Chuxiong Travel Guide: 12 Selected Routes for Enjoying the Yi Ethnic New Year in Winter
The Strong New Year Atmosphere of Yi Ethnic New Year in Chu Xiong (楚雄)
This winter, the vibrant atmosphere of the Yi Ethnic New Year will bring you the warmth of “a fire in winter.” From December 21st to 24th, Chu Xiong (楚雄) will celebrate the annual Yi Ethnic New Year. A lively, festive, and joyous ethnic feast is about to begin!
Chu Xiong (楚雄) has selected 12 travel routes for visitors, offering a blend of cultural experiences, delicious food, fresh fruit picking, hot springs, music concerts, and dance performances. It’s the perfect time to embark on a journey during Yi Ethnic New Year.
1. “Fiery Chu Xiong” Winter Folk Experience Tour
Itinerary:
Chu Xiong City (楚雄市)—Zi Xi Mountain Scenic Area (子西山景区)—Zi Xi Yi Village (子西彝村)—Yi Ancient Town (彝古镇)
Tour Description:
Chu Xiong (楚雄), known as the “Hometown of Camellia” and “Hometown of Copper Drums,” is the capital of Chu Xiong Prefecture (楚雄州). The city has a rich ethnic flavor, with long street feasts every day and fire festivals every night. From December 21st to 24th, Chu Xiong (楚雄) will host the grand Yi Ethnic New Year, transforming into a world of fire, a paradise of food, and a sea of songs and dances. This route, combining sightseeing, folk culture experiences, leisure, and wellness activities, offers a spectacular New Year experience.
2. Yuanmou (元谋) Fashionable Leisure & Wellness Tour
Itinerary:
Wu Mao Earth Forest (吴毛地貌)—Lei Ding Ecological Village (雷丁生态村)—Teng Fei Self-Driving Sports Camp (腾飞自驾运动营地)—Yuanmou People World Park (元谋人类世界公园)
Tour Description:
On the ancient, magical, and charming land of Yuanmou (元谋), you can admire the natural wonders carved into the earth forest, experience unique rural tourism, and enjoy an immersive adventure crossing the terrain with all-terrain vehicles. You can also relax in natural hot springs and experience the charm of “Green Health and Wellness Hometown.”
3. Yuanmou (元谋) Ancient Culture Exploration Tour
Itinerary:
Yuanmou County Red Army Long March Memorial (元谋红军长征纪念馆)—Langba Pu Earth Forest (浪坝普地貌)—Phoenix Lake Park (凤凰湖公园)
Tour Description:
This route offers a chance to enjoy canyon views at the majestic and serene Jinsha Lake (金沙湖), revisit the glorious past at the Jinsha River Long Street Ferry (金沙江长街渡口), and spend enjoyable study time in the peaceful surroundings.
4. Yuanmou (元谋) Fruit Picking & Mass Tourism Experience Tour
Itinerary:
Yuanmou Pingtian Township (元谋平田镇) (Strawberry, Navel Orange, Kumquat Picking)—Gantang Immigrant New Village (甘塘移民新村) (Traditional Rice Cake Making, Long Street Feast, Lisu Welcoming Ceremony)—Yuanmou City (元谋市) (Golden Horse Square, Yuanmou Cold Chicken, Specialty BBQ, Cold Drinks)—Yuanmou Grand Hotel (元谋大酒店)
Tour Description:
This route allows visitors to enjoy fresh fruits, beautiful landscapes, and a variety of activities, ensuring a journey filled with happiness and wonderful memories.
5. Longteng Lufeng (禄丰) Yi Ethnic New Year Hot Springs Winter Tour
Itinerary:
Kunming (昆明) (Chu Xiong (楚雄))—Lufeng World Dinosaur Valley (禄丰世界恐龙谷), Lufeng World Dinosaur Valley Hot Springs Hotel (禄丰世界恐龙谷温泉酒店), Qi Long Bay Hot Springs (启龙湾温泉)—Tu Guan Cave Hot Springs (图关洞温泉)—Caiyun Bamboo Creek (彩云竹溪)—Da Wo Fluorine Hot Springs (大窝氟泉)—Lufeng City (禄丰市) Jinshan Ancient Town (金山古镇)—Starry Park (星空公园)—Shizengzi Lufeng Strontium Hot Springs (狮子山禄丰钛泉)—He Ping Dian Zhong Fishing Platform (和平电中垂钓平台)—Bi Cheng Luo Ci Hot Springs (碧程罗池温泉)—Kunming (昆明) (Chu Xiong (楚雄))
Tour Description:
Lufeng (禄丰), located in central Yunnan, is a key transit point from Kunming (昆明) to the west. Famous for being the “Hometown of Dinosaurs,” this city is a must-visit for dinosaur lovers. With its high-quality calcium carbonate and strontium hot springs, visitors can enjoy therapeutic hot spring treatments and wellness experiences.
6. Yao’an (姚安) Warm Winter Wellness Tourism Route
Itinerary:
Lingfeng Jiyue Valley (灵峰吉月谷)—Yao’an County Museum (姚安县博物馆)—Yao’an County Cultural Center (姚安县文化中心)—Long March National Cultural Park Yao’an Memorial (长征国家文化公园姚安纪念馆)—Flower Manor Rose Garden (花卉庄园玫瑰花园)—Guanglu Ancient Town (光禄古镇)—Yao’an Military and Civilian General Office (姚安县军民指挥部)—National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit Longhua Temple (长华寺)—Yao Xiaohua Scenic Spot (姚小华景区)—Yao’an Orchard (姚安果园)
Tour Description:
This route integrates agricultural, historical, and red cultural experiences, combining beautiful countryside aesthetics with a wellness retreat. It offers activities like flower picking, experiencing traditional Yi (彝族) and Bai (白族) cultures, and visiting historical sites such as the Longhua Temple (长华寺) and Guanglu Ancient Town (光禄古镇).
