The Gesala Eco-Tourism Area lies in the mountains about 50 km west of Panzhihua, at an elevation between 2,400 and 3,000 metres. The area was developed partly for tourism but retains a genuine Yi cultural character: stone and timber villages cling to steep hillsides, horses graze on alpine meadows, and the forested ridges above the villages are laced with walking trails.
Gesala is best visited in summer, when the meadows are in bloom and the weather is clear and cool — a welcome contrast to the heat of the city far below. The area has basic guesthouse accommodation in the villages, and it is possible to hire horses for exploring the higher terrain. Local guides can arrange visits to Yi festivals and ceremonies when the season is right.