Culoful Yunnan (Qicai Yunnan) Tourist Shopping Scenic Area in Chenggong District, Kunming
Qicai Yunnan (七彩云南) is located along the Kunming to Shilin Highway, just 12 kilometers from Kunming (昆明). This large comprehensive tourism enterprise, invested by the Noshida Group (诺仕达企业集团), combines tourism, leisure, sightseeing, dining, and shopping, serving as a model retail market in Yunnan (云南).
Historical Significance
The scenic area is historically significant as the place where Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮) set up camp with the Shu army during the Three Kingdoms period. Legend has it that when Zhuge Liang first captured Meng Huo (孟获), a rainbow appeared in the sky, leading him to believe that he needed to capture Meng Huo seven times to truly win the hearts of the local people. This story, known as “Seven Captures of Meng Huo” (七擒孟获), is integral to the origin of Qicai Yunnan. Today, the site where Zhuge Liang camped has become a scenic highlight of Qicai Yunnan.
Location
- Geographical Position: 12 kilometers along the Kunming to Shilin Highway
- Open Hours: Open year-round, Monday to Sunday, from 09:00 to 18:00
- Admission Price: 50 CNY per ticket
- Famous Attraction: Zhuge Liang’s Camp (武候扎营处)
- Cultural Story: Seven Captures of Meng Huo (七擒孟获)
- Country: China
- City: Kunming, Yunnan Province
- Best Visiting Season: All year round
- Recommended Duration: 2-4 hours
Scenic Area Overview
Qicai Yunnan, located along the Kunming to Shilin Highway, is a large tourism enterprise developed by the Noshida Group. It serves as a prominent destination for tour groups from across the country, showcasing the century-old “Qingfengxiang” tea shop and various shopping pavilions featuring silver jewelry, jade products, local specialties, and traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Products are clearly priced, genuine, and come with invoices.
Scenic Beauty
The area encapsulates the breathtaking scenery of Yunnan and its vibrant ethnic culture. Attractions include the shimmering Qicai Fishing Garden (七彩渔缘), a wishing pool, the grand and mysterious Yi (彝族) Solar God Pillar, and Sun Plaza (太阳广场). Visitors can find a wide range of unique Yunnanese products and enjoy dynamic ethnic dance performances. The ethnic buildings nestled among the lush greenery resemble a vivid landscape painting, making Qicai Yunnan a beautiful destination.
Cultural Characteristics
Qicai Yunnan not only emphasizes shopping but also showcases distinct ethnic architectural styles, such as the Dai (傣族) buildings with golden roofs and red tiles, and the Bai (白族) structures featuring wall reflections, creating a unique tourist appeal that highlights the colorful ethnic customs and cultural heritage.
There is also a saying that “Yunnan” means “south of the cloud ridge” and is also known as “Dian” (滇). According to legend, in ancient times, the heavens sprinkled fertile soil in southwestern China, forming endless mountains; a bowl of divine nectar was poured to create the lakes and rivers; and a breath of celestial energy formed the colorful clouds.
Map of the Scenic Area
- Location: Qicai Yunnan, 12 kilometers along Shian Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan Province (云南省昆明市呈贡区石安公路12公里处)
Culinary Highlights
Qicai Yunnan features a variety of local cuisine, including the ancient Dian Kingdom banquet, authentic snacks, various mountain delicacies, and flower cakes, allowing visitors to fully experience the genuine flavors of Yunnan. Internationally renowned dining brand McDonald’s has also made its mark here, ensuring that delicious food is always available.
Ethnic Dance Performances
Qicai Yunnan embodies the colors of ethnicity, nature, and ecology. The vibrant performances of ethnic dances such as the “Bamboo Dance” (竹竿舞) and “Left Foot Dance” (左脚舞) take place daily, inviting guests to explore the enchanting charm of the ancient Dian Kingdom through the rhythm of the local tribes.
Attractions
In addition to the Qicai Yunnan Jade Art Museum (翡翠艺术馆), Chinese Tea Culture Park (中国茶礼文化园), and National Treasure Garden (国家宝藏花园), there are many beautiful sights waiting to be discovered at Qicai Yunnan. The phrase “three steps reveal a small scene, five steps reveal a grand view” captures the essence of the endless beauty that awaits visitors. Everything can be found at Qicai Yunnan.
