Cuifeng Mountain in Qilin District, Qujing
Overview
Cuifeng Mountain (Cuìfēng Shān翠峰山) is located 14 kilometers west of Qujing City (曲靖市) in the Cuifeng Mountain Scenic Area. Buddhism was introduced to this area as early as the Tang Dynasty during the Nanzhao period, and the scenic area features several temples. It was once a Buddhist holy site with the “Nine Temples and Eighteen Courtyards.” The renowned Chinese geographer Xu Xiake (徐霞客) conducted a 16-day survey in Qujing in 1638, spending 11 days exploring Cuifeng, where he left behind over 5,000 words of travel notes.
Today, Cuifeng Mountain has been developed into a tourist destination with roads constructed and some temples restored. The Cuifeng Mountain Scenic Area combines a thousand-year-old Buddhist site with beautiful forest scenery. Covering an area of 4.13 square kilometers, it has a subtropical and warm temperate climate, experiencing neither extreme heat in summer nor severe cold in winter. The area boasts rich ecological resources and a long history of cultural heritage.
Cuishan Film City (翠山影视城)
In March 2002, inspired by Hengdian World Studios (横店) in Zhejiang, the Cuishan Film City (Cuìshān Yǐngshì Chéng) began construction. The designer, Qian Yunxuan (钱运选), was known for projects like “Three Kingdoms City” and “Water Margin City.” The local entrepreneur Zhang Jiayin (张迦茚), who is also the general manager of Huize County Mining Economic Development Co., Ltd. (会泽县矿山经济开发有限公司), invested in this project. Zhang stated, “The wood used comes from Myanmar, and we originally planned to invest 15 million yuan, but after the construction of ‘Shanhaiguan,’ ‘Ming Dynasty Street,’ and ‘Mugu Village,’ the budget was exhausted, leading to an additional investment of over 36 million yuan.” The film city was built not only for the shooting of “Who Rules the World” (谁主沉浮) but also to accommodate more film crews and tourists. Currently, it consists of four architectural clusters—“Ming Wangfu,” “Mugu Village,” “Shanhaiguan,” and “Ming Dynasty Street,” with over 180 scenic spots planned, including “Wu Sangui’s Artillery Battle Against Dorgon,” “Li Dingguo’s Ambush at Sancha River,” and others.
Zhang Jiayin is quite an extraordinary figure. He dropped out of school due to poverty, unable to afford the 80 cents per semester fee, but later became a successful businessman. He invested heavily in his hometown to build the well-known Yinvang Senior High School (茚旺高级中学) as a way to give back. This school transitioned from private to public, marking a significant change in its status.
Cuishan Film City covers an area of 26,000 square meters, combining Ming and Qing architecture, a large film base, tourism, leisure, and entertainment. By 2012, it had been the filming location for numerous productions including “Long River Rushing” (长河奔流) and “Dream Lover” (梦里情人). On February 20, 2004, the production team for the large TV series “Who Rules the World” selected Cuishan Film City as their primary filming site after extensive research.
Tourist Experience
Cuifeng Mountain is a popular tourist spot in Qujing Economic Development Zone (曲靖经开区). In summer, the area is lush with greenery and fresh air, while the antique and distinctive Cuishan Film City at the foot of the mountain adds to its charm. The unique Ming Dynasty architectural landscape combined with the natural beauty of Cuifeng Mountain attracts many visitors.
On July 6, reporters visited Cuifeng Mountain, where a steady stream of tourists could be seen queuing orderly at the ticket area. Once inside the scenic area, the detailed and exquisite architecture of the film city showcases the characteristics of the Ming Dynasty.
After visiting the film city, tourists stroll along the stone steps, breathing in the fresh air and admiring the stunning natural scenery of layered mountains and greenery. They often climb to the observation deck at the top of the mountain to overlook the entire city. Additionally, thrilling activities such as high-altitude slides, canyon rafting, and parent-child parks are also popular among visitors, who enjoy taking photos and engaging in these experiences.
Visitor Mr. Yu stated, “This is my second time in Qujing. The city is beautiful and friendly, with many surrounding tourist attractions. I explored several parks last year, and this year I want to bring my friends to see it.”
Visitor Ms. Zhang shared, “I came to Qujing from Chongqing to escape the summer heat. I’ve been here for five years; it truly is a summer paradise and very livable. This film city is iconic in Qujing, and I’ve visited three times. The air is good, the scenery is beautiful, and the forest coverage is high, plus it’s convenient to get here by car.”
To cater to different touring needs, the scenic area offers two routes: stone step paths for pedestrians and asphalt roads for vehicles. Staff member Du Peng mentioned that since January, the area has welcomed over 100,000 tourists. Moving forward, they will regularly train employees to improve service quality and enhance the management of the area’s environment to provide a better experience for visitors.
During meal times, restaurants near the scenic area thrive with business, and local seasonal snacks are popular among tourists. The tourism boom at Cuifeng Mountain not only boosts the local tourism industry but also generates considerable economic benefits for surrounding industries such as dining, transportation, and retail.
How to Get There
Cuifeng Mountain is easily accessible from Qujing City. Visitors can take public transportation or drive. The scenic area is well-signposted and provides ample parking for those traveling by car.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, and sunscreen are recommended.
- Dining Options: Explore local eateries for authentic Yunnan cuisine.
- Attractions: Don’t miss the film city and the stunning viewpoints along the hiking trails.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes and architecture.
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