2025 Yuanjiang Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in February)

Yuanjiang: A Dreamlike Journey Intertwined with Nature and Culture In the colorful Yunnan province, there lies a hidden gem—Yuanjiang Hani, Yi, and Dai Autonomous County. Here, nature and culture blend seamlessly, every inch of land etched with the marks of time, every scene exuding a unique charm. With a yearning for distant lands, I stepped onto this magical land, embarking on an unforgettable Yuanjiang journey. Upon arriving in Yuanjiang, I was greeted by the scorching sun, a stark contrast to the warm winter sun of the north, carrying a heartfelt warmth that instantly dispelled the fatigue of the journey. Strolling through the streets, tall palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, as if whispering the tranquility of the small town. The natural scenery of Yuanjiang is breathtakingly beautiful. The surging Yuanjiang River, like the lifeblood of the earth, winds its way majestically. Standing by the riverbank, the river breeze caressing my face, listening to the rushing water, a sense of awe spontaneously arises. Ascending the lush Ailao Mountains, wildflowers bloom along the mountain paths, birds chirp melodiously, and squirrels leap nimbly. Overlooking from the mountaintop, the county town, rivers, and fields intertwine to form a picturesque scroll. In the fields of the hot dam, crops such as sugarcane, mangoes, and dragon fruit thrive. Stepping into the orchard, the aroma of the fruits is enticing. A bite of a mango releases sweet juice on the tip of the tongue, a gift from nature. The cultural customs of Yuanjiang are equally captivating. The mushroom houses of the Hani people are scattered in an orderly fashion, full of fairytale charm. The hospitable Hani people entertain guests with delicious food and wine, their cheerful songs and dances overflowing with a love for life. During the Yi Torch Festival, the county town is filled with jubilation, people holding torches singing and dancing, praying for a bountiful harvest. During the Dai Water Splashing Festival, people dress in festive costumes, splashing water on each other as blessings, laughter echoing through the streets and alleys. The cuisine is also a highlight of the Yuanjiang journey. The golden and crispy Dai-style grilled fish, tender and juicy, with unique dipping sauce, is unforgettable. The Hani bamboo tube glutinous rice, soft, sweet, and fragrant with bamboo, is full of ethnic charm. Leaving Yuanjiang, my heart was filled with nostalgia. This small town, like a gentle and graceful lady, deeply moved me with its beauty, warmth, and uniqueness. It allowed me to appreciate the wonders of nature and experience the profound heritage of ethnic culture. Yuanjiang is not just a travel destination, but a touch of the soul. I look forward to our next encounter, to savor its unique charm once more.

🌿Pu'er Mojiang, a hidden gem in Yunnan, boasts stunning natural scenery and delicious cuisine. Today, let's explore Pu'er Mojiang together and discover the must-visit travel experiences!🌟 🌳Must-visit attractions: - 🌳Mojiang North Tropic of Cancer Landmark Park: Stand on the Tropic of Cancer and feel the magical moment when the sun kisses the earth. - 🌿Mojiang Bixiji Ancient Town: Stroll along the bluestone road and feel the traces of time and the precipitation of history. 🍲Must-try cuisine: - 🍲Mojiang Hani Banquet: Savor the authentic Hani cuisine, each bite is an ultimate treat for your taste buds. - 🍜Mojiang Rice Noodles: A bowl of steaming rice noodles, with fresh and delicious soup, warm your heart and stomach. 🏨Accommodation guide: Pu'er Mojiang Rongshu Family Wyndham Garden Hotel - 🛏️Check in to this garden hotel and enjoy a comfortable stay with stunning views outside the window. 🚄Transportation guide: - 🚄Take a high-speed train from Kunming to Pu'er, then transfer to local transportation to Mojiang. 💰️Overall cost: - 💸According to your personal consumption habits, the budget is about 1,000 yuan, and you can enjoy an unforgettable trip to Pu'er Mojiang. Pu'er Mojiang, a place where you don't want to leave once you arrive. Come and experience it yourself!

