Skip the crowds in Dali and Lijiang! Here's a less crowded but equally stunning alternative

Honestly, I suggest avoiding the tourist crowds in Dali and Lijiang when visiting Yunnan🥹
I discovered a hidden gem just 40 minutes from Kunming - Mile City
Mile offers incredible food and a wonderfully relaxing environment
Perfect for photography lovers: Dongfengyun Scenic Area/Taipinghu Park/Huquan Ecological Park are all fantastic
Great for both sightseeing and foodies - a must-visit if you're planning a Yunnan trip‼
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✨Recommended itinerary
Day1️⃣
Focheng Shangdu - Huquan Ecological Park - Huquan Tianyi Hotel
Day2️⃣
Taipinghu Forest Park - Dongfengyun - Return trip
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✅Huquan Ecological Park
Free entry! Known as "Little Sanya" with lakes, beaches, palm trees, and hot springs.
Perfect for evening strolls, sunset views, and beach-like photo ops～
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✅Focheng Shangdu
A local-favorite market! Great for fresh produce on the 4th floor, while floors 2-3 offer colorful fruit/vegetable stalls perfect for vibrant photos. You can find cheap mangosteens, blueberries, and seasonal mushrooms.
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✅Taipinghu Forest Park 60💰
Tulips/poppies bloom March-May, sunflowers and pink muhly grass September-October.
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✅Dongfengyun 80💰, shuttle 20💰
Mile's most famous photo spot with red-brick Kaleidoscope Art Museum
Featuring works by Yunnan artists and uniquely magical architecture
Surrounded by lavender fields that resemble Provence when in full bloom
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🚗 Transportation Tips
* Kunming→Mile: 40min by high-speed rail (¥34), 1.5hr by car
* Within city: Taxi fares start at 10-20 yuan
🏡Accommodation Tips
Stayed at Huquan Tianyi Hotel within Huquan Ecological Park
Close to downtown with plenty of dining/entertainment options
Loved their private courtyard villas, each with personal hot springs - perfect for vacations
Surrounded by greenery with amazing balcony views and morning birdsongs
Huquan Tianyi offers the ultimate Mile resort experience - hot springs + photos + relaxation all in one!