Step into the Real-Life Version of "Eternal Love"! Puzhehei's Summer Beauty is Breathtaking

⏰ **1. Best Time to Visit**
- **June-August (Lotus Season)**: Thousands of acres of lotus flowers bloom, and you can ride willow-leaf boats for water fights—peak experience (but crowded).
- **March-May or September-November**: Spring brings peach blossoms, while autumn offers cool weather and fewer tourists, ideal for photography and hiking.
- **Winter (December-February)**: Quiet off-season with cultural activities like the Yi Torch Festival (6th lunar month) and Face-Painting Festival (2nd lunar month).

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### 🚌 **2. Transportation Guide**
**Getting There**
1. **High-Speed Rail** (Recommended):
- From Kunming Station/Kunming South Station → **Puzhehei Station** (1-1.5 hours), turn right after exiting for a shuttle bus (¥5/person, 30 mins direct to the scenic area).
2. **Flight**:
- Fly to Wenshan Yanshan Airport, then take a bus to Qiubei County (¥30), followed by a local bus to the scenic area (total 1.5 hours).
3. **Self-Drive**:
- ~4 hours from Kunming; navigate to "Puzhehei Village Parking Lot" (¥10/day).

**Getting Around**
- **Sightseeing Bus**: ¥30/person, unlimited rides for the day, covering key attractions.
- **Willow-Leaf Boat**: Must-try (¥170-200/person), includes one-way boat ride + sightseeing bus; water fights in summer.
- **Horse Carriage/E-Bike**: Short trips via carriage (¥10/ride) or e-bike rental (¥15/hour).

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### 🌄 **3. Must-Visit Attractions & Experiences**
1. **Qinglong Mountain**:
- **Free hike**, 20 mins to the summit for panoramic views (perfect for sunrise/sunset); Wenta Pagoda halfway up is great for ethnic-style photos.
2. **Willow-Leaf Boat Ride**:
- Route: Qinglong Pier → Pucao Pier (4.5 km), passing through lotus fields—bring waterproof gear for water fights.
3. **Xianrendong Yi Cultural Village**:
- Explore caves (¥20 entry), join evening bonfire parties, and rent Yi costumes (¥30/set) for photos.
4. **"Eternal Love" Filming Site**:
- Located in Caihuaqing Village; the lakeside peach blossom island is photogenic (¥30 entry)—visit at dawn/dusk to avoid crowds.
5. **Swan Lake Wetland**:
- Winter birdwatching (Nov-Mar); feed swans (¥5/corn packet).
6. **Shede Grassland** (Hidden Gem):
- Alpine pasture scenery; charter a car (~¥200) for windmill and canyon views.

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### 🏠 **4. Accommodation Options**
| **Area** | **Highlights** | **Recommended Stays** |
|----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| **Puzhehei Village** | Close to Qinglong Mountain & "Eternal Love" site, sunrise views, dining options | Lakeside Lodge (lake-view rooms), Yi Xiu Bieyuan (budget-friendly) |
| **Xianrendong Village** | Lakeside, rich Yi culture, scenic nights, slow-travel vibe | Hidden View B&B (trendy), Three Cats Inn (¥80+/person) |

> 📌 **Tip**: Book 1+ month ahead for peak season (Jul-Aug); off-season allows on-site picks—choose 2nd floor+ to avoid dampness.

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### 🍲 **5. Food Recommendations & Pitfalls**
- **Must-Try**:
- **Lotus Banquet**: Lotus chicken, fried lotus, congee (try "Yi Xiang Restaurant," ~¥60/person).
- **Sour Fish Hotpot**: Wild fish + zanthoxylum broth ("Puzhehei Village Canteen" is local-approved).
- **Night Market Snacks**: Stuffed tofu (¥5), rose jelly (¥10).
- **Avoid**:
- "Wild Mushroom Hotpot" at scenic gates (often frozen off-season, overpriced).
- Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles (avg. ¥68, inauthentic).

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### 📅 **6. Itinerary Ideas**
**Classic 2-Day Trip**
- **Day1**: Arrive → check into Puzhehei Village → Qinglong Mountain sunset → "Eternal Love" night views.
- **Day2**: Willow-leaf boat ride → Xianrendong Village (cave + bonfire) → Xihuang Wetland → depart.

**3-Day Deep Dive**
- **Day3**: Charter to Shede Grassland (alpine meadows + canyons) or Swan Lake birdwatching.

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### ⚠️ **7. Tips**
1. **Avoid Scams**:
- Haggle for horse carriages; buy lotus seeds cheaper in Bailianshan Village.
- Skip caves if you've visited larger ones like Zhijin Cave.
2. **Gear Up**:
- Sunscreen + hat (strong UV), waterproof phone case (for water fights), ¥500 cash (some spots cash-only).
3. **Misc.**:
- Register drones via "Travel Yunnan" app (Qinglong Mountain has flight restrictions).

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### 💰 **Cost Reference**
- **Tickets**: Willow-leaf boat ¥200, caves ¥20-30/each, combo ticket ¥230 (boat + bus).
- **Budget**: ~¥800-1000/person for 2D1N (transport, stay, tickets, meals).