Must-Visit Guide to the Yi Water Village
by DAX GRIFFITH
Jul 21, 2025
**Scenic Area Overview** ✨
Puzhehei Scenic Area is located in Qiubei County, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan (just 1km from the county town/280km from Kunming). As a AAAAA-rated scenic area and national wetland park, it boasts six distinctive features:
- Waterfront countryside 🏞️
- Yi ethnic water village 🏡
- Lotus flower world 🌸
- Karst wetlands
- Lake-peak landscapes
- Paradise for fish and birds 🦩
**Core Highlights** 💫
🌟 **Karst Wonderland**
The top karst region in southeastern Yunnan! With 312 isolated peaks, 83 caves, and 54 interconnected lakes, it paints a breathtaking "mountain-water harmony" masterpiece 📸
🌿 **Ecological Eden**
40,000 acres of wild lotus ponds (featuring rare large and small Sajin varieties), 60,000 acres of plateau wetlands, and habitats for 200+ bird species—a paradise for photography lovers! 📷
🎉 **Ethnic Charm**
Home to Zhuang, Miao, and Yi ethnic groups, vibrant traditional festivals like the July Face-Smearing Festival (blessings with pot ash~) and Torch Festival create an unforgettable atmosphere!
**Best Seasons to Visit** 🗓️
🌸 **Summer (June-August)**
✓ Peak bloom of lotus ponds (stunning in July-August!)
✓ Water-splashing festivities + July 18 Face-Smearing Festival
❗ Book accommodations early due to high tourist traffic
🌼 **Spring (March-May)**
✓ Feast of peach blossoms/rapeseed flowers
✓ Filming location of *Eternal Love* at Caihuaqing
✓ Fewer crowds and better prices
🍁 **Autumn (September-November)**
✓ Prime season for fresh lake delicacies
✓ Fewer tourists for a serene experience
☀️ **Winter (December-February)**
✓ Ideal winter escape
✖️ Withered lotuses make scenery less varied
**Must-Visit Attractions** 📍
**TOP1️⃣ Puzhehei Lake**
🚣♀️ Glide through lotus ponds on willow-leaf boats
☁️ Stunning in all weather: mirror-like reflections on sunny days/ink-painting charm on rainy days
**TOP2️⃣ Qinglong Mountain**
🌄 Summit offers 360° panoramic views
🌅 Prime sunset-watching spot
🎫 ¥32/person
**TOP3️⃣ Fairy Cave**
🕳️ Karst cave wonders + Yi ethnic village
🌃 Vibrant night market
🎫 ¥20/person
**TOP4️⃣ Swan Lake**
🦢 Prime spot for migratory birds
🚤 Boat rides to witness "flocks of birds taking flight"
🎫 ¥85/person
**TOP5️⃣ Xihuang Wetland**
🛶 Kayaking adventures
🚍 Scenic countryside tours by shuttle
**Transport Guide** 🚎
🚄 **High-speed rail**: Kunming South → Puzhehei Station (1h), transfer to Bus No. 8 or taxi
🚗 **Drive**: 4-5h from Kunming (via Mile)
✈️ **Flight**: Wenshan Yanshan Airport → Scenic Area (85.7km, 1.5h drive)
**Accommodation Picks** 🏨
🏡 **Puzhehei Village**
✓ Prime location
- Muke Qianxun Boutique Resort
- Shuiyue Mountain 270° Infinity Pool Hotel
🏘️ **Fairy Cave Village**
✓ Escape the crowds
✓ Well-developed infrastructure
💎 **Luxury options**:
- Xiyuan Yunshang Yi-style Hot Spring Resort
- Yabei Jingshe Lakeview Hotel
**Local Delicacies** 🏽
🐟 **Yi-style pickled fish** | Spicy and tangy
🌿 **Lotus leaf rice** | Fragrant and flavorful
🌈 **Colorful sticky rice** | Instagram-worthy
🌺 **Fried lotus flowers** | Crispy and tender
**Pro Tips** 📝
🎫 **Admission**: Free for the scenic area; some attractions charge fees
⏰ **Hours**: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
⚠️ **Notes**:
- Sun protection is a must in summer
- Book early during Lotus Festival
- Secure belongings during water-splashing activities
Yunnan’s hidden paradise awaits your discovery~ 💖
Post by DAX GRIFFITH | Jul 21, 2025













