Things to do in Eshan
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Top 10 attractions in Eshan
Hongta Mountain
Hongta Mountain is located in Yuxi City in the central part of Yunnan Province. It was built in the Yuan Dynasty and rebuilt in the 19th year of Daoguang (1839) in the Qing Dynasty. It is named after the White Pagoda built in the Yuan Dynasty on the top of the mountain. The Red Pagoda was originally called the White Pagoda. In 1958, the White Pagoda was painted red and renamed "Hongta Mountain", and its scenery was also replaced by "Hongta Zhaohui".Yuxi · 24.3 km from Eshan
Jinping Mountain Scenic Area
Jinping Mountain Scenic Area is located to the west of Eshan County, named for its resemblance to a brocade screen to the west of the city, and is a place of verdant, beautiful, screen-like mountains and waters. The scenic area features rolling mountains, fresh and cool air, well-protected vegetation, and a rich diversity of biological species. The view is dominated by unique natural scenery of plateau mid-mountain forests, complemented by ornamental flowers, trees, vast tea gardens, and ethnic culture. It is suitable for vacations, sightseeing, study tours, and more.Eshan · 5.6 km from downtown
Yuxi Yingyuetan Leisure Culture Center
Yingyuetan Leisure Culture Center is composed of Yingyuetan Hot Spring, Yingyuetan Villa, Yingyue Hot Spring Inn, Sakya Cultural Park, Old Neighborhood Restaurant, and Yuquan Temple. It is an organic combination of hot spring culture, gratitude culture, Buddhist culture, traditional ethnic culture, regional culture, and ecological culture, forming Yingyuetan's unique "leisure way" and creating an ideal atmosphere of spiritual environmental protection.Yuxi · 21 km from Eshan
Yingyuetan Hot Springs
The Yingyuetan Hot Springs are located beside Huixi Park on Daying Street in Yuxi City. The surrounding natural environment is very beautiful. Covering a large area, there is a wide variety of hot spring pools to choose from, as well as sand baths, foot soaks and hot stone steam rooms. These amenities invite visitors to feel comfortable and blissful. There is also an adjacent snack bar for a light meal. It is a great place for a weekend getaway.Yuxi · 21.1 km from Eshan
Eshan Yi Valley Bamboo Sea Scenic Area
The Yiren Valley Ten Thousand Acres of Bamboo Sea Tourist Attraction is located in Eshan Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan Province. The Attraction is covered with rich bamboo vegetation, has beautiful natural scenery, and has unique homestays. It is a good place to experience the charm of nature.Eshan · 14.1 km from downtown
Dianchi Lake
Dianchi Lake is also called Kunming Lake. It is the sixth largest freshwater lake in China. It has the nickname of "Sparkling Pearl Embedded in a Highland". The lake is wide and spectacular. Every winter, a large flock of red-billed gulls migrate here from Siberia, making it a good place for bird watching and bird feeding. There are different ways to explore Dianchi lake. You can stroll around the lake, cycle, or ride a boat. You can also climb up to the Dragon Gate overlooking Dianchi Lake to get a better view of the entire lake.Kunming · 77.9 km from Eshan
Xi'e Ancient Town
Eshan · 967m from downtown
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
The Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is located in Yilun Town, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna. The park is divided into two parts: the eastern area and the western area. The West District is the main attraction. It includes more than 20 specialized botanic gardens. The “Exotic Flower Garden" is the most popular among tourists. Eastern District is a large area of old-growth tropical rain forest. Most areas are paved with viewing trails, suitable for travelers who enjoy hiking.China · Mengla
Manting Imperial Garden
Manting Imperial Garden is located in southeastern Jinghong, Yunnan Province. This natural village-style park is also the oldest urban park in Xishuangbanna. At Manting Imperial Garden, travelers can explore the vine plant area and peacock garden to see diverse flora and fauna, admire the charming Dai and Thai-style architecture, and enjoy ethnic minority song and dance performances in the evening.China · Jinghong
Stone Forest Scenic Area
The Stone Forest Scenic Area is located in Shilin County, Kunming, and is one of the key attractions in the city. This scenic area showcases typical karst landforms, featuring stone peaks, pinnacles, sinkholes, and underground rivers. The towering rock formations take on various shapes—sword-like, pagoda-like, mushroom-like, and more—creating a breathtaking and fantastical landscape. The Stone Forest Scenic Area is divided into several widely spaced sections, with the Greater and Lesser Stone Forest attractions at its core. The Naigu Stone Forest is located approx. 12 km north of the main attractions, while the Dadie Waterfall scenic area sits approx. 29 km southwest. The Changhu Lake area is positioned 26 km southeast of the main site. When visitors refer to touring the Stone Forest, they typically mean exploring the Greater and Lesser Stone Forest sections. The Greater and Lesser Shilin are located in the same area. After purchasing tickets at the main entrance and walking along the path for 20 minutes, you'll find the smaller and more gently sloped Lesser Shilin Scenic Area on your left. Amidst the dense cluster of peaks stands the famous Ashima Stone, where the majestic karst formations resemble a graceful Yi ethnic maiden named Ashima, seemingly waving to visitors—a favorite photo spot for travelers. Beyond the striking Ashima, the Lesser Shilin area features other captivating views like the Steed and Pillar Supporting the Sky, each with unique shapes. This is where your imagination is put to the test. If you find your imagination lacking, we recommend hiring a guide who can offer fresh perspectives on these remarkable formations. As you drive leisurely