3 Full Days Luoping Rapeseed Flowers Hiking Tour

Baisha Mountain (白腊山), located in Luoping County (罗平县), is the highest peak in the region, standing at 2,468 meters above sea level. It offers the best panoramic views of the Luoping Flower Sea (罗平花海), which stretches across the valley, as well as the surrounding karst landscape. The mountain is made up of three peaks: Da Baisha (大白腊), Er Baisha (二白腊), and San Baisha (三白腊). When the weather is clear, a mystical white mist known as the "Baisha Jade Belt" (腊山玉带) often wraps around the mountain’s midsection, creating an enchanting scene.

The summit provides breathtaking views, and the tranquil surroundings are a perfect escape for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

Hiking Route Options:

Route 1:

• Start: Xiangshi Steps Scenic Area Parking Lot (相石阶阶景区停车场) (起点)

• Route:

  • Lao Xiao Temple (老晓寺) → Fangma Valley (放马沟) → Er Baisha (二白腊) → Da Baisha (大白腊, 2,468m)

• Return: Descend via the same route back to Xiangshi Steps Scenic Area Parking Lot (相石阶阶景区停车场).

Route 2:

• Start: Xiangshi Steps Scenic Area Parking Lot (相石阶阶景区停车场) (起点)

• Route:

  • Lao Xiao Temple (老晓寺) → San Baisha (三白腊) → Fangma Valley (放马沟)

• Return: Descend via the same route back to Xiangshi Steps Scenic Area Parking Lot (相石阶阶景区停车场).

Route 3:

• Start: Jiulongtan (九龙潭), Luoping County (罗平县)

• Route:

  • San Baisha (三白腊) → Da Baisha (大白腊, 2,468m)

• Return: Descend via the same route back to Jiulongtan Reservoir (九龙潭水库).

Important Notes:

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging – The hike involves a gradual climb to the summit with steep sections near the top.

Supplies: There are no shops or water sources along the route, so hikers must carry their own water, snacks, and meals.

Accommodation: After descending, return to Luoping County (罗平县) for rest and overnight stay.

Things to Do After the Hike:

Rest and Enjoy: After your hike, enjoy the beautiful views and fresh air in Luoping County. Consider visiting the local flower fields (油菜花田) or strolling through the town center to experience the local culture.

Dining: Try the region's famous crossing-the-bridge rice noodles (过桥米线) or other Yunnan specialties at a local restaurant.

This day is dedicated to soaking in the beauty of Baisha Mountain (白腊山) and its panoramic views, making it a highlight of your Luoping Hiking Tour.

Ma Jie (马街) is a picturesque village located 51 km north of Luoping County (罗平县), known for its stunning rape flower fields (油菜花田), cloud seas (云海), and terraced landscapes (梯田景观). The area is particularly famous for its vibrant flower displays in spring, with rape flowers creating a sea of yellow across the hillsides, and azaleas (杜鹃花) adding a burst of color to the landscape. The beautiful cloud sea often envelops the area, creating a surreal and magical atmosphere.

The hike today takes you through some of the most scenic areas of Ma Jie (马街), allowing you to explore its flower terraces, enjoy the local culture, and capture the breathtaking views from various vantage points.

Recommended Hiking Routes:

1. Route 1:

   • Start: Ma Jie Town (马街集镇)

   • Route:

     • Ashi Xiaozhai (阿市小寨) → Wuliqing (五里箐) → Ma Jie Town (马街集镇)

   • Distance: 8 km (return along the same route)

   • Highlights: Enjoy the wide stretches of rape flower fields and visit the terraced fields along the way.

2. Route 2:

   • Start: Zuotianpo (钻天坡)

   • Route:

     • Tiechang (铁厂) → Yagetan (鸭格塘) → Shanggegang (上革岗) → Dashule (大束勒) → Xintian (新田) → Baisha Haizi (白沙海子)

   • End: Ma Jie Town (马街集镇)

   • Distance: 15 km

   • Highlights: Explore the cloud sea views and rape flower fields, passing through several scenic spots along the way.

3. Route 3 (Inner Loop):

   • Start: Ma Jie Town (马街集镇)

   • Route:

     • Xiaoshi Yan (小石岩) → Songmao Flower Viewing Area (松毛观花区) → Chetu Flower Viewing Area (扯土观花区) → A Dong Flower Viewing Area (阿东观花区) → Jiu Dao Gou (九道沟) → Qing Dai Gang (请歹岗) → Qing Dai (请歹) → Dry Valley (旱谷地)

   • End: Ma Jie Town (马街集镇)

   • Distance: 20 km (circular route)

   • Highlights: This loop gives you a complete tour of the flower terraces and scenic areas, showcasing the best of Ma Jie’s landscapes.