| A hidden gem for hot springs near Kunming. 🌞 In the cold winter, there is a place that is like a warm spring wonderland, and that is Yuanjiang! This small town in Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, is the largest dry and hot river valley basin in the province, with an average winter temperature of 22°C, making it an ideal place to escape the cold. 📍 Location: Yuanjiang Qixia Mountain Hot Spring Garden Hotel, Yuanjiang County, Yuxi City, Yunnan Province. It is very convenient to get there from Kunming, with a high-speed train taking only 1.5 hours, and a self-drive taking only 2.5 hours. 🌟 Highlights: • The rooms are warm and spacious, and opening the door makes you feel relaxed. The small courtyard surrounded by greenery also has a private hot spring pool, which makes children very happy. • The outdoor hot spring pool is great, and the water is freshly filled by the staff, crystal clear. The surrounding trees form a natural partition, providing excellent privacy, just like a private hot spring. • There is not only a swimming pool next to the hot spring pool, but also a children's play area and a super fun wave pool, where children can play to their heart's content. • The sauna area is very convenient for bathing, with 2 hot spring pools indoors, where children can watch cartoons while soaking, and the rest area on the second floor allows you to relax after soaking. • The restaurant is on the second floor, making it easy and comfortable to dine after bathing. The buffet breakfast is very rich, and the fried oil rice noodles are highly recommended, with freshly fried chili oil being very fragrant, and you can eat until 11 am, which is a blessing for those who like to sleep in. 😋 The surrounding area is also great for exploring and eating: • The sour soup chicken, purple rice steamed ribs, and freshly ordered tofu pudding at Xisha Restaurant are delicious. • The sour bamboo shoot chicken feet and spicy heart tube at Yingjiao Delicious Garden are super refreshing. • The mango salted duck egg, tamarind ribs, and dried eel at Huayao Style Farmhouse are unique. • The grilled vegetable wrapped fish, dried beef jelly, and chicken feet at Shensenshen Restaurant are worth a try. • The fried oil rice noodles at Chengfang Snack are a local favorite. • The Yuanjiang New Farmers' Market is full of fruits and vegetables, and you can also buy eco-friendly vegetables and specialties brought by villagers on the second floor. • For late-night snacks, go to X Shop BBQ, where the beef skewers are a soul food (but it only opens at 8:30 pm). You can take your children to the Starlight Night Market for some fun, but the Ganzhuang BBQ Night Market is not recommended, as the food is not fresh and the taste is average. This winter, come to Yuanjiang to escape the cold and enjoy the hot springs and good times! 💕

You can find Yuanjiang Honghe Valley Rehai Rafting or Yuanjiang Honghe Valley Rehai Hotel on Baidu Maps. It is located in a mountain valley 18 km southwest of Yuanjiang County. The 94°C hot spring water flows continuously from the hillside, bringing a hot spring economy. Under a row of corridors, more than 20 dining tables are placed in the pool, so you can enjoy a meal while soaking your feet in the hot spring. The elevated rafting slide seems to be popular, but it is not in operation today. The hot spring water flows into the hotel's reservoir and is pumped to the various pools on the hillside. Sitting in the hot spring water, you can relax your body and mind, listen to the mountain breeze and birdsong, and enjoy the lush plants on the hillside. Children can play in the game pool or swim in the scenic pool. The hotel has long-term apartments. According to the hot spring staff, some people have lived there for two years, with meals, accommodation, and unlimited hot spring access, for about CNY 3,000 per month.

