Forget Western Sichuan! The Ultimate August Kid-Friendly Getaway with No Traffic Jams or Altitude Sickness

Why We Recommend It
‌Cool Summer Advantage‌
In August, only western Guizhou (Liupanshui, Bijie) and Puer in Yunnan offer higher elevations with temperatures between 20-25°C—milder than Western Sichuan and free from altitude sickness risks.

‌Family-Friendly Highlights‌
**Liupanshui, Guizhou**:
- Asiri Grassland: Horseback riding and wild chive blossoms (peak in August).
- Wumeng Grassland: Easy hiking trails.

**Puer, Yunnan**:
- Sun River Forest Park: Close encounters with red pandas.
- Yixiang Mountain Hotel: Tea-picking and UTV off-roading for families.

---

Itinerary Options
**Guizhou Liupanshui Route (5-6 days)**
‌Guiyang → Zhijin Cave → Asiri → Liupanshui → Wumeng Grassland → Huangguoshu Falls → Guiyang‌
- Rent a car in Guiyang (2.5h to Zhijin Cave; 1.5h from Liupanshui to Wumeng Grassland).
- High-speed rail option: Guiyang North → Liupanshui (~1h), then charter cars between sites.

**Yunnan Puer Route (4-5 days)**
‌Kunming → Sun River Forest Park → Yixiang Mountain → Jingmai Mountain → Kunming‌
- Fly Kunming to Puer (1h) or drive (6h; detour to Yuanyang Terraces).
- Sun River to Yixiang Mountain: ~1.5h drive.

---

Must-Visit Spots
**Liupanshui**
- Wumeng Grassland: Camp under starry skies in lush August meadows.
- Asiri Grassland: Purple chive flower carpets by mid-August.
- Huangguoshu Falls: Visit at dawn to avoid crowds.

**Puer**
- Sun River Forest Park: Feed red pandas and walk forest trails.
- Yixiang Mountain: Glamping tents with sunrise views over tea fields.
- Jingmai Mountain: Pick tea in ancient plantations.

---

Stays
**Liupanshui**
- City: 4-star hotels (e.g., Liupanshui Power Hotel, ~¥300/night).
- Wumeng Grassland: Book yurt camps early.

**Puer**
- Luxury: Puer Kaiyuan Meizi Lake Hot Spring Hotel (with kids’ pool).
- Unique: Little Panda Manor (private cabins, firefly viewing).
- Budget: Coffee Holiday Inn (¥60/night, breakfast included).

---

Food
**Liupanshui**
- Shuicheng lamb rice noodles, *laoguo* (griddle BBQ).
- Freshly grilled lamb on Asiri Grassland.

**Puer**
- Hani bamboo chicken (sweet bamboo-roasted, aromatic).
- Wild mushroom hotpot (rainy-season special).

---

Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
**Guizhou Route**
- Skip eastern spots like Xijiang Miao Village (still humid in August).
- Bring raincoats to Huangguoshu Falls (heavy mist).

**Puer Route**
- Pack bug spray for Sun River’s mosquitoes.
- Charter a car for Jingmai Mountain’s steep roads.

---

Pro Tips
- Liupanshui: Nights are chilly—pack a light jacket.
- Puer: Strong UV—kids need sunscreen and hats.
- Both offer tea-picking (Puer is best).
- **Budget**: ~¥500-800/day (includes stays and transport). Perfect for slow-paced, nature-and-culture family trips.