Back from Qujing, here's some brutally honest truth.

Qujing, this hidden gem nestled in the colorful clouds of Yunnan, is like a pearl gently polished by time✨. It boasts breathtaking natural landscapes and profound historical cultural heritage, making it an absolute must-visit destination for travel enthusiasts! Without further ado, here's your ultra-detailed Qujing travel guide📖 Pre-Trip Essentials - Transportation: First arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport, then take a high-speed train or bus to Qujing (high-speed train takes about 30 minutes). Some cities also have direct flights to Qujing. City buses and taxis are convenient, but renting a car offers more freedom for visiting scenic areas. - Best Seasons: February-March for Luoping rapeseed flowers; July-August for summer retreat and meadow wildflowers; November for Colorful Sand Forest with less rainfall. - Tips: Strong UV protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, windproof jacket) is essential. Respect local Yi and Buyi ethnic customs - don't take close-up portraits in villages without permission. 3-Day Itinerary - Day 1: Natural Wonders - Morning: Arrive in Qujing → Luliang Colorful Sand Forest (1.5h drive) - explore 3-million-year-old colorful sandstone formations and try sand sculpting. - Lunch: Local specialties - Mayi Sanzi (fried dough twists) and sour soup pork trotters. - Afternoon: Luoping Jiulong Waterfalls (2h drive) - marvel at the "Southern China's Wonder" ten-tiered waterfalls, especially the 60m-high "First Jiulong Waterfall". - Evening: Stay in Luoping county hotels, preferably B&Bs near Jinji Peak Cluster. - Day 2: History & Countryside - Dawn: Jinji Peak Cluster sunrise (12km from Luoping) - photograph endless rapeseed fields in spring or misty karst peaks in autumn/winter. - Morning: Drive to Huize Ancient Town (3h) - visit Jiangxi Guild Hall and Tang Jiyao's former residence, exploring Ming-Qing copper merchant culture relics. - Lunch: Huize specialties - Xidoufen (pea jelly) and black goat hotpot. - Afternoon: Daicao Mountain (1.5h drive) - hike through 200,000-acre alpine meadows (winter skiing/summer wildflowers). - Evening: Stay in Huize's characteristic inns, preferably antique-style B&Bs by Yili River. - Day 3: Hidden Gems & Origins - Morning: Pearl River Source Scenic Area (60km from Qujing) - hike Maxiong Mountain, see the "One Drop Feeds Three Rivers" landmark, explore underground river caves. - Lunch: Ecological fish banquet at the scenic area. - Afternoon: Nizhu River Grand Canyon (2.5h drive) - light adventure with 700m-drop twin waterfalls and cliffside plank walks. - Return: Back to Qujing city for souvenirs like Xuanwei ham and Huize bronze crafts. Four Travel Themes - Nature Lovers: Jiulong Waterfalls, Daicao Mountain, Pearl River Source National Forest Park, Haifeng Wetland, Luoping rapeseed fields, Nizhu Grand Canyon, Junzi Mountain. - Culture Explorers: Huize Ancient Town, Qujing Museum, Zhanyi Yulin Park (Dongchuan Campaign Monument), Cuishan Film City (Ming-Qing style film set), Nagu Baiwu Village (Ancient Tea-Horse Road post with Ming-Qing architecture). - Foodies Trail: Xuanwei ham, Qujing steamed rice noodles, Zhanyi spicy chicken, Huize fried potatoes, Fuyuan pickled pork trotters, Luliang pressed duck. - Leisure Seekers: Stroll Jinlin Bay Love Town, boat at Qilin Water Village, or experience nightlife at Qujing Bund. Accommodation Guide - Recommended: - City Center: Qujing Guanfang Hotel (prime location, complete facilities); Atour Hotel near South Gate (many nearby attractions). - Scenic Areas: Luoping rapeseed field B&Bs; Daicao Mountain star-gazing tents; Huize Tangfu Inn (rebuilt from Ming-Qing courtyard). - Avoid: Unlicensed small hotels near scenic spots with poor reviews regarding hygiene and overpricing. Food Radar - Xuanwei Ham: Tender, savory - edible sliced raw or cooked in dishes/soups. - Qujing Steamed Rice Noodles: Locals' favorite breakfast - soft rice noodles with meat sauce, chives, and hot broth. - Zhanyi Spicy Chicken: Numbing-spicy flavor, crispy outside/tender inside, generous portions perfect with rice. - Huize Fried Potatoes: Crispy outside/fluffy inside with rich seasonings - irresistibly addictive. - Fuyuan Pickled Pork Trotters: Tender braised trotters with appetizing pickled vegetables in flavorful broth. Seasonal Highlights - Spring (Feb-Apr): Must-see Luoping's 800,000-acre rapeseed fields - ride sightseeing trains through flower seas or overlook from Jinji Peak viewpoints. - Summer (May-Aug): Daicao Mountain's 200,000-acre meadows with wildflowers and grazing livestock resemble northern grasslands; Jiulong Waterfalls are most powerful in rainy season. - Autumn (Sep-Nov): Luliang Colorful Sand Forest's hues intensify; Huize Ancient Town's autumn charm shines through historic stone-paved lanes. - Winter (Dec-Jan): Ski at Daicao Mountain; visit Pearl River Source's "One Drop Feeds Three Rivers" for winter serenity. 🎈 Qujing - every corner of this captivating city holds surprises. 🎈 Pack your bags and start an unforgettable journey here! 🎈 #QujingTravel #TravelGuide #HiddenGems