Zhaotong, located in the northeast of Yunnan, is an important channel for Central Plains culture to enter Yunnan, the hub of the famous "Southern Silk Road" and a famous scenic spot in Yunnan. Known as "the key is in the south and the throat is in the west". The unique geographical environment makes Zhaotong rich in gastrodia elata, and hardworking and kind Zhaotong people naturally enjoy this gift from heaven, thus developing a unique health diet-gastrodia elata stewed chicken. It is a must-see food in Zhaotong Station, a tourist route in Yunnan.

Zhaotong, Yunnan is one of the main producing areas of Gastrodia elata in China. Gastrodia elata is big, full, complete, full, yellow-white, transparent, solid and hollow, and its quality is excellent. Especially the wild gastrodia elata produced in Xiaocaoba, yiliang county, Zhaotong, is the top grade. Since ancient times, there has been a saying that "Xiaocaoba Tianma is the best in the world". Xiaocaoba Gastrodia elata is a special Chinese herbal medicine for treating headache, dizziness, expelling wind and relieving pain, with its unique climatic environment and geological landform, and its gastrodin content ranks first in the world.

Gastrodia elata produced by Xiaocaoba enjoys a good reputation in domestic and foreign markets, and is called "Yun Gastrodia elata". In addition, Xiaocaoba is a famous scenic spot in Yunnan, which is undeveloped and pure natural landscape. On weekends and holidays, people from many provincial capitals will come from afar to enjoy the natural beauty and taste the legendary Yunnan cuisine-wild Xiaocaoba Tianma stewed chicken.