Wenshan: Yunnan's Scenic Slow-Paced Gem, Twice as Charming as Kunming Yet Half as Touristy as Lijiang

This is not a distant land, but the homeland of wanderers.

It's the hottest time of the year again.

Wang Zengqi once said that his ideal summer should be like this: "Watermelons hung in a well with a rope net, sliced open in the afternoon—with a crisp sound as the knife cuts, cool air wafts out, even the eyes feel refreshed."

For Qilv, the perfect summer might mean being free from work worries, idling in a picturesque landscape; ideally, it shouldn't be too hot, and there shouldn't be too many tourists.

In southeastern Yunnan, there lies a place favored by the Creator.

While scorching heatwaves engulf 90% of the country, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in many areas, here the average temperature is 25°C, never rising above 30°C.

As tourist crowds flood Lijiang, Dali, and Xishuangbanna in Yunnan, this place remains tranquil, with poetic landscapes and vast fields of blooming lotus flowers.

This is—Wenshan, Yunnan.

Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture includes 1 city and 7 counties: Wenshan City, Yanshan County, Xichou County, Malipo County, Maguan County, Qiubei County, Guangnan County, and Funing County.

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A poetic land of idyllic landscapes

You might not be familiar with Wenshan, but you may have heard of "Qingqiu" from *Eternal Love*, the filming location of *Where Are We Going, Dad?*—Puzhehei, as well as Bamei and the famous "Steam-Pot Chicken with Sanqi."

That's right, all of these are in Wenshan.

Wenshan is a karst kingdom with scenery rivaling Guilin.

Puzhehei alone boasts: 256 scenic spots, 312 solitary peaks, 83 caves, 54 lakes, 15 rivers, and a 120km-long underground river...

In summer, over 20,000 acres of lotus flowers bloom, painting a breathtaking scene.

Wenshan is a hidden gem favored by the Creator, brimming with overlooked beauty.

Here, lakes rivaling Erhai and Dianchi, grasslands dotted with cattle and sheep—dubbed "Yunnan's Hulunbuir"—and flower-covered fields that evoke the illusion of "Shangri-La"...

Wenshan is also home to an enviable rural lifestyle.

Not only does it have the Peach Blossom Spring described by Tao Yuanming—Bamei Village, accessible only by boat through a cave, where houses stand orderly behind the cave, with chickens and dogs heard among carefree elders and children—

But also, under blue skies and white clouds, homes nestled in fields, embraced by green mountains and clear waters, with wind, rain, and the chorus of cicadas...

This is also Yunnan's low-key culinary scene, with dishes featured in the "State Banquet Menu" and being the hometown of the precious medicinal herb "Panax notoginseng."

Moreover, it's accessible by high-speed rail! The climate is pleasant, with summers even cooler than Kunming!

Stay in a landscape painting of karst countryside.

There's a "Little Guilin" favored by immortals.

Compared to the popularity of Dali and Lijiang in Yunnan, this hidden paradise remains largely unknown.

Here, winters are mild, summers are cool, and the climate is delightful, with karst peaks and water terraces that astonish even seasoned photographers.

Standing on the stone arch bridge, the winding Babao River flows gently beneath, flanked by wheat and rice fields stretching to the foot of ink-painting-like mountains. Here, you might just become part of the "painting."

Location: Southeast of Guangnan County, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan, about 400 km from Kunming.

There's a "Qingqiu" with 20,000 acres of lotus flowers.

Known from "Where Are We Going, Dad?" and as "Qingqiu" in "Eternal Love," it also served as "Qingshui Town" in "Monster Hunt 2."

Fortunately, despite its fame, Puzhehei retains its unique beauty.

Here, spring blooms with flowers in dazzling colors, autumn and winter sway with reeds, and summer sees 20,000 acres of lotuses in full bloom.

Drifting in a small boat through the lotus leaves feels like navigating a landscape painting, with breathtaking views everywhere.

At Pucao Pond, you can experience "water splashing on boats," engaging in water fights with strangers and reliving childhood joy.

Photography enthusiasts must climb Qinglong Mountain for a panoramic view of Puzhehei, capturing its lakes and peaks in their lenses.

Location: Puzhehei Scenic Area, Qiubei County, Wenshan Prefecture.

Transportation: Bus routes from Kunming to Qiubei to Puzhehei.

