Stop only knowing about Dali and Lijiang! Yuxi is the ultimate travel destination in Yunnan

In the land south of the colorful clouds, there is an underrated treasure travel destination—Yuxi. Here, the lakes and mountains complement each other, ethnic customs are rich and profound, and the delicious snacks are mouthwatering, full of unique charm everywhere. Next, let me take you to explore this enchanting city and start an unforgettable journey in Yuxi! Must-visit Attractions 1. Fuxian Lake: As the largest deep freshwater lake in China, the water is crystal clear with visibility reaching 7-8 meters, like a huge sapphire embedded in the earth, earning the reputation of "ten thousand acres of glaze." You can climb Bijia Mountain in the Luchong Scenic Area to take in the entire beauty of Fuxian Lake; get close to the water at Boxi Bay, walk on the soft sandy beach, and feed the lively little fish; or visit Moon Bay Wetland Park to experience the "Maldives of Yunnan," where white sandy beaches paired with tall coconut trees make for highly photogenic scenes. Also, don’t forget to take a boat to Sunshine Coast Gushan Island to admire the charming views of ancient temples and pagodas on the island, enjoying the lake breeze on the second deck, feeling utterly relaxed. 2. Ailao Mountain: This mountain range covered with primeval forests is like a mysterious green kingdom. Shimen Gorge is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts; walking along the plank road, the clear creek winds like emeralds. The whole route takes about 3 hours and is easy for beginners. Nan’en Waterfall is full and majestic during the rainy season, resembling a white dragon entering the ravine. Wearing ethnic costumes for photos here is stunningly beautiful. 3. Chengjiang Fossil Site World Natural Heritage Museum: This is a window to understanding the evolution of life on Earth, housing a large collection of marine fossils from 500 million years ago, allowing you to experience the wonder and mystery of life up close. 4. Nie Er Music Square: Built to commemorate the people's musician Nie Er, the square’s design is unique. At dusk, accompanied by the "March of the Volunteers," the fountain light show starts on time, creating a very impressive scene. 5. Hongta Mountain: Named after the red tower on the mountain, climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of Yuxi city. The red tower was originally built in the Yuan Dynasty and was white at first; it was painted red in 1958. The surrounding area is shaded by green trees, creating a quiet environment. 6. Qinghua Street: An ancient-style ceramic culture street, where lanterns light up at night, making you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Here, you can not only admire exquisite blue and white porcelain but also personally experience traditional pottery making such as wheel throwing and painting, feeling the charm of a thousand-year ceramic culture. Special Local Foods 1. Fuxian Lake Copper Pot Fish: One of the must-try dishes in Yuxi! Fresh lake fish is cooked in a copper pot, preserving the fish’s freshness to the fullest. The fish meat is tender and smooth, the fish soup rich and sweet. One sip instantly fills you with happiness. It costs about 50 yuan per person for a satisfying meal. 2. Yuxi Eel Rice Noodles: The sour and spicy broth paired with freshly killed eel, the rice noodles are smooth and chewy, and the eel is flavorful. It’s one of Yuxi people’s favorite breakfasts. Recommended to try at "Yang Ji Cold Rice Noodles" for an authentic taste! 3. Tonghai Steamed Pot Feast: A unique 8-layer stacked "hot pot tower" with ingredients like pork bones, ribs, fresh seasonal vegetables, stinky tofu, and more. The broth is fragrant and rich, paired with special dipping sauce, making it irresistible. Sima Di Restaurant’s steamed pot feast is the most authentic. 