Jianchuan County Dining

When come to Jianchuan, you can’t miss "Eight Bowls". The “Eight Bowls” used in the weddings or funerals is the concentrated reflection of the traditional cooking culture of Bai People. The old fashioned square table for eight people (carved marble square table) takes eights dishes, known as “Eight Bowls”. The Eight Bowls of Bai People has appropriate collocation of meats and vegetables, fat but not greasy, plain but not light, with rich nutrition. Covering fry, crisp, stewing and boiling, with colorful brightness, extruding vinegar-pepper flavor of the diet of Bai People.

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The first plate, which is a sort of appetizer. It is an amazing plate of what we Westerners might call charcuterie: assorted slices of meats, served with boiled duck eggs. The meats include beef, pork, and liver. They are all simply brilliant: each variety of meat burst with rich, intense meaty flavor, complemented with a dash of exotic spices. 

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The first bowl is pickled Chinese cabbage with fatty pork. This is one of the best dishes I have ever had. It consisted basically of Chinese cabbage and spices pickled in a rich, dark rice vinegar, along with the pork. The flavor is profoundly sour and tart, with a complex bitter undertone. The cabbage alone would have been too intense for most people, but the luscious, fatty pork balance the sourness with rich, salty meat. The flavor is extremely complicated and complex, with a richness that is only found in the most aged Western cheeses.

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The second bowl is a dish of cold rice noodles with boiled egg yolks and wood ear mushrooms. The flavor is delicate, with a hint of white vinegar, the richness of the egg yolks, and the earthy, woody flavor of the mushrooms. I think this dish as a sort of palate cleanser for the pickled pork dish.

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The third bowl is mountain yam in a flavorful broth, topped with — you guessed it — fatty pork. But lest you imagine the pork to have been overwhelming overkill, keep in mind that the Chinese people are the greatest butchers in the world: they know a pig’s body like no one else, topping even the French in using literally every part of a pig’s body for food. So although several dishes involve pork, each dish has its own cut of the pig that is perfectly suited to that dish. The pork in this dish is rich, but not overly organic in flavor, perfectly suiting the thick mouthfeel of the mountain yam.

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The fourth bowl is a dish of local white beans, flavored with chives and mild red peppers. The texture is thick and milky, but the beans are overcooked. In fact, they had a perfect balance of smoothness and crispness. The flavor is warm and full-bodied. The beans themselves have a crisp but earthy element.

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The fifth bowl is full of flavorful river fish, topped with a flour breading. The flavor is very nice: like fresh, crisp river sweetness, with the fuller flavor of the breading, and a mixture of garlic and other spices.

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The sixth bowl is fried pig skin(酥肉). This dish is, without a doubt, the richest, fattiest, most succulent and luxurious dish. But despite what you might imagine, it is not at all greasy or oily. Rather, it is soft and tender.

jianchuan-eight-bowls

The seventh bowl (pork again!) is cubes of pork with a very substantial texture, along with pieces of pork fat. Remember though that every dish has a different cut of pork suited just for that dish. This particular cut of pork is meaty and thick, but still tender. Because of the bright pink-red color of this pork, the meat is partially cured before it is stir-fried. The flavor bore my theory out. Besides preservation, meat is cured to greatly concentrate and intensify the flavor. The bright pork flavor in this dish is extremely concentrated, the very spirit of pig flavor.

jianchuan-eight-bowls

The eighth and final bowl is light, fluffy tofu with wood ear mushrooms and a spicy red chili sauce drizzled on top. The flavor combination of these three ingredients is masterful. The soft, mild tofu and the full-bodied earthiness of the mushrooms are accented by the piquancy of the chili oil. 

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Common Q&A for traveling to Yunnan

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  • icon
    10. Are there any day trip or excursions from Yunnan I shuold consider?
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    Yunnan offers a variety of options for a one-day tour. You can explore the ancient towns of Lijiang and Dali, which are steeped in history and culture. The Stone Forest and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain provide stunning natural scenery. For those interested in local culture, there’s the Pu’er tea culture or coffee tours. The Nujiang Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities. Each destination has its unique charm, making your one-day trip in Yunnan unforgettable.