Tips: The core scenic spots include Puzhehei Lake, Lotus Lake, Lantern Lake, Fairy Cave Lake, Luoshui Cave Lake, and Bailong Lake.

There's a karst cave more dazzling than a rainbow.

In Puzhehei, where there are mountains, there is water, and where there are mountains, there are caves—boasting not only stunning landscapes but also spectacular karst caves.

The Fairy Cave is one of the stunning stalactite caves.

Here, you can experience the surprise of boating into the cave and suddenly encountering a colorful "palace," revealing a hidden world.

Besides the Fairy Cave, other famous karst caves in Puzhehei include the Guanyin Cave and the Torch Cave, where bizarre and crystal-clear rocks stand densely, making you feel like walking through a magical wonderland.

Location: Near Paixian Road, Qiubei County, Wenshan Prefecture

A waterfall hiding a "mysterious human face"

The beautiful Babao River meanders through picturesque rice fields before suddenly turning near Sanla Village, forming the stunning Sanla Waterfall.

"Sanla" means "the convergence of three streams" in the Zhuang language.

Though not as grand as Huangguoshu or Detian Waterfalls, this waterfall cascades down three terraces, each with its own pool, creating three distinct curtains of water—a unique and refreshing sight in summer.

Moreover, between the second and third tiers of the waterfall, a closer look reveals a hidden "mysterious human face," adding a touch of intrigue.

Location: Near Sanla Village Group, 20 km east of Babao Town, Guangnan County, Wenshan Prefecture

Retreat into a serene grassland perfect for daydreaming

This is Yunnan's largest grassland, situated over 2,000 meters above sea level, where "mountains meet the prairie, and the prairie cradles mountains."

At first glance, the rolling hills, undulating grasslands, grazing livestock, and galloping horses of Shed Grassland might make you feel like you've stumbled into Shangri-La.

©Tuchong: Terrible

Climbing to higher ground, the churning sea of clouds and white windmills spinning in the breeze will make you feel like you're floating in the sky.

The most delightful surprises here are the three "seas": the grassland sea, the cloud sea, and the flower sea.

If you visit between June and October, you'll encounter a vast marigold flower sea. The vibrant orange blooms stand out strikingly against the green grassland, creating an enchanting scene.

Location: Shed Village, Qiubei County, Wenshan Prefecture

A grassland rivaling Hulunbuir

Even those who've visited Yunnan ten times may not know about Heiba Grassland.

This hidden gem, nestled deep within Yanshan, features vast grasslands stretching dozens of kilometers, with rolling hills covered in wild grass extending as far as the eye can see.

Here, you can climb to the highest point of the pasture to overlook the endless mountain ranges and towering peaks, or, like the local herders, lie on the grass, bask in the sun, gaze at the blue sky and white clouds, watch grazing cattle and sheep, and simply let go.

Coordinates: Heiba Village, Ashe Yi Ethnic Township, Yanshan County, Wenshan Prefecture, over 100 kilometers from the prefectural capital, Wenshan.

Exploring the Peach Blossom Spring described by Tao Qian.

There is a real-life version of the Peach Blossom Spring.

The first outsider to arrive at Bamei must have been as astonished as the Wuling fisherman in "The Peach Blossom Spring," marveling at its simplicity and purity.

This is a village hidden in the mountains, surrounded by towering peaks. Years ago, before roads were built, the only way to enter was by boat.

To enter Bamei by bamboo raft, you must pass through a 1-kilometer-long karst cave, where it is so dark you can barely see your hand in front of your face.

Emerging from the cave, the view suddenly opens up: flowing streams, houses, vast fields, flocks of chickens and ducks—a serene pastoral scene strikingly similar to the Peach Blossom Spring depicted by Tao Yuanming.

Today, Bamei has roads and has transformed from an obscure village into a scenic area, but the experience of boating through the cave and its breathtaking rural scenery still make it worth a visit.

Coordinates: Bamei Village, Guangnan County, Wenshan Prefecture.

Transportation: First take a bus to Guangnan County Passenger Station, then transfer to a public bus to the entrance of Bamei Scenic Area, and finally take a small boat into Bamei.

This is a Zhuang ethnic village hidden for millennia, only recently beginning to reveal its mysteries. The village remains古朴原始, untouched by commercialization, with villagers still living traditional农耕 lives.

To enter Mabi Village, you must cross a meter-wide suspension bridge—the only path connecting the village to the outside world.