along the highway, you'll encounter a series of remarkable rock formations lining the roadside—the Tang Monk Stone, Stone Prison, Phoenix Combing Its Wings, and Lingzhi Mushroom Rock—each vividly lifelike and exquisitely crafted by nature's artistry, presenting their unique postures to showcase Earth's wondrous creations. Strolling along the pathway, you'll unexpectedly arrive at the Great Stone Forest Scenic Area. After marveling at wonders like "Two Birds Sharing Food," "Rhinoceros Gazing at the Moon," "Lotus Peak," "Shilin Grand View," and "Stone Screen," you might feel slightly fatigued. Take a peaceful break at Lion Pavilion while admiring the inverted peaks reflected in Lion Pool across the way. After prolonged exposure to these karst formations, visual fatigue may set in—making it the perfect moment to shift perspectives. Board a cruise on Shilin Lake, where mountain vistas and water scenery converge into one breathtaking panorama, dissolving all stress and worries. If you prefer not to walk, electric carts driven by Yi ethnic women shuttle between attractions and stop upon request. You can still marvel at the wonders of the Stone Forest Scenic Area, and some friendly drivers may even share interesting local anecdotes along the way. Naigu Stone Forest, also known as New Stone Forest or Mozhai Stone Forest, is located 13 km north of the Stone Forest Scenic Area. It features a landscape composed of stone formations, Baiyun Lake, Shifeng Mountain, and Yougu Xianpu Waterfall. Compared to the Stone Forest Scenic Area, this site offers a distinct style. The towering gray-black stone pillars here are densely packed, resembling castles, towers, and mushrooms. The rugged, primitive rock formations surge skyward like waves, creating a majestic atmosphere. Walking through these dark peaks feels like stepping into a primeval world.China · Shilin
Experiences you can't miss in Eshan
Featured Cultural experiences in Eshan
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Eshan
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Free things to do in Eshan
Hongta Mountain
Yuxi · 24.3 km from EshanDianchi Lake
Kunming · 77.9 km from Eshan
Nie Er Music Square
Yuxi · 27.2 km from Eshan
Erhai Lake
China · Dali City
Olives Dam
China · Jinghong
Yunnan Provincial Museum
Kunming · 93.7 km from Eshan
Fuxian Lake
Chengjiang · 62.3 km from Eshan
Pu'er Tea Horse Ancient Road Relic Park
China · Pu'er
Jianshui Ancient City
Jianshui · 75 km from Eshan
Yuxi Museum
Yuxi · 23.8 km from Eshan
What travelers say about Eshan
最美不过蓝天August 2, 2026
4.0
The Yuxi Red Pagoda is located on Hongta Mountain in the east of Hongta District, Yuxi City, Yunnan Province. It was originally a white pagoda built in the Yuan Dynasty. It was rebuilt in 1839 (the 19th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty). In 1959, it was repainted and renamed the Red Pagoda. Since then, the white pagoda has been renamed the Red Pagoda, and the mountain where the pagoda is located has also been renamed Hongta Mountain.
Hongta Mountain
larfhsuFebruary 10, 2021
5.0
Yingyuetan Hot Spring is really good. Due to the epidemic, there are not many people, so you can enjoy it. Beautiful environment
Yuxi Yingyuetan Leisure Culture Center
chueng526March 14, 2023
5.0
The hot spring water of Yuxi Yingyuetan Lake originates from more than 2,000 meters underground, with a water temperature of 51°C. The spring water is rich in fluorine, radium, strontium, calcium and other minerals, meeting or exceeding the national medical mineral water standards. It is a precious composite medical mineral spring that has many functions such as promoting human metabolism, enhancing immunity, removing swelling and toxins, moisturizing the skin and driving away diseases.
Yingyuetan Hot Springs
Anonymous userSeptember 16, 2023
4.0
Overall, it is good. The air is very good and there is a lot of bamboo. There are some good facilities, which are suitable for outdoor hiking activities. Go into nature and relax yourself. You can camp and do activities.
Eshan Yi Valley Bamboo Sea Scenic Area
Anonymous userOctober 14, 2026
5.0
Location: Haigeng Park/No. 16 Hubin Road ↔ Xishan Longmen (West Mountain Dragon Gate), not near the old street, you have to go to the Dianchi Lake area.
Experience: Crossing the lake + climbing the mountain, about 20 minutes one way, views of Dianchi Lake, Sleeping Beauty Mountain, and city scenery, great for taking photos.
Ticket Price: One way about 59-60 RMB, round trip about 98-100 RMB.
Advantages: Easy for lazy people to climb West Mountain, no climbing required, unique views; seagulls in winter.
Disadvantages: Stops during strong winds/thunderstorms; long queues during peak season; separate ticket/walking required for Longmen after climbing the mountain; don't confuse with the "Xishan Longmen Cableway".
Conclusion: First time in Kunming, taking the Dianchi-Xishan route → worth it; if just exploring the old street → not worth a special trip.
Dianchi Lake
plp89001972October 23, 2026
5.0
Director Zhou Zhou's warm and attentive service to the elderly, along with her detailed and humorous explanations, made our trip to the Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden very enjoyable. A worry-free trip to Xishuangbanna, making travel with seniors safe and secure.
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
willie253October 24, 2026
5.0
The folk custom theater performance was alright and educational. The bonfire party initially seemed unremarkable; I kept wondering when the bonfire would be lit and I almost left, but the climax came at the end, so overall it was still quite good.
Manting Imperial Garden
631***44October 24, 2026
5.0
The Stone Forest Scenic Area is a highly recommended tourist attraction. Its unique underwater topography, combined with the special landforms created by volcanic eruptions, forms a spectacular array of stone formations. The legend of Ashima further enhances the Stone Forest's mystique.
Stone Forest Scenic Area