  • icon
    9. What are the best options for accommodation in Yunnan?
    icon

    Yunnan offers diverse accommodation options across its vast region. In Kunming, downtown areas feature convenient transportation and luxury hotels, while lakeside resorts near Dianchi Lake provide family-friendly stays with scenic views.
    In Dali, seaside B&Bs along Erhai Lake are top choices, with designer hotels in Shuanglang and Caicun offering rooms with star-gazing bathtubs. The ancient town preserves Bai-style guesthouses with traditional courtyard architecture.
    Lijiang’s Shuhe Ancient Town showcases Naxi-style courtyard inns, while Dayan Ancient Town suits nightlife lovers. Luxury resorts at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s base provide floor heating and oxygen supply.
    In Shangri-La, Tibetan-style boutique hotels within Dukezong Ancient Town offer family rooms and oxygen equipment, just steps from the Prayer Wheel.
    Xishuangbanna’s rainforest treehouse hotels blend Dai architectural elements with modern design, featuring private pool villas immersed in tropical flora. Before booking your Yunnan tour, let us know your preferred hotel class (3 star, 4 star, or 5 star) and we can provide a list of hotels for your reference.

  • icon
    8. How do I get to Kunming Yunnan from other parts of China and overseas?
    icon

    Kunming as the capital city of Yunnan Province is well connected to other parts of China by air and train, with regular flights and high-speed trains available from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Singapore, Thailand, the U.S. and other countries. If you have specific travel ideas or transportation preferences, our travel experts are happy to help you arrange the best transportation option for your needs.

  • icon
    7. What is the best time of year to visit Yunnan?
    icon

    Peak Seasons: March-May (spring blooms) & September-November (stunning autumn colors), pleasant climate (15-25°C), ideal for outdoor activities, and vibrant festivals (Water-Splashing Festival, Torch Festival).
    Winter (Dec-Feb): Escape cold in Xishuangbanna (25°C+), witness mirror-like Yuanyang Terraces, enjoy snowscapes at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with off-season discounts.
    Summer (June-Aug): Some rainfall, but Kunming, Dali, and Lugu Lake remain comfortably cool.
    Recommendations: Spring/autumn for photography, festivals for cultural experiences, winter for budget travel.

  • icon
    6. What are the must-see attractions in Yunnan?
    icon

    The must-see attractions in Yunnan can be categorized into three types: Natural Landscape, which includes Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Stone Forest, Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest, and Pudacuo National Park; Historical and Cultural, covering Lijiang Ancient Town, Dali Ancient Town, and Chongsheng Temple Pagodas; and Special Experience, featuring Lugu Lake and Tengchong Volcano and Hot Sea.

  • icon
    5. How long should I spend in Yunnan?
    icon

    The amount of thime you should spend in Yunnan depends on your travel plans and interests. A typical intinerary includes 8 to 12 days to visit the major attractions in Yunnan, but it is possible to spend more time if you want to explore the city and its surrounding areas in more depth.

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    4. Can I Make Changes My Reservation After Booking?
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    Explanation of Itinerary Adjustments:
    Adjustments Before the Tour Begins:
    Prior to the start of the tour, customers can request itinerary adjustments at any time. However, as adjustments may involve rebooking transportation, accommodations, tour guide services, and attraction tickets, customers will be responsible for any associated costs. We will do our best to assist with the adjustments, but we cannot guarantee that all requests will be fully accommodated.

    Adjustments After the Tour Has Begun:
    Once the tour has commenced, any adjustments to the itinerary will need to be negotiated based on the specific circumstances. Since some services may have already been provided and cannot be refunded, customers will still be responsible for any additional costs incurred due to the adjustments, including but not limited to transportation, accommodation, tour guide, and ticket fees. We recommend carefully confirming the itinerary before the tour begins to avoid unnecessary adjustments and costs.
    We are committed to providing you with a satisfying travel experience. If you have any requests for adjustments, please communicate with us promptly, and we will do our best to assist in resolving the issue.

