Travel with National Geographic: The Most Beautiful Spring - Luoping

Chasing Spring, Encountering the Luoping Rapeseed Flower Fields The second wave of spring flower viewing is here, and the rapeseed flower season has finally arrived! This time, we've come to Luoping in Qujing, Yunnan, a place that will fulfill all your fantasies about spring flower seas. Jinji Village in Luoping is home to these dreamy rapeseed flower fields. This place is quite remarkable, recognized by Guinness World Records as the "world's largest natural garden" and called "the most beautiful spring in the world" by Global Humanities and Geography magazine. Every year, from February to late March, rapeseed flowers cover the mountains and plains, creating a sea of brilliant gold as far as the eye can see. Every photo taken here is a stunning masterpiece. Luoping has over 800,000 mu of rapeseed flowers, making it one of the largest rapeseed flower growing areas in China. The flowers, set against the backdrop of karst peaks, terraces, rivers, and villages, create a picturesque pastoral landscape. Tickets: Viewing the Luoping rapeseed flower fields is free, so you can freely wander through the sea of flowers. Best Travel Routes: - If you're driving, it's about 230 km from Kunming, which takes about 2.5 hours. Enjoy the ever-changing scenery outside the window as you approach this golden world. Once in Luoping, navigate directly to Jinji Village. Its higher elevation and open views make it a great starting point for sightseeing and photography. - If you're taking a bus, take a taxi to Jinji Village after arriving at the Luoping Passenger Station. Once inside the scenic area, follow the walking trails to admire the sea of flowers from different angles. Start at the higher viewing platform for a panoramic view, then follow the trail into the flower fields for a closer look at the rapeseed flowers. Best Photo Spots: - Jinji Peak Cluster Viewing Platform: Standing here, you can capture the rolling hills and endless rapeseed flower fields in one frame, creating a sense of depth. It's perfect for capturing both grand scenes and portraits. - Ridges in the Flower Fields: Walk into the rapeseed flower fields, find a ridge, and take photos with the blooming rapeseed flowers as your backdrop. Whether you squat or stand, your photos will be filled with a rustic charm. - Where the Rapeseed Flowers Meet the Village: When the rapeseed flowers and the quaint village appear in the same frame, the white walls and black tiles complement the golden sea of flowers, creating a perfect blend of everyday life and natural beauty. It's incredibly atmospheric. Things to Note: - There are many tourists during the viewing period. Pay attention to traffic safety when driving and plan your parking spot in advance. - When taking photos in the rapeseed flower fields, don't step on the seedlings. Take care of this beautiful sea of flowers. - The weather in Yunnan is changeable, so remember to bring rain gear and sunscreen. Local Cuisine: - Luoping Pickled Bamboo Shoots: This is a local specialty with a unique sour taste that's hard to resist. Try the pickled bamboo shoots with fish. The tender fish absorbs the sour and spicy flavor of the pickled bamboo shoots, creating a delicious dish. - Fule Crispy Meat: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it makes a satisfying crunch when you bite into it. Whether you eat it directly or add it to a hot pot, it has a unique flavor. - Five-Color Flower Rice: Dyed with natural plants, this rice is brightly colored, soft, and glutinous, with a delicate floral fragrance. It's a traditional dish of the Luoping ethnic minorities.