Wanmu Caoshan Grassland of Maming Town in Malong County, Qujing
Overview
Wanmu Caoshan Grassland (万亩草山) is located in Maming Town (马鸣乡), Malong County (马龙区), Qujing (曲靖), Yunnan Province (云南省). This artificial grassland covers over 12,000 acres and is just 1 kilometer from the town government, 36 kilometers from Malong County seat, and 16 kilometers from the old county interchange on the Kunming-Qujing Expressway. With its picturesque European pastoral scenery and the grandeur of the northern grasslands, it offers a refreshing experience typical of Mongolian grasslands.
Geographic Location
Wanmu Caoshan Grassland lies in the central part of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (云贵高原), spanning from 102°42′ to 104°50′ East Longitude and 24°19′ to 27°03′ North Latitude. It borders Guizhou (贵州) and Guangxi (广西) to the east, Kunming (昆明) to the west, Wenshan (文山) and Honghe (红河) to the south, and Zhaotong (昭通) and Bijie (毕节) to the north. This area is an important land route connecting Yunnan to the inland regions, often referred to as the “key to Yunnan” (云南咽喉). Qujing is Yunnan’s second-largest city, after Kunming, and an important industrial hub.
Natural Attractions
Located in a region with rich natural beauty, Wanmu Caoshan Grassland features unique landscapes, vibrant ethnic culture, and a pleasant climate. The area is characterized by karst topography (喀斯特地貌), surrounded by lush mountains and vast grasslands, embodying the essence of rural serenity. It is well-known for its picturesque views, where one can see livestock grazing gently in the breeze. The local Yi culture (彝族) adds to the charm, offering traditional drinks such as the famed Yi-style wine (泡缸酒), cherished for its clear color and sweet flavor.
Tourism Development
In recent years, Malong County has seized the opportunity to develop a leisure and entertainment hub between Kunming and Qujing. The local government aims to enhance the area’s tourism infrastructure while preserving its natural resources. The focus is on balancing development with environmental protection, ensuring that the unique natural and cultural advantages of Wanmu Caoshan are maintained.
Travel Consumption
- Parking Fee: Parking around the scenic area is not convenient.
- Guide Fee: No guide is necessary for this area.
- Car Rental Fee: Car type: Great Wall Haval (长城哈弗); Price: 550 CNY per day.
- Local Products: Wild delicacies such as chicken fungus (鸡枞), bamboo fungus (竹荪), and wood ear mushrooms (木耳) are available, along with local handicrafts like Miezha crafts (蔑扎工艺品), embroidery (刺绣), batik (蜡染), and specialty products like Du Zhong tea (杜仲茶) and Yunjing wine (云精酒).
How to Get There
To reach Wanmu Caoshan Grassland, you can drive or take a bus to Malong County. From there, follow the signs for Maming Town, which is about a 20-minute drive. If you prefer public transportation, buses are available from Qujing to Malong.
Travel Tips
- Transportation: If you’re traveling by car, the route is straightforward with road signs. Public buses are also an option from Qujing.
- Shopping: Look for local delicacies and handicrafts as souvenirs.
- Accommodation: There are various local guesthouses and hotels in Malong County for a comfortable stay.
- Best Time to Visit: The scenic grasslands are particularly beautiful in summer when the flora is lush.
- Festivals: Enjoy local cultural events and festivals that showcase Yi traditions and local products during the peak tourist season.
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