"Little Provence" in Central Yunnan: Mile Art & Hot Spring Tour

🌟 I. Must-Visit Attractions
1. Dongfengyun Art Town
- Highlights: Red-brick architecture complex (Kaleidoscope Art Museum, lavender fields), resembling "Provence in Central Yunnan" during June-August bloom. Free entry (some experiences charge).
- Tips: Wear light-colored outfits for better photos. Try red wine with flower cakes (¥30).

2. Huquan Ecological Park
- Highlights: Free urban park with lakeside beach and hot spring pools (68℃ natural springs), perfect for leisurely walks.
- Tips: Stay at Huquan Hotel for complimentary hot spring tickets. Romantic night lighting.

3. Taipinghu Forest Park
- Highlights: Flower seas, forest cabins, rocky desertification park. Entry ¥60, optional sightseeing train (¥30).
- Tips: Recommended to stay in forest cabins with nature views.

4. Keyi Ancient Village
- Highlights: Yi ethnic village featuring Ashima dance and bonfire parties. Entry ¥40.
- Tips: Try Yi banquet (tuotuo pork, pickled vegetable soup) and embroidery workshops.

5. Jinping Mountain Scenic Area
- Highlights: 19.99m-tall Mile Buddha, climb 1999 steps for blessings (¥30). Exciting forest slide (¥50).

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🚗 II. Transportation Guide
- External:
- High-speed rail: Kunming South Station → Mile Station (~30min, ¥26), 10min taxi to downtown.
- Self-drive: ~2hrs from Kunming.
- Local: Scattered attractions – recommend taxis (¥5-15/ride) or chartered cars; dedicated buses to Dongfengyun/Taipinghu.

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🍜 III. Food Recommendations
- Must-try:
- Stewed Chicken Rice Noodles: Shen Weiguo's (¥15/bowl), better with chicken feet.
- Lamb Hotpot: Zhuyuan's (¥60/person), drink broth first.
- Yi flavors: Keyi Village roast pork & buckwheat cakes.
- Wine tasting: Yunnan Red Winery's Crystal Dry White (¥58/bottle).

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📅 IV. Itinerary Suggestions
- Day trip: Dongfengyun (morning photos) → Huquan Park (afternoon leisure + hot springs).
- 2-day:
- Day1: Dongfengyun + winery → Taipinghu cabin stay;
- Day2: Jinping Mountain → Keyi bonfire party.
- 3-day deep dive: Add Dianxi River Wetland hike and Ranweng Forest Park culture.

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⚠️ V. Practical Tips
- Accommodation:
- Budget: Huquan Hotel (~¥200/night, includes hot springs).
- Unique: Dongfengyun MGallery (¥500+, wake to flower views).
- Best season: Spring/Autumn (Mar-May/Sep-Nov), June-Aug for lavender.
- Savings: ¥168 combo ticket (5 major sites).
- Notes: Sunscreen/bug spray, respect Yi customs, bring swimwear for hot springs.

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Mile essence: Half-day art (Dongfengyun), half-day leisure (Huquan), one-day wilderness (Taipinghu + Keyi), paired with stewed chicken noodles and wine – Yunnan's unique slow living.

Post by AEH. Matt 2874 | Jun 21, 2025

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