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    3. What Is your Cancellation Policy?
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    Our booking policy is designed to offer you flexibility and peace of mind. Here are the details regarding cancellation:
    Unpaid Bookings: You can cancel your booking at any time before payment without incurring any fees.
    Paid Bookings:
    Cancellation more than 3 months before departure: After deducting a small administrative fee, we will refund the full amount of your payment.
    Cancellation within 3 months of departure: We will refund any amounts that have not yet been incurred.
    We understand that travel plans can change for various reasons, and our policy aims to provide you with the greatest flexibility and protection. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are here to serve you.

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    2. What Payment Methods Do you Accept?
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    No matter which payment method you choose, we will ensure the security and convenience of your transaction. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, and we will provide you with detailed payment guidance.

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    1. How Do I Book A Trip with Your Agency?
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    Customers can easily browse through the attractions and tour itineraries that interest them on our website. If you are interested in a particular tour, please feel free to contact us via the following methods:
    Email: contact@yunnanexploration.com
    WhatsApp: +86-18088242690
    Our professional sales team will provide you with personalized recommendations for attractions and tour itineraries. Once you are satisfied with the tour arrangement, our team will book the entire itinerary for you, including transportation, accommodation, and all relevant services such as attraction tickets, ensuring a worry-free travel experience. We look forward to serving you!

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    Yunnan Tours FAQs – Plan Your Yunnan Tours Worry Free
    icon
    1. How long should I spend in Yunnan?

    The amount of time you should spend in Yunnan depends on your travel plans and interests. A typical itinerary includes 8 to 12 days to visit the major attractions in Yunnan, but it is possible to spend more time if you want to explore the city and its surrounding areas in more depth.

    1. What are the must-see attractions in Yunnan?

    The must-see attractions in Yunnan can be categorized into three types: Natural Landscape, which includes Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Stone Forest, Xishuangbanna Tropical Rain forest, and Pudacuo National Park; Historical and Cultural, covering Lijiang Ancient Town, Dali Ancient Town, and Chongsheng Temple Pagodas; and Special Experience, featuring Lugu Lake and Tengchong Volcano and Hot Sea.

    1. What is Stone Forest?

    A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is known for its unique karst topography. The limestone here has been shaped into a variety of unique peaks, pillars, and shoots over hundreds of millions of years by the erosion and weathering of water and wind, forming a natural labyrinth of stone.

    1. What is the best time of year to visit Yunnan?

    Peak Seasons: March-May (spring blooms) & September-November (stunning autumn colors), pleasant climate (15-25°C), ideal for outdoor activities, and vibrant festivals (Water-Splashing Festival, Torch Festival).

    Winter (Dec-Feb): Escape cold in Xishuangbanna (25°C+), witness mirror-like Yuanyang Terraces, enjoy snowscapes at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with off-season discounts.

    Summer (June-Aug): Some rainfall, but Kunming, Dali, and Lugu Lake remain comfortably cool.

    Recommendations: Spring/autumn for photography, festivals for cultural experiences, winter for budget travel.

    1. How do I get to Kunming Yunnan from other parts of China and overseas?

    Kunming as the capital city of Yunnan Province is well connected to other parts of China by air and train, with regular flights and high-speed trains available from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Singapore, Thailand, the U.S. and other countries. If you have specific travel ideas or transportation preferences, our travel experts are happy to help you arrange the best transportation option for your needs.

    1. What are the best options for accommodation in Yunnan?

    Yunnan offers diverse accommodation options across its vast region. In Kunming, downtown areas feature convenient transportation and luxury hotels, while lakeside resorts near Dianchi Lake provide family-friendly stays with scenic views.

