Compared to Dali|Lijiang, Yunnan, I prefer this little forgotten place
by _Ethan_456
Feb 18, 2025
**Scenic Area Overview** β¨
Puzhehei Scenic Area is located in Qiubei County, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan (just 1km from the county town/280km from Kunming). As a AAAAA-rated scenic area and national wetland park, it boasts six distinctive features:
- Waterfront countryside ποΈ
- Yi ethnic water village π‘
- Lotus flower world πΈ
- Karst wetlands
- Lake-peak landscapes
- Paradise for fish and birds π¦©
**Core Highlights** π«
π **Karst Wonderland**
The top karst region in southeastern Yunnan! With 312 isolated peaks, 83 caves, and 54 interconnected lakes, it paints a breathtaking "mountain-water harmony" masterpiece πΈ
πΏ **Ecological Eden**
40,000 acres of wild lotus ponds (featuring rare large and small Sajin varieties), 60,000 acres of plateau wetlands, and habitats for 200+ bird speciesβa paradise for photography lovers! π·
π **Ethnic Charm**
Home to Zhuang, Miao, and Yi ethnic groups, vibrant traditional festivals like the July Face-Smearing Festival (blessings with pot ash~) and Torch Festival create an unforgettable atmosphere!
**Best Seasons to Visit** ποΈ
πΈ **Summer (June-August)**
β Peak bloom of lotus ponds (stunning in July-August!)
β Water-splashing festivities + July 18 Face-Smearing Festival
β Book accommodations early due to high tourist traffic
πΌ **Spring (March-May)**
β Feast of peach blossoms/rapeseed flowers
β Filming location of *Eternal Love* at Caihuaqing
β Fewer crowds and better prices
π **Autumn (September-November)**
β Prime season for fresh lake delicacies
β Fewer tourists for a serene experience
βοΈ **Winter (December-February)**
β Ideal winter escape
βοΈ Withered lotuses make scenery less varied
**Must-Visit Attractions** π
**TOP1οΈβ£ Puzhehei Lake**
π£βοΈ Glide through lotus ponds on willow-leaf boats
βοΈ Stunning in all weather: mirror-like reflections on sunny days/ink-painting charm on rainy days
**TOP2οΈβ£ Qinglong Mountain**
π Summit offers 360Β° panoramic views
π
Prime sunset-watching spot
π« Β₯32/person
**TOP3οΈβ£ Fairy Cave**
π³οΈ Karst cave wonders + Yi ethnic village
π Vibrant night market
π« Β₯20/person
**TOP4οΈβ£ Swan Lake**
π¦’ Prime spot for migratory birds
π€ Boat rides to witness "flocks of birds taking flight"
π« Β₯85/person
**TOP5οΈβ£ Xihuang Wetland**
πΆ Kayaking adventures
π Scenic countryside tours by shuttle
**Transport Guide** π
π **High-speed rail**: Kunming South β Puzhehei Station (1h), transfer to Bus No. 8 or taxi
π **Drive**: 4-5h from Kunming (via Mile)
βοΈ **Flight**: Wenshan Yanshan Airport β Scenic Area (85.7km, 1.5h drive)
**Accommodation Picks** π¨
π‘ **Puzhehei Village**
β Prime location
- Muke Qianxun Boutique Resort
- Shuiyue Mountain 270Β° Infinity Pool Hotel
ποΈ **Fairy Cave Village**
β Escape the crowds
β Well-developed infrastructure
π **Luxury options**:
- Xiyuan Yunshang Yi-style Hot Spring Resort
- Yabei Jingshe Lakeview Hotel
**Local Delicacies** π½
π **Yi-style pickled fish** | Spicy and tangy
πΏ **Lotus leaf rice** | Fragrant and flavorful
π **Colorful sticky rice** | Instagram-worthy
πΊ **Fried lotus flowers** | Crispy and tender
**Pro Tips** π
π« **Admission**: Free for the scenic area; some attractions charge fees
β° **Hours**: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
β οΈ **Notes**:
- Sun protection is a must in summer
- Book early during Lotus Festival
- Secure belongings during water-splashing activities
Yunnanβs hidden paradise awaits your discovery~ π
Post by DAX GRIFFITH | Jul 21, 2025
















