Wumeng Grassland in Panzhou City, Liupanshui

Wumeng Grassland (乌蒙大草原) is a stunning highland region located in Panzhou City, Liupanshui, Guizhou Province, specifically within Wumeng Town and Pingdi Yi Ethnic Township. This vast grassland covers an area of 178 square kilometers and is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, rich cultural traditions, and unique biodiversity.

With altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 2,857 meters, Wumeng Grassland offers visitors an awe-inspiring landscape that includes rolling hills, vast meadows, deep valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. The highest peak, Niupeng Liangzi (牛棚梁子), stands at 2,857 meters, making it the second-highest peak in Guizhou, while the lowest point, Wanjia Kou (万家口), lies at 740 meters, resulting in a dramatic elevation difference of over 2,100 meters. This region is not only the largest alpine grassland in Guizhou but also one of the highest, providing a cool and pleasant climate with an average annual temperature of 11.1°C.

Key Highlights of Wumeng Grassland

1. Heavenly Lake (天池 / Chang Haizi 长海子)

Heavenly Lake is a captivating plateau lake located within Wumeng Grassland. Stretching 2,000 meters in length and 300 meters in width, it was originally constructed in 1958 and finished in 1961, with a renovation completed in 2010. The lake is locally referred to as “Haizi” by the Yi people, a term meaning a small lake. It is renowned for its tranquil waters and serene beauty, surrounded by stunning landscapes.

A local legend surrounds the lake, suggesting that the water comes from the heavens, created by the tears of a sorrowful fairy who, after being separated from her lover, transformed into the lake to forever watch over her homeland. Visitors to the lake are often enchanted by its peaceful ambiance, making it a must-see spot on any trip to Wumeng Grassland.

2. Wumeng Ski Resort (乌蒙滑雪场)

Wumeng Ski Resort is one of the region's most exciting attractions, offering thrilling snow sports and winter activities. Covering 750 acres, the resort includes six snow slopes with a total area of 175,000 square meters. The slopes cater to all levels, from beginner to advanced, with facilities that include snowmobiles, snow bikes, and tubing.

Wumeng Ski Resort is equipped with state-of-the-art snowmaking machines and snow grooming equipment, making it a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts. In addition to skiing, the resort offers a variety of winter activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone, from families to adrenaline seekers.

3. Colorful Sliding Path (七彩滑道)

Another unique attraction at Wumeng Ski Resort is the Colorful Sliding Path, a thrilling ride using snow tubes. This colorful and visually striking attraction is perfect for visitors of all ages, allowing them to slide down a vibrant track and experience the thrill of movement and adventure. The sliding path is open year-round and is one of the resort's signature entertainment features.

4. Yi Ethnic Culture: Traditional Homes and Villages (草原上的小康房)

Wumeng Grassland is home to several traditional Yi (彝族) villages, where visitors can experience the rich cultural heritage of this indigenous group. The villages are characterized by traditional homes with whitewashed walls and gray tile roofs. These rustic structures are integrated into the natural landscape, creating a harmonious environment that reflects the Yi people's deep connection with the land.

5. Unique Flora: Rhododendrons and High-Mountain Plants

The region is home to a variety of high-altitude plant species, including the highland dwarf rhododendron. These flowers, which bloom in vibrant hues, cover thousands of acres across the grassland. With over 100,000 acres of rhododendrons, the blooming season adds a splash of color to the already picturesque landscape.

Rhododendrons are not only beautiful but are also significant to the Yi culture. The flower is a symbol of beauty and strength and holds a special place in Yi folklore. Visitors can enjoy walking through fields of these blossoms, which provide the perfect backdrop for photos and a peaceful escape into nature.

6. Rhino Pond (犀牛潭 / Bailong Haizi 白龙海子)

Rhino Pond is another enchanting feature of Wumeng Grassland, surrounded by a fascinating local legend. The pond is said to have once been home to white dragons that appeared in the clear waters. According to local lore, the sound of beautiful music can sometimes be heard drifting from the pond during the night. In ancient times, children were told to avoid throwing stones into the pond, or they would incur the wrath of the gods, with thunderstorms and rainstorms as punishment.

Today, the pond remains an area of quiet reflection and a popular stop for visitors seeking to connect with the natural and mythical aspects of Wumeng Grassland.

7. Buddha's Light (佛光)

One of the most spectacular natural phenomena at Wumeng Grassland is the appearance of Buddha's Light, an optical illusion that occurs when sunlight refracts through mist and clouds, casting halos around a person’s shadow. This phenomenon is considered a symbol of good luck and is regarded as an auspicious sign. Visitors who are fortunate enough to witness Buddha's Light are often awed by its beauty and spiritual significance.

