Things to do in Yiliang

The trip to Yangzonghai Lake is a great experience. This is a treasured tourist destination. The lake is clear and sparkling under the sun, like a shining plateau pearl. The scenery here is beautiful, accompanied by lakes and mountains, which makes people feel relaxed and happy.

Location: Haigeng Park/No. 16 Hubin Road ↔ Xishan Longmen (West Mountain Dragon Gate), not near the old street, you have to go to the Dianchi Lake area. Experience: Crossing the lake + climbing the mountain, about 20 minutes one way, views of Dianchi Lake, Sleeping Beauty Mountain, and city scenery, great for taking photos. Ticket Price: One way about 59-60 RMB, round trip about 98-100 RMB. Advantages: Easy for lazy people to climb West Mountain, no climbing required, unique views; seagulls in winter. Disadvantages: Stops during strong winds/thunderstorms; long queues during peak season; separate ticket/walking required for Longmen after climbing the mountain; don't confuse with the "Xishan Longmen Cableway". Conclusion: First time in Kunming, taking the Dianchi-Xishan route → worth it; if just exploring the old street → not worth a special trip.

During my visit to the Yunnan Provincial Museum, I was deeply impressed by the rich and diverse history and culture of Yunnan. The museum exhibits a large number of representative historical artifacts, giving me a deeper understanding of the history and culture of this land. From pottery and stone tools from the early times, to the clothing and utensils of ethnic minorities such as the Mongolians, Yi, and Tibetans, and then to calligraphy, paintings, and ceramics from the Ming and Qing dynasties, each exhibit exudes a profound cultural heritage, making me marvel at the vastness and depth of Chinese culture. Besides the exhibits, the guide, Ms. Cui, was extremely professional. Highly recommended!

Yiliang 68 Turns is located in Xiaopojiao Village, west of Yiliang County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province. It is a winding mountain road from the west of the city to Jing'anshao Village. It was built in 1995. The road is built along the mountain ridge and is winding. There are 68 turns in a short distance of 6.8 kilometers. ｝An average of one turn every 93 meters, an average rise and fall of 7 meters per turn, and an average slope of about 8 degrees. It is the shortest and most winding road in the world and a miracle in the history of world roads. From the air, it looks like 68 continuous Ss. From the foot of the mountain or the top of the mountain, it looks like a winding earthworm. Driving on the 68 Turns Road is like a maze. At present, this place has also become a popular check-in spot for photography and experience.

During a business trip to Kunming, I took a stroll through the city and visited the Dounan Flower Market. This market is very famous, known as "China's No. 1 Flower Town." Located in Chenggong District, the new urban area—essentially a suburban area—on the eastern shore of Dianchi Lake, it has now become Asia's largest cut flower trading market and a renowned flower capital. Over 80% of Yunnan Province's cut flowers, as well as flowers from neighboring provinces and countries, are traded here. It holds a 70% market share in over 80 large and medium-sized cities across China and exports to 46 countries and regions. There's a saying that 7 out of 10 fresh flowers in China originate from Yunnan.

