The Best Time to Visit Zhaotong

Zhaotong (昭通) is located in northeastern Yunnan Province (云南省), characterized by a plateau monsoon climate that combines subtropical and warm temperate zones. The city experiences mild winters without extreme cold, cool summers without intense heat, and distinct wet and dry seasons.

Seasonal Climate Overview

Spring (March to May)

  • Temperature: Gradually warming, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 10°C to 17°C.
  • Precipitation: Increasing but generally light, mostly light to moderate rain.
  • Weather Features: Variable weather with more sunny days and significant day-night temperature differences.

Summer (June to August)

  • Temperature: Moderate, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 19°C to 25°C.
  • Precipitation: Abundant, with heavy rain or thunderstorms, making it the wettest season.
  • Weather Features: Cool and comfortable, ideal for summer retreats.

Autumn (September to November)

  • Temperature: Gradually cooling, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 12°C to 18°C.
  • Precipitation: Decreasing, with drier weather.
  • Weather Features: Cool and clear, with significant day-night temperature differences.

Winter (December to February)

  • Temperature: Cooler, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 2°C to 10°C.
  • Precipitation: Scarce, with occasional snowfall.
  • Weather Features: Cold, especially in mountainous areas, but extreme lows are rare.

Best Time to Visit

Zhaotong’s plateau monsoon climate results in minimal seasonal variation, but significant differences across altitudes. The city is suitable for travel year-round:

  • Spring (March to May): Ideal for enjoying nature as everything comes back to life.
  • Summer (June to August): Perfect for escaping the heat and enjoying cool weather.
  • Autumn (September to November): Pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
  • Winter (December to February): Best for visiting Dashanbao (大山包) to observe black-necked cranes.

Attractions and Ticket Prices

Dashanbao Scenic Area (大山包景区)

  • Location: Dashanbao Town (大山包镇), Zhaoyang District (昭阳区).
  • Highlights: A winter habitat for black-necked cranes (October to March). Dashanhai Wetland (大海子湿地) offers excellent crane viewing, while Jigong Mountain (鸡公山) features a 2,600-meter vertical drop and stunning canyon views.
  • Ticket: 98 RMB/person (includes sightseeing bus).

Doushaguan Scenic Area (豆沙关景区)

  • Location: Dousha Town (豆沙镇), Yanjin County (盐津县).
  • Highlights: A key node on the Southern Silk Road, featuring ancient relics like the Five-Chi Road (五尺道) and Tang Yuanzi Cliff Inscriptions (唐袁滋题记摩崖石刻).
  • Ticket: Free for some attractions, such as the Five-Chi Road site.

Huanglianhe Scenic Area (黄连河景区)

  • Location: Huanglianhe Village (黄连河村), Daguan County (大关县).
  • Highlights: Known as the “Hometown of Waterfalls in China,” it boasts 47 waterfalls, including the majestic Dahuaban Waterfall (大滑板瀑布) and the romantic Qinglang Waterfall (情郎瀑布).
  • Ticket: Approximately 50 RMB/person.

Western Grand Canyon Hot Springs (西部大峡谷温泉)

  • Location: Baweicao (坝尾槽), Shuifu City (水富市).
  • Highlights: The largest natural hot spring in western China, with mineral-rich waters and various themed pools.
  • Ticket: 100-200 RMB/person (varies by season and activities).

Nianhu Lake (念湖)

  • Location: At the junction of Daqiao Township (大桥乡), Huize County (会泽县), and Zhaotong.
  • Highlights: A black-necked crane nature reserve, especially beautiful in autumn and winter (November to March) when migratory birds gather.
  • Ticket: Free.

Zhaxi Red Army Martyrs Cemetery (扎西红军烈士陵园)

  • Location: Zhaxi (扎西), Weixin County (威信县).
  • Highlights: A memorial site honoring revolutionary martyrs, offering insights into patriotism and revolutionary traditions.
  • Ticket: Free.

Shaonüping Tourism Resort Town (邵女坪旅游度假小镇景区)

  • Location: 17 km from Shuifu County (水富县), near the Xiangjiaba Hydropower Station (向家坝水电站) reservoir.
  • Highlights: Features a lakeside carnival in May, water recreation facilities, and a modern agricultural demonstration park.
  • Ticket: Free entry, with charges for some activities.

Transportation and Prices

By Air

  • Zhaotong Zhaoyang Airport (昭通昭阳机场): Flights to/from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Kunming. Flights from Kunming take about 50 minutes, costing 300-800 RMB. Airport shuttles to the city center cost about 20 RMB, while taxis cost 50-80 RMB. Direct flights to Baoshan (保山) are also available.

By Train

  • Zhaotong Railway Station (昭通站): Connects to cities like Kunming. Train tickets from Kunming cost 50-150 RMB.

