I wish I had come across this guide before visiting Puzhehei!!!

In Puzhehei, I found a hidden paradise. "Puzhehei" means "lake teeming with fish and shrimp" in the Yi language. The first time I heard this name, I was captivated by its mystique. This summer, after quitting my job, I finally set foot on this pristine land.

🌄 Daily Itinerary
📍 Day 1: Panoramic Views and Yi Culture
Morning
Transport: Kunming South Station → Puzhehei Station (1.5-hour high-speed train, ~¥75), then take a bus/shared taxi to the scenic area (bus ¥5, shared taxi ¥20/person).
Accommodation: Stay in Puzhehei Village (~¥80–150/person/night).
Afternoon
Qinglong Mountain Sunset: Hike at 16:00 (free, 20 minutes to the top). Capture the "golden scroll" of karst peaks and lakes at the sunset viewpoint. The silhouette of Wenbi Pagoda halfway up is super photogenic.
Evening
Puzhehei Night Market: Must-tries include "Zhou’s Cold Rice Noodles" (¥8) and "Li’s Grilled Fish & Shrimp" (freshly grilled small fish, ¥10/skewer), paired with tamarind juice to beat the heat.

📍 Day 2: Lotus Pond Water Fights and Cave Exploration
Morning
Willow-Leaf Boat Water Battle: Arrive at Qinglong Pier by 9:00 (¥200 for ticket + boat ride, student discounts available). Paddle through acres of lotus ponds—rent water guns/buckets (¥30) and bring waterproof bags + quick-dry clothes.
"Eternal Love" Filming Site: Stop by Caihuaqing Miao Village’s Qingqiu Cave and rent Hanfu for epic photos (¥80/set).
Afternoon
Xianrendong Village: Visit the century-old Yi-style "Nicuoyeluo Inn" and explore the karst cave (combo ticket ¥120). The illuminated stalactites resemble a "celestial pool."
Evening
Bonfire Party: Free dance performances at Xianrendong’s square (20:00). Join the Yi folk dance, try grilled milk fan, and stay in a lakeside guesthouse.

📍 Day 3: Wetlands and Grassland Adventures
Morning
Swan Lake Wetland: Enter by 7:30 (¥80, discounted to ¥40 if booked early). Feed black-necked cranes (corn ¥20/bag) or cycle on wooden trails to spot squirrels (tandem bike ¥30/hour).
Afternoon
Shede Grassland: Charter a car (¥200/vehicle, 1.5 hours), then ride horses to Yangxiong Mountain’s summit (¥50/hour) for panoramic views of clouds and grasslands. Book a whole roasted lamb lunch in advance.
Return: Depart for Puzhehei Station by 16:00 to catch the train back to Kunming.

🍜 Food Guide (Feast for ~¥40/person!)
Must-Try Specialties:
Yixiangge (Puzhehei Village): Sour soup with wild yellow catfish (¥45/person).
Hexiangju (Bailianshan Village): Lotus-themed feast—lotus leaf omelet + pork trotter stew (¥50/person).
Qinglong Snack Street: Stuffed tofu + rose jelly (¥15 fills you up).
Avoid: "Wild Mushroom Hotpot" at scenic area entrances (often frozen outside rainy season) and overpriced, mediocre bridge noodles.

💡 Pro Tips
1. Transport:
Scenic area shuttle pass is a must (¥30/day). E-bike rentals are limited to villages (¥30/day).
Haggle for short horse-cart rides (¥5–10/trip).
2. Avoid Scams:
- Sunscreen, arm sleeves, and hats are essential (high-altitude UV rays).
- Carry ¥500 cash (some homestays/rentals require cash deposits).

July is peak lotus season + Hua Lian Festival—book homestays/boat tickets 2+ weeks early! Follow "Puzhehei Scenic Area" on WeChat for real-time bloom updates.
Immerse yourself in the misty mornings and lotus-scented breezes—let Puzhehei heal your summer 2025 memories~