Qujing

Qujing lies in eastern Yunnan, where costs are relatively low and most attractions are free to visit. About 40 minutes from Kunming by high-speed train, it makes a convenient weekend getaway. Below is a guide to sights, a three-day, two-night itinerary, food, and transport.

• Jiulong Waterfalls, Luoping: Ranked among China's six most beautiful waterfalls, this group features ten tiers of cascades. Water levels are generally higher from June to September, when rainbows are also more likely to appear.
• Dahai Grass Mountain, Huize: Known as the “New Zealand of the East,” this area has around 13,300 hectares of alpine meadows, with sheep, wind turbines, seas of clouds, and sunrise views.

• Luliang Colored Sand Forest: Known for its natural multicolored sand dunes, with sandy cliffs that change color as the light shifts. Afternoon is a good time to see the layers of light and shadow and take photos of scenery reminiscent of the American West.

• Haifeng Wetland, Zhanyi: Nicknamed “Yunnan's Little Guilin,” this wetland is dotted with karst lakes and provides a habitat for migratory birds. Come for hiking, camping, or sunset views.

• Huize Ancient Town: This thousand-year-old town retains its Ming- and Qing-dynasty character, with many historic guild halls and stone-paved lanes. Admission is free, and everyday local life still unfolds along its streets and alleys.

• Liaokuo Mountain Park: Set on the highest ground in urban Qujing, this park is a popular leisure spot for local residents. Climb Jingning Pagoda for panoramic views of the city.

Suggested Three-Day, Two-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Old Town Walk and Evening Sights: Arrive in Qujing in the morning and check into a hotel near the South City Gate. In the afternoon, head to Ximen Old Street to explore the 600-year-old lanes and try steamed ersi rice noodles. Watch the sunset from Liaokuo Mountain, photograph the South City Gate after dark, then visit Huake Night Market for grilled tofu and small meat skewers.

• Day 2: Colored Sand Forest and Jiulong Waterfalls: Set off early by car or shared ride, reaching Luliang Colored Sand Forest in about 1.5 hours. The original itinerary also included sunset photography at the multicolored dunes here. In the afternoon, continue to Jiulong Waterfalls in Luoping, another drive of about 1.5 hours, and walk the trails to experience the waterfall spray up close. Stay overnight in Luoping's county town and try the Bouyei people's five-colored rice.
• Day 3: Grasslands or Wetlands: Choose your destination according to the season. From May to October, consider Dahai Grass Mountain in Huize, about 2.5 hours away by car, to see cattle, sheep, and wind turbines on the alpine pastures. In other seasons, head to Haifeng Wetland in Zhanyi, about 1.5 hours away by car, for walks along the lakeshore and reed beds. Return to Qujing in the afternoon.

What to Eat in Qujing

Qujing's food combines the fresh flavors of Yunnan with the heat of Sichuan, and prices are generally low. Start with these local specialties.

• Qujing Steamed Ersi Rice Noodles: A common breakfast choice, these soft, chewy rice noodles are mixed with meat sauce, sweet soy sauce, and garlic chives for a rich, silky texture. Try them at Laosan Ersi or Dafugui Steamed Ersi, for around 10–15 yuan per person.

• Zhanyi Spicy Chicken: This signature Yunnan dish is made by stir-frying local free-range chicken with pounded chili paste over high heat. It is fragrant and spicy, and the sauce is good mixed with rice. Gongshi Spicy Chicken is one option, at around 60–80 yuan per person.

• Fuyuan Pork Trotters with Pickled Greens: The trotters are stewed until tender enough to fall off the bone, while pickled greens balance their richness. The broth has a mild flavor, making this a suitable dish for older diners and children too.

• Huize Pea Porridge: Peas are cooked into a smooth, thick porridge, served with fried dough sticks or buckwheat crisps and seasoned with roasted chili. Savory and warming, it is a common local breakfast.

• Xuanwei Ham: One of China's three most celebrated hams, it has a rose-red color, a rich texture, and a savory, salty flavor. Enjoy it simply steamed or cooked together with rice.

• Street Snacks: Add grilled rice cakes, fried potatoes, soft-centered tofu, and Zhanyi small cakes to your tasting list. Look for stalls along Ximen Old Street and in the night markets, especially those with longer queues.

Transport and Accommodation

• Getting There: From Kunming, high-speed trains take about 40 minutes to Qujing North Station. Conventional trains take about 1.5 hours to the centrally located Qujing Station, with tickets costing 23.5 yuan.
• Getting Around the City and Beyond: Urban Qujing is fairly compact. Taxi fares start at 5 yuan, and shared electric bikes are another way to explore the old streets. For nearby counties such as Luoping, Huize, and Luliang, consider driving or sharing a ride. If using public transport, check coach schedules in advance.
• Where to Stay: The areas around the South City Gate and Ximen Old Street have convenient transport and plenty of places to eat. Chain hotels in the city cost around 100–200 yuan per night. When visiting Luoping or Huize, you can also stay locally, where mid-range hotels cost around 150–250 yuan per night.

Travel Tips

• Driving Rules: Traffic enforcement in central Qujing is strict, and even minor violations may result in penalties. Follow traffic rules, avoid crossing lane markings illegally, and park only where permitted.
• Clothing and Sun Protection: Temperatures vary noticeably between morning and evening. Bring an outdoor shell jacket or a light down jacket for Dahai Grass Mountain and other high-altitude areas. UV levels are strong, so pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• High-Altitude Activities: Dahai Grass Mountain reaches around 4,000 meters above sea level. Walk slowly and avoid strenuous running or jumping. Carrying some chocolate can help keep your energy up.
• Trip Budget: Many attractions, including Liaokuo Mountain, Huize Ancient Town, and Haifeng Wetland, are free to visit. Planning your own route is usually cheaper than joining a more expensive one-day tour.