Mile: A Hidden Gem of Hot Springs

Mile is a county-level city under the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province. It boasts not only abundant natural landscapes but also unique ethnic cultures, making it a charming tourist destination.

Traditional Delicacies✅✅
1. Mile Braised Chicken: A signature dish made with free-range local chicken, marinated with various spices. It features golden skin, crispy texture, tender meat, and rich aroma.
2. Mutton Hot Pot: Prepared with local ecological goat using a clear broth method, resulting in a white, flavorful soup and tender, delicious meat.
3. Cold Rice Noodle Rolls: Smooth-textured and served with a special sauce, a beloved local snack.
4. Fried Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, soft inside, topped with garlic oil, chili powder, and crushed peanuts and sesame for a unique flavor.
5. Ice Rice Cake: A traditional rice-based snack with a soft, chewy texture, perfect for cooling off in summer.
6. Bone Paste: A traditional Yi ethnic dish made by mincing and pickling bones and meat, offering a distinctive taste.
7. Mile Cold Rice Noodles: Thin, soft rice noodles served with a special sauce and fresh vegetables for a refreshing taste.
8. Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: During the rainy season, Mile’s mountains are filled with wild mushrooms like chicken fir and green-head mushrooms, making for an exceptionally delicious hot pot.

Famous Attractions✅✅
1. Dongfengyun Town: Designed by local Yunnan artist Luo Xu, its unique red-brick architecture is highly artistic. The Kaleidoscope Art Museum’s whimsical design feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
2. Huquan Ecological Park: Known as "Little Sanya of Yunnan," it features palm-lined lakeshores, sandy beaches, and a lake perfect for cycling, water activities, and enjoying stunning lake and mountain views at sunset.
3. Jinping Mountain Scenic Area: Climb 1,999 steps to see the 19.9-meter-tall Mile Buddha. The summit offers panoramic views of Mile, exuding a serene, Zen-like atmosphere.
4. Keyi Town: A settlement of the Yi ethnic group, preserving ancient ethnic culture and traditions. Visitors can experience Yi customs and enjoy performances like the Axi Moon Dance.
5. Taipinghu Forest Park: Features romantic flower fields and a rocky desertification park, with seasonal blooms and adorable animals, resembling a fairy tale world from a Hayao Miyazaki film.
6. Yunnan Red Wine Estate: Built on the legacy of French missionaries who introduced Rose Honey grapes, it offers unique wine varieties. Visitors can tour underground cellars and sample specialty wines.

Transportation Guide✅✅
External Transport
• High-Speed Rail: From Kunming, it takes about 33 minutes by high-speed rail to Mile.
• Self-Drive: Approximately 140 km from Kunming, a 2.5-hour drive.
Internal Transport
• Taxi: Convenient within Mile, with a starting fare of 7 yuan.
• Bus: Covers major areas in Mile, affordable and economical.
• Car Rental: Recommended for flexible itinerary planning.

Travel Itinerary✅✅
• Two-Day Trip:
• Day 1: Morning at Huquan Ecological Park for relaxation; afternoon at Dongfengyun Town to admire art and flowers; evening at Jinxiu Flower Street Night Market for local delicacies.
• Day 2: Morning visit to Jinping Mountain Scenic Area; afternoon at Keyi Town for Yi cultural experiences.
• Three-Day Trip: Extend the two-day itinerary with a third day at Taipinghu Forest Park, strolling through flower fields and connecting with nature.

Accommodation Suggestions✅✅
• Huquan Hotel: Located within Huquan Ecological Park, offering convenient access and beautiful surroundings, ideal for visiting the nearby hot springs.
• Dongfengyun MGallery Hotel: Situated in the Dongfengyun scenic area, it provides excellent service and unique architecture, immersing guests in the area’s artistic vibe.