The winter hot springs of Yunnan people♨️You are always worth looking forward to‼ ️‼ ️ Let’s take a quick family winter hot spring trip🧳 Spend the winter in this ☀️sunny tropical 🌴 town that’s perfect for escaping the cold. Once again, we discovered a seriously underestimated treasure: a winter family travel destination. 🚗Not far from Kunming, suitable for 3 days and 2 nights weekend family short trip The child is happy, the parents are relaxed, and the child plays in the water all day and can’t even scream. The winter here is so warm and it’s really a treat. The local food is delicious and the climate is so pleasant that I would not want to come back... Spend the weekend here, sunbathe in the hot springs♨️Eat local food, stay in the garden hotel and slowly enjoy the family relaxation. Who doesn’t like this kind of family hot spring weekend✌️ ♨️｜Natural hot spring (real hot spring ♨️not that kind of boiler water) ⛰️The hot spring comes from the deep water of the Ailao Mountains. It is rich in minerals and your skin will be silky and delicate after soaking. You don’t have to worry about catching a cold when you soak in the hot spring here in winter. Winter hot springs are just the time... Hurry🐛, the outdoor open-air forest🌳the hot spring environment is good for the whole family, so you can soak in it The plants around the pool provide good privacy, and the water is clean and hygienic ~ great👍 🎠｜Family Hotel No one would refuse to stay in this lush forest 🌳 Garden Family Hotel 🏨, water children's park 🛝, beach, 🏖️children's wave pool 🌊, outdoor ♨️ soaking pool, outdoor large swimming pool 🏊, you can soak in the water when you open your eyes. High from morning to night ✌️ I can’t even call home….. 🛏️｜Room This time we took the elderly 🧓🏼 and their children together and arrived 🔔 early 🔔 at the hot spring room with a private bath. The children could play before they woke up and went to bed 💤; the elderly 🧓🏼 could take a bath without leaving the room, which was great 👍( Too 🔥 need to be early 🔔) 🥛｜Buffet breakfast There are rich dishes, you can drink fruit coffee as you like ~ The oil-pressed rice noodles are a classic 🍜 you can’t miss it, the oily and delicious breakfast is something you won’t forget once you throw it in your mouth... 🚗｜Transportation •2.5 hours by car from Kunming (for convenience, you can go to the farmer’s market to buy local fruits) •High-speed rail🚄Kunming-Yuanjiang 1.5 hours, get off🚕10 minutes 🍚｜Meals When your kids don’t want to go out from playing, just order takeout🥡. It’s very convenient. 🏷️Tips •It is recommended to bring summer clothes 👚It’s very hot ·Pay attention to sun protection and mosquito protection🦟 ·👦🏻Please pay attention to ⚠️safety when playing with water‼ ️

Li Hecai Former Residence No. 1 Courtyard is located in the center of Mili Village, Mili Township, Yuanjiang County. It is a one-story building with five courtyards, and was the place where Li Hecai lived. The building is compact and antique, with Li Hecai's bedroom, his wife's bedroom, the guard room, the teacher's bedroom, the housekeeper's bedroom, the property room, and a total of 32 rooms.

Red River Valley Rehai Hot Spring is located in Mile City, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. It is a comprehensive tourist attraction integrating natural scenery, hot spring culture and water entertainment. Here are some travel tips to help you better visit this attraction: 1. Best travel time: Red River Valley Rehai Hot Spring is suitable for all seasons, but spring and autumn are the best travel periods. The climate is suitable and the scenery is beautiful at this time, which is a good time to visit Red River Valley Rehai Hot Spring. 2. Transportation: Departing from Kunming, you can choose to take a long-distance bus or train to Mile City. After arriving in Mile City, you need to take a local bus or taxi to the Red River Valley Rehai Hot Spring Scenic Area. 3. Accommodation: There are some hotels and homestays near Red River Valley Rehai Hot Spring, providing various accommodation services. You can choose the appropriate accommodation according to your needs. 4. Tourist attractions: There are many hot spring pools in the Red River Valley Rehai Hot Spring Scenic Area, where you can enjoy the fun of hot springs. In addition, you can also visit nearby scenic spots, such as Mile Buddha, Stone Forest, etc. 5. Precautions: • When taking a hot spring bath, please follow the regulations of the scenic area and do not exceed the designated area. • The climate in the plateau area is changeable, please bring warm clothes and rain gear with you. • When taking a hot spring bath, pay attention to control the water temperature to avoid burns. • Respect local ethnic customs and do not wear revealing or inappropriate clothes when taking a hot spring bath.

