Dalongkou National Forest Park in Yimen County, Yuxi

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Dalongkou National Forest Park (大龙口国家级森林公园) is located just 1 kilometer west of the county seat of Yimen County (易门县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省), approximately 80 kilometers from Kunming (昆明), with convenient transportation. The park consists of two main areas: Dalongkou (大龙口) and Shilian Temple (石莲寺). The Dalongkou area covers a total area of 10,861 mu, with a forest coverage rate of 78.05%.

History and Culture

Dalongkou (大龙口) was one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Yimen” (易门八景之一) in ancient times, known as “Fragrant Spring at Dragon’s Mouth” (龙口泉香). Its history dates back centuries and it was once a sacred site where local people worshipped dragons and water deities through performances and rituals. The Dragon Spring Temple (龙泉大寺) within the park was built during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty and covers more than 2,000 square meters, serving as a cultural hub for the Yi people (夷人) in Central Yunnan.

Folk Customs

Yimen County (易门县) is known for its rich folk culture. The most famous traditional event is the “February Second” Opera Festival (“二月二”戏会), which originated in the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty and has over 500 years of history. It is listed as an intangible cultural heritage of Yunnan Province. Other notable ethnic festivals include the Torch Festival (火把节) of the Yi people and the Huashan Festival (花山节) of the Miao people.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Yimen County (易门县) enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct seasons. Summers are cool and winters are mild. The best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its best.

Recommended Attractions and Suggested Duration

• Dalongkou Scenic Area (大龙口景区): Approx. 2–3 hours. Known for its natural lava dam and underground river system, it offers a unique landscape.
• Dragon Spring Cave (龙泉古洞): Approx. 1 hour. A mysterious and captivating cave, one of the park’s highlights.
• Dragon Spring National Forest Park (龙泉国家森林公园): Approx. 3–4 hours. With ancient trees and misty temples, it’s ideal for leisure and scientific exploration.

Entrance Fee

The ticket price for Dragon Spring National Forest Park (龙泉国家森林公园) is 20 RMB per person.

Transportation

• Self-drive: From Kunming (昆明), take the Kunming-Mohan Expressway. The drive takes about 1 hour.
• Public Transport: Take a long-distance bus from Kunming to Yimen (易门), then transfer to local public transportation.

Local Cuisine

Yimen County (易门县) is famed as the “Land of Wild Mushrooms” (菌乡), with summer being the best season to sample them. Must-try dishes include Yimen Roast Duck (易门烤鸭) and Wild Mushroom Hotpot (野生菌火锅).

Shopping

• Dried Wild Mushrooms: Available at local markets, perfect as gifts.
• Handicrafts: Traditional Yi embroidery (彝族刺绣) and Miao silver ornaments (苗族银饰) are popular souvenirs.

Accommodation

• County Hotels: A variety of mid-range hotels are available in the county seat.
• Guesthouses: Unique homestays near Dalongkou offer a taste of local life.

Travel Tips

• Environmental Protection: Please do not litter and help protect the natural environment.
• Safety: Be cautious near rivers and waterfalls. Always follow park regulations.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:

• Morning: Arrive in Yimen County (易门县) and explore Dalongkou Scenic Area (大龙口景区)
• Afternoon: Visit Dragon Spring Cave (龙泉古洞)
• Evening: Enjoy local cuisine

Day 2:

• Morning: Visit Dragon Spring National Forest Park (龙泉国家森林公园)
• Afternoon: Return to town and shop for souvenirs
• Evening: Watch the “February Second” Folk Opera (二月二戏会)

Dalongkou National Forest Park (大龙口国家级森林公园) in Yimen County (易门县) is a destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, historical culture, and vibrant folk traditions. Here, you can admire unique geological wonders, experience lively ethnic festivals, and taste authentic wild mushroom delicacies. We hope you have a memorable journey in this charming forest park!