Mile | A Utopia in Southern Yunnan, A Healing Journey to a Hidden Gem City

Who can relate, fam! This hidden gem city of Mile is simply a real-life utopia! It boasts rich ethnic customs and unique natural landscapes, truly a "dark horse" in the tourism world. Follow my guide today and step into the dreamy world of Mile! 😎

Travel Preparations

● Documents: ID card, a small amount of cash (although most places accept mobile payments, it's good to be prepared).

● Clothing: Mile has a warm climate. For summer travel, bring light and breathable clothing such as short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and skirts; for spring and autumn, the temperature difference between morning and evening is slightly larger, so bring a light jacket; winter is not particularly cold, a thick jacket will suffice.

● Others: Sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella or raincoat, common medications (cold medicine, stomach medicine, etc.).

Transportation Guide

● External Transportation
    ○ Plane: You can fly to Kunming Changshui International Airport first, then take a shuttle bus from Kunming East Bus Station or South Bus Station to Mile, which takes about 2 hours.
    ○ High-speed rail: Mile has a high-speed rail station, with direct trains from some cities. If there's no direct train, you can go to Kunming first and then transfer to a high-speed train to Mile; the high-speed train journey from Kunming to Mile takes about 30 minutes.

● Internal Transportation
    ○ Bus: There are multiple bus routes within Mile city that can reach major attractions, with fares generally ranging from 1-2 yuan.
    ○ Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient for travel, but prices may increase during peak tourist season.
    ○ Car rental: If you are traveling with a larger group and want more freedom, renting a car is a good option.

Food Recommendations

● Braised Chicken: Mile's braised chicken is absolutely superb, with tender chicken and rich, fragrant braising sauce. Paired with a special dipping sauce, one bite is incredibly satisfying 😋 You can visit Mile Braised Chicken Street to taste it; there are many old-fashioned shops there.

● Mile Cold Rice Noodles: Rice noodles made from rice, with a smooth texture, served with sweet, sour, spicy seasonings, making it a perfect summer treat. You can find them at street food stalls.

● Lamb Hot Pot: Mile's lamb hot pot uses fresh local lamb, with a delicious and flavorful broth that has no gamey smell. It can be served with various vegetables and rice noodles, making for a warm and comforting meal. Recommended to try at some lamb restaurants in Mile city.

● Sugarcane Juice: Mile is an important sugarcane producing area, and the sugarcane juice is sweet and refreshing. If you see a stall selling sugarcane juice on the street, be sure to grab a cup 🥤

Attraction Guide

Dongfengyun Scenic Area

● Features: This is a distinctive town that integrates grape culture, natural scenery, and cultural tourism. The scenic area features unique red brick buildings with peculiar shapes, resembling castles from a fairy tale world, perfect for taking photos 📸

● Tips for visiting: You can first take a sightseeing car to tour the scenic area, then slowly walk to admire the architecture and scenery. There are also wineries within the scenic area where you can taste local wines.

● Ticket price: 40 yuan/person, sightseeing car 20 yuan/person.

Mile Huquan Ecological Park

● Features: This is a large, free-to-enter ecological park with clear lakes, vast green spaces, and abundant recreational facilities. Here you can walk, run, cycle, and enjoy a leisurely time. The hot springs at Huquan Hotel are also famous; soaking in them can relax both body and mind 🛀

● Tips for visiting: During the day, you can stroll by the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery; in the evening, you can go for a hot spring bath and experience its nourishing benefits.

● Ticket price: Free entry, hot springs require a separate ticket.

Jinpingshan Scenic Area

● Features: Jinpingshan is a Buddhist holy site in Mile, with the magnificent Mile Temple on the mountain. From the mountaintop, you can overlook the beautiful cityscape of Mile, offering a very expansive view.

● Tips for visiting: Hike up the mountain along the trails, enjoying the natural scenery and Buddhist cultural landscapes along the way. Once at the summit, you can pray and make wishes at Mile Temple 🙏

● Ticket price: 40 yuan/person.

Accommodation Recommendations

● Huquan Hotel: Located next to Huquan Ecological Park, it boasts a beautiful environment and complete facilities. The hotel offers various room types, as well as leisure facilities like hot springs and swimming pools, making it ideal for a vacation.

● B&Bs in Dongfengyun Art Town: You can stay within the scenic area for convenient access. The B&Bs come in diverse styles, with many well-designed rooms that offer a unique accommodation experience.

Itinerary Planning

Two-day trip

● Day 1
    ○ Morning: Arrive in Mile, head to Huquan Ecological Park, and stroll by the lake to experience the tranquility of nature.
    ○ Noon: Enjoy braised chicken and cold rice noodles in the city center.
    ○ Afternoon: Visit Dongfengyun Scenic Area, admire the unique architecture, and taste wine.
    ○ Evening: Dine at a restaurant near the scenic area, then return to the hotel to rest.

● Day 2
    ○ Morning: Head to Jinpingshan Scenic Area, hike and pray, and overlook Mile city.
    ○ Noon: Enjoy lamb hot pot at a restaurant at the foot of the mountain.
    ○ Afternoon: Free time for activities or shopping, then return home.

Three-day trip

● Day 1
    ○ Morning: Arrive in Mile, check in, then head to the city center to enjoy local delicacies such as braised chicken and cold rice noodles.
    ○ Afternoon: Visit Huquan Ecological Park and enjoy a leisurely afternoon; you can choose to drink tea or read by the lake.
    ○ Evening: Soak in the hot springs at Huquan Hotel to relax your body and mind.

● Day 2
    ○ All day: Explore Dongfengyun Scenic Area, take photos, visit wineries, and participate in some experiential activities.
    ○ Evening: Dine at a restaurant within the scenic area and enjoy the night view.

● Day 3
    ○ Morning: Head to Jinpingshan Scenic Area to experience the solemnity of Buddhist culture.
    ○ Noon: Dine at a nearby restaurant after descending the mountain.
    ○ Afternoon: Pack your luggage and prepare for your return journey.

The small city of Mile is like a warm embrace that can make you forget the troubles of life. Pack your bags quickly and embark on a spontaneous trip to Mile! 🤗