Choose easy route or hiking route
Use the paid shuttle and cableway if you want a lighter 3-hour visit. Choose the footpath only if you are prepared for stone paths, sun, and fewer services.
Start from the visitor area
Enter from the main scenic area, orient yourself around Dingbo Lake, and check whether the water show is running before you commit to a route.
Use the cableway for the high points
The easy route links the lake, cableway, tea-culture halls, viewpoint, and shuttle sections without making you walk the full old road.
Prepare seriously for the Nakeli hike
The longer Tea Horse Road route toward Nakeli can be around 16-18 km and may take 5-7 hours with climbing and rougher sections.
End with the right nearby stop
Chama Ancient City is next to the scenic area and works best in the evening. Nakeli is better as a separate half-day or a long hiking finish.
✦Use the paid transport package if you are visiting with children or older travelers.
✦Wear shoes with grip because old stone sections can be uneven or wet.
✦Bring your own water for hiking sections.
✦Do not start the long route late in the day.
✦If you only want a relaxed evening, Chama Ancient City may be enough without doing the scenic-area route.
哀牢山森林旅游区
Adults Focused
Admission
Route-based area, not one gate. Developed stops: Jinshan Primitive Forest CNY 10, Shimen Gorge CNY 30, Tea Horse Ancient Road CNY 10, and Nan'en Waterfall free.
Typical Visit
1-2 days
茶马古城
All Ages
Admission
Free entry to the commercial ancient-city district. Museums, shows, hot springs, and nearby scenic areas may charge separately.
Typical Visit
2-3 hours
中华普洱茶博览苑
All Ages
Admission
CNY 30 admission. Round-trip sightseeing bus is CNY 50 if you do not want to walk the large tea-garden route.
Typical Visit
2-3 hours
戴家巷古建筑群
All Ages
Admission
Free street-area visit. Some courtyards, cafes, or photo spaces may require consumption.
Typical Visit
1.5-2.5 hours with Simao Old Street
景迈山茶林文化景区
All Ages
Admission
No simple single admission ticket for the open heritage landscape. Villages and tea experiences may require registration, transport fees, or separate spending.
Typical Visit
1-2 days
墨江北回归线标志园
All Ages
Admission
CNY 40 adult admission. The uphill magic-carpet ride is separate; one-way tickets are CNY 40.
Typical Visit
2-3 hours