Light Hiking Around Kunming｜Xujiadu: 0 Commercial Ancient Village + Yunnan-Vietnam Railway

🍃Light Hiking Around Kunming｜Xujiadu: 0 Commercial Ancient Village + Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, a 1.5-hour direct trip to a healing secret spot Want to escape the city noise and find a hiking spot with few people, pure scenery, and no commercial traps? Xujiadu Village in Yiliang, Kunming is definitely a perfect fit! Just 1.5 hours from the main city, nestled by mountains and water, it hides a century-old story. Stroll along the Yunnan-Vietnam narrow-gauge railway, surrounded by rustic villages and canyon views. The light hiking is easy and friendly, and you might unexpectedly encounter tranquility~ ✨ Key Highlights: Why is it worth rushing to? - 0 commercial pure atmosphere: No trendy shops, no overdevelopment, only the daily life of villagers. The village is so quiet you can hear the wind, and walking on the bluestone ancient street feels like traveling back in time; - Yunnan-Vietnam Railway hiking experience: As a century-old narrow-gauge station opened in 1910, it preserves intact tracks, French-style station buildings, and steel frame bridges. Walking along the tracks, one side shows the beautiful Nanpan River canyon, the other the weight of industrial heritage. Every photo looks like a vintage masterpiece; - Multiple scenic connections: The hiking route links a century-old town, Nanpan River ancient ferry, and Yunnan-Vietnam railway relics. French architecture and Qing Dynasty residences complement each other, creating a unique blend of nature and culture; - Off the beaten path and uncrowded: As a boutique rural tourism route in Kunming, it remains low-key, no crowds, allowing immersive enjoyment of hiking and relaxation. 📌 Practical Hiking Guide 1. Transportation & Parking - Self-driving: Navigate to "Xujiadu Village, Zhushan Town, Yiliang County," about 1.5 hours from the main city. Free parking is available around the village; - Public transport: Take a shuttle bus from Kunming East Bus Station to Yiliang, then transfer to a bus heading to Zhushan Town, and get off at Xujiadu Village stop. 2. Recommended Hiking Routes - Classic light hike (about 6km, suitable for beginners): Xujiadu Village ancient street → Yunnan-Vietnam railway relics → French-style platform → Nanpan River ancient ferry. The whole route is flat with no steep slopes, taking 2-3 hours to walk and explore; - Advanced hike (about 14km): Xujiadu Station → Lufeng Village Station, passing through multiple tunnels (headlamp required). Lush vegetation and more magnificent canyon scenery. Avoid the rainy season (to prevent flooding and subsidence). 3. Must-Experience & Check-in Spots - Narrow-gauge railway stroll: Walk along the out-of-service tracks, see the marks of time on the sleepers, and occasionally meet villagers using the tracks in daily life, feeling the lingering prosperity of the "Little Hong Kong" era; - Nanpan River ancient ferry: Take a ferry across the river, experiencing the century-old water transport memory of "one boat connecting two counties." The riverside scenery is open and breezy, perfect for relaxing and daydreaming; - Ancient village exploration: Wander the bluestone ancient street, see old houses with carved wooden railings, idle grain troughs, and stone mortars, feeling the rustic folk customs. 4. Food & Surprises - Food recommendations: On market days every 3rd, 6th, and 9th of the month, you can enjoy local delicacies like crispy native pork, wild mushrooms, old tree chestnuts, and rural homemade sauces, all with great value; - Accommodation reference: There is a lakeside wooden cabin inn opposite the train station with clean and tidy public bathrooms, suitable for those wanting to deeply experience slow rural life. 🏨 Recommended Return Accommodation If you need to return via Kunming South High-Speed Rail Station after hiking, we recommend Vienna International Hotel Kunming South High-Speed Rail Station City Government Branch! - ✅ Offers free shuttle service to Kunming South High-Speed Rail Station, so you don’t have to carry hiking gear looking for a ride. The driver will help with your luggage; - ✅ Thoughtful front desk service and efficient check-in let you fully relax and rest after hiking, ensuring a worry-free return. Looking for a light hiking spot to escape the noise, get close to nature, and enjoy historical charm? Xujiadu’s century-old railway, rustic village, and canyon scenery will give you a healing and unforgettable nearby travel experience~