Buddha's Light can be seen three times a year, typically around 3 or 4 PM on clear afternoons, and is a rare sight that draws many travelers to the grassland in hopes of witnessing this magical event.

Yi Ethnic Festivals and Cultural Activities

1. Torch Festival (火把节)

The Torch Festival is the most significant cultural event for the Yi people, held annually on the 24th day of the 6th month of the lunar calendar. It is known as "Guo Da Nian" (过大年), or “celebrating the new year,” and marks the beginning of the harvest season.

During the festival, Yi people dress in elaborate traditional clothing, singing, dancing, and celebrating with a variety of folk games. These include sheep fighting, chicken fighting, and the exciting “Gaosu Qiu” competition. The festival is a vibrant display of Yi culture, with music, traditional sports, and dances that bring the community together.

2. Spring and Autumn Flower Festivals (春花秋月系列活动)

Wumeng Grassland hosts the Spring and Autumn Flower Festivals, which have become an annual tradition in Panzhou. These festivals include cultural and sporting events, such as the Spring and Autumn Grassland Music Festival, International Paragliding Invitational, kite festivals, and family-friendly activities like camping and games. The festivals attract both local and international visitors who come to enjoy the music, food, and cultural exhibitions.

The Grassland Music Festival features electronic and live music performances, with concerts and dance parties that create a lively atmosphere. Paragliding enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of soaring over the grassland while taking in panoramic views of the region.

Local Delicacies and Cuisine

Wumeng Grassland is known for its delicious traditional food, with locally grown crops and farm-fresh ingredients used in every dish.

1. Roasted Whole Lamb (烤全羊)

One of the standout dishes of the region, roasted whole lamb is prepared with local spices and herbs, then roasted to perfection over an open flame. The dish is juicy, tender, and a true representation of the local culinary culture.

2. Buckwheat-Based Dishes (苦荞粑)

Buckwheat is an essential crop in Wumeng Grassland, used to prepare a variety of dishes such as buckwheat cakes (荞饼), buckwheat soup (荞面汤), and buckwheat dumplings (荞疙瘩). These dishes are highly nutritious, offering both health benefits and therapeutic properties, making them popular among the Yi people.

3. Black Potatoes (乌洋芋) and Black-Bone Chicken (乌骨鸡)

Black potatoes, or "Wuyangyu" (乌洋芋), are a local specialty, often cooked in stews or roasted over an open flame. Black-bone chicken, known for its unique black meat and bones, is also a popular dish in the region, valued for its medicinal properties.

Recognition and Awards

Wumeng Grassland has been recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and cultural heritage:

• National 4A-level Scenic Area (2017)

• Guizhou Province's Ecological Sports Park (2000)

• Guizhou Province’s Tourism Resort (2016)

These accolades highlight the grassland’s significance as a major tourist attraction and its ongoing development as a key ecological and cultural destination in Guizhou.

How to Get There

Wumeng Grassland is easily accessible by road from Liuzhi City. From the city center, take the G7611 Expressway for 62.9 kilometers, then switch to the G56 Expressway for another 17.4 kilometers. The journey typically takes about two and a half hours, making it a convenient destination for a day trip or longer stay.

• High speed rail
  Kunming, Guiyang, Changsha, Fuzhou, Shanghai, Hefei, Zhengzhou, Hangzhou, Jinan and other cities have a direct high-speed rail to panzhou. After arriving at panzhou station, you can take the high-speed railbus (No. 13) to Hongguo station and take the special tourist bus to Wumeng prairie.
• By Bus
  From Jinyang bus station to Hongguo bus station, the departure time is 8:30-16:00 every day, every 90 minutes, the ticket price is 130 yuan/person, and the operation time is about 4 hours and 30 minutes.
• By Train
  After arriving at Hongguo railway station in panzhou, you can walk or take a bus to Hongguo bus station and take a special tourist bus to Wumeng prairie.

Main Attractions in Guizhou

• Nine-dragon Cave Scenic Area
• Shiqian Hot Spring in Tongren
• Leigongshan Nature Reserve
• Suoga Long Horn Miao Ethnic Group Scenic Area
• Yushe National Forest Park in Shuicheng County
• Wumeng Mountain National Geopark 
• Maotai Town
• Chishui National Scenic Zone 
• Jiucaiping in Bijie
• Zunyi Meeting Site
• Daqikong Scenic Area in Libo County
• Caohai Lake in Bijie
• Baili Azalea Forest Park in Bijie

Edited by  Lynette Fu/付云锐