroyed in wars during the late Qing Dynasty. Its current layout was reconstructed after fundraising following the 1996 Lijiang earthquake and completed in 1999. TV series like "Mu Fu Feng Yun" and "Qian Wang" were filmed here. After the tour, the Zhongyi Memorial Archway outside the mansion, the "Tian Yu Liu Fang" archway, and the screen wall inscribed with Xu Xiake's praise are all photo-worthy spots.

2026 Asia 100 - Night Attractions

Old Town of Lijiang

7.7

Lijiang · 55.2km from Yongsheng

15.2k reviews

The Old Town of Lijiang, also known as Dayan Town, is one of the famous towns along the ancient Tea Horse Road. TV dramas like "One Meter of Sunshine" and "Mu Fu Feng Yun" were filmed here. The town features wooden houses with dark-tiled roofs, ancient stone-paved streets, and small bridges over flowing streams winding past homes. Standing on East Street, one can see the snow-capped peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on clear days, with the iconic view of the mountain and the old town framed together. The ancient town is built along the mountain slopes, with streets and alleys following the waterways. Sifang Street, once a trading market on the ancient Tea Horse Road, remains the town's center today, with four main streets—Guangyi Street, Qiyi Street, Wuyi Street, and Xinhua Street—radiating outward and branching into a crisscrossing network of lanes. The Yu River splits into three at Yulong Bridge in the north, forming the East, Middle, and West Rivers, which further divide into nine tributaries and countless water alleys, creating a layout where main streets border rivers and small lanes adjoin canals. Mu Fu, the residence of the Mu chieftain praised by Xu Xiake as "palatial splendor rivaling that of kings," stands at the foot of Lion Mountain beside Guangyi Street. For a panoramic view of the town, climb to Wangulou on Lion Mountain, where layers of dark-tiled rooftops unfold below. The melodies of ancient Naxi music can be heard year-round in the town, while shops displaying Dongba script and handmade silver and copper crafts are scattered throughout the streets, offering glimpses of Naxi craftsmanship at every turn. The large waterwheel at the entrance of the ancient town is an iconic photo spot. The town is filled with shops selling ethnic accessories, tea, silverware, and shawls. Local delicacies like cured pork ribs and chickpea jelly can be found in restaurants, alongside Western options like pizza. Tired visitors can take a break anywhere.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Dianchi Lake

8.9

10.6k reviews

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.

China · Kunming

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge

Shangri-La · 86.2km from Yongsheng

4.6/5

6.5k reviews

Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the world's deepest gorges,Located in the east of Tiger Leaping Gorge town, Shangri-La county, it is divided into three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower Tiger Leaping, with a total length of approx. 20 km. The Jinsha River rushes here, flanked by the Jade Dragon and Haba snow mountains. At its narrowest, the river is only 20 to 30 m wide, and combined with the massive drop, the water surges with tremendous force. Beyond its magnificent natural scenery, Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge is also a world-renowned hiking destination, attracting a steady stream of outdoor enthusiasts every year. Only after passing through Middle Tiger Leaping and descending to the riverbank can you truly appreciate the grand and majestic momentum of Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge. Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge is renowned for its steepness, danger, grandeur, and magnificence. Among them, Upper Tiger Leaping is famous for the "gorge mouth" and the "Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area - Tiger Leaping Stone"; Middle Tiger Leaping is perilous due to "Starry Sky" and "A Sliver of Sky"; while Lower Tiger Leaping is beautiful for "a calm lake emerging from the high gorge" and "Daju scenery." Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Upper Tiger Leaping is the upper section of Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge and the narrowest part of the entire Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge. Near the viewing platform, the width is only less than 30 m, and a triangular boulder stands prominently in the middle of the river, splitting the torrent into two and sending up snow-white spray and waves of roaring sound. Legend has it that a fierce tiger once leaped from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain side to the Haba Snow Mountain side using this boulder in the middle of the river, hence the name of the stone: Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area - Tiger Leaping Stone. Upper Tiger Leaping was developed earlier, and a plank road has been built so you can descend from the roadside to the riverbank; a fast walker can get there in 20 minutes. Because the path is simple and easy, the distance is relatively short, and the difficulty is low, some people jokingly call Upper Tiger Leaping the "senior activity center." Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge Middle Tiger Leaping is below Upper Tiger Leaping, about 8 km from the Shangri-La Upper Tiger Leaping Scenic Area - Viewing Platform. The mouth of Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge in Shangri-La, Yunnan is slightly wider, and the river surface is relatively open, but there are many dangerous shoals. The river water threads through the reef area, and under the sunlight, it sparkles, like stars shining across the sky, hence the name: Starry Sky. Winding down along "Teacher Zhang's Trail," the path is narrow and rugged, and it takes about 40 minutes to reach the riverbank. By the river, jagged rocks stand, and the surging water splashes up a mist of spray, where you can see gorgeous rainbows. Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge Continuing along the road from Middle Tiger Leaping, you pass the "Slippery Rock Slab," where loose mountain rock causes frequent falling stones, and suddenly the view opens up: the river surface widens and the current grows gentle, as if a massive reservoir has appeared within the gorge—this is Lower Tiger Leaping. In the distance, fields stretch in a patchwork and cooking smoke curls upward; you have already reached Daju Township in Lijiang.

