A Unique Cloud Sea Spectacle in Central Yunnan
Hidden gem of central Yunnan, Ailao on the Clouds
Stepping into the Mystical Ailao Mountains

A Unique Cloud Sea Spectacle in Central Yunnan

As the first rays of morning sunlight pierced through the mist and spilled into the valley, the sea of clouds over the Ailao Mountains seemed to part like a luminous gateway in the sky. Golden beams broke through the dense fog, gradually revealing the majestic contours of the mountain range—a sight truly breathtaking.

Hidden gem of central Yunnan, Ailao on the Clouds

The Ailao Mountains, a sprawling range stretching hundreds of kilometers along the boundary between the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Hengduan Mountains, are synonymous with "wonderful grandeur and extraordinary beauty." They serve as an indispensable, evocative metaphor for the spirit of Yunnan—and also stand as a hidden sanctuary that has nurtured the province's rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Stepping into the Mystical Ailao Mountains

Currently, our Ailao Mountain Company has set up photography service stations at attractions like Shimen Gorge, Jinshanyakou Primitive Forest, and the Ancient Tea Horse Road. We offer a wide variety of costumes to suit your style, along with private changing rooms to ensure you look your absolute best in every photo!

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Cloud-Top Ailao Mountains

Hidden gem of central Yunnan, Ailao under the clouds


The primeval forests, dense mists, treacherous waterfalls perched on steep cliffs, and disruptive magnetic forces—Ailao Mountain, a sprawling range stretching hundreds of kilometers along the boundary between the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Hengduan Mountains, is synonymous with "extraordinary grandeur and exotic beauty." It serves as an indispensable, evocative metaphor for the spirit of Yunnan—and as a hidden sanctuary where the province’s diverse cultural heritage thrives. The name "Ailao Mountain" originates from the ancient Ailao Kingdom, which stood as a bordering mountain to its eastern territories. Situated at the convergence of three major geographic regions—the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, the Hengduan Mountains, and the southern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau—it stretches from Chuxiong City in the north all the way to Luchun County in the south. Running roughly in a northwest-to-southeast direction, this majestic range not only forms the watershed between the Yuanjiang and Amo Rivers but also marks the dividing line between two distinct geomorphological zones: the eastern Yunnan Plateau and the rugged terrain of the Hengduan Mountains.

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Scenic Spots


Shimen Gorge

Shimen Gorge is a section of Laochang River, a tributary of the Shili River in the Ailao Mountains. It gets its name from the natural stone gates formed where towering cliffs on either side of the canyon face each other. Inside the gorge, the stream flows crystal-clear, while dense forests surround it. At higher elevations, massive trees twist and coil like coiled dragons or serpents, their branches entwined with vines. Lower down, layers of algae, ferns, and moss blanket the rocky walls and mountain cliffs, creating a lush, verdant tapestry.

The Ancient Tea Horse Road

The Ailao Mountain Tea-Horse Ancient Trail, historically known as the Yinan Grand Road, originated in the Tang Dynasty, was established during the Yuan Dynasty, flourished throughout the Ming and Qing periods, and began to decline during the Republic of China era. With a rich history spanning over 1,500 years, it remains an enduring symbol of China's cultural heritage.

Jinshan Primitive Forest

The Jinshan Primitive Forest perfectly preserves a subtropical mid-mountain moist evergreen broadleaf forest ecosystem, making it the most representative area of the Ailao Mountain's pristine forest landscape.

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2025-09-18

2025

09-18

Public Notice on Visitor Capacity at Ailao Mountain Scenic Area in Xinping County

The primary means of exploring the scenic area is through walking trails, so the "Trail-Based Method" was adopted for the calculation. Detailed indicators involved in the calculation process can be found in Table 1. The scenic area operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., totaling 9 hours (or 540 minutes).

2025-09-15

2025

09-15

A Guide to Protecting the Ecological Hidden Gem of Ailao Mountain

Ailao Mountain has been the ancestral home of ethnic minorities such as the Hani, Yi, and Dai peoples for generations—let’s refrain from carelessly damaging traditional architecture or mocking their cultural customs.

2025-09-15

2025

09-15

Explore Ailao with Ease

Pickup locations: Huannian High-Speed Rail Station, Xinping County Ancient Town Bus Stop, Jiasao Passenger Transport Station, and the parking area at Ailao Mountain Scenic Area (including Shimen Gorge, Tea Horse Ancient Trail, and Jinshan Primitive Forest).

2025-09-15

2025

09-15

Visitor Information

Currently, the scenic area only has three attractions open to visitors: Shimen Gorge, Jinshan Primitive Forest, and the Ancient Tea-Horse Road (details subject to the day’s official announcement from the景区). Visitors are strictly prohibited from entering unauthorized, unopened areas. These off-limits zones feature treacherous terrain, complete lack of communication signals, and no access to supplies—making them extremely dangerous!

2025-09-15

2025

09-15

Ticket Announcement

Ticket Discount Policy: Minors aged 7–18 (inclusive), seniors aged 60–69 (inclusive, but not including those aged 70), and full-time students enrolled in undergraduate programs or below—provided they present valid identification—are eligible for a 50% discount on ticket prices. Children aged 7 (inclusive) or shorter than 1.2 meters (inclusive) enter free of charge. Seniors aged 70 and above, as well as individuals holding a "Retirement Certificate," enjoy complimentary admission. Additionally, disabled visitors, active-duty military personnel, veterans with disabilities, retired military officers, and retired non-commissioned officers are also admitted free of charge—simply present the appropriate valid documentation. Individuals holding the "Yunnan Province High-Level Talent Green Channel Service Card" may bring their parents, spouses, and children into the park without purchasing tickets. Visitors who qualify for these free policies are encouraged to bring their valid identification documents to the scenic area’s ticket office to complete the necessary ticket reduction procedures.

2025-04-28

2025

04-28

Tourists explore Ailao Mountain ahead of the May Day holiday, with its mesmerizing scenery earning overwhelming praise.

As the May Day holiday approaches, Xinping County’s Ailao Mountain Scenic Area is welcoming wave after wave of tourists eager to explore ahead of time. The lush greenery of Jinshan Primitive Forest, the crystal-clear streams flowing through Shimen Gorge, and the rich historical charm of the ancient Tea-Horse Road have all left early visitors thoroughly impressed—and reluctant to leave.