Forget Dali, head to Mile with its 24°C summer weather—fewer crowds and stunning scenery!

Strongly recommend taking your kids to Mile this summer—it's the ultimate off-the-beaten-path destination!
I used to think Dali was breathtakingly beautiful, but when I arrived in Mile in southeastern Yunnan, I truly understood what "hidden gem" means. Many call it the "Morocco of China," and with year-round temperatures around 24°C, it’s incredibly comfortable! Kunming → Mile

- **Transport**: Take the high-speed train—just 30 minutes, super convenient.

- **Attractions**: Don’t miss Dongfengyun Art Town. Arrive before 9 AM to photograph the red-brick architecture and rooftop pool at the Kaleidoscope Art Museum.

- **Accommodation**: Stay in the Huquan area, where hot spring hotels are clustered and travel is easy.

Mile → Jianshui

- **Transport**: Direct trains or buses available. Train takes ~1 hour; bus ~2 hours.

- **Attractions**: Visit the Ant Workshop to experience purple pottery culture, then explore Jianshui Ancient Town and climb Chaoyang Tower for panoramic views.

- **Food**: Must-tries: Jianshui tofu, chicken rice noodles, and roast duck.

Jianshui → Yuanyang

- **Transport**: Driving or private car (~3 hours) is easiest. Long-distance buses may require transfers.

- **Attractions**: The Yuanyang Terraces’ Tiger Mouth, Duoyishu, Bada, and Qingkou viewpoints offer stunning perspectives at different times of day.

- **Accommodation**: Stay at terrace-view hotels like Azheke Inn or Tiger Mouth View Hotel.

Yuanyang → Fuxian Lake

- **Transport**: Drive or hire a car for flexibility and scenic stops.

- **Attractions**: Explore the wetland park, photogenic red sand beaches (best in sunny weather), and try water activities at Mingxing Fish Cave.

- **Accommodation**: Family-friendly options: Hilton, Dolphin Bay, or Lanshan Su. For Instagram spots, stay near Xiaowan Village.

- **Food**: Try stone-pot fish (clear broth is delicious), fried stone fish, blueberries, Dai-style salads, and copper-pot potato rice.

**Tips**: Yunnan’s UV rays are strong—pack sunscreen. Temperatures vary; bring layers (e.g., mornings/evenings at Yuanyang can be chilly).