Qujing Three-Day Tour Highlights

Qujing is a scenic and historically rich area in eastern Yunnan Province, known for its unique natural landscapes, diverse ethnic cultures, and delicious cuisine. I have prepared a detailed three-day itinerary to help you fully experience the charm of Qujing. 🌄 Yunnan Qujing Three-Day Tour Itinerary ✨ Trip Highlights · Deep integration of natural wonders and cultural history: Over three days, you will not only admire the karst landforms (Colorful Sand Forest), spectacular waterfalls, and alpine meadows but also explore the ancient city to trace the history of the Ming and Qing dynasties, experiencing a comprehensive journey from nature to culture. · High cost-performance food experience: Qujing is one of the important birthplaces of Dian cuisine. For about 500 RMB per person, you can taste authentic Xuanwei ham, Zhanyi spicy chicken, steamed rice noodles, and other local specialties, enjoying a diverse culinary feast from street snacks to authentic restaurant dishes. · Flexible experience suitable for all seasons: The itinerary is designed to highlight Qujing’s seasonal features. Whether it’s the rapeseed flower sea in spring, waterfalls and meadows in summer, colorful dawn redwoods in autumn, or the ancient city’s winter charm, you can adjust according to the actual situation to ensure the best experience any time of year. 📌 Preparation Before the Trip Qujing is located on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, with high altitude, strong UV rays, and large temperature differences between day and night. It is recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and warm jackets for the temperature changes. Comfortable sports shoes are advised as some attractions require walking. Documents: ID card, student ID (some attractions may offer discounts) Clothing: Prepare appropriate clothes according to the season. In summer, breathable long-sleeve shirts, T-shirts, and long pants; in spring and autumn, bring jackets; in winter, down jackets or thick coats. Bright-colored clothes are recommended for better photos. Medicine: Common medicines such as stomach medicine, cold medicine, band-aids, and altitude sickness medication (depending on personal condition). Others: Power bank, camera, some cash (signal may be poor in some mountainous areas). 🏞 Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Exploring Natural Wonders · Morning: Depart from Qujing city to Luliang Colorful Sand Forest (about 1.5 hours by car). This is a national 4A-level tourist attraction formed by weathering and erosion, featuring layered sand peaks mainly in red, yellow, and white, with accents of green, blue, black, and gray. The colors change beautifully with the seasons, weather, sunlight, and viewing angles. You can visit the sand sculpture group filmed in "Joy of Life," wear functional-style outfits to shoot sci-fi scenes among the red sandstone peaks, and use a drone in cloud mode to capture Mars-like visuals. The park also has cultural sites like Cuan Bridge, Cuan Mansion Xuanmen, and Cuan History reliefs worth visiting. · Noon: Have lunch at "Majie Steamed Rice Noodles" in Luliang County. Steamed rice noodles are a Qujing specialty made from ground rice batter, soft and chewy, served with "hat" (pickled vegetables + meat sauce + crushed peanuts). Remember to add braised beef and sweet soy sauce for the authentic local flavor. · Afternoon: Head to Luoping Jiulong Waterfall Group (about 2 hours by car). Known as one of China’s six most beautiful waterfalls, the ten-tiered waterfall resembles a silver dragon coiled in the canyon. It’s recommended to take the cable car from the east gate to the top and hike down to view the waterfalls, taking wedding dress-style photos at the second waterfall viewing platform. In summer, when water flow is abundant, you can also take a bamboo raft to get close to the spectacular "First Waterfall of Jiulong." · Evening: Stay at the Wyndham Hotel in Luliang (a new five-star hot spring hotel opening in 2025) and relax in the hot springs to relieve the day’s fatigue. If you prefer not to dine at the hotel, try local specialties like Ma Yi Sanzi and sour soup pig’s feet in Luliang County. Day 2: History and Countryside Charm · Morning: After breakfast, drive 1.5 hours to Huize Ancient City. Huize Ancient City is a nationally recognized historical and cultural city with well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture, telling the story of the "Hometown of Money Kings." Visit Jiangxi Guild Hall, Tang Jiyao’s former residence, buy the three-hour limited sugar leg broken pastry at the old east gate, and try the handmade copper inlay DIY (80 RMB/person). · Noon: Have lunch at "Tongxiang Renjia" in the ancient city, recommended dishes include copper hot pot and buckwheat cakes, paired with Huize’s special thin bean powder, which is delicate