Chinese Name: 昭通市 (zhāo tōng shì)
Population: 5,240,000  
Area: 23,021 square kilometers (8,888 square miles) 
Nationalities: Han, Yi, Miao  

Administrative Division: 1 district (Zhaoyang); 10 counties (Ludian, Qiaojia, Yanjin, Daguan, Yongshan, Suijiang, Zhenxiong, Yiliang, Weixin, Shuifu) 

Seat of the City Government: 98, Chongyi Jie, Zhaoyang District, Zhaotong City 

Useful Telephone Numbers: Tourist Complaints: 0870-96927, 2124059
                                              Weather Forecast: 121
                                              Zip Code Inquiry: 184

Bank of China Zhaotong Branch: 176, Qingnian Lu, Zhaotong City
China Post Zhaotong Branch: south section of Qingnian Lu, Zhaotong City

 Location: Zhaotong is situated in the northeast of Yunnan Province, sharing boundaries with Guizhou and Sichuan provinces. The city plays an important role in the economy and culture as the northern gate of the province.     

 History: Fossils discovered in the mountain caves indicate that human settlers began to move here one hundred thousand years ago, and many Neolithic relics have been discovered in the city. Before the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC) established Shu Shire here, it successively belonged to Liangzhou, and the Shu Kingdom. The Qin Court carved out the 'Wuchi Dao' here to connect the economic and cultural communication of Yunnan with Central China.        
 
 Physical Features: Located at the juncture of the Yunling Plateau and the Sichuan Basin, Zhaotong exhibits a typical mountainous landform, characterized by lofty mountains, deep valleys and great altitude differences.                

 Climate: The city has a plateau monsoon climate. Due to the terrain, Zhaotong is sunny and warmer in the south region. The climate is capricious, ranging from the south's subtropical to the north's temperate. The temperature varies greatly in accordance with time and place.

 When to Go: Zhaotong is an all-year-round tourist destination due to favorable weather and no distinct seasons.      

 Local Highlights: Like many other cities in Yunnan, Zhaotong has a great number of ethnic minorities. Among the 520 thousand minority people, Yi and Miao ethnic minorities dominate. In addition to the traditional festival of Yi and Miao, unique local operas, music and dances are all common entertainments in the Zhaotong People's daily life.

 Special Local Products: apple, konjak, Kuding Tea (Bitter Tea)

 Attractions:
Western Grand Canyon Hot Spring is located 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Shuifu County of Yunan Province and about 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Yibin city of Sichuan Province. It is on the bank of the Jinsha River, only an hour's drive from Yibin of Sichuan. This picturesque ecological garden has many theme pools, such as vinegar hot spring, wine hot spring and herb hot spring that have different characteristics.  Tips on Hot Spring for your reference

Huanglianhe Scenic Area in Daguan County has a grand waterfall group hidden in the depths of the mountain valleys. Water curtains, caves and many other spectacles make this scenic area an attractive spot in Zhaotong. 

 Travel Tips:
1. Zhaotong Airport lies in the east of Zhaotong city proper on the south bank of the Jinsha River, operating flights to Kunming once a day.
2. Zhaotong's long-distance bus station lies at 144, Longquan Lu, Zhaoyang District. It costs six hours from Zhaotong to get to the capital city of Yunnan, Kunming.
3. Zhaotong has a passenger port in Shuifu County, operating ships directly to Chongqing, Shanghai and Wuhan.