Yunnan and Guizhou: A 7-Day Summer of Refreshing Karst Landscapes

Day 1 Various locations → → Kunming ★ Assembly day

All day

National tourists will check in at their Kunming hotel for the day (submit "China-TravelNote + Name" for check-in). This day is free for leisure. China-TravelNote has specially arranged for you to meet up at your hotel near Kunming's city center for easy travel. You can explore the nearby Green Lake Park, the Military Academy, and the beautiful Yunnan University. You can also stroll along Nanping Pedestrian Street, visit the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster, and visit Dianchi Lake and the Western Hills. In the evening, you can enjoy Yunnan specialties at the food court near Green Lake, including delicious Cross-the-Bridge Rice Noodles! There are supermarkets nearby, so bring some fruit and snacks. Please be safe during your free time.

Day 2 Kunming → Fuxian Lake → Jianshui Ancient Town

All day

Fuxian Lake is full of blue waters, stroll along the beach and climb up to enjoy the view.

After breakfast, we'll depart Kunming and head south to the beautiful plateau lake, Fuxian Lake. A gentle plateau breeze will sweep across the vast expanse of blue water as we enter the beautiful Luchong Scenic Area. We'll ascend Bijia Mountain for panoramic views of Fuxian Lake (a gentle, 20-minute walk up Bijia Mountain offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all ages). We'll also have some fun on the beach. For lunch, we recommend exploring the lakeside streets for the signature delicacies of copper pot fish and copper pot potato rice.

Jianshui Ancient City Citywalk, taste the flavor of Jianshui

In the afternoon, we'll travel to Jianshui Ancient City. Yunnan people often say, "Lin'an is gold, Dali is silver." Here, you'll find Jianshui's Chaoyang Tower, known as the "First Tower of Yunnan," the legendary predecessor of Tiananmen Square. Then, experience the China-TravelNote-inspired Jianshui Ancient City City Walk, passing through Chaoyang Tower, strolling along Lin'an Old Street, discovering the Daban Well, and visiting a tofu shop. Dinner will then be served in Jianshui, a city famous for shows like "A Bite of China," "Where Are We Going, Dad?", and "12 Tastes of Feng Wei." We'll take you to a Jianshui grilled tofu stall. Gather around the fire pit, enjoy the grilled tofu, and chat about life, immersing you in the slow pace of life in Jianshui.

Driving distance: about 204 kilometers, about 3.5 hours

Day 3 Jianshui → Puzhehei

All day

Jianshui's small train travels through a century, while Tuanshan Ancient Village offers a glimpse into history.

After breakfast, we'll depart for Lin'an Station and board the Jianshui Yunnan-Vietnam Railway (Route: Lin'an Station - Shuanglong Bridge - Xianghui Bridge - Tuanshan Station). Experience Jianshui's uniquely retro wooden train. The vintage wall lamps, oscillating old fans, and French-style architecture along the way will transport you back to the early 20th century, when the railway was first completed. The train will stop at various scenic spots along the way. After arriving at the final station, a short walk will take you to Tuanshan Ancient Village, a representative example of traditional Yunnan residences. The well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings make it seem as if time has stood still.

First glimpse of the poetic countryside of Puzhehei and experience the ethnic customs at the bonfire party

In the afternoon, we'll depart for Puzhehei. Upon arrival, we'll check into a guesthouse within the scenic area. After changing and dressing, we'll enjoy a leisurely stroll through the wheat fields, soaking in the idyllic scenery and watching the stunning sunset. In the evening, we'll enjoy the much-anticipated bonfire party (a bonfire is provided for groups of 10 or more; for groups of 10 or fewer, a complimentary Fuxian Lake copper pot fish dish will be served on Day 2). Local Yi people will lead the group in song and dance, enlivening the audience. Light the bonfire and dance together! This is a night for all tourists!

Driving distance: about 295 kilometers, about 4 hours

Note: Tickets for Jianshui train are in short supply during peak season. If you do not have a ticket, you can visit Jianshui Confucian Temple and Zhu Family Garden instead.

Day 4: Puzhehei (all day)

All day

Overlooking the beautiful mountains and rivers from Qinglong Mountain, strolling around the filming location of Eternal Love.

This morning, we'll stroll to the foot of Qinglong Mountain, then climb through wheat fields to enjoy a panoramic view of Puzhehei. After descending, we'll head to Three Lives Three Worlds: Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms. Here, the calm waters reflect the distant peaks, the nearby Peach Blossom Island, and its thatched cottages, creating a secluded retreat. Afterward, we'll have free time to enjoy Puzhehei, strolling through the lotus fields and snapping beautiful photos amidst the fragrant rice paddies.

Rafting on Puzhehei Lake, a passionate summer water fight

Head to Pucaotang Pier at the right time and paddle on Puzhehei Lake. If the weather is nice, have a water fight—it's an unwritten rule. If you're prepared, be sure to bring flip-flops and a waterproof phone bag. (June to October is the best time to get wet; otherwise, be sure to sit still and take the boat; getting wet might catch a cold.) Bask in the sun from the bow of the boat, drift beneath the azure waters, smell the delicate lotus fragrance (millions of acres of lotus blossom from June to August), and let the gentle lake breeze caress your face. The lotus is Puzhehei's highlight, boasting a wide variety of rare and valuable species. Within its 165 square kilometers, the vast expanse of lotus blossoms thrives, creating a veritable sea of ​​lotus blossoms.