    In Dali, seaside B&Bs along Erhai Lake are top choices, with designer hotels in Shuanglang and Caicun offering rooms with star-gazing bathtubs. The ancient town preserves Bai-style guesthouses with traditional courtyard architecture.

    Lijiang‘s Shuhe Ancient Town showcases Naxi-style courtyard inns, while Dayan Ancient Town suits nightlife lovers. Luxury resorts at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s base provide floor heating and oxygen supply.

    In Shangri-La, Tibetan-style boutique hotels within Dukezong Ancient Town offer family rooms and oxygen equipment, just steps from the Prayer Wheel.

    Xishuangbanna‘s rainforest treehouse hotels blend Dai architectural elements with modern design, featuring private pool villas immersed in tropical flora. Before booking your Yunnan tour, let us know your preferred hotel class (3 star, 4 star, or 5 star) and we can provide a list of hotels for your reference.

    1. What types of cuisine can I expect to try in Yunnan?

    Yunnan cuisine is rich and diverse, and here are some recommendations.

    Kunming

    • Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles: A signature Yunnan dish, Jianxin Garden is a well-known local brand.
    • Steam Pot Chicken: A specialty from Jianshui, cooked in a unique steam pot to retain the tenderness of the chicken.
    • Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: A seasonal dish available during the rainy season, recommended at Jun Gu Restaurant.
    • Tofu Pudding Rice Noodles: A combination of rice noodles and tofu pudding, served with a tangy and spicy flavor.
    • Cracked-Skin Buns: Features a crispy, flaky outer layer and a savory filling.

    Dali

    • Sour and Spicy Fish: Made with fish from Erhai Lake and stewed with sour tamarind, offering a tangy and spicy flavor with a hint of fruity aroma.
    • Rushan Cheese: Best enjoyed grilled and dipped in rose sauce, with a rich dairy flavor and a slightly charred taste.
    • Shengpi (Raw Pork): Thin slices of roasted pork served with a spicy dipping sauce, providing a unique crispy and refreshing texture.

    Lijiang

    • Smoked Pork Rib Hot Pot: A warming dish with savory smoked pork ribs simmered in broth, perfect for cold winter days.
    • Chicken Bean Jelly: A versatile dish that can be enjoyed cold with a tangy and spicy flavor or fried for a crispy texture.
    • Naxi BBQ: Tender and flavorful roasted meats, often seasoned with chili powder.
    • Lijiang Buns: Available in both sweet and savory flavors.

    Shangri-La

    • Butter Tea: A rich and savory drink that helps combat the dryness of the high-altitude climate.
    • Yak Meat Hot Pot: Served with a Tibetan-style broth and accompanied by barley cakes.
    • Tsampa: A traditional Tibetan food made from roasted barley flour mixed with butter tea, convenient and filling.

    Xishuangbanna

    • Dai-Style Spicy Chicken Feet: A tangy and spicy dish with a chewy texture, enhanced by the addition of lemon and bird’s eye chilies.
    • Pineapple Rice: A sweet and fragrant dish made from glutinous rice steamed with pineapple.
    • Lemongrass Grilled Fish: Grilled to perfection over charcoal, infused with the aroma of lemongrass.

    Others

    • Tengchong Rice Noodles: A local specialty, best enjoyed at Da Jiu Jia.
    • Jianshui Grilled Tofu: A must-try at the Ximen Night Market.
    • Buluruda: A unique dessert from Mangshi.
    • Rose Jam Yogurt: Perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
    • Tamarind Juice: A distinctive local beverage.
    1. Are there any day trip or excursions from Yunnan I shuold consider?

    Yunnan offers a variety of options for a one-day tour. You can explore the ancient towns of Lijiang and Dali, which are steeped in history and culture. The Stone Forest and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain provide stunning natural scenery. For those interested in local culture, there’s the Pu’er tea culture or coffee tours. The Nujiang Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities. Each destination has its unique charm, making your one-day trip in Yunnan unforgettable.