Recommended hot spring hotels near Kunming: Yuanjiang Qixiashan It takes 2.5 hours to drive from Kunming, all on the highway There is a high-speed rail, but I don't know how long it takes. It's a small town under Yuxi. It takes half an hour to take a taxi from Yuanjiang County High-speed Railway Station to the city. It is recommended to drive by yourself A county town suitable for winter, with cheap prices and pleasant temperature Before I came, I saw that other bloggers' evaluations were half and half. After I came to experience it in person, I actually liked this hotel very much. We went on a holiday, the hotel room rate is not cheap, we live on the first floor with a hot spring pool, the hotel is not a holiday, it should be more than 500 yuan, if it is a holiday, it is basically around 1,000 Be sure to book a room in advance because there are really too many people going (especially in winter) I personally think that the cost performance of the hotel is still very high. The room rate includes breakfast for two people (the quality of breakfast is very high). There are two outdoor hot spring area tickets every day (from 9 am to 10 pm every day). You can check out at 2 pm the next day. There is a fruit plate in the room. A very private outdoor hot spring in the room (unlimited water) The hotel environment is very good, there are swimming pools, two lakes, and a high coverage of green environment I personally feel that the toiletries in the room are also quite good!

Address: Honghe County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province Yisa Ancient Town interprets a history of walking and survival written by the people of Yunnan. The old streets of the ancient town are crowded and narrow, with dog-head stones paving the bumpy streets. It's common for a street to turn seven or eight corners and go over a dozen steps. In narrow places, only one person can pass at a time. The streets do not distinguish between directions or length, but simply wind along the houses, feeling as if one is in a maze without an end. The narrow streets are crowded with many old houses, which strangely display their unique personalities and the bygone prosperity. The courtyards of the Ming and Qing styles feature carved beams and painted rafters, with flowers and rockeries; French-style mansions have arched doors and round windows, and the stone fort walls are pierced with gun holes for protection; in the courtyards that blend Chinese and Western styles, under the eaves of green tiles, there are colorful stained glass windows and balconies; some buildings are neither churches nor hospitals, but inexplicably have a cross protruding above the main door or add a European-style attic and carvings...

Pozhai Village is located in Wazhuang Township, Yuanjiang County, Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, and belongs to the Tachiji Village Committee. Pozhai Village integrates with the natural environment and is complemented by forest landscapes, featuring the pattern characteristics of an ethnic mountain village. The ecological landscape naturally infiltrates the village, forming a landscape pattern of harmonious coexistence between mountains, people, and fields. The architecture uses the mountains as a backdrop to add layers to the landscape; water as the foreground to achieve a broad view; the buildings are majestic because of the mountains and lively because of the water, presenting a beautiful scroll of Chinese landscape paintings. In Pozhai Village, the traditional Dian South Yi dwellings—Tuzhangfang, which have been inhabited by generations to this day, have been preserved by every household and have been successively rated as China's traditional villages and ethnic minority characteristic villages. These houses are mostly earth and timber structures, commonly known as "Tuzhangfang." The roofs are made of earth to form a flat surface, which is both fireproof and can be used as a balcony drying area. A very comfortable village, highly recommended for those who love cultural photography. 🎈Nearby Travel Recommendations🎈 ✅Rural Leisure - Enjoy the rapeseed flower sea, leisure fishing, Yi style, Tuzhangfang ✅Nanxi Laolin - Ten thousand acres of ancient tea trees, towering ancient trees ✅Colorful Gao Lin - Dreamy colorful mountain forest ✅Hani Terraces - Cloud sea terraces, not to be missed by photography enthusiasts ✅ Qixia Mountain Hot Spring Garden Hotel + Honghe Valley Hot Spring Hotel for hot springs ✅ Samo Ali Cultural Festival, dance of a thousand people with tobacco boxes 🍜Food Recommendations ✅Yi family Tuba Bowl, Wazhai Tofu, Wazhai Ham ✅Dai-style soup pot, Yi ham, Hani smoked meat ✅Fruit soup, crispy rice cakes, dragon rice cakes ✅Yinyuan rice noodles, pig blood glutinous rice sausage 📸Travel Route Recommendations ✅Day1: Kunming - Yuerjiang Zhegacun - Pozhai Village - Wazhai Village ✅Day2: Jia Yin Ta Sa Terraces - Yuanyang Terraces ✅Day3: Yuanyang Terraces - Kunming 🚙Transportation Information ✅Self-driving: Self-driving is recommended (but the journey is all mountain roads, experienced drivers are needed, not recommended for beginners) ✅Bus: Take the bus from Yuanjiang Bus Station to Wazhai Township 📍PS: There are only two buses a day, AM: 8:30; PM: 13:10 (if you miss it, there is no bus, remember to contact the driver in advance to reserve a seat) 🏠Accommodation Recommendations ✅Pozhai Inn (currently the only one, the accommodation conditions are okay, located by the pond, very quiet at night, the landlady is very nice, you can cook by yourself, there are also two small shops at the entrance of the village) 💰Ticket Information ✅Free

