Walnut Garden (Hetaoyuan) Scenic Area in Jinning District, Kunming
Overview
Walnut Garden (Hetaoyuan) Scenic Area is located in Hetaoyuan Village (核桃园村), which is part of Shuanghe Yi Ethnic Township (双河彝族乡) in Jinning District (晋宁县). It is situated in the southern part of Kunming (昆明), approximately 10 kilometers from the Shuanghe Township government and 43 kilometers from the county seat of Kunyang (昆阳). The area is accessible via a cement road, making transportation convenient. To the east, it borders Yuxi New Village (玉奚新村); to the south, it is adjacent to Yuxi Houhe (玉奚后河); to the west, it neighbors Yuxi Laoguangqing (玉奚老光箐); and to the north, it is close to Shuanghe Township (双河). The jurisdiction consists of a natural village functioning as a village committee. Currently, there are 176 farming households with a population of 602 people, all of whom are agricultural residents. The labor force here comprises 385 individuals, making it an ethnic settlement.
Yi Family Happiness Eco-Tourism Scenic Area
The “Yi Family Happiness” Eco-Tourism Scenic Area (彝家乐生态旅游景区) is about 90 kilometers from Kunming, offering convenient transportation. The average altitude is 2,148 meters, and the total area covers 23,440.5 acres, with a high forest coverage rate of 78.7%, making it one of the few such areas near Kunming. This picturesque locale features clear mountains and beautiful waters, along with a superior natural ecological environment that retains a strong traditional Yi (彝族) cultural flavor.
Attractions
Within the scenic area, there are attractions such as:
- Walnut Qings (核桃箐)
- Camellia Qings (茶花箐)
- Deer Pond (麂子塘)
Entertainment facilities have been established, including a bullfighting arena and swings. A welcoming song and dance troupe performs Yi folk dances for tourists, and the Torch Festival (火把节) is celebrated daily. Visitors can also organize a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing, allowing for a close encounter with nature.
Visitor Experience
This area attracts numerous tourists with its economical services, stunning natural scenery, vibrant ethnic customs, and authentic farm dishes. Here, one can fully experience the joys of rural life and enjoy all that nature has to offer, creating a fresh and tranquil feeling that is hard to find in the bustling modern metropolis.
Travel Guide to Walnut Garden (Hetaoyuan) in Jinning Shuanghe Township
To reach Walnut Garden Scenic Area from Kunming city center, take Dongjiao Road (东郊路) and exit at the first exit at the roundabout. Proceed to the Second Ring East Road (二环东路) auxiliary road ramp, then merge onto the Second Ring East Road. After exiting, continue on the Kunming-Shijiazhuang Expressway (昆石高速), then take the Kunyang exit onto the Kunyu Expressway (昆玉高速) toward Yuxi. After exiting at Kunyang on the 102 Provincial Road (102省道), turn right and then left, continuing along the 102 Provincial Road for 2.3 kilometers. Then, turn right onto the 215 Provincial Road (215省道), and a left turn will take you to Jinning (晋宁).
Natural Environment
The area boasts a forest coverage rate of 78%, with clear mountains and beautiful waters, along with a well-preserved natural ecological environment. It also maintains the traditional and simple Yi cultural charm.
Attractions and Activities
The “Yi Family Happiness” agritourism (彝家乐农家乐) leverages the nearby attractions of Walnut Qings, Camellia Qings, and Deer Pond, providing entertainment facilities like a bullfighting arena and swings. The welcoming song and dance troupe performs Yi folk dances, hosting the “Daily Torch Festival” (天天火把节), where visitors can hike and fish.
Culinary Delights
Here, visitors can enjoy economical and affordable rural experiences, savoring authentic Yi cured meats and free-range chicken, as well as other ecological delicacies. This offers an alternative experience that cannot be found in the noisy modern city.