Guandu Ancient Town, nestled southeast of Kunming's main urban area and on the northern shore of Dianchi Lake, is a thousand-year-old town that unfolds like a slowly unfurling historical scroll. It perfectly blends the profound heritage of ancient Dian culture with the vibrant life of its residents, offering every visitor an immersive cultural experience that transcends time. Strolling through the ancient town, the first thing that catches the eye is the weathered bluestone path, winding and twisting, each stone seemingly etched with the echoes of a thousand years, telling tales of past prosperity and vicissitudes. Along the streets are well-preserved traditional courtyard houses and residences, with their blue tiles, white walls, and flying eaves, retaining the grandeur and order of Central Plains architecture while cleverly incorporating the dynamic elements of the Dian ethnic groups. The exquisite wood carvings and window lattice decorations silently bear witness to the millennia-long convergence and fusion of ancient Dian culture and Central Plains civilization. As the soul of the ancient town, the Vajra Throne Pagoda (commonly known as the Vajra Pagoda), a national key cultural relic protection unit, is undoubtedly the most eye-catching feature. The Vajra Pagoda, the oldest existing pagoda in my country, is awe-inspiring with its unique architectural style and profound cultural connotations. At each of the four corners of the base stands a small square pagoda, guarding a tall, conical main pagoda in the center. These five pagodas together symbolize the Five Buddhas of the Five Directions in Buddhism. Even more remarkable is that it is not built on solid ground, but ingeniously perched atop a mound of shells several meters thick—a testament to the wisdom of ancient craftsmen, a true "miracle of civilization on a mound of shells." As the sun sets, the silhouette of the pagoda blends with the afterglow, as if one can hear the whispers of history. Echoing the Vajra Pagoda is the Miaozhan Temple, originally built in the Yuan Dynasty. Within the temple, incense smoke curls, ancient trees reach for the sky, and the East and West Pagodas stand quietly, their Buddhist sculptures combining the solemnity of the Central Plains with the simplicity of Yunnan. Here, you can experience a sense of tranquility and serenity after the hustle and bustle of modern life. The piety of believers, the visits of tourists, and the playful antics of children create a harmonious and symbiotic scene. Besides the magnificent ancient architecture, the streets and alleys of Guandu Ancient Town are also home to a wealth of intangible cultural heritage and authentic local flavors. Stepping into the Yunzi Chess Academy, you can witness firsthand the craftsmanship of Yunzi Go stones, originating in the Tang Dynasty and hailed as the "gentleman of chess," and touch the warm, jade-like stones, feeling the inheritance of a thousand-year-old art. In the Wutong Zouyin Heritage Hall, artisans' exquisite engraving techniques transform cold copperware into beautiful works of art; the sparks flying are a testament to their craftsmanship. Of course, a trip to Guandu wouldn't be complete without a culinary feast. The fragrant Guandu Baba is a must-try intangible cultural heritage delicacy. Whether it's the savory sesame filling or the sweet rose bean paste filling, the soft outer layer encases a piping hot filling—one bite is a burst of authentic ancient Yunnan flavor. Another bowl of spicy and tangy rice noodles, or smooth and appetizing pea noodles, paired with a bowl of sweet papaya juice, instantly evokes the simplest and most satisfying happiness of old Kunming residents. These street food stalls are not only a treat for the taste buds, but also the most direct embodiment of the vibrant local life in Guandu. As night falls, the ancient town transforms. Shops lining the main street are brightly lit, and the lights of the bar street stand out vividly against the night sky, complementing the ancient architecture.

Arriving at this scenic spot, I was awestruck by the magnificent natural scenery before me. Green mountains and clear waters, blue skies and white clouds—it felt like stepping into a beautiful painting. The air was filled with the refreshing fragrance of flowers and grass, invigorating the mind and spirit. Here, you can leave your worries behind and experience the beauty and mystery of nature!

Kunming Old Street is a historical and cultural area comprised of over a dozen streets and alleys, including Guanghua Street, Wenming Street, Jingxing Street, and Qianwang Street. Located in the heart of Kunming, it is one of the few remaining century-old streets in the "Spring City." Here, cobblestone streets, Republican-era Western-style buildings, and traditional residences intertwine, carrying nearly 900 years of urban life and atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and photography.

I came specifically to ride the transparent boats, and after comparing it with Haihong Wetland Park, I chose Laoyuhe Wetland Park. Due to time constraints, I only managed to ride one transparent boat, but the experience was still quite good. Next time, I'd like to allocate more time to explore the park.

Located in Chengjiang City, Yunnan Province, the museum is a state-owned museum under the cultural relics system. It covers an area of ​​126,763 square meters, with a building area of ​​41,999.84 square meters and an exhibition area of ​​12,000 square meters. The Chengjiang Fossil Site is China's first and Asia's only fossil-related World Heritage Site, and is the core area preserving the Chengjiang biota fossils.