4. Route 4 (Outer Loop):

   • Start: Zuotianpo (钻天坡)

   • Route:

     • Haishi Ao (海石凹) → Meshai Hei (么沙黑) → Chetu Xia Haizi (扯土小海子) → Niutou Mountain (牛头山, Chanshan Qian Ceng Lang Scenic Area 炭山千层浪景区) → Sego (色戈) → Sewu (文祭歹海子) → Sawuzi (洒午子) → Heye Kouzi (荷叶口子) → Dai Mai Haizi (歹麦海子) → Gobei (戈背) → Shaodai (绍歹) → Ma Jie Town (马街集镇)

   • Distance: 30 km (circular route)

   • Highlights: The outer loop explores more remote areas, including Niutou Mountain, and offers magnificent views of the flower fields and cloud sea from different perspectives.

Additional Activities and Highlights for Day 2:

• Flower Fields and Terraces: Along the hiking routes, you will walk through rape flower fields in full bloom (typically during the spring season), enjoy the panoramic views from the terraced hillsides, and capture the stunning scenery.

• Cloud Sea Views: Ma Jie (马街) is also known for its cloud sea phenomenon, where clouds roll over the hills and valleys, creating a surreal and magical scene—perfect for photography.

• Cultural Exploration: Along the way, you may encounter local villages and learn more about the culture of the Yi and Hani ethnic minorities who live in this region. The local villages, with their unique architecture and traditions, are an important part of the experience.

End of Day 2:

• Return to Ma Jie Town (马街集镇) for relaxation and overnight stay.

• Dining: Enjoy a traditional Yunnan meal at a local restaurant. You can try crossing-the-bridge rice noodles (过桥米线) or other Yunnan specialties.

• Accommodation: There are various guesthouses and hotels in Ma Jie where you can rest and enjoy the evening after a day of hiking.

Nasefenghai (那色峰海) is a breathtaking landscape located 40 km from Luoping County (罗平县) in the Jiuwuji Yi Ethnic Township (旧屋基彝族乡). Known as the "Mountain Peak Capital", this area is regarded as the essence of China’s karst landscape (喀斯特地貌), with hundreds of jagged peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. The beauty of Nasefenghai is especially magical in the early morning when the peaks are enveloped in mist, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.

The region is famous for its towering karst peaks, deep valleys, and crystal-clear water, making it an ideal location for both hiking and photography. It offers a peaceful escape into nature, with scenic views that seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon.

Recommended Hiking Routes:

1. Route 1:

   • Start: Jiuwuji Nasejiayuan (旧屋基那色家园)

   • Route:

     • Yi Wo Feng (一窝蜂) → Lao Mu Ji Jiao (老母鸡脚) → Xiaozhai Village (小寨村) → Da Bu Dong Village (大补懂村)

   • Distance: 15 km (single route)

   • Highlights: Hike through some of the most spectacular karst formations, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This route will also lead you through small local villages, where you can experience the culture of the Yi ethnic group.

2. Route 2:

   • Start: Xiaozhai Village (小寨村)

   • Route:

     • Wan Hou Mountain (万猴山) → Da Bu Dong Village (大补懂村) → Xiao Bu Dong Village (小补懂村) → Xiaozhai Village (小寨村)

   • Distance: 8 km (circular route)

   • Highlights: This shorter circular route offers views of the towering peaks and deep valleys. Along the way, you can also admire local flora and fauna, adding to the overall experience.

3. Route 3:

   • Start: Xiaozhai Village (小寨村)

   • Route:

     • Wan Hou Mountain (万猴山) → Da Bu Dong Village (大补懂村) → Xiao Bu Dong Village (小补懂村) → Xin Zhai Village (新寨村) → Mu Ma Jia Village (木马甲村)

   • Distance: 10 km (single route)

   • Highlights: This route takes you deeper into the mountains, exploring more remote areas and passing through several villages that are home to the Yi and Miao ethnic minorities. You will be able to enjoy the quiet beauty of the landscape, as well as the authentic rural culture.

Additional Activities and Highlights for Day 3:

• Explore the Karst Peaks and Valleys: Nasefenghai (那色峰海) is renowned for its towering karst peaks and dramatic landscapes. This is an ideal location for nature lovers and photographers to capture the beauty of Yunnan's karst formations.

• Cultural Experience: During your hike, you will pass through small villages like Da Bu Dong Village (大补懂村) and Xiaozhai Village (小寨村), where you can interact with locals and learn more about the Yi and Miao ethnic minorities. These communities have preserved many of their traditional customs, including unique architecture, folklore, and cuisine.

• Morning Mist and Scenic Views: If you start the hike early, you will be able to enjoy the magical morning mist that often surrounds the peaks of Nasefenghai (那色峰海). The combination of mist, towering peaks, and clear blue skies makes for a spectacular sight.

End of Day 3:

• Return to Luoping: After completing your hike in Nasefenghai (那色峰海), return to Luoping County (罗平县) for the evening.

• Dining: Enjoy a traditional Yunnan dinner, with specialties such as crossing-the-bridge rice noodles (过桥米线), steamed fish (清蒸鱼), and grilled meats. The fresh local ingredients will give you a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage.

• Accommodation: Stay overnight in Luoping County (罗平县) at a local guesthouse or hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures.