The Cloud Sea of Manan Mountain in Yongshan County, Zhaotong

Attraction Overview

The Cloud Sea of Manan Mountain is a great spectacle and a highlight of the four seasons tourism. The clouds changes a lot, sometimes calm and long, sometimes gauze and dimly, some times vast and plain, sometimes surging and splashing, which is called a fairy land.

Attraction Type: Mountain

Chinese Name: 马楠山云海(Pinyin: Mananshan Yunhai)

Best Time to Visit: All-year-round

Recommended Visiting Time: Half Day

Altitude: 2700+ meters

Location: Yongshan county of Zhaotong city, Yunnan Province

More Picture

🌫️ Mǎnán Mountain Sea of Clouds Guide （马楠山云海）

Geography & Key Features

Location & Elevation
Mǎnán Mountain is located in the central area of Yongshan County, Zhaotong, Yunnan, stretching along the Zhaoyong Highway. The main peak rises to over 2,700 meters, falling within a highland humid climate zone.

Climate Conditions
Known for its frequent fog and rain, the region experiences over 200 cloudy or foggy days annually. The sea of clouds is visible on roughly 65% of days, offering a dynamic and ever-changing natural spectacle.

Sea of Clouds Landscape

Types & Visual Effects

• Stratus Clouds
  Common during the rainy season, these thick cloud layers can reach hundreds of meters deep, engulfing forests and mountains in a dramatic, sweeping display.

• Veil-like Cloud Waterfalls
  Often seen in autumn and winter, clouds cascade along mountain ridges like flowing waterfalls in motion.

• Cloud Waterfalls & Flat Cloud Blankets
  When winds rise, the clouds surge and swirl like waves. At sunrise and sunset, the clouds reflect the sky like a mirror, creating rare visual phenomena such as “half river shimmering in blue, half in red.”

Best Viewing Times
After rain or snow, during sunrise or sunset, you may witness the spectacular “cloud ocean,” with peaks below 1,000 meters completely submerged—resembling surging waves of white.
During autumn and winter (especially from May to September when vegetation is lush), the chance of seeing a sea of clouds rises to 80%. Misty mornings offer reflections of mountain silhouettes on the water, akin to ink-wash paintings.

Surrounding Nature & Cultural Experiences

Highland Grassland Ecosystem
At the mountain summit lies a vast native grassland (elevation up to 2,720 meters), where from May to September, wildflowers such as Chinese milkvetch and primroses bloom in succession. Grazing herds of cattle and sheep complete the classic pastoral scene of “where the wind bends the grass, livestock appear.”

Cultural Festivities
The Miao people celebrate the Huāshān Festival (Lunar May 5th) with reed pipe music and traditional dances, set against the backdrop of the sea of clouds. This event is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Tourist Facilities & Practical Information

Main Viewing Platforms

• Shihuikeng Observation Deck （石灰窑观景台）
  Situated at 2,720 meters above sea level, this spot offers panoramic 360° views of the sea of clouds and features a weather observation station.

• Gaokanzi Cloud Viewing Terrace （高坎子观云台）
  Located in Mǎnán Village, adjacent to the old Zhaoyong Highway, this platform overlooks both the dramatic curve of the Jinsha River and expansive grassland scenery.

Development Projects

The “Cloud Above Mǎnán” scenic area began development in 2022 and was awarded National 3A Scenic Area status in 2024. The site features distinct zones for cloud-viewing, grassland leisure, and mountain tourism.
Future projects include the addition of skywalks, ski facilities, and low-altitude flying experiences.

Visitor Information

💎 Signature Experiences

Climb the observation deck to catch the glow of the sea of clouds →
Wander through wildflower meadows and spot grazing herds →
Immerse yourself in the ethereal melodies of the Miao Huāshān Festival