During the wintertime, as the temperature gradually drops, the best time to witness the sea of clouds in Yuxi arrives. At the right time, in the right place, visitors can fully enjoy the magnificent views of the cloud sea. The guide to Yuxi's winter cloud sea viewing is ready. Please get prepared for the viewing.

"Sea of clouds at sunrise" in Xinping Ailao Mountain

The "Sea of Clouds at Sunrise" at Xinping Ailao Mountain is one of central Yunnan's best "Sea of Clouds" views. As the temperature decreases, the mountains are often shrouded in thick fog in the autumn and winter.

Photo from Xinping Cultural Tourism

At dawn, as the sun slowly rises, the morning wind chases the clouds and mist. The mist traces the contours of the mountains, with the distant peaks and the flowing sea of clouds intertwining in a dance of motion and stillness, creating a stunning sea of clouds spectacle.

Photo by Yang Chaoyan

The "roaring waves" of clouds surge as the rising sun emerges from the "sea," with the twilight glow casting a golden hue over the landscape. Standing amidst this, it feels like entering a fairyland, a magical and awe-inspiring experience.

Photo from Xinping Cultural Tourism

Best Viewing Season

The best time to view the clouds is from November to February of the following year, when stronger cold air stabilizes the sea of clouds at a relatively fixed altitude, preventing the morning winds from easily dispersing the clouds.

Best Viewing Time

The best time to view the sea of clouds at sunrise is around the time of the sunrise. It is recommended that you arrive early at the viewing point to enjoy the enchanting sight fully. It is best to reach Ailao Mountain before dawn, making the sea of clouds sunrise viewing platform the ideal first stop for your visit.

Best Viewing Locations

Viewing Platform of Sea of Clouds at Sunrise: Located about 220 meters northeast of the intersection of Guangjiazhai Road and Liangzitou Road in Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County, this is the best place to view the sea of clouds and sunrise at Ailao Mountain. The wide-open view allows visitors to fully experience the grandeur of the sunrise and sea of clouds.

Guangnan Village, Yao South Village, Jiasa Town: Located between Longxi Shizu Manor and Shimen Gorge, this is another excellent location for viewing the sea of clouds and sunrise.

The Donggua Forest Cliff in Yaonan Village, Jiasa Town: Located between Longxi Shizu Manor and Shimen Gorge, it is also one of the preferred spots for watching the sea of clouds at sunrise.

Photography and Sightseeing

The sea of clouds at Ailao Mountain is an exceptional subject for photography enthusiasts. Here, you can capture the dynamic sea of clouds, the rising sun, and the magnificent mountains in perfect harmony. Whether it is the vast sea of clouds in a wide-angle shot or the delicate interplay of light and shadow in a telephoto lens, you will feel the magic and charm of nature.

Nearby Attractions

After enjoying the sea of clouds at sunrise, popular attractions such as the Nanen Waterfall, Shimen Gorge, Ancient Tea-Horse Road, Jinshan Primitive Forest, and Longxi Shizu Manor are worth a visit, where you can enjoy breathtaking mountain peaks, flowing streams, waterfalls, and the mystique of ancient forests.

Transportation

Plan your route and transportation to visit Ailao Mountain for the sea of clouds at sunrise. If driving, pay attention to road conditions and driving safety.

Weather

The weather in Ailao Mountain is variable, so it is important to check the weather forecast in advance and choose a clear, windless day for the best experience.

Yuanjiang Nanuo Cloud Sea terraces

As winter arrives, the Hani cloud sea terraces in Yuanyang transform into their most beautiful form, waiting to meet you! The Hani Cloud Sea terraces in Nanuo Township are the oldest in the Honghe River basin. The terraces change with the seasons, but they are particularly spectacular and magnificent in the winter and spring.

Photo by Wang Jianfu

When the terraces meet the sea of clouds, the flowing clouds and the terraced fields interweave perfectly. The stillness and motion, change with every passing moment, creating a mesmerizing and dreamlike landscape, especially at sunrise when the clouds glow in a brilliant red.

Photo by Zhao Jun

As the sunlight filters through the mist, the tranquil ancient villages emerge from the fog, making you feel like you have entered a fairyland. The sparkling terraces stretch endlessly beneath the mist, offering a breathtaking and awe-inspiring view.

Photo by Wang Jianfu

Best Viewing Time

The best season to admire Nanuo cloud sea terraces is from November to March of the following year when the misty and ever-changing cloud sea creates a magical and wondrous spectacle.

Photography and Sightseeing

The Nanuo Hani Terraces are a perfect example of the harmony between man and nature, and they provide an excellent location for photography and sightseeing. Every year, thousands of tourists and photographers are attracted by the area's natural beauty, coming to capture the scenes.

Local Cuisine

The typical vertical climate and unique geographical environment of Nanuo Township have resulted in a wide variety of local specialties, forming a unique food culture. Here, you can taste traditional Hani delicacies such as cured pork, free-range chicken, yellow sticky rice, organic wild vegetables, and Hani pot wine. After enjoying the terraces and local food, do not forget to bring home local products such as red rice, purple rice, duck eggs, cured meats, and tea!

Transportation

Nanuo Township is 66 kilometers from Yuanyang County and easily accessible via a paved road. Visitors can drive themselves or hire a car.

Yimen Lvzhi cloud sea

The first ray of sunshine in the winter morning gently touches the green fields atop Qifulang Mountain, and soon, golden rays point toward Lvzhi Township. The mist in the valley is illuminated by the gentle morning light, painting a stunning landscape across the Lvzhi Slope. The clouds swirl through the valley, winding around the mountains, creating an enchanting scene that feels like a fairyland. This is the Lvzhi Cloud Sea, nature's most beautiful gift.

Photo by Wo Dajun

With the breeze and the sound of insects and birds, standing on the Lvzhi Slope viewing platform, you will see vast clouds that appear like an ocean, cotton covering the earth, or snow piled in the valley. The light reflections on the sea of clouds seem distant but also near, flowing and connecting in different shapes, creating a lively and intriguing spectacle. Hantan Village, nestled in the 108 bends, sometimes appears and disappears in the cloud sea, hidden and beautiful.

Photo by Wang Yue

As the sun rises, the wind gently tears apart the layers of mist, and sunlight pierces through the clouds. The town of Lvzhi, nestled in the valley, is slowly revealed, waking up to show its charming beauty. The majestic and graceful scenery of the sea of clouds quietly faded away and merged into the blue sky and white clouds.

Photo by Wang Yue

Best Viewing Time

The best time to enjoy the Lvzhi cloud sea is in winter and early spring, especially in the early mornings or after rain, when the mist surrounds the area and the clouds surge in an awe-inspiring display.

Best Viewing Location

The Lvzhi Slope viewing platform is the best spot to enjoy the cloud sea. From here, you can overlook the entire Lvzhi Township and surrounding scenery.

Photography and Sightseeing

Yimen Lvzhi Cloud Sea is a prime location for both photography and sightseeing. Visitors can capture the breathtaking moments of the sea of clouds.

Nearby Attractions

Lvzhi Park: Located in the center of Lvzhi Township, this park is a great place for walks and relaxation, offering shaded paths, flowerbeds, and leisure facilities.

Lvzhi Township: Once an important mining area for copper, the township has many industrial heritage sites. Visitors can enjoy the views of the town and experience the historical charm of the former copper mining days.

Transportation

Lvzhi Cloud Sea is in Lvzhi Township, Yimen County, Yuxi City. It has convenient transportation and is accessible by car. Visitors can drive, hire a car, or take public transportation to reach the location.

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(Editors: Ines, Reena)