4. Jiasa Soup Pot: In Jiasa Town, Xinping, you must try this specialty. Beef and beef offal are stewed in a big pot, served with millet chili dipping sauce. One bite is full of meaty aroma, and it costs about 50 yuan per person to eat until full. 5. Chengjiang Lotus Root Starch: A common street snack, 5 yuan per bowl, with a delicate texture. Adding osmanthus honey makes it even sweeter and is a great palate cleanser. Itinerary Planning - Three-day tour: - Day 1: After arriving in Yuxi, head to Fuxian Lake Luchong Scenic Area, climb Bijia Mountain, and visit Boxi Bay. Have copper pot fish and potato rice for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Star Fish Cave and take a transparent boat to experience the lake’s clarity. Stay overnight at a lakeside guesthouse in Xiaowan Village and enjoy the beautiful lake sunset. - Day 2: Visit the Chengjiang Fossil Site World Natural Heritage Museum to explore the mysteries of life. In the afternoon, go to Hongta Mountain for a panoramic view of Yuxi city, then visit Nie Er Music Square to watch the fountain light show. In the evening, enjoy Yuxi eel rice noodles and other local delicacies in the city. - Day 3: Visit Qinghua Street to experience ceramic culture and buy some special souvenirs. Then return and end the pleasant Yuxi trip. - Five-day tour: - Day 1: Same itinerary as Day 1 of the three-day tour. - Day 2: In the morning, visit Moon Bay Wetland Park to enjoy the beach and sunshine. In the afternoon, go to Sunshine Coast Gushan Island for a boat tour and island scenery. Stay near Fuxian Lake overnight. - Day 3: Head to Ailao Mountain, hike Shimen Gorge for an adventure. Have farmhouse dishes near the scenic area for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Nan’en Waterfall to admire its grandeur. Stay overnight in Jiasa Town to experience the Huayao Dai ethnic style. - Day 4: Explore Jiasa Town, buy some Huayao Dai handicrafts, and try Jiasa soup pot. In the afternoon, return to Yuxi city, visit Xiaomiao Street to taste various snacks and experience local nightlife. - Day 5: Visit Yuxi Museum to learn more about Yuxi’s history and culture. Then enjoy free time or shopping before preparing to leave. Transportation Guide - External transportation: - Airplane: You can first arrive at Kunming Changshui Airport, then take the airport shuttle bus to Yuxi, which takes about 2.5 hours; or take a taxi to Kunming South Bus Station and transfer to a bus to Yuxi. - High-speed rail: There are direct trains from Kunming South Station to Yuxi Station, taking only 40 minutes, very convenient. After arriving at Yuxi Station, you can take a taxi or bus to various city attractions. - Internal transportation: - Bus: Yuxi city has a relatively complete bus network, making travel convenient. Some attractions are accessible by bus, but pay attention to operating hours and routes. - Taxi/Ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient and reasonably priced for city travel. - Car rental: If you want to arrange your itinerary freely, renting a car and driving is a good option, especially for visiting Fuxian Lake and Ailao Mountain, allowing you to stop anytime to enjoy the scenery along the way. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Fuxian Lake Area: - High-end: Fuxian Lake Dolphin Bay Hotel, beautiful environment, complete facilities, some packages include circus tickets, priced around 988 yuan/night. - Cost-effective: Guyue Suqing Boutique Guesthouse, with excellent lake view rooms, just a 5-minute walk to Fuxian Lake International Circus Theater, priced around 400 yuan/night. 2. Yuxi City Center: - Hongsheng Hotel: Located in the city center, a 5-minute walk to Xiaomiao Street, convenient for travel and dining, priced around 300 yuan/night. - Yingyuetan Hot Spring Hotel: Comfortable rooms and includes hot spring tickets, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing, priced around 500 yuan/night. Travel Tips 1. The UV rays in Yunnan are strong, so be sure to bring sunglasses, sun-protective clothing, and high-SPF sunscreen to avoid sunburn. 2. When hiking in Ailao Mountain, remember to wear non-slip shoes as the mountain paths are rugged and some sections are mossy. Also, download offline maps in advance because the signal is weak in the mountains. 3. Fuxian Lake surrounding scenic spots are crowded during holidays, so it’s recommended to book accommodation and plan your itinerary in advance to avoid wasting time. 4. When tasting local food, pay attention to hygiene to avoid stomach discomfort. If you can’t handle spicy food well, be sure to tell the vendor in advance to use less chili.