Mile Transportation

Mile City (弥勒市) is one of the most accessible tourism destinations in southern Yunnan. Its high-speed railway station places the city within easy reach of Kunming, while the G80 Guangzhou–Kunming Expressway connects Mile with major destinations across central and southeastern Yunnan.

After arrival, visitors can travel around by railway-station shuttle, urban bus, urban–rural bus, taxi, ride-hailing vehicle, shared electric bicycle or private car. Many important attractions—including Dongfengyun, Huquan Ecological Park and Taiping Lake—are connected by public transport, making it possible to explore Mile without driving.

Mile City Transportation Overview

Mile’s transport system combines high-speed rail, expressways, long-distance buses and an extensive citywide bus network. High-speed rail is the most efficient option for travellers arriving from Kunming, while self-driving is preferable for visitors planning to explore several scattered scenic areas or continue to other parts of Honghe Prefecture.

How to Get to Mile City

By High-Speed Train

High-speed rail is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Mile. The city is served by Mile Railway Station on the Nanning–Kunming high-speed railway corridor, providing connections with Kunming and other cities in Yunnan, Guangxi and the wider national railway network.

Trains from Kunming South Railway Station (昆明南站) usually reach Mile in approximately 30–45 minutes, depending on the service. Selected trains may also depart from or pass through Kunming Railway Station (昆明站).

Travellers coming from outside Yunnan can normally transfer at Kunming South. Some long-distance trains may serve Mile directly, but schedules vary by date.

After arriving at Mile Station, passengers can continue by:

• Railway-station shuttle bus.
• Urban or tourist bus.
• Taxi or ride-hailing vehicle.
• Pre-arranged private transfer.
• Direct bus towards Dongfengyun and the Dongfeng area.

Train passengers should carry the passport or identity document used for booking. Arriving at the station early is advisable during public holidays and summer travel periods.

By Air and High-Speed Train

Mile does not have an operating commercial airport. International and domestic air travellers usually arrive through Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场).

The most practical connection is:

Kunming Airport → Kunming South Railway Station → Mile Railway Station

Travellers with heavy luggage, young children or late-night arrivals can also arrange a private road transfer from Kunming Airport directly to Mile.

Old travel information may mention proposals for a Mile airport. Visitors should not plan around a future airport unless regular passenger flights are officially announced.

By Long-Distance Bus

Long-distance buses connect Mile with Kunming and many cities and counties in Honghe Prefecture. Mile Bus Station is the city’s principal road-passenger hub and also functions as an important transfer point for urban and rural services.

Regional road connections may include:

• Kunming.
• Mengzi.
• Kaiyuan.
• Luxi.
• Shilin.
• Jianshui.
• Gejiu.
• Qiubei and Puzhehei.
• Townships within Mile.

Additional passenger stations or boarding points serve Dongshan, Xi’er and other outlying areas. Rural departures can be less frequent, so confirm the operating timetable locally.

Coach times change according to road conditions and demand. Travellers should avoid relying on old online schedules.

By Car

Mile is approximately 120–140 kilometres from central Kunming, depending on the starting point and chosen route. The main approach follows the G80 Guangzhou–Kunming Expressway, and the journey generally takes around two hours under normal conditions.

Popular self-driving routes include:

• Kunming → Shilin → Mile
• Kunming → Mile → Kaiyuan → Mengzi
• Kunming → Mile → Luxi
• Mile → Kaiyuan → