(The "Earth's Fissure" on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau — 3 Hours to Explore the "World’s No.1 Crack") ?✨
Yulu Earth Crack (雨碌大地缝) is located in Yulu Township (雨碌乡), Huize County (会泽县), Qujing City (曲靖市). Over millions of years, tectonic uplift combined with river erosion tore open a unique “mountain-shaped” fissure more than 10 kilometers long and as narrow as 1.4 meters in places on the gentle plateau, earning it the title of the “World’s No.1 Crack” (天下第一缝).
Recognized as a national 4A-level tourist attraction in 2024, the site maintains a constant cool temperature of 17°C in summer, making it a hidden gem for cooling off, light hiking, and geological photography enthusiasts. ??
Coordinates: Xiaomi River Gorge (小米河峡谷), Yulu Township, Huize County, Yunnan Province
Altitude: Entrance at 1700 m → Gorge bottom at 1400 m (300 m vertical drop)
Distance: 61 km from Huize County seat (approx. 1.5 h drive); 210 km from Kunming city center (2.5–3 h self-drive via G85 Yinkun Expressway and G213)
Kunming North Bus Station → Huize County (continuous buses, 2.5 h, 80 CNY)
Huize County → Yulu Township (town shuttle bus, 40 min, 15 CNY)
From Yulu village entrance, walk 800 m or take a shuttle van (10 CNY) to the scenic area entrance
Navigate to “Huize Yulu Earth Crack Scenic Area.” Smooth highways and paved roads from Kunming make for an easy sedan drive.
Parking fee at the site: 10 CNY per visit
Hourly tourist shuttle buses run 8:00–16:00 from Huize County seat to the scenic area. Round trip 50 CNY.
A natural arch between two towering cliffs, 80 m high and 10 m wide. In rainy season, a waterfall cascades from the dome — a perfect photo spot! ??
The narrowest part of the fissure — look up and see a sliver of sky framed by towering rock walls. Perfect for wide-angle shots on your phone.
Karst-eroded rock formations shaped like a giant deep in thought and a stone monkey — fascinating natural sculptures.
A hidden underground river suddenly drops 30 m creating a waterfall curtain with rainbows on sunny days ?; the sacred spring seeps from the cliff and is safe to drink.
800 m glass slide: 60 CNY
Canyon rafting: 80 CNY, a thrilling 5-minute descent over 100 m — great for families with kids!
Entrance Fee: 35 CNY (adult); 17 CNY (student); free for children under 1.0 m and seniors over 70
Opening Hours: 08:30–16:00 (last entry at 16:00)
Contact: +86 0874-5120555 (scenic area hotline)
Entrance → water slide/electric cart down to gorge bottom → 1 km riverside walk → “Creation of the World” photo spot → shuttle back
400 stone steps down to the gorge → 2.5 km upstream walk → Natural Waterfall → 1270 steps up to back gate → shuttle back to entrance
Total: 8.5 km, 300 m cumulative ascent, about 3 hours
Best Season:
June–August for peak water flow and spectacular waterfalls; November–March for clear, crisp weather and better light for photos.
What to Wear:
Non-slip hiking shoes and quick-dry clothes recommended. Constant 17°C in the gorge, bring a light jacket in summer and rain gear in rainy season.
Supplies:
Snacks and drinks available at the entrance, none inside the gorge. Bring at least 1L water and energy bars.
Photography:
Use wide-angle and polarizing filters to reduce rock glare. Drone use requires prior approval. Cell signal weak in the canyon.
Environmental Care:
Carry out all trash. The moss ecology is fragile — avoid stepping on vegetation.
Nearby Attractions:
Huize Ancient Town (30 km): Jiangxi Guild Hall, Tang Jiyao Former Residence, Yangbawan local cuisine
Dahai Caoshan (70 km): Alpine meadows, skiing/grass skiing, lamb kebabs
Just 3 hours from Kunming, you can explore this incredible “Earth crack” — look up to a slit of sky, hear the roaring underground river beneath your feet. For only 35 CNY, enjoy a low-altitude, no-altitude-sickness, easy geological hiking adventure.