Yuxi

Yuxi is located in central Yunnan. Compared with Dali and Lijiang, it is less crowded and offers clear lakes, a relaxed urban pace, and plenty of local food. It takes about 30 minutes to get there by high-speed train from Kunming, making it a good choice for a weekend or short-holiday leisure trip.

Selected 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 (City Culture and Local Life): After arriving in Yuxi, climb Hongta Mountain in the morning for an overview of the city. In the afternoon, visit Nie Er Former Residence and Wenxingxiang Trading House to learn about the old city’s history. In the evening, head to Xiaomiao Street or Huangguan Night Market to try local snacks.

• Day 2 (A Healing Trip to Fuxian Lake): Go to Fuxian Lake in Chengjiang. In the morning, visit the Chengjiang Fossil Museum. In the afternoon, choose either cycling around the lake or driving, and watch the sunset at Sun Mountain S-Bend. In the evening, try copper-pot fish and stay at a lakeside guesthouse.

• Day 3 (Deep Nature or Old-World Charm):
  • Option A (Wild Nature): Go to Ailao Mountain in Xinping, hike Shimen Gorge, and see Nan’en Waterfall. In the evening, go to Gasa Town to try a local-style hot pot.
  • Option B (Relaxed Historic Charm): Go to Tonghai County, visit Xiushan Historical and Cultural Park, admire original Ming- and Qing-era buildings, and try Tonghai bean-powder candy.

• Day 4 (Relax by the Lake and Return): If you are still around Fuxian Lake, go to Luchong Scenic Area and climb Bijia Mountain for a view over the whole lake. Alternatively, cycle and rest beside Xingyun Lake, then return in the afternoon.

Must-Try Foods in Yuxi

Yuxi food is mainly fresh, fragrant, sour, and spicy. You can eat quite well for about 10–50 yuan per person, and the following are common local choices.

• Eel Rice Noodles: A signature Yuxi snack, made with freshly stir-fried eel, rich broth, and mint leaves. The flavor is savory, aromatic, and full-bodied. Dingji Tianjian or Hongji are good places to try it.

• Fuxian Lake Copper-Pot Fish: Fresh fish is cooked in a copper pot, giving tender meat and a delicious broth. It is commonly paired with soft, fragrant potato braised rice in the lake area.

• Yuxi Cold Rice Noodles: Smooth rice noodles are seasoned with sour, sweet, and spicy flavors, then topped with crushed peanuts and pickled vegetables. The taste is refreshing, making it good for summer or for cutting through rich food.

• Iced Rice Porridge: Soft glutinous rice porridge is served with ice, brown sugar, sesame, and candied fruit. Sweet and refreshing, it is a common summer dessert in Yuxi.

• Pine-Needle Roast Duck: Roasted with pine needles, the duck has a light herbal, woody aroma, crispy skin, and tender meat. Roast duck from Daying Street is especially well known.

• Yuchunyuan: A long-established Yuxi snack shop where you can try several local flavors in one place, such as paoluda, braised ersi rice noodles, and small-pot rice noodles, for under 20 yuan per person.

Where to Stay

• Downtown Hongta District: Dining and daily services are concentrated here, and getting around the city is convenient. There are many accommodation options around Xiaomiao Street and Qinghua Street. For 120–200 yuan, you can find a decent business hotel with restaurants just downstairs.

• Along Fuxian Lake: Best for travelers who want close-up lake views and a relaxed holiday. For good value, choose a guesthouse in Guanglong Town, with prices around 180–280 yuan. If you prefer lake-view accommodation, consider guesthouses around Xiaowan Village or Sun Mountain.

• Gasa Town: If you are planning an in-depth trip to Ailao Mountain, you can stay in a Dai-style guesthouse in Gasa Town. Prices are relatively reasonable, and you can also experience local ethnic minority culture.

Transport and Travel Tips

• Getting There: Travelers from other regions can first fly to Kunming Changshui Airport, then transfer to a high-speed train to Yuxi Station. The train ride takes about 35 minutes and costs around 30 yuan. There are many departures throughout the day, so plans are relatively flexible.
• Getting Around: Shared electric scooters are convenient in the city and cost about 10 yuan per day. To get to Fuxian Lake, you can take a special-line bus for about 20 yuan per person or share a car. For traveling around the lake, self-driving or renting an electric scooter is more suitable, as it is easier to stop for views along the way.
• Sun Protection and Temperature Differences: The temperature difference between day and night is fairly noticeable around Fuxian Lake and Ailao Mountain, so even in summer, it is best to bring a light jacket. UV rays are strong in the lake area, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Trip Planning: During holidays such as National Day and Labor Day, guesthouse prices on the north shore of Fuxian Lake rise, and roads around the lake can become congested. It is better to travel off-peak or on weekdays. When eating by the lake, confirm the price, portion size, and cooking method of copper-pot fish in advance.
• Best Seasons: From October to April of the following year, there are more clear days and the colors of Fuxian Lake are especially distinct. May to August is good for escaping the heat, with temperatures around 20°C. September to October is the season for wild mushrooms, making it a better-value time to try mushroom dishes in Yuxi.