Luoping's canola fields have become a Mecca for photographers, especially during the short but spectacular canola bloom season in February and March. The vibrant, golden fields stretch across the landscape, creating a dazzling contrast against the blue skies. The area’s unique terrain, with its rolling hills and traditional villages, offers stunning panoramas that change with the light. While the season is brief, the beauty of Luoping remains unforgettable, drawing visitors from all over the world for a truly magical experience. Be prepared for crowds, but the breathtaking views make it all worth it.
Highlights
« The fantasy rock formations of the Stone Forest
« A sea of flowers surrounds the mountains
« A huge lake of yellow blossoms
« filling the air with the smell of spring
We will pick you up from your hotel within the second ring road of Kunming, your tour guide will hold a flag printed “Wonders Of Yunnan”.
Begin your Yunnan trip through the diverse landscapes of China's most spectacular province in the regional capital of Kunming. One of our English-speaking tour guides and a professional driver will transfer you directly to your hotel, giving you plenty of time to recover from a long flight.
After breakfast, drive to one of Yunnan greatest wonders, the Stone Forest in Shilin County. Weather and time have sculpted a massive karst labyrinth that feels like you are walking through a forest, with ancient stone trees looking down on you. Every rock formation you pass has its own touching story or thrilling legend, passed on by the natives who have lived in this area for ages. The natives belong to the Sani minority, a branch of the Yi ethnic minority, which you can still find inside the park, jamming together singing folk songs or making embroidery.
Luoping a small corner of the province where Yunnan meets Guizhou and Guangxi, this is China’s very own Golden Triangle. The landscape here is mostly flat, punctuated by charming karst hillocks which dot the landscape. At the same time this unique terrain features a number of small sinkholes, natural basins that look like the rings of a snail's shell. Even the most gentle breeze to will make the crops ebb and flow in the most spellbinding patterns.
After breakfast,drive to Jinji peak which translates as Golden Rooster peak, the most popular viewpoint to see the flowering rapeseed crop, and is just 10 to 15 minutes from Luoping town. There is a small ticket office situated inside Lingyi Temple, about halfway up the mountain. Many photographers congregate here to shoot the sunrise and sunset over the sea of flowers. The afternoon and evening rays produce a much brighter light and make for much better photos. The fields themselves stretch way out into the distance and so a wide-angle lens would be very useful. Study the work of other photographers around the internet before you arrive, in order to find the most attractive parts to shoot. Luck is important as the weather/sunlight makes a huge difference. On a partly cloudy day, wait until the sun shines through the clouds to take some shots with great contrast.
In the afternoon, we'll visit the Nine Dragons Waterfall, a breathtaking natural wonder with ten cascades, the largest plunging 56 meters and spanning 110 meters in width. In spring, the falls are at their most spectacular, rivaling the beauty of blooming canola flowers. During the dry season, they transform into delicate silvery streams against a clear sky. Beneath the second cascade lies the Lovers Waterfall, famed for its romantic, tragic legends. Just 50 minutes northeast of town, this serene spot offers stunning views year-round. For a relaxing visit, start at the top and stroll down, or take a bamboo raft for an up-close experience.
Today's tour will end at Niujie, a few kilometres to the north of Luoping town and is the best place to see the terracing that has been created to farm the sinkhole areas. Here the flowers are grown in circular rings to follow the contours of the slopes. Sunrise is the best time to see early morning mists and a warm gentle sunlight.
Discover the Luoping Canola Flower Scenic Area, a place has earned its place as the "World's Largest Natural Garden" according to Guinness World Records and is proudly featured among National Geographic's 50 Must-Visit Attractions of a Lifetime. Every spring, the vast golden fields stretch endlessly across the landscape, covering millions of acres in a dazzling sea of rapeseed flowers. As the gentle breeze sweeps through, the flowers dance like golden waves, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that feels like a harvest scene, with the wind stirring the golden blossoms as if they were rippling wheat fields.
After the tour,heading back to Kunming. If your schedule permits, we highly recommend to visit Kunming's best theatrical option, the Dynamic Yunnan Show, where beautifully costumed dancers and musicians perform choreography with drums, inspired from the ethnic village dances and sing exotic songs that will bring tears to your eyes (not included in tour price, but can be booked extra).
After breakfast, visit Kunming Western Hill, a stunning natural retreat offering panoramic views of Dianchi Lake and the surrounding landscape. Known for its rich history, the area is dotted with ancient temples, pavilions, and the famous Dragon Gate, carved into the mountainside. Visitors can explore tranquil paths, enjoy the lush scenery, and learn about local culture and legends. It's a peaceful escape just outside the city, perfect for hiking, photography, and soaking in the natural beauty.
In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful time at Haigeng Park and Dianchi Lake. Haigeng Park, nestled along the serene shores of Dianchi Lake, offers lush greenery, beautiful flower displays, and tranquil walking paths. Dianchi Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, is known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. You can relax by the water, take a leisurely boat ride, or simply stroll along the lakeside, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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