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Visit the stunning Karst landscape and explore the renowned Yuanyang Rice Terraces. You can also visit the local ethnic minority villages and experience traditional Hani culture. Additionally, a visit to the vibrant local markets and enjoying the natural hot springs are also highly recommended.
Qiubei County is located in southeastern Yunnan Province, with coordinates ranging from 103°34′ to 104°45′ east longitude and 23°45′ to 24°28′ north latitude. It borders Guangnan County to the east across the Qingshui River, Yanshan County and Kaiyuan City to the south, Mile and Luxi Counties to the west across the Nanpan River, and Shizong County and Xilin County of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to the north. The county measures 100 kilometers from east to west and 70.5 kilometers from north to south, with a total area of 4,997 square kilometers.
Qiubei is located in the karst and hilly region of southeastern Yunnan. The terrain is high in the southwest and low in the northeast. Dazong Mountain, a branch of the Liuzhao Mountains, crisscrosses the area. Major rivers include the Nanpan River, Liulangdong River, Kuamo River, Tuodi River, Guanzhai River, Budang River, Qingshui River, Nanqiu River, Qingshui River, Qingping River, Shikui River, and Panlong River (in the Maheng section).
Puzhehei Lake is a large natural lake with a surface area of 10.8 square kilometers. Its highest elevation (Yangxiong Mountain Summit) is 2,501.8 meters, and its lowest elevation (Nongwei Village) is 782 meters.
Located in a low-latitude monsoon region, Qiubei enjoys a generally subtropical plateau monsoon climate, with mild winters and mild summers. Dry and cool weather coincides with rainy and hot seasons, and the annual temperature difference is small. It has a distinct maritime climate, with spring temperatures higher than autumn temperatures. It is suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Puzhehei (meaning "a place with abundant fish and shrimp" in the Yi language) is a National AAAA-level tourist area, a National Key Scenic Spot, and a Yunnan Province tourism and leisure resort base. Covering 165 square kilometers, it boasts 54 lakes. Three lakes are connected in the central scenic area, encompassing 10.8 square kilometers of water. A 40-mile lotus path, woven from tens of thousands of acres of lotus, offers a picturesque scene, and boating on the lake is a delightful experience. The scenic area boasts 256 unique scenic spots, each with its own unique charm. Among them are 312 isolated peaks, 83 diverse karst caves, 15 rivers, 120 kilometers of underground rivers, and an 18-mile green corridor. The area's breathtaking natural scenery, encompassing karst peaks, lakes, and caves, is complemented by cultural attractions such as ancient cliff paintings and ethnic minority customs.
Bailong Lake is located in Bailuo Mountain, Bailuo Village, Yuezhe Town, 15 kilometers away from Puzhehei Scenic Area. When it was built in 1958, Premier Zhou Enlai often called to inquire about the progress of the project and gave instructions to strictly control the quality.
Fengwei Cave is located within the Pinglong Village Office in Gehan Township, on the hill behind Fengwei Village, 2.5 kilometers west of Pinglong Village. The cave has two entrances, one large and one small. The large entrance is approximately 4 meters wide and 6 meters high, while the smaller entrance is approximately 3 meters wide and 5 meters high. The two entrances meet about 15 meters into the cave.
Monkey climbing rock, monkeys often play on the cliffs, sometimes dozens, sometimes more than a hundred, hence the name Monkey climbing rock. Located 56 kilometers northeast of the county seat, the scenic area covers an area of 5 square kilometers and consists of canyons, flora and fauna, waterfalls, underground rivers, and caves.
Shede, nicknamed "Little Shangri-La," is a Yi word meaning "low, pond, and green." The Shede Scenic Area is renowned for its grasslands, plateau scenery, renowned local specialties, rich ethnic customs, and the unique characteristics of a revolutionary base. It boasts 100,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) of grassland, the Bainitang Bo people's cultural eco-village, Yangxiong Mountain, Huazhuqing, and Dashipen. Its large-scale wind turbines are a spectacular sight.
It is recommended to visit for about 2 days.
free
Open all day
Qiubei County is known for its picturesque landscapes, dominated by Karst peaks and ancient terraces. The area has been a hub for the Hani ethnic minority for centuries, and the Yuanyang Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site for their cultural and agricultural significance.
Qiubei County is located in Wenshan, Yunnan, China. It can be reached by bus or taxi from Wenshan city. You can also fly into Kunming, then take a bus or drive to Qiubei County, which is around 6 hours from Kunming.
The best time to visit is between April and October, when the weather is pleasant. The Yuanyang Rice Terraces are particularly beautiful during the rice planting and harvest seasons, from May to October. The general opening hours for attractions are from 8 AM to 6 PM.
The entrance fee for the Yuanyang Rice Terraces is around 100-150 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through online platforms like Ctrip and Trip.com for ease.
It is recommended to book tickets at least a few days in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons like national holidays and harvest time.
You will need at least 2-3 days to explore the main attractions like the rice terraces and local villages. If you're interested in trekking or visiting the hot springs, a longer stay may be preferable.
The must-see highlights include the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, the picturesque village of Duoyishu, and the hot springs in nearby areas. You should also explore the local Hani villages for a deeper cultural experience.
Yes, guided tours are available in both English and Chinese. You can arrange tours through local agencies or your hotel. Audio guides are also available for some locations in the rice terrace area.
Duoyishu village offers one of the most famous viewpoints for capturing the rice terraces at sunrise. Other great spots include Bada and Laohuzui for wide-angle shots of the landscape.
Start with Duoyishu for sunrise photography, then head to the Bada and Laohuzui viewpoints for panoramic views. In the afternoon, explore the local villages to learn about Hani culture and visit the hot springs.
There are no specific light shows, but the areas around the rice terraces are beautifully illuminated at night. Some local villages offer cultural performances during the evening.
The area can get crowded during Chinese national holidays (especially May Day and Golden Week), so it's best to visit in the shoulder months (March or November) for fewer tourists.
There are basic facilities including toilets and food stalls in most tourist spots. You can also find rest areas, but shops and restaurants may be limited in more remote areas. It's recommended to bring water and snacks.
The rice terraces and surrounding areas can involve some strenuous walking or climbing. Elderly or disabled visitors may find it challenging, although certain areas are more accessible with prior arrangements for mobility aids.
Cash is widely accepted, but mobile payments (via WeChat Pay or Alipay) are the most common and convenient method of payment in the region. Credit cards may not be accepted at remote locations.
There are a few local restaurants serving traditional Yunnan cuisine. In major tourist spots, you will find simple cafes serving snacks and beverages. For more options, you can head to Wenshan city.
Yes, vegetarian options are widely available, particularly in local Yunnan dishes. Halal food may be available in larger towns or cities, but not so much in the countryside.
There are several guesthouses and mid-range hotels in the area, especially in the Yuanyang County region. For a more luxurious stay, you can find resorts and hotels in nearby Wenshan city.
Nearby attractions include the city of Wenshan, famous for its cultural sites, and the Shuanglang village along Erhai Lake, which can be reached in a few hours for a scenic day trip.
Yes, souvenir shops in Qiubei County offer handmade crafts, textiles, and Hani ethnic art, including traditional clothing and jewelry. You can also find local food products like tea and dried mushrooms.
After visiting Qiubei County, you can continue your trip to nearby destinations like Kunming, Wenshan, or Dali by bus or private car. Trains and buses are also available from Wenshan to other major cities.
