Atlas of China
Yuanmou Earth Forest 元谋土林Yuánmóu Tǔlín
Ochre clay pillars carved by rain in a hot, dry valley, glowing at sunrise and sunset
- Best time
- Nov–Apr
- Time needed
- 1 day
- Days to budget
- 1 day
- Stay in
- Yuanmou
- Region
- Yunnan
- Type
- Nature
- Listed as
- 4A scenic area
Why go to Yuanmou Earth Forest
North of Kunming, the Yuanmou Basin holds fields of eroded clay and sandstone pillars, fins and towers, the tallest around 40 metres, banded in ochre, red, grey and white. Wumao, the most developed site, has paths leading down into a maze of gullies, while Langbapu sees fewer visitors. The colours are richest in low sun, so come early or late.
The story
The pillars are carved from soft lake and river sediments laid down in the basin; as the land rose and the climate dried, rain and flash floods cut them into today's shapes over the last million years or more. The basin is also where two fossil human teeth were found in 1965: dated to about 1.7 million years ago, 'Yuanmou Man' is often cited as one of the earliest human ancestors known from China, though the dating has been debated.
What to see at Yuanmou Earth Forest
- Wumao Earth Forest 物茂土林: The main developed site, with viewing platforms and a main path about 2 km long that drops into the gullies. The clay pillars range from yellow to red, grey and white.
- Langbapu Earth Forest 浪巴铺土林: A second developed area west of Yuanmou town, usually quieter than Wumao.
- Yuanmou Man Museum 元谋人博物馆: The town museum for the Yuanmou Man finds, with halls on human origins, the Yuanmou ape and prehistoric culture; it is closed on Mondays except public holidays.
How to visit Yuanmou Earth Forest
Go to Wumao first for the walk: the main path is 2,082 m long and takes around two hours, with viewing platforms along the way. Langbapu is the second developed area and is easiest to add by hired car. Aim for early morning or late afternoon, when the colour is best, and use the middle of the day for the museum in town, which is closed on Mondays except public holidays. A half day is enough for Wumao alone; a full day fits both earth forests and the museum.
How to get to Yuanmou Earth Forest
D trains on the Chengdu–Kunming line reach Yuanmou West from Kunming in about 1.5 hours (5–6 hours from Chengdu). Wumao Earth Forest is about 30 km north-west of Yuanmou town, around 40 minutes by taxi or hired car.
Where to stay
Stay in Yuanmou town (Yuanma), the county seat, which is the base for both earth forests and makes an early start at Wumao easy.
What to eat
- Roast suckling pig 烤乳猪: A roast whole young pig, listed among the local dishes of Yuanmou.
- Cold-dressed chicken 凉仔鸡: Cold chicken dressed with seasoning, another dish the county is known for.
Tips for visiting Yuanmou Earth Forest
- Visit at sunrise or in the late afternoon: midday light is flat and the heat fierce. Staying overnight in Yuanmou or near the Wumao gate makes both easy.
- Yuanmou lies in one of Yunnan's hottest, driest valleys, where summer temperatures have topped 40°C, and there is little shade among the pillars; carry water, a hat and sun protection.
- Hire a car for the day to combine Wumao with Langbapu; the two sites sell a combined ticket. The Yuanmou Man Museum in town covers the fossil finds.
Nearby
Also within 30 km: Yuanmou Man World Park 元谋人世界公园 (20 km), Yuanmou Man Site 元谋猿人遗址 (20 km).
On the map
Open Yuanmou Earth Forest on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.
Open Yuanmou Earth Forest on the map