Yuanjiang in Yunnan has a long history and culture, enchanting natural scenery, and rich ethnic customs. The average annual temperature is 24.1°C, characterized by a typical dry-hot valley climate, frost-free throughout the year, and is known as a 'natural greenhouse'. Favored by the sun, Yuanjiang enjoys brilliant sunshine all year round, hence it is also known as the 'Sun City' in the Red River Valley. However, there is an ancient village here that is particularly worth visiting. Zhega Village, located in Longtan Community, Lijiang Street, Yuanjiang County, lies 9 kilometers south of the county town and is a typical Dai village. The village's layered adobe houses preserve a relatively complete style of Dai dwellings. The traditions passed down by ancestors for thousands of years tell the stories of time, which is truly amazing. Here you can relax and experience the picturesque pastoral life; listen to the mysterious Dai masked love songs by the ancient well; or dress in beautiful Dai costumes and walk through the winding adobe house alleys, living like a local. 🎈Zhega Village Travel Tips ✅Masked love songs ✅Lion dance ✅Singing blessing songs, tying red strings, sprinkling auspicious water, etc. ✅Traditional dwellings adobe houses, alleys, pastoral scenery ✅Check-in at Jingshan, Zhega Lake, Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicraft Workshop ✅Brotherhood Tree, Millennium Ancient Spring, Millennium Mango Tree, Rice Pounding House 🚩Recommended Routes (for reference only) ✅Route One: Yuanjiang County Town—Jiangdong Aloe Vera Processing Area—Fruit Fragrance Four Seasons International Tourism Resort Qixia Mountain Hot Spring Garden Hotel—Dachan Village—Yuanjiang Avenue—Yuanjiang Fantasy World—Yijiang Feng Manor—Return to County Town ✅Route Two: Yuanjiang County Town—Binjiang Avenue—Yijiang Feng Manor—Xiaoyan Village—Zhega—White Pagoda—Aloe Vera Plantation Base—Liangfeng Manor—Return to County Town ✅Route Three: Yuanjiang County Town—Yangjie Hani Cloud Sea Viewing Platform—Yangjie—Nanao Viewing Platform—Zhujie Traditional Ancient Village—Nanao Township—Shaku Group—Cloud Sea Road Return to County Town (Self-driving tour recommended for photography enthusiasts) ✅Route Four: Yuanjiang County Town—Red River Valley Rehai Scenic Area—Li Hecai's Former Residence—Lizi Dry Tea Garden—Anding Bai Ethnic Tourism Village—Return to County Town ✅Route Five: Yuanjiang County Town—Manlai Immigrant New Village—Yangcha Street—Nanxi Old Forest ✅Route Six: Yuanjiang County Town—Ganzhuang Market Town—Pu'er Tea Vinegar Factory—Take Traditional Ancient Village—Return to County Town ✅Route Seven: Yuanjiang County Town—Podi Village—Wadi Market Town—Longtan—Return to County Town 🚙Transportation Information ✅Self-driving (navigate to Zhega Village) ✅Taxi (about 25 or so) ✅Chartered car (80-100Y) PS: When taking a taxi, be aware that there are no return trips, so be sure to keep the driver's contact information in advance 💰Ticket Information ✅Free 🏠Accommodation Recommendations ✅Yuanjiang County Town