No. 2 of Night Attractions in Yunnan

Lugu Lake Scenic Area

11.9k reviews

Lugu Lake Scenic Area spans the two provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan, with a lake surface elevation of approx. 2690 m. It is a deep-water plateau lake at the border of Yunnan and Sichuan, long known as the "pearl of the plateau." The lake water is clear and transparent, allowing the naked eye to see several meters deep, a water quality rarely seen among China's alpine lakes. Scattered across the lake are 5 full islands, 3 peninsulas, and 1 island connected by an embankment, each with a different shape. Among them, Liwubi Island is the largest, and on the island stands a temple built by the Mosuo people; Lige Peninsula extends narrowly into the lake, only a little over ten m wide at its narrowest point, and is a classic spot for enjoying the lake view. On the southeast side of the lake, Caohai is a wetland covered with aquatic plants, which together with the vast Lianghai waters forms the lake's view. In summer, ottelia flowers bloom across the lake surface, with white blossoms floating like scattered stars on the water, a signature natural scene of Lugu Lake Scenic Area. The shores have long been home to the Mosuo people, who to this day retain a matrilineal clan system and the walking marriage custom; this distinctive cultural tradition has earned Lugu Lake Scenic Area the name "Oriental Kingdom of Women." The Mosuo's traditional pig-trough boat remains the main means of boating on the lake, and taking a boat tour is a classic way to experience Lugu Lake Scenic Area. The Walking Marriage Bridge by the lakeside spans the grassy marsh and is an important place to experience Mosuo culture. Villages such as Daluoshui and Lige are distributed around the lake; the Lige Peninsula area is a popular viewpoint, while villages on the lake's north shore such as Nise and Xiaoluoshui have fewer visitors and are more tranquil. The residence of the last tusi's princess consort on the southeast shore is also worth a stop to learn about local history.

China · Ninglang

No. 3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Sichuan

Daocheng Yading

4.6/5

11.6k reviews

Daocheng Yading, also known as Yading Nature Reserve, is known by locals as Aden Scenic Area. Located in the southern part of Daocheng County in Ganzi Prefecture, it is mainly composed of three mountains, Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Xianuoduoji, as well as surrounding rivers, lakes, and alpine meadows. There are not only magnificent and sacred snow-capped mountains in the scenic area, but also vast meadows, colorful forests, and blue crystal clear lakes. Hiking on foot like the local Tibetans is a better way to experience the scenery in Yading. However, due to the high altitude of the Aden Protected Area, the entire walk still requires considerable physical fitness.

China · Daocheng County

No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan and Guizhou

Cangshan Mountain

4.5/5

7.4k reviews

Cangshan Mountain, also called Diancangshan Mountain, is located on the west side of the Erhai Lake in Dali. It's scenery is spectacular and it is one of the four scenic spots of Dali. The main peak of the mountain is snowy all year round and the mountain is often shrouded in clouds. You can take the cablecar up the mountain or walk up the mountain. After ascending the Cangshan Mountain, you can overlook the beautiful Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient City.

China · Dali City

No. 6 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Yunnan

Potatso National Park

4.4/5

10.2k reviews

Potatso National Park is located in Shangri-La, Yunnan, in the heart of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage site in northwest Yunnan. In Tibetan, "Potatso" means ferrying all beings to the shores of happiness. The park is composed mainly of two plateau lake areas, Bita Lake and Shudu Lake, which are more than ten km apart, with subalpine meadows such as Militing and Tibetan villages such as Luorong Village scattered between them. Lakes and wetlands, primeval forests, and plateau pastures are concentrated here, and most of the mountain forests remain in their original ecological state. Sightseeing is done by taking eco-friendly shuttle buses between the areas and then hiking along boardwalks to observe the details. The water of Shudu Lake is clear and blue, and by the lakeside stretches a vast highland pasture. In spring and summer, wildflowers bloom across the grassland, making it very beautiful. On winter mornings, moisture on the lake condenses into a white mist that spreads over the water's surface; only by taking the first bus of the early morning can you witness this wonder. A walking boardwalk has been built along the lake across the pasture, and it takes about an hour to walk the full loop. At the end of the boardwalk is the eco-friendly bus stop, where you board after sightseeing to reach the next destination. The next stop of the eco-friendly bus is Militing Grassland, which is flat and open. Bitahai Lake is the last stop on the eco-friendly bus route and also the highlight of this trip. In Tibetan, Bitahai means "lake of oak trees like a felt blanket" — as the name suggests, the lakeside is covered with dense oak trees like a green felt. Large numbers of azaleas grow among the oak forest. Every year in May and June when spring comes and flowers bloom, azalea petals fall into the water, and the fish that eat the slightly toxic azalea flowers float to the surface one after another. This is the famous scene of Bitahai Lake: drunken fish amid azaleas. A boardwalk has also been built along the shore of Bitahai Lake; walking slowly along it leads to the lakeside pier. There are cruises on the lake, allowing you to tour the mountain scenery and water views around the lake.

China · Shangri-La