The houses in the village are entirely wooden stilted structures, built along the山坡 in层层叠叠 tiers, creating a unique sight.

Beyond the well-preserved stilt houses, the village also boasts千年-old刺绣 and编织 traditions.

Coordinates: Zhemo Village, Zhetu Township, Guangnan County, Wenshan Prefecture.

Transportation: The nearest high-speed rail station is Zhulin Station.

There is a fairyland perfect for a short stay.

Some say "Puzhehei" is a桃源, and the key to this桃源 is held by the people of Xianrendong Village.

Xianrendong Village is a settlement of the Sani people, a branch of the Yi ethnic group. Legend has it that 400 years ago, several Sani youths fleeing arranged marriages stumbled upon this place, captivated by its beauty, and decided to settle here.

Here, you can stay in a lakeside inn, immersing yourself in the picturesque landscape of Puzhehei. Step outside to a lake full of lotus flowers, spend the day boating amidst the mountains and water, and at night, gaze at the stars while listening to the chorus of frogs.

If you visit Puzhehei in July, you might also get to experience the Yi ethnic group's traditional festival: the Flower Face Festival, where participants smear each other's faces with soot in a playful "Blackening You" ritual.

Coordinates: Near Paixian Line, Qiubei County, Wenshan Prefecture.

Wenshan isn’t particularly famous for its cuisine, but you’ve likely encountered its signature dish, Sanqi Steamed Pot Chicken, in Yunnan restaurants.

Sanqi Steamed Pot Chicken ranks first among the "Top Ten Yunnan Dishes" and has been featured in the "State Banquet Menu."

This dish is prepared by adding Wenshan’s precious medicinal herb, "sanqi," to the steamer pot, resulting in a fragrant, delicious, and enticing broth.

Beyond the renowned Sanqi Steamed Pot Chicken, Wenshan offers many other chicken dishes: Zhuang-style Bahang Chicken, Large Root Stewed Chicken, Sour Papaya Ham Black-Bone Chicken, Dendrobium Stewed Chicken, Acorus Stewed Chicken, and Zhuang-style Pocket Medicinal Chicken…

Wenshan locals truly know how to "eat chicken in creative ways."

Duck dishes are also diverse: Chrysanthemum Duck, Guangnan Salted Duck, Sour Citrus Cold Tossed Duck…

Additionally, other mouthwatering delicacies here include:

Warm-Tossed Rice Noodles, Quick-Boiled Meat Rice Noodles, Cold Rice Rolls,

Beef Jerky, Guangnan Roast Suckling Pig, Sweet Bean Paste Pork,

Five-Colored Glutinous Rice, Sticky Rice, Pickled Vegetable Rice, Lotus Porridge,

Braised Beef with Banana Flower, Traditional Tofu Beef,

Grilled Skewers, Pepper-Salt Pancakes, Soy Milk Porridge,

Fireweed Cakes, Qingming Grass Cakes,

Grilled Tofu, Fried Potatoes, Salt-Sugar Dumplings…

If you love ink-painting-like landscapes, if you long to revisit the idyllic countryside of your childhood, if you enjoy Yunnan’s leisurely charm but dislike crowds,

Poetic karst mountains and waters, painting-like fields, fantastical caves, villages reminiscent of the Peach Blossom Spring, enchanting grasslands, flower seas, and rich ethnic minority culture—all can be found here!

①Airport: Wenshan Puzhehei Airport

②High-speed rail stations: Funing (2h to Kunming), Guangnan County (1.5h to Kunming), Puzhehei (1.5h to Kunming), Zhulin Station (17min to Puzhehei, 16min to Guangnan)

①Eastern and Southeastern Yunnan Route: Kunming—Chengzi Ancient Village—Puzhehei—Bamei—Babao—Sanla Waterfall—Jianshui—Chengjiang—Luchong—Kunming (9 days)

②Itinerary reference: D1: Kunming; D2: Kunming—Chengzi Ancient Village Puzhehei; D3: Puzhehei; D4: Puzhehei—Bamei; D5: Bamei—Babao; D6: Babao—Sanla Waterfall—Jianshui; D7: Jianshui—Chengjiang; D8: Chengjiang; D9: Chengjiang—Luchong—Kunming

When visiting Puzhehei, you can stay in Puzhehei Village, Xianrendong Village, or Qiubei County town.