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

Tour Overview

This 3-Day Pingbian Yunnan-Vietnam Railway and Daweishan Mountain Tour offers an immersive journey through the heart of Pingbian County in Yunnan Province, a region known for its rich cultural...

Code of Tour: YET0000064695

Length of Travel: 3 Day

Destinations of Tour: Kunming-Pingbian-Kunming

Departure City:

Price of Tour: Request

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This 3-Day Pingbian Yunnan-Vietnam Railway and Daweishan Mountain Tour offers an immersive journey through the heart of Pingbian County in Yunnan Province, a region known for its rich cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes, and historical significance. Located in the southeastern part of Honghe Prefecture, Pingbian is home to a blend of ethnic groups such as the Miao, Yi, Zhuang, Yao, and Han, each contributing to the area’s unique cultural fabric.

The tour combines cultural exploration with natural beauty, taking you through Miao cultural heritage, iconic landmarks like the Dishui Waterfall, and Daweishan Mountain’s lush forests and waterfalls. Additionally, it highlights the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, a historically significant railway that connected China to Vietnam, and the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway Truss Bridge, a symbol of this engineering marvel. This is a unique opportunity to explore a region that merges nature, culture, and history in an unforgettable way.

Tour Highlights

Miao Culture and Heritage at Dishui Miao City

Dishui Miao City is a perfect starting point for understanding the Miao culture in Pingbian. Designed around the concept of mountains, water, forest, Miao, and city, it offers visitors an immersive experience. The Mu Yang River runs through the town, and the landscape is harmoniously shaped by nature, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting.

The Miao Medicine Museum in Dishui Miao City offers a deep dive into Miao medicinal traditions, showcasing the history and evolution of ethnic medicine. Visitors can learn about the medicinal plants used by the Miao people, their health practices, and their beliefs in natural healing.

The Dishui Waterfall, located near the city, is another highlight. This majestic waterfall cascades down from a great height, often described as “the Milky Way falling from the heavens”, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

Daweishan National Forest Park and Nine-Tier Waterfall

Daweishan National Forest Park is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Pingbian. A guided sightseeing vehicle will take you through the park, where you can witness lush forests, towering trees, and a serene environment rich in biodiversity. The area is famous for its dense forest cover, which creates a tranquil atmosphere and fresh mountain air, providing a rejuvenating experience.

The Nine-Tier Waterfall is another natural wonder located within the park. This impressive waterfall cascades through three tiers, totaling nine layers. The sound of rushing water, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, creates a soothing atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers.

The Yunnan-Vietnam Railway and Truss Bridge

The Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, a vital railway that connected Kunming in China to Hanoi in Vietnam, plays an important role in the region’s history. The Yunnan-Vietnam Railway Truss Bridge is an iconic piece of engineering, standing high above a deep canyon with the Nanxi River flowing below. This bridge is not only an engineering marvel but also a historical landmark, reflecting the importance of trade, transportation, and connectivity between China and Vietnam during the early 20th century.

Visitors can admire the steel truss bridge from afar, watching trains pass over and taking in the dramatic scenery of the rugged canyon beneath. The tranquil spring waters and distant mountain winds enhance the experience, offering a nostalgic journey into the past.

Unique Miao Cuisine and Local Delights

The tour offers plenty of opportunities to taste local Pingbian cuisine. Miao chicken ginseng, a dish famous for its health benefits, is one of the regional specialties. Baihe cold chicken, flower rice, and old pig’s feet are also must-try dishes that showcase the flavors of the area.

Pingbian is famous for its lychees, particularly in the summer months when the fruit is at its sweetest. Visitors can sample the juicy, flavorful lychees and other fresh fruits, experiencing the authentic tastes of the region.

Local Traditions and Festivals

Depending on the timing of your visit, you may have the chance to experience local festivals and cultural performances. The Miao Calendar Square hosts a lively bonfire dance party on Fridays and Saturdays, where locals gather to celebrate with music, dance, and traditional rituals. It’s an opportunity to join in the community’s festivities, learn about their customs, and witness the warmth and enthusiasm of the Miao people.

Historical Exploration at Shidong Village

Shidong Village, located in Xinxian Town, is another cultural gem. The village is known for its Pearl Cave, which features rock beehives and dramatic cliffs, adding to the area’s allure. The village’s natural beauty, combined with its historical significance, makes it a peaceful retreat for visitors interested in experiencing the more tranquil, ancient side of Pingbian.

Day By Day Itinerary

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.