Dagu Niuzhai Mountain in Dongchuan District, Kunming

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OVERVIEW｜The Summit of Wumeng · The Roof of Central Yunnan 🏔️✨

Dagu Niu Zhai (大牯牛寨), also known as Guniu Mountain (牯牛山), straddles the border of Dongchuan District (东川区), Kunming City, and Huize County (会泽县), Qujing City.

As the highest peak of the Wumeng Mountains (乌蒙山系), it soars to 4,017.3 meters, earning the title “The Roof of Central Yunnan (滇中屋脊)”.

From the unobstructed summit, on clear days, you can gaze far to Kunming (昆明), Zhaotong (昭通), and look down upon the Jinsha River Gorge (金沙江峡谷) and Xiaojiang Fault Zone (小江断裂带).

Cloud seas, Buddha’s light, snowfields, and alpine meadows alternate in seasonal splendor. National Geographic (国家人文地理) named it one of China’s 108 Most Beautiful Landmarks.

LOCATION｜Coordinates & Getting There 📍

• Summit coordinates: 25°55′N, 103°18′E

• Distance:

  • From Kunming City (昆明市区): 180 km, approx. 3.5 hours by car (Route: Kunqu → Songdai → Huize Exit → Dahai Township)

  • From Huize County (会泽县城): 50 km, about 1 hour via secondary roads

• Public transport:

  • Kunming North Bus Station → Huize (bus ¥95) → Dahai Township (minibus ¥20)

• High-speed rail (opening 2026): Yukun High-Speed Rail (渝昆高铁) “Huize Station (会泽站)” → taxi 40 min to entrance

ATTRACTIONS｜7 Must-See Highlights 📸

Wumeng Main Peak Viewing Platform (乌蒙主峰观景台)

At 4,017 m altitude, enjoy a 360° panoramic view over the Jinsha River’s V-shaped Grand Canyon, with vertical drops near 3,000 m and clouds at your fingertips.

Alpine Meadows (Dahai Grassland, 大海草山)

200,000 mu (approx. 13,000 hectares) of grasslands blanketed in azaleas and wildflowers in spring/summer; golden waves of grass with snow-capped peaks in autumn/winter — a paradise for photographers.

Drip Rock “Mini Loop” Trail (滴水岩小环线)

Official scenic trail: Drip Rock (滴水岩) → Heavenly Pool (天池) → Main Peak; 15 km total, 1,400 m ascent, 3-4 hours to summit.

WWII Plane Crash Site (二战坠机遗址)

Remains of a US C-46 transport plane crashed on March 24, 1944, including propeller and bullet-holed fragments — a must-visit for history buffs.

Heavenly Pool (天池)

A natural glacial lake at the summit, never dries up year-round, reflecting blue sky and clouds, dubbed the “Eye of Wumeng.”

Alpine Ski Resort (12–3 months)

Yunnan’s first large outdoor ski resort with 120,000 m² of snowmaking, beginner to intermediate slopes, and snow tubing.

Buddha’s Light & Sea of Clouds (佛光云海)

Best seen early morning from 6:30 to 8:00, when the sun, your shadow, and mist align, forming a glowing halo around you.

ROUTES｜Recommended Trails 🥾

TICKETS & OPENING HOURS 🎟️

• Dahai Grassland Scenic Area ticket: ¥35 (half price for students)

• Sightseeing shuttle: ¥20 (round trip between Drip Rock and Main Peak)

• Ski Resort:

  • Snow play ticket ¥80 (includes snow tubing & sled)

  • Ski ticket ¥180 / 2 hours (equipment rental extra)

• Open daily 08:00–18:00 (winter closes 17:30)

ACCOMMODATION｜Spend a Night Under the Stars 🌌

FOOD｜From Summit Snacks to Valley Delights 🍢

• At the summit: Lamb skewers (3 RMB each), oat cakes, butter tea

• At the foot: Huize Black Goat hotpot, plateau potatoes braised with ham

• Souvenirs: Wild mushrooms from high altitude, bitter buckwheat tea, handmade wool felts

SEASON GUIDE｜Activities by Season 🌸☀️🍂❄️

• Spring (Mar-May): Azalea blooms, alpine pastures, temps 5–15℃

• Summer (Jun-Aug): Green meadows, natural cool retreat, temps 15–20℃

• Autumn (Sep-Nov): Golden grass waves, sea of clouds & Buddha’s light, peak photo season

• Winter (Dec-Feb): Snow-covered peaks, frost, ski resort open, temps -5 to 5℃

TIPS｜Safety & Environment 🌿

• High altitude: Bring oxygen & altitude sickness meds; keep daily climbs under 1500 m

• Sudden weather changes: Meadows are exposed, carry rain gear & windproof jackets

• Environment: No picking flowers or littering; fines apply

• Connectivity: Weak 4G at the summit, download offline maps beforehand

• Guides: For unofficial trails, hire local herders (~¥200/day)

CALL TO ACTION｜When the First Light Hits Wumeng’s Cloud Sea 🌅

When the sun pierces through Wumeng’s sea of clouds and golden grass waves roll beneath your feet —
you’ll understand why this 4,017-meter peak is called the “Mountain of Fortune (福在山)”.

Save this guide and share it with those you want to hike Wumeng’s summit with!
See you in 2025 at Dagu Niu Zhai (大牯牛寨), waiting for the wind and you!