As the adrenaline-pumping "Weekend Dayao" sports and cultural series kicks off, a wave of exciting events including air volleyball, five-a-side football, and artistic performances are taking center stage. Athletes, spectators, and travelers from far and wide are converging on this Yi ethnic township for an action-packed weekend. A smooth tournament journey begins with choosing the right place to rest. To help players and visitors recharge nearby and save time, here is a categorized list of accommodations based on proximity to venues, comfort level, and team suitability.
City Sports Center Zone | Top Choice for Ball Tournaments (Ideal for all urban sports and cultural events)
The city gymnasium and cultural sports center are the core venues for these weekend matches. Staying close by means less commuting and more rest, making it the best option for athletes to recover and spectators to enjoy the games with ease.
Dayao Hengji Hotel (Top pick for event teams and quality travelers) is a high-quality lakeside hotel in the county, just a few minutes' drive from the gymnasium, offering efficient access to the competition. The rooms boast excellent soundproofing and comfortable bedding to fully support athletes' recovery. The hotel features a rich buffet breakfast, 24-hour concierge service, free self-service laundry, and a large free parking area, making it perfect for group check-ins, referee receptions, and family trips. Adjacent to Dongta Lake Wetland Park, guests can enjoy a relaxing lakeside stroll after the game or explore the county's night market, making it the best comprehensive choice for combining competition with short excursions. Reference price: 200-300 yuan/night. Suitable for: participating teams, referee staff, quality-seeking spectators, and county tourists. Key highlights: near the venue, lake views, full amenities, and easy access to leisure activities.
Pangda Hotel (Best value for teams) is a long-standing courtyard-style hotel in the county with excellent overall cost performance. It offers smooth access to urban event venues with no traffic jams and fast commutes. With a rich variety of room types and plenty of standard rooms that are tidy, spacious, and quiet, it is ideal for teammates sharing rooms or bulk team bookings. The property includes on-site dining and a huge parking area, surrounded by snack streets and night markets for convenient post-game team dinners. Reference price: from 138 yuan/night. Suitable for: student teams, general athletes, and groups of spectators. Key highlights: affordable comfort, high team adaptability, free parking, and a food paradise.
Home Inn Huayi Select Hotel (Top choice for solo participants and independent travelers) is a national chain brand with stable quality and no surprises. Its efficient check-in and check-out process suits the tight schedule of tournament periods. Rooms are simple, clean, and fully equipped with high-speed WiFi, a self-service laundry room, and luggage storage. The location is open and quiet with convenient self-driving parking, making it worry-free for solo participants, independent spectators, and short trips. Reference price: 150-220 yuan/night. Suitable for: solo competitors, independent spectators, and solo tourists. Key highlights: standardized service, clean living, and efficient travel.
Shenghao Grand Hotel (Premium leisure | top pick for competition and family trips) is a high-end business audio-visual themed hotel in the county with brand-new facilities and an elegant environment. Near Baite Park and Qingling Lake area, it has a moderate drive to event venues, balancing competition rest with urban sightseeing. Rooms feature 99-inch 4K giant-screen audio-visual equipment, along with a leisure tea room, chess and card room, and private dining suites. The soundproofing is excellent, ensuring a quiet and comfortable stay. Services include robot delivery, buffet breakfast, and free parking, making it ideal for quality travelers bringing family to watch games or relaxing after the competition. Reference price: 188-200 yuan/night. Suitable for: family spectators, parent-child trips, and post-game leisure vacationers. Key highlights: audio-visual luxury, complete facilities, near county attractions, and a great leisure atmosphere.
Sandenuanshe Hotel (Budget-friendly necessity | top pick for transit and sightseeing) is a cost-effective economy hotel in the city, clean and with outstanding value. Next to the long-distance bus station, it serves as an excellent transit point for visiting various Dayao scenic spots. Basic facilities are complete, and the breakfast featuring local specialty rice noodles is highly praised, making daily living comfortable and hassle-free. With convenient transportation in all directions, it's easy to drive to Shiyang Ancient Town and Santan Waterfall, fitting tourists with limited budgets planning to explore the whole area. Reference price: 120-180 yuan/night. Suitable for: budget-friendly participants, spectators, and regional tourists. Key highlights: convenient transit, affordable and clean, and adaptable for multi-attraction trips.
Ancient Town Relaxation Zone | Top Pick for Post-Game Strolls (Ideal for tourists planning short excursions after the competition ends)
Shiyang Ancient Town Zhuangyuanju (Confucius Temple Branch) is the top choice for ancient town visits. Located at the prime spot on Shiyang Ancient Street, you can step out directly to the Confucius Temple, traditional salt-drying sheds, and ancient salt wells, truly living inside the scenic area. The guesthouse features an antique courtyard style with clean, elegant rooms and a perfect viewing atmosphere. It comes with salt-bath wellness facilities, ideal for easing post-game muscle soreness. After the arena excitement fades, stroll along the bluestone-paved ancient street, savor the town's salt gang cuisine, and immerse yourself in the slow life of this thousand-year-old salt capital. Reference price: 180-260 yuan/night. Suitable for: post-game in-depth tours, cultural photography, and leisurely vacationers. Key highlights: prime scenic location, antique atmosphere, wellness relaxation, and zero commuting for sightseeing.
Zhaojiadian Town Yundian Ziqiu Xiaoyuan (Homestay near Santan Waterfall Scenic Area) is a distinctive Yi-style courtyard guesthouse in Zhaojiadian Town, right next to the Santan Waterfall area and the top base for outdoor adventures. Featuring original ecological Yi log cabins, the courtyard is serene and surrounded by mountains and forests, offering extreme tranquility to effectively relieve muscle fatigue and relax the mind after outdoor activities. Guests can experience authentic Yi cuisine and mountain walks without returning to the county, completing both competition rest and waterfall visits in one stop. Reference price: 220-320 yuan/night. Suitable for: outdoor competitors, tourists visiting Santan Waterfall, and niche mountain vacationers. Key highlights: near the waterfall scenic area, Yi-style features, quiet recuperation, and post-game healing.
Two Recommended Sightseeing Routes
Route One | Tight Schedule · Half-Day Leisure (suitable for breaks between matches): Start at the county's Baite Park, then head to Xihe Impressions for the night market and street food. Relax without rushing and experience the small-town charm in spare moments.
Route Two | Post-Game Unwind · One-Day Tour (travel after the matches end): In the morning, visit Santan Waterfall to feel the spectacular canyon cascades. In the afternoon, explore the ancient streets of Shiyang Ancient Town and taste the salt gang cuisine.
Event + Stay Tips
1. For city ball tournaments and short county excursions: Prioritize hotels near the gymnasium for short commutes and good rest, and use spare time to visit Baite, Dongta Lake, and the Xihe night market. 2. For outdoor activities: Choose the Zhaojiadian guesthouse for nearby rest, avoiding back-and-forth travel, and fully immerse in the mountain scenery. 3. For post-game in-depth travel and cultural exploration: Recommended to stay at the Shiyang Ancient Town guesthouse—wander the thousand-year-old street by day and enjoy the tranquil ancient town night, adding more quality to your trip. 4. Room availability is tight during event weekends; it's advisable to book in advance for team trips and holidays, and prioritize accommodations with free parking for self-driving convenience. Give your all on the field, and enjoy a carefree journey! We wish all competitors outstanding performance and extend a warm welcome to visitors from everywhere to experience vibrant Dayao, unlocking the perfect weekend blend of competition, landscape, and ancient towns!