Notes: [1] If Qinglong Mountain is closed due to safety hazards caused by continuous rain or other force majeure, the free time will be cancelled;
[2] The tour leader may adjust the tour order according to the situation on the day;

Day 5 Puzhehei → Bamei

All day

Take a boat to Bamei and find the paradise in your heart

After breakfast, we drove to Bamei, a popular paradise. Bamei Village is surrounded by mountains and inaccessible by car, adding to its mystique. We disembarked at the end of the road, packed light, and walked a short distance to the foot of the mountain. Then, we took a small boat into a vast cave. After a gentle 10-minute journey, we neared the cave entrance, where a sudden opening opened up. Before us lay the river valley, flowing water, lush bamboo, waterwheels, farmland, and thatched cottages. After walking into the village and settling in, we were free to wander the area and explore for delicious food.

Driving distance: about 168 kilometers, about 3.5 hours

6. Tianba Beauty → Wanfenglin

All day

Strolling through the paradise in the morning

Enjoy the morning's free time, where you can fully experience the idyllic scenery of a tranquil river, ancient waterwheels, and crisscrossing fields. Wander through the fields, discover the majestic banyan trees, and savor the tranquility of this idyllic paradise. Depart at your own leisure, taking two small boat rides to leave this idyllic place, passing through a karst cave on the other side of the village and returning to modern civilization. Transfer to a bus for Xingyi.

Deep into the earth's scars, Maling River

In the afternoon, we will arrive at the Maling River Grand Canyon, known as the "Beautiful Scar of the Earth". The canyon has completely preserved the natural landscape created by the replacement of land blocks. During the rainy season, 13 waterfalls fall from the sky, and the mist-filled environment looks like a fairyland. The 176-meter-high "Wanma Pengteng" waterfall is like the Milky Way pouring down, with a majestic momentum. In winter, when precipitation is relatively less, the river water becomes clearer and the waterfalls become more beautiful, allowing you to experience the quietness of the deep valley.

Free Cycling in Wanfenglin

Tonight we have been specially arranged to stay at a resort hotel near the scenic area. In the evening, you can cycle around Wanfenglin and enjoy the sunset. You can also go to the Nostalgia Market to experience the Guizhou style.

【Record filing instructions】

If the Maling River Scenic Area is closed due to force majeure such as rainfall, a pre-registration will be activated: Day 6 Bamei - Wanfenglin Tour with accommodation in Wanfenglin; Day 7 Wanfenglin - Jiulong Waterfall Tour - Disband in Kunming. The tour fee remains unchanged, and the Kunming disbanding time and location remain unchanged. If the group departs in Xingyi, the Maling River Scenic Area ticket fee will be refunded.

Driving distance: about 228 kilometers, about 4 hours

Note: Due to the limited accommodation capacity of Wanfenglin, if rooms are tight, please stay at a hotel in Xingyi City.

Day 7 Wanfenglin → Kunming Railway Station South Square ★ Dismissal

All day

View the Ten Thousand Peaks from Halfway up the Mountain

Wake up in the morning and immerse yourself in the Wanfenglin Forest, a unique and magnificent landscape resembling a landscape painting. Early risers can rent a shared moped or bicycle to explore Upper, Middle, and Lower Nahui Villages. Take the scenic bus at your leisure, winding along the mountainside, stopping at three observation decks along the way to admire the unique peaks and rocks, Buyi villages, and the Nahui Funnel Group.

Trip disbandment information

After lunch, we will return to Kunming. To facilitate your subsequent itinerary, we will disband near the South Square of Kunming Railway Station at around 17:30.

1. Tourists returning by train or high-speed rail can get off here at Kunming Station and enter the station. Kunming South Station can be reached by taking Metro Line 1. If you want to continue to play in Kunming, this area is ideal for accommodation as it is densely populated with hotels and has convenient transportation.

2. Tourists heading to the airport can take Metro Line 1 and transfer to Line 6 at Tangzi Lane to reach the airport, which takes about 45 minutes. They can also go to Jinjiang Hotel and take the airport bus to Kunming Changshui Airport, which takes about 1 hour.

Tips: Xingyi has an airport, about 13 kilometers from the city center, a 20-30 minute taxi ride away. You may want to check flights and fly directly from Xingyi back to your hometown to save time and effort.

Driving distance: about 300 kilometers, about 4.5 hours

What's the temperature like? What should I wear?

In the summer, you only need to bring short-sleeved shirts and sunscreen. In spring and autumn, you should bring long-sleeved clothing to keep warm in the morning and evening, but short-sleeved clothing is also acceptable during the day. Puzhehei is relatively warm year-round. Before your trip, check the weather in Kunming, Mengzi, and Qiubei County to see what the temperature range is, and dress accordingly.

How was the food?

The food on this route is spicy, sour and greasy. Tourists with delicate stomachs may suffer from diarrhea due to acclimatization. It is recommended that you prepare diarrhea medicine.

Is there a lot of walking and climbing on this route?

The route is easy and leisurely, and Puzhehei requires climbing Qinglong Mountain and stone steps, which takes about 20 minutes to reach the summit. If you have difficulty walking, you can stay at the foot of the mountain and wait for the group to descend. There is no other climbing.

About Puzhehei Cruise

During a summer boat trip to Puzhehei, there's an unwritten childhood tradition of water fights. If you're bringing electronics on board, prepare waterproof bags. Buy your battle gear before boarding: water guns, ladles, basins, buckets! Those who don't want to get into a water fight can fly a flag and have the boatman row close to the water's edge. However, the water is merciless and can inevitably hurt innocent people, so be prepared to get wet! Let's grab our basins and buckets and return to our childhood...