"Little Provence" in Central Yunnan: Mile Art & Hot Spring Tour

🌟 I. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Dongfengyun Art Town - Highlights: Red-brick architecture complex (Kaleidoscope Art Museum, lavender fields), resembling "Provence in Central Yunnan" during June-August bloom. Free entry (some experiences charge). - Tips: Wear light-colored outfits for better photos. Try red wine with flower cakes (¥30). 2. Huquan Ecological Park - Highlights: Free urban park with lakeside beach and hot spring pools (68℃ natural springs), perfect for leisurely walks. - Tips: Stay at Huquan Hotel for complimentary hot spring tickets. Romantic night lighting. 3. Taipinghu Forest Park - Highlights: Flower seas, forest cabins, rocky desertification park. Entry ¥60, optional sightseeing train (¥30). - Tips: Recommended to stay in forest cabins with nature views. 4. Keyi Ancient Village - Highlights: Yi ethnic village featuring Ashima dance and bonfire parties. Entry ¥40. - Tips: Try Yi banquet (tuotuo pork, pickled vegetable soup) and embroidery workshops. 5. Jinping Mountain Scenic Area - Highlights: 19.99m-tall Mile Buddha, climb 1999 steps for blessings (¥30). Exciting forest slide (¥50). --- 🚗 II. Transportation Guide - External: - High-speed rail: Kunming South Station → Mile Station (~30min, ¥26), 10min taxi to downtown. - Self-drive: ~2hrs from Kunming. - Local: Scattered attractions – recommend taxis (¥5-15/ride) or chartered cars; dedicated buses to Dongfengyun/Taipinghu. --- 🍜 III. Food Recommendations - Must-try: - Stewed Chicken Rice Noodles: Shen Weiguo's (¥15/bowl), better with chicken feet. - Lamb Hotpot: Zhuyuan's (¥60/person), drink broth first. - Yi flavors: Keyi Village roast pork & buckwheat cakes. - Wine tasting: Yunnan Red Winery's Crystal Dry White (¥58/bottle). --- 📅 IV. Itinerary Suggestions - Day trip: Dongfengyun (morning photos) → Huquan Park (afternoon leisure + hot springs). - 2-day: - Day1: Dongfengyun + winery → Taipinghu cabin stay; - Day2: Jinping Mountain → Keyi bonfire party. - 3-day deep dive: Add Dianxi River Wetland hike and Ranweng Forest Park culture. --- ⚠️ V. Practical Tips - Accommodation: - Budget: Huquan Hotel (~¥200/night, includes hot springs). - Unique: Dongfengyun MGallery (¥500+, wake to flower views). - Best season: Spring/Autumn (Mar-May/Sep-Nov), June-Aug for lavender. - Savings: ¥168 combo ticket (5 major sites). - Notes: Sunscreen/bug spray, respect Yi customs, bring swimwear for hot springs. --- Mile essence: Half-day art (Dongfengyun), half-day leisure (Huquan), one-day wilderness (Taipinghu + Keyi), paired with stewed chicken noodles and wine – Yunnan's unique slow living.