Escape the crowds with your kids! This small town in Yunnan, with a perfect 23℃ summer, is amazing

Don’t want to squeeze through crowds with your kids in Lijiang? I found a hidden gem on the border of Yunnan! The “First City on the Edge” offers a slow-paced life, cool 23℃ weather, and endless natural and cultural fun with kids—every day is super happy～

1️⃣ Family-friendly activity list, every spot is stunning
📍Volcanic Geopark: Perfect for hiking with kids! Starting from Dakongshan parking lot, the wooden boardwalk is moderately difficult, and kids can walk the whole way themselves. When reaching the volcanic crater, kids shout “The echo is so fun!” On the way down, enter the lava tunnel where the 15℃ temperature is just right for cooling off. Let kids touch the air holes in the rock walls and feel the magic of the volcano. The highlight is the early morning hot air balloon ride—when kids see the connected Dakongshan and Heikongshan from above, their eyes light up, and they keep snapping photos with the camera.
📍Ginkgo Village (look for Chenjiazhai): Don’t go to the main street! The real surprise is at the end of the village. Under the green ginkgo trees are villagers’ small courtyards, decorated with hanging corn and chili peppers like colorful ornaments. Kids can pick ginkgo nuts with local children and even book a ginkgo pastry-making session—kids participate in every step from sifting flour to shaping the pastry. The finished pastries are packed to take home, said to be a treat for dad.
📍Beihai Wetland: Experience wetland camping with your kids! Contact the park 3 days in advance, set up the tent at dusk, and sit on the meadow with your kids to watch the sunset. When it gets dark, the Milky Way slowly appears, and kids point at the stars saying “They sparkle like diamonds.” The meadow is a bit slippery, so put non-slip shoes on the kids. They can also observe small fish and frogs in the wetland, getting close to nature while learning.
📍Rehai Hot Springs: “Geothermal boiled eggs” are kids’ favorite! Buy a string of eggs and place them by the hot spring; after 10 minutes, they’re ready to eat. The yolks are tender, and kids say “They taste better than the ones cooked at home.” When soaking in the “Pearl Spring,” bubbles swirl around the kids, making them laugh happily. Don’t miss the peanuts and potatoes steamed in the hot spring—they’re soft and glutinous, and kids can’t get enough. Visit after 2 PM for cheaper tickets; it’s perfect for an afternoon of fun with kids.
📍Heshun Ancient Town: Let kids experience slow living! Have “Cundama thin bean jelly” for breakfast—the jelly is delicate and tastes great with fried dough sticks, and kids can finish a bowl on their own. The Ming and Qing dynasty ancestral halls in the town hide family genealogies; tell kids family stories there. The Republican-era library has many old books, and kids quietly flip through picture books. In the evening, go to the “Shushu Bookstore” terrace to watch the sunset cast golden light on the rooftops; kids say “This is even more beautiful than in cartoons.”
📍Gaoligong Mountain: With 77% forest coverage and a comfortable 19℃ summer! Choose the Shenzhugu Valley hiking trail, which is easy for kids to walk. When touching the 40,000-year-old volcanic pillars, kids ask, “Did these form after the volcano erupted?” At the trail’s end, the creek valley kitchen serves freshly baked copper pot rice, with a fragrant crust and added cured meat and vegetables. Kids eat two bowls and say, “This is the best rice ever.”

2️⃣ Accommodation guide: Top luxury wild hotels recommended
Stay at the “Volcanic Crater Wild Luxury Resort,” close to the Volcanic Geopark and Rehai Hot Springs, about a 10-minute drive. The hotel is built on the mountainside with large balconies in the rooms where you can watch the sunrise. The family rooms have small slides and toy areas, so kids go straight to play after waking up. The hotel offers family craft classes, like painting with volcanic stones and making plant specimens, which kids love. You can also book a private hot spring pool to soak with your kids at night and relieve the day’s fatigue. Breakfast includes Yunnan specialty snacks and kids’ favorite fruit salad—super satisfying stay～

Post by Gabriel Thomas | Oct 26, 2025