4-Day Travel Itinerary: Exploring Qujing, Yunnan's Second Largest City

Route: Zhujiangyuan Hiking → Haifeng Wetland → Exploring Cuan Culture → Jinjifeng Peaks → Huize Ancient Town Recommended Accommodation: Qujing City (1st night), Luoping/Shizong (middle two nights), Huize (last night) Transportation: High-speed train to Qujing (about 2 hours from Kunming), flexible travel by chartered/shared cars within the city. **Day 1: Zhujiangyuan Primeval Forest Hike** **Morning** Zhujiangyuan Scenic Area (Ticket: ¥60, Sightseeing Bus: ¥20) Hiking Route: Climb to the summit of Zhujiangyuan (about 3 hours) for a panoramic view of karst peaks and underground caves. Tips: Wear anti-slip hiking shoes and bring trekking poles; cable car available for descent (¥50 one-way). **Noon** Lunch: Local farmhouse restaurants near the scenic area Must-try: Steamed Ersi (Qujing intangible cultural heritage), Pickled Pork Knuckle Hotpot (recommend "Old Brand Sour Pork Knuckle"). **Afternoon** Zhanyi Haifeng Wetland (Ticket: ¥50, Electric Cart: ¥30) Hiking Route: Wooden boardwalk through the wetland (2 hours), observe black-necked crane habitats and sunset over reed marshes. Transport: Chartered car round-trip from Qujing city (~¥300, 2-hour drive). **Evening** Accommodation: Shizong/Luoping Hot Spring Hotel (e.g., "Duoyi River Hot Spring Hotel" to relax after hiking) Dinner: Buyi Ethnic "Eight Bowls" (sour bamboo shoot fish, five-color sticky rice). --- **Day 2: Cuan Culture Exploration** **Morning** Cuan Baozi Stele Pavilion (Free, reservation required) Visit the "Gem of Southern Steles" to learn about the Cuan family's millennium-long rule. Location: Yuezhou Town, Qilin District, Qujing; taxi recommended (~¥50). Cuan Longyan Stele (Free) A must-see for calligraphy enthusiasts, paired with Cuan Baozi Stele as the "Two Cuan Treasures." Location: Inside Luliang Colorful Sand Forest Scenic Area (Ticket: ¥100). **Noon** Lunch: Luliang Banquet (recommend "Ban Duck House," served with steamed Erkuai and braised meat). **Afternoon** Cuan Mansion Ruins (Free) Explore the former residence of the Cuan family and learn about ancient southern political centers. **Evening** Accommodation: Qujing City Hotel (e.g., "Qujing Guanfang Hotel") Late-night Snack: South Gate Night Market (grilled Erkuai with braised meat, Governor Shaomai). --- **Day 3: Jinjifeng Peaks & Luosi Terraces** **Morning** Jinjifeng Peaks (Free) Hike through karst peaks; arrive before 6:30 AM for "Peak Sea of Clouds" photography. Transport: Chartered car round-trip from Luoping (~¥150, 1-hour drive). **Noon** Lunch: Luoping Cured Pork with Erkuai (recommend "Buyi Family Restaurant"). **Afternoon** Luosi Terraces (Free) Overlook circular terraces—spring rapeseed flowers or autumn golden rice (best captured by drone). **Evening** Accommodation: Luoping Inn (e.g., "Jiulong Impression Inn") Dinner: Fuyuan Pickled Pork Knuckle Hotpot (with buckwheat cakes). --- **Day 4: Huize Ancient Town & Jiangxi Guildhall** **Morning** Huize Ancient Town (Free) Stroll through Ming-Qing streets, visit Jiangxi Guildhall (national heritage site) and Huguang Guildhall. Highlights: Painted ceiling of Jiangxi Guildhall’s opera stage, Ancient Town Imperial Exam Museum. **Noon** Lunch: Huize Pea Paste with Fried Dough Sticks (recommend "Lamb Eight Bowls" old shop). **Afternoon** Dahaicao Mountain (Ticket: ¥30) Hike through Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau meadows, admire rolling grasslands and wind turbine arrays (self-drive or chartered car recommended). **Evening** Return: High-speed train to Kunming or direct flight. **Notes:** 1. Hiking gear: Bring mosquito repellent for Haifeng Wetland; backpack with water for Zhujiangyuan. 2. Cuan Culture: The steles use ancient characters—download a translation app in advance. 3. Photography: Arrive 1 hour before sunrise at Jinjifeng Peaks; avoid noon light at Luosi Terraces. 4. Tips: Be cautious with silver workshops in Huize Ancient Town; budget guides available near Jiangxi Guildhall.