Vienna Hotel Yuxi Yuanjiang Branch: A perfect fusion of historical charm and modern elegance Stepping into the Vienna Hotel (Yuxi Yuanjiang Branch), it's like traveling through time and space, feeling the profound historical and cultural atmosphere of Yunnan. This is not only a warm resting place on the journey, but also a great place to appreciate local characteristics. The hotel design cleverly integrates the cultural elements of the Yuanjiang Hani and Yi ethnic minorities into modern architecture, allowing each guest to feel the rich local ethnic customs while resting comfortably. Each room is decorated with exquisite decorations and thoughtful services, showing Vienna Hotel's relentless pursuit of quality. Here, not only can you enjoy the convenience brought by modern facilities such as high-speed internet and high-definition TV, but also discover the historical traces of Yunnan in the details, such as the ethnic handicrafts on the wall and the handmade embroidery at the head of the bed, all telling ancient stories. Vienna Hotel (Yuxi Yuanjiang Branch) is not only a choice of accommodation, but also a cultural exploration. Here, every look back can feel the depth of Yunnan's history; every step forward can experience the dignity of modern services. Such a popular note not only records a journey, but also commemorates a unique cultural experience.

Drive along Yuanwa Road for an hour and a half to reach the traditional Chinese village - Po Ding Village. Starting from Yuanjiang County and following the river, the scenery is quite unique. After entering the mountain road, it is all bends, crossing two mountains, most of the time driving on the mountainside and the top of the mountain, the scenery is good. The village is located on the sunny slope, there is a large pond at the entrance of the village, and there is a reflection of the village in the sun. The village is not big, it is staggered and layered, very clean, suitable for taking pictures. Although hidden in the deep mountains, she is very beautiful and has a charm. The village now also begins to receive tourists, and there are several homestays for accommodation and dining.

Yunnan Travel| An undiscovered ❤️-shaped lake I should be the first person to discover this heart-shaped lake. On my way to the world's highest bridge, I accidentally found that the nearby mountains present a mixture of purple and green. I judged that this must be a good place to take pictures, so I started to explore this area. After missing the intersection twice, I finally reached the foot of this mountain with the hint of an old lady on the roadside. If I didn't judge wrong, this mountain should be rich in some kind of mineral, which would present such a rare color. And when I raised the drone, I was surprised to find that the green lake under this mountain was actually a heart-shaped one. This is probably the unexpected joy in travel. After going down the mountain, I communicated with the residents at the foot of the mountain and learned that this place is called Gypsum Forest. I wanted to make it a scenic spot. I have searched all over, people have come to check in, but definitely no one has discovered the heart-shaped lake from the sky. So I should be the first person to discover it. Navigation address Search for Gypsum Qinqin (Note! It's in Yuxi Yuanjiang, not Tonghai). After arriving according to the navigation, you will find a separate house on the north side of the road with the words 'add water'. The words are very big and you can definitely see it. There is a small road opposite the house leading to the mountain. Just keep going, about a kilometer of mountain road will reach the lake surface. This mountain road is not very easy to walk, it is not recommended for private cars, it is very steep and slippery, it is recommended to walk. You can walk directly to the water surface, there is a flat area, it is a good place for camping, because this area is really too beautiful.

When it comes to Yunnan, you will definitely think of Yuanyang terraced rice, but there is another place in this place to see the terraces, that is: Nano terraces. Nano Terrace is located in Nanao Township, Yuanjiang County, Yuxi City, at an altitude of about 1,750 meters. Winter is a good time to ascend the distant terraces, sunrise, sea of clouds, all kinds of beauty.

The locals said: "We only have Hani years, but the Spring Festival."