and flavorful. · Afternoon: Head to Dahai Caoshan (about 1.5 hours by car). Dahai Caoshan stands at 4,017 meters, stretching out in the mist. You can hike through 200,000 mu of alpine meadows, where wildflowers bloom in summer and you might encounter shepherd flocks. Take fresh, Japanese-style photos at the wind turbine group on the summit. Standing on the peak, you can touch drifting clouds and watch herds of cattle and sheep grazing leisurely, feeling as if you’ve stepped into a Swiss pasture! · Evening: Stay at the Dahai Caoshan Starry Sky Tent Camp, perfect for stargazing in summer. If you prefer not to stay on the mountain, you can return to Huize County and stay at a riverside antique-style guesthouse. Day 3: Pearl River Source and City Life · Morning: After breakfast, head to the Pearl River Source Scenic Area (60 km from Qujing city). This is the source of the Pearl River. You can hike Mount Maxiong, check in at the "One Drop of Water Feeds Three Rivers" geographic landmark, and explore underground river caves. If you visit in April, you can enjoy the stunning azalea sea (in June, replace with secret hiking trails). · Noon: Enjoy an ecological fish feast at the scenic area, with a recommended copper pot boiled fish. · Afternoon: Return to Qujing city and visit Nan Chengmen Square. This is an excellent spot for cityscape photography. The west side of the city gate has a long corridor for symmetrical shadow shots, with dramatic noon lighting; the east side Lantern Street offers blue hour night scenes—wear a black coat and red scarf for full atmosphere. If you happen to be there on a Saturday at 9:00 AM, you can watch the city opening ceremony with an ancient costume honor guard, very immersive. · Evening: Before leaving, buy small jars of Xuanwei ham at "Dian Yi Tang" on Qilin Lane and vacuum-packed Qujing leek flowers at "Fu Pai Yuanzi" as souvenirs. 🍽 Food Recommendations Qujing’s cuisine is rich and diverse. Here are some must-try specialties: Dish Name Recommended Place Features Approximate Price Qujing Steamed Rice Noodles Lao Wang Steamed Rice Noodles (Main Store), Qilin District Soft and chewy noodles with "hat" (pickled vegetables + meat sauce + crushed peanuts) About 10 RMB/bowl Zhanyi Spicy Chicken Gong’s Spicy Chicken, Qilin District Spicy but not throat-burning, served with sour radish soup About 50 RMB/person Xuanwei Ham Dian Yi Tang, Qilin Lane Three-year aged ham slices translucent like agate, fresh and sweet when eaten raw Small jar about 30-50 RMB Huize Thin Bean Powder Snack stalls in Huize Ancient City Delicate and flavorful About 5-10 RMB/bowl Luliang Salted Duck Shalin Restaurant, Luliang Colorful Sand Forest Salty and firm duck meat stir-fried with millet chili About 40-60 RMB/serving 💡 Practical Information Transportation Guide · Arriving in Qujing: You can first arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport, then take high-speed rail or bus to Qujing. The high-speed rail takes about half an hour; some cities have direct flights to Qujing. From Kunming to Qujing North Station by high-speed rail is 40 minutes; from Guangzhou to Qujing North Station is 6 hours. · City transportation: Public buses and taxis are convenient in Qujing. Renting a car for self-driving to attractions offers more freedom. Car rental costs about 400-600 RMB/day (SUVs recommended for safety in remote areas). Bus line 3 connects Nan Chengmen, Qilin Water Town, and other attractions, fare 2 RMB per ride. Best Travel Time · February to March: Best time to see the Luoping rapeseed flower sea, with 800,000 mu of blooming flowers creating a beautiful scene. · June to August: Summer is great for escaping the heat, enjoying meadow wildflowers, and the Jiulong Waterfall’s peak water flow for spectacular views. · November: Good time to visit the Colorful Sand Forest with less rainfall. Budget Estimate (per person) Cost Type Budget (RMB) Comfortable (RMB) Accommodation 150-200/night 400-600/night Meals 100-150/day 200-300/day Transportation 200-300/day 500-600/day Tickets 100-150/day 150-200/day Total (3 days) About 1350-2400 About 3750-5100 Notes 1. Weather preparation: June is rainy in Qujing; bring a folding umbrella and waterproof shoes. The Jiulong Waterfall is spectacular during high water but slippery. 2. Sun protection: Strong plateau UV requires SPF50+ sunscreen plus physical protection. 3. Itinerary planning: Huize Ancient City is closed on Mondays, plan accordingly. Nan Chengmen Square area is prone to weekend traffic jams; avoid peak times. 4. Respect customs: Respect local Yi, Bouyei, and other ethnic customs; do not take close-up photos of people in villages without permission. 5. Safety tips: Jiulong Waterfall area has many mountain bends (about 20); drive slowly and carefully. Hope you have a wonderful holiday in Qujing! 🎉 If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.