By Bus

  • Kunming to Zhaotong: Buses take 4-5 hours, costing 100-150 RMB. Student-specific routes, such as Zhaotong to Baoshan, are also available.

Intra-City Transportation

  • Bus: Affordable and convenient, with fares ranging from 1-2 RMB.
  • Taxi: Starting fare is 8-10 RMB, with 1.8-2.5 RMB per additional kilometer.

Food Recommendations

  • Zhaotong Mini Meat Skewers (昭通小肉串): Grilled beef or pork skewers, crispy outside and tender inside, priced at 1-3 RMB per skewer.
  • Tianma Ham Chicken (天麻火腿鸡): A nourishing stew of chicken, ham, and gastrodia elata, priced at 50-80 RMB per person.
  • Potato Rice (洋芋焖饭): A fragrant dish of potatoes and rice, priced at 15-25 RMB per serving.
  • Pea Flour Cake (稀豆粉粑粑): A spicy and savory breakfast or snack, priced at 5-10 RMB.
  • Sour Soup Pork Trotters (酸汤猪脚): Tender pork trotters in a sour and spicy broth, priced at 40-60 RMB per person.

 Shopping Recommendations

  • Zhaotong Apples (昭通苹果): A nationally recognized geographic product, available from September to October at affordable prices.
  • Ethnic Handicrafts: Embroidery, silverware, and bamboo crafts from Yi (彝族), Bai (白族), and Miao (苗族) ethnic groups, priced from tens to thousands of RMB.
  • Zhuti Silverware (朱提银器): Exquisite silverware reflecting Zhaotong’s cultural heritage, priced from hundreds to tens of thousands of RMB.

Accommodation Recommendations and Prices

Zhaotong Ziguang Grand Hotel (昭通紫光大酒店)

  • Location: 295 Hailou Road (海楼路), Zhaoyang District (昭阳区).
  • Highlights: Convenient location with excellent facilities and service.
  • Price: 200-400 RMB/night.

Shuifu Tongluoba Hot Spring Hotel (水富铜锣坝温泉酒店)

  • Location: Within Tongluoba National Forest Park (铜锣坝国家森林公园), Shuifu City (水富市).
  • Highlights: Surrounded by nature, featuring hot spring pools and recreational facilities.
  • Price: 300-600 RMB/night.

Daguan Huanglianhe Grand Hotel (大关黄连河大酒店)

  • Location: Near Huanglianhe Scenic Area (黄连河景区), Daguan County (大关县).
  • Highlights: Comfortable rooms with scenic views and local cuisine.
  • Price: 200-500 RMB/night.

Yanjin Doushaguan Inn (盐津豆沙关客栈)

  • Location: Within Doushaguan Ancient Town (豆沙关古镇), Yanjin County (盐津县).
  • Highlights: Traditional architecture and clean, simple rooms.
  • Price: 150-300 RMB/night.

Huize Nianhu Resort Hotel (会泽念湖度假酒店)

  • Location: Near Nianhu Lake (念湖), Huize County (会泽县).
  • Highlights: Lakeside views and comprehensive facilities.
  • Price: 300-600 RMB/night.

Recommended Itineraries

One-Day Tour

  • Morning: Visit Dashanbao Scenic Area (大山包景区) to admire Jigong Mountain (鸡公山) and the canyon.
  • Noon: Enjoy Tianma Ham Chicken (天麻火腿鸡) near the scenic area.
  • Afternoon: Observe black-necked cranes at Dashanhai Wetland (大海子湿地).

Three-Day Tour

  • Day 1: Explore Doushaguan Scenic Area (豆沙关景区), including the Five-Chi Road (五尺道) and Tang Yuanzi Cliff Inscriptions (唐袁滋题记摩崖石刻).
  • Day 2: Visit Huanglianhe Scenic Area (黄连河景区) to see its waterfalls and enjoy Zhaotong Mini Meat Skewers (昭通小肉串) in the evening.
  • Day 3: Relax at Western Grand Canyon Hot Springs (西部大峡谷温泉).

Five-Day Tour

  • Day 1: Arrive in Zhaotong, explore the ancient city, and enjoy local cuisine.
  • Day 2: Spend the day at Dashanbao Scenic Area (大山包景区), especially for black-necked crane viewing in winter.
  • Day 3: Visit Doushaguan Scenic Area (豆沙关景区) to learn about its history and ancient town.
  • Day 4: Explore Huanglianhe Scenic Area (黄连河景区) and its waterfalls.
  • Day 5: Experience water activities and scenic views at Shaonüping Tourism Resort Town (邵女坪旅游度假小镇景区).

Summary

This comprehensive Zhaotong travel guide highlights the best times to visit, key attractions, transportation options, local cuisine, shopping recommendations, accommodations, and suggested itineraries. Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended stay, this guide ensures a memorable experience in Zhaotong.