Qujing, Yunnan: Where My Spending Perspective Was Shattered

Qujing, Yunnan - An Underrated Tourist Destination with Exceptionally Warm Locals My spending perspective was shattered August Travel Guide to Qujing, Yunnan: A Summer Retreat and Food Paradise **1. Why Visit Qujing in August?** * **Pleasant Climate:** With average temperatures around 20°C (68°F), Qujing offers cool comfort - an ideal escape from summer heat. * **Stunning Scenery:** Vibrant summer landscapes await - lush greenery, rapeseed flower seas (in Luoping), Grass Mountain (in Huize), and Colorful Sand Forest (in Luliang). * **Culinary Delights:** Wild mushrooms (like termite mushrooms and matsutake), Xuanwei ham, and Zhanyi spicy chicken are in peak season. **2. Recommended Itinerary (5 Days, 4 Nights)** **Day 1: Arrival & Cultural Immersion** * Morning: Arrive in Qujing; check into hotels (recommended areas: Qilin District or Zhanyi District). * Afternoon: Visit **Qujing Museum** (explore local history and ethnic culture) and **Qilin Park** (urban green lung for relaxation). * Evening: Savor local specialties like **Zhanyi spicy chicken** and **Qujing steamed rice noodles**. **Day 2: Luoping Rapeseed Fields (Seasonal; alternatives available for August)** * Morning: Drive to Luoping County (~2 hours) to see **Golden Rooster Peak Cluster** (karst landscape amid farmland). * Afternoon: Explore **Jiulong Waterfalls** (one of China's most spectacular waterfall groups). * Evening: Return to Qujing for **Xuanwei ham**. **Alternative Options:** * **Luliang Colorful Sand Forest:** Unique multicolored dunes resembling an alien planet. * **Huize Daicao Mountain:** Alpine meadows with grazing livestock and prairie vistas. **Day 3: Huize Ancient Town & Daicao Mountain** * Morning: Travel to Huize County (~2 hours) to visit **Huize Ancient Town** (well-preserved Ming-Qing architecture). * Afternoon: Experience **Daicao Mountain** (meadows perfect for horseback riding/camping). * Evening: Stay in Huize; try local dishes like **Huize pea pudding**. **Day 4: Zhanyi Pearl River Source & Malong Wildflower Valley** * Morning: Head to Zhanyi District (~1 hour) for **Pearl River Source Scenic Area** (lush forests at the river's origin). * Afternoon: Visit Malong County (~1 hour) to explore **Wildflower Valley** (pristine forests with blooming flowers). * Evening: Return to Qujing for **Qujing small cakes**. **Day 5: Leisure Departure** * Morning: Free time for souvenir shopping (Xuanwei ham, Huize bronze crafts). * Afternoon: Conclude your journey. **3. Transportation Guide** * **By Air:** Fly to Kunming Changshui Airport, then transfer to Qujing via high-speed rail (~1.5 hours) or bus. * **High-Speed Rail:** Kunming South Station to Qujing North Station (~30 minutes). * **Bus:** Buses depart from Kunming East Bus Station (~2 hours). * **Local Transport:** Recommended to rent a car or hire private transport for flexibility. **4. Must-Try Foods** * **Xuanwei Ham:** One of China's top three hams, renowned for rich aroma and texture. * **Zhanyi Spicy Chicken:** Fiery and tender chicken dish. * **Qujing Steamed Rice Noodles:** Chewy noodles in flavorful broth. * **Huize Pea Pudding:** Silky-smooth with distinct bean flavor. * **Wild Mushrooms:** Seasonal delicacies including termite mushrooms and matsutake. **5. Accommodation Recommendations** * **Qujing City:** Qujing Guanfang Hotel, Qujing Century Garden Hotel. * **Luoping:** Luoping Golden Rooster Peak Hotel, Luoping Jiulong Waterfall Hotel. * **Huize:** Huize Jinyuan Hotel, Huize Daicao Mountain Homestays. **6. Travel Tips** * August is rainy season - pack rain gear. * Strong UV radiation at high altitudes - sun protection essential. * Respect local ethnic customs. * Wear comfortable shoes for hiking at some sites. **7. Optional Extensions** * With extra time, consider **Shizong County Phoenix Valley** (karst caves) or **Fuyuan County Duoleyuan Scenic Area** (karst landscapes). **Wishing You a Wonderful Qujing Adventure!**