Qujing Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 曲靖 (qū jìng)
Population: 6,667,400
Area: 28,904 square kilometers (11,160 square miles)
Location: in the east of Yunnan, southwest China
Administrative Division: 3 districts (Qilin, Malong, Zhanyi); 5 counties (Fuyuan, Luoping, Shizong, Luliang, Huize); 1 county-level city (Xuanwei)
Area Code: 0874
Zip Code: 655000
GDP (2019): CNY 263.759 billion (USD 38.231 billion)
Nationalities: Han, Yi, Zhuang, Miao, Hui, Yao, Buyi, Shui

Located in eastern Yunnan Province, Qujing is the headstream where the largest river in South China, the Pearl River initiates. It is bordered by Guizhou and Guangxi to the east. The capital city of the province, Kunming lies about 130 kilometers (81 miles) west to it. Thousands of years ago, the ancestors of Qujing began to cultivate civilization here from the splendid ancient Dian Kingdom culture to the prosperous Silk Road, Cuan culture which was created by Cuan family including rites, poetry, customs, architecture and crafts during their reign in Yunnan, Guizhou and southwestern Sichuan area for more than 400 years since the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 - 420). Perhaps it is the blessing of time, many of the historic sites and ancient towns here have not vanished.

Qujing is also naturally favored. When you want to find the most beautiful color, then go to Luoping to see the endless sea of yellow rapeseed flowers, pay a visit to the Colored Sand Forest in Luliang, or catch the magnificent scenery of greenery and waterfalls in Nine Dragons Waterfalls.

Attractions - Things to Do

Luoping is a small county at the convergence of Yunnan, Guizhou and Guangxi. Flourishing rape flowers in vast rape fields are the most charming scene in Luoping. It is an ever ideal attraction for photographers. Usually, the Rape Flower Tourism Festival is held around February, 21st. Jinji Peak in northeast of Luoping County is recommended as the best perspective to catch the enthralling pictures of the rape flower field. 

 Nine Dragons Waterfalls are consisted of ten tiers of waterfalls in 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long reaches of the Jiulong River with a fall of more than a hundred meters (328 feet) in total. It ranks among the six most beautiful waterfalls in China and is reputed as the most spectacular waterfall group as well. 

 Other Scenic Spots: Duoyi River, Lubuge Mini Three Gorges, Beipanjiang Bridge 

Nine Dragon Waterfall, Luoping County

Colorful Sands Forest, Luliang County

How to Get to Qujing

It is about two hours' drive from Qujing city proper to Kunming. From the Dongju Passenger Transport Bus Station in Dongjiao Road of downtown Kunming, there are buses to Luoping leaving once an hour. Qujing Gaokuai Passenger Transport Bus Station is located in No.65, Jiaotong Road. Passenger Transport Bus Station stands in No1, Jiaotong Road, Qilin Garden (Qilin Huayuan).

The region enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate, and the weather is temperate and pleasurable throughout the year. The average temperature in coldest January and hottest July are respectively 14 and 19 degree centigrade (57.2 and 66.2 degree Fahrenheit). Due to the high altitude, climatic types ranging from the lower subtropic to north temperate all can be found in the city. Thanks to the temperate weather, this place is an all-year-round destination. Notable is that March to October is the period in Yunnan celebrations and festivals of ethnic minorities are densely held, and it is also the pomp season of flowers and fruits. But May to October is the rainy season in Yunnan. Umbrella and warm clothes are the prime priorities.

Water wheel, ancient farming tool

 History: The Five-Chi Road (Wuchidao) in the city was the earliest pass opened during the Qin (221BC-206BC) and Han (206BC-220AD) dynasties to linking the transportation in and around Yunnan. By the western Han Dynasty (206BC-24AD), county has been established in this area. In the following five hundred years after the Western Jin Dynasty (265-316) set up prefecture to administrate the region, Qujing was always the political, economic and cultural center of Yunnan.

 Physical Features: The terrain here is mainly made up of mountains, hills and plain or basins in plateau. Karst landform also has distribution in the city. Its overall terrain declines from northeast to southwest. It has an average altitude of 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). The vertex of the city is the Guniu Stockade (Guniuzhai) in its Huize County.

 Local Highlights: traditional festivals of the local ethnic minorities, such as the Torch Festival, folk song festival 

 Special Local Products: Xuanwei ham, dried beef, edible fungi
 

Fruit vendors from local ethnic groups

Local minority people welcome visitors

 Recommended Tour Itinerary:
Hiking Tours: Information about hiking in Qujing for your reference