Modou Mountain in Yuxi

? Location & Features

• Core Location — On the border of Huaning County and Jiangchuan District, Yuxi City, Yunnan. Elevation: 2663.1 m. From the summit, you can “stand in two counties, see three lakes” — Fuxian, Xingyun, and Qilu.

• Natural Scenery — Vast alpine meadows dubbed “Yunnan’s Little New Zealand”. In autumn sunlight, golden grass waves roll with herds of cattle and sheep wandering freely.

Modou Mountain (磨豆山) is located at the boundary of Huaning County (华宁县) and Jiangchuan District (江川区) in Yuxi (玉溪), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. The mountain's highest peak stands at an elevation of 2,663 meters, making it the highest peak in Huaning County. Its unique geographical location allows for a spectacular view over three lakes — Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖), Xingyun Lake (星云湖), and Qilu Lake (杞麓湖) — along with the surrounding areas, which include four counties and districts.

Modou Mountain is not only a natural scenic spot but also features a distinctive integration of natural beauty and industrial elements, with wind power facilities creating a fascinating contrast between nature and technology. As an important tourist resource in central Yunnan, Modou Mountain offers a combination of natural landscapes and outdoor sports opportunities.

Geographical Features

• Location: Between 24°22' to 24°35' North Latitude and 102°53' to 103°09' East Longitude.

• Orientation: The mountain stretches in a north-south direction, with a ridge line approximately 15 kilometers long, acting as the natural boundary between Huaning County and Jiangchuan District.

• Geology: The mountain is part of the Central Yunnan Redbed Plateau (滇中红层高原区) and is made up of Mesozoic clastic rock formations. The summit of the mountain retains traces of Quaternary glacial erosion.

Natural Resources

1. Silica-rich Diatomite: The mountain is rich in diatomite deposits, with proven reserves of 12 million tons.

2. Water Resources: Modou Mountain has well-developed surface water systems with three seasonal streams. The annual runoff is about 2.8 million cubic meters.

3. Wind Energy: The region is known for its exceptional wind energy resources, with an average wind speed of 6.8 meters per second, and the wind turbines are effective for over 2,200 hours annually.

Cultural Significance

• Sacred Mountain: The Yi ethnic group, specifically the Shansu branch, regards Modou Mountain as a sacred mountain. Every year, on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month, a special mountain worship ceremony is held in reverence of the mountain's spiritual significance.

• Local Proverb: A local saying goes, "Huaning has no rivers, but three lakes are close by; Huaning has no seas, but three lakes are close by" (华宁无江三伴江，华宁无海三伴海), which highlights the unique geographical feature of the mountain being near three significant lakes.

Surrounding Attractions

• Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖): A large, clear lake located near Modou Mountain.

• Xingyun Lake (星云湖): A picturesque lake nearby, known for its stunning natural beauty.

• Qilu Lake (杞麓湖): Another scenic lake offering beautiful views from Modou Mountain.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Modou Mountain is in spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities like hiking and enjoying the natural scenery.

• Clothing Recommendations: Due to the altitude, it is advisable to wear comfortable hiking shoes and carry warm clothing, especially if visiting in cooler months.

• Outdoor Activities: The mountain offers opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploring its diverse ecosystems, including alpine meadows, original shrubbery, and rare plant species.

? Activities & Experiences

?️ Wind Farm Wonder

• 24 giant white wind turbines stretch along the ridgeline. No. 8 turbine is the best viewpoint — follow the wooden boardwalk to the summit for a 360° panorama of the three lakes.

• At sunrise/sunset, capture silhouettes of the turbines with lake and mountain backdrops for dramatic light and shadow shots.

? Light Hiking & Exploration

• Ridge-line hike through karst cave clusters (bring your own lighting), ending at a seasonal waterfall.

• Meadow camping & picnics — ideal for watching sunset and starry skies. Some areas ban single-use tableware, so bring reusable gear.

? Getting There

? Self-Drive Navigation

• Recommended Route — Kunming → Chengjiang Lujuzhen → Hongshiyan Village → single mountain road to summit.

• Or search “Mode Mountain Science Museum (磨豆山科普馆)” for a loop route.

⚠️ Road Conditions

• Xiaomi Road & County Roads 117/198 have sharp, narrow turns — speed limit 30 km/h. SUVs recommended.

• Snack Stop — At turbine No. 1102, stalls sell fried potatoes, cold rice noodles, and tamarind juice (about ¥10/person).

? Itinerary & Tips

• Best Season — Nov–Mar (dry season, avoid heavy rains).

• Best Time — Sunset (17:00–19:00) when the meadow turns gold and lakes glow orange.

⏳ Suggested Plans

• Day Trip — Morning: wind farm viewing + hike → Noon: picnic → Afternoon: cave exploration → Evening: sunset return.

• Combo Trip — After descending, visit Fuxian Lake Cliff Park (Gogagaland Camp).

? Must-Pack Items

• Windproof jacket (temperature drop 8–10°C at summit)

• Non-slip hiking shoes & trekking poles

• Trash bag (no bins — pack out all waste)

? Nearby Food

• On the Summit — Fried potatoes, chicken sausages, shrimp fritters with tamarind juice.

• In Jiangchuan Town — Copper pot fish + potato rice.

? Key Reminders

• Narrow mountain roads — beginners should consider hiring a driver.

• Meadow paths have cattle/sheep droppings — avoid open sandals.

• For photography, avoid areas with construction vehicles.