Located in the center of Yunnan, Qujing city plays a vital role in connecting this province with the rest of China. In ancient times, Qujing was called ‘The Gate To Yunnan’. Surrounded by beautiful Wumeng Mountain and Yangtze, Zhujiang River running across, Qujing is surely nature’s abode. There are many things to do in Qujing. While exploring the caves, waterfall, and parks, Qujing will give your mind and body a uniquely memorable experience to cherish forever.
Let us have a look at the best things to do and tourist spots to check out in Qujing:
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1. Visit Kylin Park
Kylin Park is located in the center of the city. Also being one of the biggest parks of the city, Kylin has many things to offer. There is a separate kids park section with some rides for kids and there are a few adult ride options in the park too. The park has many little shops around it. After having a walk at the park, you can enjoy shopping here.
Kylin Park
Address: Centre of Qilin, Qilin District, Qujing 650011, China
2. Experience the Jiulong Waterfall
Also known as Nine Dragons Waterfalls, the Jiulong Waterfall is a treasure located in Yidule Village near Quiing city. The entire scenery over here looks as if a dragon is passing through the green mountains. This place is beautiful and the view will take your breath away. If you are lucky enough to visit Qujing in September then you can experience the amazing Nine Dragons Waterfalls Festival which is held annually. There is a folk singing session, an exhibition of strange stone and the entire collection of Nine Dragons culture is also displayed here. You should definitely not miss this unique nine waterfall scenario of Qujing city!
Nine Dragons Waterfalls
Address: Jiulong Waterfall, Luoping, Qujing, China
Website: Nine Dragons Waterfalls
3. Tiansheng Cave
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Tiansheng was also known as Xianren Dong and Celestial Being Cave because of its unique aspects of otherworldliness. The Tiansheng Cave opens in three different chambers after running across 1 mile (1.6 km) underneath the ground’s surface.
Legend says when you pass through one of the chambers and strike metal objects, it resonates with certain pitches. Sounds exciting, right? Tiansheng Cave is a unique part of Qujing city. These caves are located around 12 miles (19 km) from Qujing city so you will have to take public transport or a private cab to reach here.
Tiansheng Cave
Address: Fairy Cave, Zhanyi, Qujing, China
4. Colorful Sand Forest
Located in Luilang, the colorful sand forest is a national tourist attraction place in Qujing. The entire sand forest depicts the shape of Y. The textures here are of white, red, gray and yellow in color. Due to the impact of earthquakes and certain changes in ecology, this natural forest was formed around 340 million years ago. In its entirety, it consists of sand posts, sand peaks, and sand screens.
With changes in the season, the sand forest subtly changes into different colors and it gives a variable look altogether. The annual international sand sculpture festival held here attracts artists from all around the world to participate and showcase their creativity. Visiting Qujing will be incomplete without visiting the sand forest.
Colorful Sand Forest
Address: Colorful Sand Forest Scenic Area, Majiezhen, Luliang, Qujing, China
5. A day in Stone Forest
Located in Shilin Yi County, The Stone Forest also known as Shilin is a unique set of limestone formations! The entire area is made of stalagmites and frozen petrified trees, which create an impression of a forest entirely made out of stone. The stone forest is included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a top tourist attraction.
The strange karst stone forms various shapes. Some are shaped like a sword or knife, whereas some of them create a mushroom shape! Stone Forest is a place to explore the natural marvels of nature.
Stone Forest
Address: Stone Forest, Shilin Yi County, Yunnan, China
Website: Stone Forest
6. Take part in the Torch Festival in Kunming
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The world famous Torch Festival is usually held in the months of July and August in Shilin Yi County. Basically, the custom in the Torch Festival is to create a bonfire by placing the torches together. The bonfire usually lasts until the morning. The torch is a symbol of killing the pests and promoting a good harvest for the farmers. Men play the instruments whereas women dance around with rhythmic clapping.
On the first day, there are performances by famous musicians and local artists. There are also various acrobat performances by various artists from around the world. As Kunming is located a bit far from Qujing City (the distance between Qujing and Kunming is 100 miles (160 km)) you will have to take a train from Qujing to Kunming. The trains run frequently throughout the day and it takes around 1 and half hours to reach Kunming from Qujing by train. From downtown Kunming, there are a few options to reach the festival place. One is to take a tourist bus from Eastern Passenger Station in Kunming going towards Stone Forest Scenic Area. Also, you can stay in hotels or guest houses nearby the festival area.
Torch Festival
Address: Torch Festival, Shilin Yi County, Kunming, China
Website: Torch Festival
7. Duoyi River
Located in Luoping County of Yunnan Province the Duoyi River is a beautiful and scenic area. Can you guess how many waterfalls the area has? 40! Yes, there are 40 waterfalls in the area. Huge and tall wooden bamboos are placed on the side of the river.
The most well-known waterfalls in the area are Bantai Waterfalls, Couple Waterfalls, and Longgu Waterfalls. As Luoping County is 78 miles (125 km) from Qujing city, you will have to reach Kunming city from Qujing by train. From Kunming station the bus departs every hour for Luoping. Also, trains run frequently between Kunming and Luoping county.
Duoyi River
Address: South-east of Luoping, Luoping County 655800, China
Beautiful Qujing!
As we have seen, Qujing offers tons of options to spend your leisure time here. The natural waterfalls, scenic gardens and parks, the Stone Forest and the surreal, colorful Sand Forest will uplift your senses. Start making your plans to experience Qujing city today!
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