Dashanbao Wingsuit Flying Base in Zhaotong

Zhaotong Dashanbao Wingsuit Flying Base is located in the Dashanbao Nature Reserve (大山包自然保护区) in Zhaotong City (昭通市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is an extreme sports base focused on wingsuit flying (also known as flight wingsuit, 翼装飞行). This base is not only a paradise for flight enthusiasts but also attracts many extreme sports lovers and adventurers who come to challenge themselves. Below is a more detailed introduction covering the geographical location, features, facilities, and relevant information about wingsuit flying.

At the Zhaotong Dashanbao Circuit Scenic Area Low-altitude Flying Base (昭通大山包环线景区低空飞行基地), the Love Wings Wingsuit Flying Simulation Equipment offers an entirely new experience for participants. Visitors can wear VR goggles to simulate the posture of a wingsuit flyer and experience real-time, first-person perspective visuals. At the low-altitude flying base, tourists can also watch close-up helicopter wingsuit flying performances, and witness static displays of wingsuit flying equipment and aircraft. Wingsuit flying enthusiasts can engage in wind tunnel experiments, research, regular wingsuit training, performances, as well as flying experience, training, and testing activities.

Xu Kai (徐凯), founder of the Love Wings Low-altitude Flying Base, said: “Zhaotong Dashanbao is a rare wingsuit flying paradise in the world. We hope that wingsuit flying enthusiasts from all over the world will come here. During the day, they can fly from Dashanbao, and at night, they can train in the wingsuit wind tunnel at the Jiufang Yizhan (酒房驿站). The wind tunnel is divided into a vertical wind tunnel and an inclined wind tunnel. The vertical wind tunnel is suitable for children, while the wingsuit wind tunnel is for professional enthusiasts. We expect to complete the first vertical wind tunnel by March this year, with the initial plan for it to open officially during the May Day holiday.”

Zhaotong boasts abundant tourism resources and unique plateau landforms. The Dashanbao (Circuit) Scenic Area (大山包环线景区) has four major resources: plateau canyons, lakes, meadows, and rare birds. It is noteworthy that the Jigong Mountain Grand Canyon (鸡公山大峡谷), with a vertical drop of 2,500 meters, is 1,000 meters deeper than the Colorado Grand Canyon in the United States. Its unique slopes and ravines perfectly match the glide ratio needed for wingsuit flying, providing a dream route for top wingsuit flyers to challenge low-altitude flying. This offers a natural advantage for the development of the low-altitude economy.

Sheng Guangqiang (盛广强), captain of the Love Wings Wingsuit Flying Team, introduced that the Dashanbao Wingsuit Flying Base is currently the highest wingsuit jump platform in Asia. The cliffs are vertical, and the area features numerous valleys, creating a flying experience that is both exhilarating and unique. Through trial flights and regular practice, we hope to introduce international competitions, making the Zhaotong Dashanbao Wingsuit Flying Base a global gathering place for wingsuit enthusiasts.

1. Geographical Location and Environment 

Dashanbao (大山包) is located in the northeastern part of Zhaotong City (昭通市), approximately 50 kilometers from the city center, within the Dashanbao Nature Reserve (大山包自然保护区). The region is known for its rolling hills and beautiful scenery, with an elevation of around 2,500 meters, providing ideal natural conditions for wingsuit flying. The terrain of the area is characterized by intersecting mountains and valleys, allowing pilots to enjoy breathtaking landscapes during their flights.

The ecological environment within Dashanbao Nature Reserve (大山包自然保护区) is excellent, with abundant forests and rich plant and animal resources. The area serves as a habitat for various bird species, making it a perfect place for flight enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature.

2. Wingsuit Flying Training and Activities 

Wingsuit flying (翼装飞行) is an extreme sport where the pilot wears a specially designed wingsuit to fly, using their body control and airflow to navigate the skies. The elevation and complex terrain of Dashanbao (大山包) make it an ideal location for training. The base offers comprehensive training programs for both beginners and professional pilots, including:

Basic Training Courses : These courses provide fundamental skydiving and flying techniques for novice pilots.

Advanced Training Courses : These programs are aimed at pilots with some flying experience, focusing on improving flight skills and physical endurance.

Professional Flight Experiences : Participants can experience wingsuit flying under the guidance of professional instructors, allowing them to try extreme flights.

The base is equipped with multiple flying platforms and parachuting zones where pilots can train at varying difficulty levels, gradually mastering their flying techniques. The base also hosts numerous domestic and international wingsuit flying competitions and events each year, attracting top pilots from around the world.

3. Facilities and Services 

Zhaotong Dashanbao Wingsuit Flying Base (昭通大山包翼装飞行基地) is equipped with advanced flying facilities, including:

Flight Training Center : The center is equipped with professional flight simulators, video analysis systems, and a team of instructors, providing comprehensive training support for pilots.

Safety Equipment : The base has specialized safety equipment and emergency rescue teams to ensure the safety of pilots.

Sightseeing Platforms and Leisure Facilities (: In addition to flight training, the base offers leisure facilities such as sightseeing platforms, dining services, and accommodations. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery while resting.

4. Competitions and Events 

The base regularly organizes various wingsuit flying competitions and events, such as wingsuit flying performances and extreme flying challenges. These events attract top pilots from all over the world, who challenge their flying limits by completing difficult flight routes. The competitions not only provide a platform for pilots to showcase their skills but also offer an exciting visual experience for the audience.

5. Ecotourism and Natural Scenery 

In addition to extreme sports, Dashanbao (大山包) is also an important tourist destination due to its rich natural resources and ecological environment. The region is known for its high-altitude meadows, forests, and lakes, attracting many tourists for sightseeing. Visitors can engage in activities such as hiking and wildlife observation in the surrounding areas. Birdwatchers, in particular, can enjoy observing various rare bird species in the area.

6. Target Audience

Extreme Sports Enthusiasts : Those particularly interested in wingsuit flying (翼装飞行), skydiving, and other extreme sports.

Travelers and Nature Lovers : Visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of Yunnan (云南), enjoy highland meadows, and appreciate a tranquil ecological environment.

Professional Pilots: Professional pilots looking for training in challenging terrains to improve their flying techniques.

7. Best Time to Visit 

Dashanbao (大山包) has distinct seasons, each offering different scenic views. Due to its high altitude, the climate is cool in summer and may experience snowfall in winter. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and ideal for both flying and sightseeing.

Spring and Autumn: Mild climate, perfect for flying.

Winter : For those who enjoy snow scenery and the challenge of flying in colder temperatures, winter is also a great option.

8. Transportation and Accommodation

Transportation : From Zhaotong City (昭通市), visitors can choose to drive or hire a car to reach Dashanbao (大山包), which takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. The scenic area also provides transportation services for visitors.

Accommodation : The base offers comfortable accommodations for visitors. You can choose to stay in hotels within the base or nearby guesthouses. Simple dining services are also available, allowing visitors to relax after activities.

Zhaotong Dashanbao Wingsuit Flying Base (昭通大山包翼装飞行基地) is not only a sanctuary for extreme sports enthusiasts but also a unique destination combining natural beauty with adventure sports. Whether you are a beginner pilot, an experienced one, or simply someone looking to experience extreme sports, you will find something exciting here.