7. Nanhua County (南华) Leisure Entertainment Tour
Itinerary:
De Mao Manor (德茂庄园) (Hot Spring)—Tianyuan Muge Farm (天源木格农场) (Strawberry Picking)—Xingyang Garden Hotel (兴阳花园酒店) (Tea Brewing)—Nanhua Zhishan Yi Embroidery Museum (南华智山彝族刺绣博物馆) (Intangible Cultural Heritage Study)—Qiu Ye Tian Rice Field Ideal Study Base (秋野田稻田理想学习基地) (Music Sharing Session)
Tour Description:
This route allows you to enjoy music concerts while engaging in intangible heritage studies, picking fresh strawberries, relaxing in hot springs, and brewing tea over a stove, all while celebrating the Yi Ethnic New Year.
8. Nanhua County (南华) Ethnic Culture and Intangible Heritage Experience Tour
Itinerary:
Mi Yi Lu Cultural Valley (米易路文化谷) (Door-Locking Wine, Yi Ethnic Cultural Experience)—Yi Tu E·Two Flags Sea Camping (彝图E·两旗海露营) (Lamb Stew, Left Foot Dance)—Aya Lu Garden Farm (阿雅路花园农场) (White Clan Pork Feast, Bai Culture Experience)—Nanhua Zhishan Yi Embroidery Museum (南华智山彝族刺绣博物馆) (Intangible Cultural Heritage Study)—Qiu Ye Tian Rice Field Ideal Study Base (秋野田稻田理想学习基地) (Music Sharing Session)
Tour Description:
This route focuses on experiencing Yi and Bai (白族) traditional culture, Yi embroidery, and intangible heritage. Tourists can taste traditional Yi wine, learn the Left Foot Dance, try Bai Clan Pork Feast, and enjoy music while immersing in the rice and embroidery culture.
9. Yongren County (永仁) Intangible Cultural Heritage Eco Tour
Itinerary:
Yongren County Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Center (永仁县非物质文化遗产展示中心)—Yongren County Yi Embroidery Street (永仁县彝族刺绣街)—Yongren County Ju Que Ethnic Craft Factory (永仁县聚鹤民族工艺厂)—Yongren Fangshan Scenic Area (永仁方山景区)
Tour Description:
This route presents the unique intangible cultural heritage of Yongren County (永仁县). Explore the Yi (彝族) embroidery street, learn traditional craftsmanship at the Ju Que Craft Factory, and experience the stunning natural beauty of Fangshan Scenic Area (方山景区).
10. Yongren County (永仁) Agricultural and Rural Life Tour
Itinerary:
Yijiu Longtan Scenic Area (一久龙潭景区)—Yijiu A Tuo Suo Ju Xin Ke Tu (一久阿托索居心客图)—Yongren Grand Bridge (永仁大桥)—Yijiu Wai Pu La Village (一久外普拉村)—Lotus Pool Sunshine Four Seasons Fruit Picking Garden (荷塘阳光四季果园)—Zhe Lin Mango Orchard (浙林芒果园)
Tour Description:
This route offers a scenic experience with beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, and mango orchards. Visit agricultural and cultural attractions while enjoying seasonal fruit picking and exploring the rural lifestyle.
11. “On the Tip of the Tongue” Wuding (武定) One-Day Tour
Itinerary:
Wuding County Wetland Park (武定湿地公园)—Wulong River Park (乌龙河公园)—Wuding Special Branch Memorial (武定特支纪念馆)—Yi Embroidery Museum (彝族刺绣博物馆)—Lion Mountain Scenic Area (狮子山景区)—Ming Hui Road, Xi City (明慧路，西市)—Luo Wu Yi Village (罗五彝村)
Tour Description:
Explore the natural beauty of Wuding (武定) and its delicious cuisine, including wild chicken hot pot and traditional pork feast. Experience local Yi (彝族) embroidery, listen to traditional folk songs, and learn about local customs.
12. Dayao County (大姚) “Fun Study” Shiyang Ancient Town Study Tour
Itinerary:
Silk Demonstration Garden (丝绸示范园)—Visitor Reception Center (游客接待中心)—Red Culture Theme Park (红色文化主题公园)—Dragon Girl Sheep Grazing Square (龙女羊草广场)—Yan Feng Martyr Memorial Tower (严凤烈士纪念塔)—Red Culture Memorial Hall (红色文化纪念馆)—Hongwen Xuan (弘文轩)—Cloud Town Nostalgia Academy (云乡怀旧学府)—Ancient Town Old Street (古镇老街)—Shiyang Kong Temple (石阳孔庙)—Zhuangyuan Snack Street (状元小吃街)—Zhuangyuan Tower (状元塔)—Salt Culture Museum (盐文化博物馆)—Salt Drying Shed (晒盐棚)
Tour Description:
Shiyang Ancient Town (石阳古镇), known for its salt culture and Confucian traditions, combines cultural, educational, and culinary experiences. This route focuses on hands-on learning and heritage experiences, including making traditional snacks and salt, along with cultural tours to museums and historical landmarks.
This guide includes 12 curated travel routes showcasing the diversity of Yi culture and natural beauty in different counties and scenic spots of Yunnan, offering a variety of experiences from cultural immersion to leisure and wellness activities.
Chinese Version: https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1818763322912218396&wfr=spider&for=pc
