Qujing, Yunnan: Where My Spending Perspective Was Shattered

Qujing, Yunnan - An Underrated Tourist Destination with Exceptionally Warm Locals

My spending perspective was shattered

August Travel Guide to Qujing, Yunnan: A Summer Retreat and Food Paradise

**1. Why Visit Qujing in August?**

* **Pleasant Climate:** With average temperatures around 20°C (68°F), Qujing offers cool comfort - an ideal escape from summer heat.
* **Stunning Scenery:** Vibrant summer landscapes await - lush greenery, rapeseed flower seas (in Luoping), Grass Mountain (in Huize), and Colorful Sand Forest (in Luliang).
* **Culinary Delights:** Wild mushrooms (like termite mushrooms and matsutake), Xuanwei ham, and Zhanyi spicy chicken are in peak season.

**2. Recommended Itinerary (5 Days, 4 Nights)**

**Day 1: Arrival & Cultural Immersion**
* Morning: Arrive in Qujing; check into hotels (recommended areas: Qilin District or Zhanyi District).
* Afternoon: Visit **Qujing Museum** (explore local history and ethnic culture) and **Qilin Park** (urban green lung for relaxation).
* Evening: Savor local specialties like **Zhanyi spicy chicken** and **Qujing steamed rice noodles**.

**Day 2: Luoping Rapeseed Fields (Seasonal; alternatives available for August)**
* Morning: Drive to Luoping County (~2 hours) to see **Golden Rooster Peak Cluster** (karst landscape amid farmland).
* Afternoon: Explore **Jiulong Waterfalls** (one of China's most spectacular waterfall groups).
* Evening: Return to Qujing for **Xuanwei ham**.

**Alternative Options:**
* **Luliang Colorful Sand Forest:** Unique multicolored dunes resembling an alien planet.
* **Huize Daicao Mountain:** Alpine meadows with grazing livestock and prairie vistas.

**Day 3: Huize Ancient Town & Daicao Mountain**
* Morning: Travel to Huize County (~2 hours) to visit **Huize Ancient Town** (well-preserved Ming-Qing architecture).
* Afternoon: Experience **Daicao Mountain** (meadows perfect for horseback riding/camping).
* Evening: Stay in Huize; try local dishes like **Huize pea pudding**.

**Day 4: Zhanyi Pearl River Source & Malong Wildflower Valley**
* Morning: Head to Zhanyi District (~1 hour) for **Pearl River Source Scenic Area** (lush forests at the river's origin).
* Afternoon: Visit Malong County (~1 hour) to explore **Wildflower Valley** (pristine forests with blooming flowers).
* Evening: Return to Qujing for **Qujing small cakes**.

**Day 5: Leisure Departure**
* Morning: Free time for souvenir shopping (Xuanwei ham, Huize bronze crafts).
* Afternoon: Conclude your journey.

**3. Transportation Guide**
* **By Air:** Fly to Kunming Changshui Airport, then transfer to Qujing via high-speed rail (~1.5 hours) or bus.
* **High-Speed Rail:** Kunming South Station to Qujing North Station (~30 minutes).
* **Bus:** Buses depart from Kunming East Bus Station (~2 hours).
* **Local Transport:** Recommended to rent a car or hire private transport for flexibility.

**4. Must-Try Foods**
* **Xuanwei Ham:** One of China's top three hams, renowned for rich aroma and texture.
* **Zhanyi Spicy Chicken:** Fiery and tender chicken dish.
* **Qujing Steamed Rice Noodles:** Chewy noodles in flavorful broth.
* **Huize Pea Pudding:** Silky-smooth with distinct bean flavor.
* **Wild Mushrooms:** Seasonal delicacies including termite mushrooms and matsutake.

**5. Accommodation Recommendations**
* **Qujing City:** Qujing Guanfang Hotel, Qujing Century Garden Hotel.
* **Luoping:** Luoping Golden Rooster Peak Hotel, Luoping Jiulong Waterfall Hotel.
* **Huize:** Huize Jinyuan Hotel, Huize Daicao Mountain Homestays.

**6. Travel Tips**
* August is rainy season - pack rain gear.
* Strong UV radiation at high altitudes - sun protection essential.
* Respect local ethnic customs.
* Wear comfortable shoes for hiking at some sites.

**7. Optional Extensions**
* With extra time, consider **Shizong County Phoenix Valley** (karst caves) or **Fuyuan County Duoleyuan Scenic Area** (karst landscapes).

**Wishing You a Wonderful Qujing Adventure!**