3 Days Pignbian Yunnan-Vietnam Railway and Daweishan Mountain Tour from Kunming

Pingbian County, located in the southeastern part of Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, covers an area of 1,906 square kilometers. It is a place where nature and culture meet, and history and reality intersect. The region is home to various ethnic groups, including the Miao, Han, Yi, Zhuang, and Yao, who thrive here. Join me on a unique Citywalk to explore this fascinating area.


Day 1: Exploring Miao Culture at Dishui Miao City

Morning: Stroll through Dishui Miao City, a town rich in Miao culture. The town is designed with a concept of “mountains, water, forest, Miao, and city,” centered around the牧羊河 (Mu Yang River) water system. It integrates Miao medicinal health, cultural leisure, retirement tourism, and health vacation functions, creating an attractive destination for a leisurely and healthy lifestyle.

Within Dishui Miao City, visit the Miao Medicine Museum. Inside, you’ll find a deep display of Miao culture and the evolving tradition of Miao medicine. Discover the history of ethnic medicine and appreciate its unique charm.

Afternoon: Experience the majestic Dishui Waterfall, known for its breathtaking view, often described as “waterfall cascading down three thousand feet, as if the Milky Way fell from the heavens.” Located near Dishui Miao City, the waterfall flows through bamboo forests into the valley below, with the mist rising high and falling gently. The waterfall descends from a cliff with grandeur, and on sunny days, it appears as a silver ribbon pouring into a deep pool, creating dazzling water splashes in the sunlight.

Evening: If visiting on a Friday or Saturday, join the locals in a lively evening of song and dance. At the Miao Calendar Square, the bonfire party brightens up the surroundings, igniting the enthusiasm of the crowd and the festive atmosphere.


Day 2: Exploring Daweishan Mountain and its Natural Wonders

Morning: Visit the Baihe Town Train Market. Baihe Town, located in Pingbian County, is positioned in the Ailao Mountains with a terrain that is high in the north and low in the south, representing the karst landscape of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. The highest peak is at Dixi Mountain with an elevation of 2,295 meters, while the lowest point is at the Sancha River in the south, at an elevation of 154 meters. Baihe Town is also the first town where the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway enters the Nanxi River Valley. Here, the “train market” is still preserved. Every Monday, villagers come to set up stalls on both sides of the railway line, creating a unique scenic spot.

Morning Activity: Depart from the county town and take a taxi for about fifteen minutes to the entrance of Daweishan National Forest Park. Then, transfer to a sightseeing vehicle to enter the park. The dense forest offers a serene experience as you wander through thousands of acres of pristine forest, enjoying the lush green mountains and ever-changing mist. The park’s high forest coverage ensures that each step is surrounded by greenery, and the fresh air rich in negative ions provides a refreshing experience.

Afternoon Activity: Proceed to the Nine-Tier Waterfall, a natural wonder formed by the convergence of numerous streams and mountain springs within Daweishan National Forest Park. Located about 1.4 kilometers from the park entrance, the waterfall cascades in three tiers, totaling nine layers. The sound of the flowing water is both powerful and soothing, creating a beautiful interplay between the mountains and the waters.


Day 3: Exploring Shidong Village and the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway Truss Bridge

Morning: Travel by taxi to Shidong Village in Xinxian Town. Shidong Village, part of the Jimi Village Committee in Pingbian County, is known for its unique natural scenery and historical sites. It is named after the natural cave “Pearl Cave,” which features a dramatic landscape with cliffs adorned with rock bee hives that coexist harmoniously with the local villagers. The tranquility here is both ancient and gentle.

Afternoon: Visit the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway Truss Bridge. The bridge is built over a steep cliff with a deep river below, standing as a giant steel structure with its legs spread wide across the precipice. The view from afar is striking, with the bridge showcasing its imposing presence. Below, the clear spring water and rugged canyon create a stunning landscape. Trains still cross the bridge, and the distant mountain winds and train whistles create a timeless dialogue.

Culinary Delights and Accommodation

Pingbian offers not only breathtaking natural scenery but also delectable local cuisine. Now is the season for tasting Pingbian lychees, which burst with sweetness, like a refreshing stream of nectar. Also, savor local specialties such as Miao chicken ginseng, old pig’s feet, Baihe cold chicken, and flower rice, satisfying your taste buds.

As night falls, the city’s hustle and bustle gradually fade away. Stay at a local特色酒店 (specialty hotel) and end your day’s journey.

Travel Information:

  • From Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Kunming South Station: Approximately 12 hours 30 minutes.
  • From Shanghai Hongqiao Airport or Shanghai Pudong Airport to Kunming Changshui Airport: Approximately 3 hours 10 minutes.
  • Upon arrival in Kunming, transfer to a train from Kunming Station or Kunming South Station to Pingbian Station (check local railway schedules). From Pingbian Station, you can take a bus or taxi to Dishui Miao City.

With summer approaching, come to Pingbian for a cool and pleasant escape! It is known as the “Spring City at China’s Southernmost Point,” free from harsh winters and scorching summers. Pingbian warmly welcomes you with a new and enthusiastic spirit, thanks to dedicated support from Xuhui District.

Service Included:

  • Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary;
  • Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
  • Private English-speaking tour guide;
  • Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
  • Service charge & government taxes;
  • Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
  • Service charge and all government taxes;
  • Travel Agency’s Responsibility Insurance coverage.

Service Excluded:

  • Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
  • Chinese visa fees;
  • Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
  • Single room supplement;
  • Tips to guides and drivers;
  • Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
  • Personal travel accident insurance;
  • All optional programs.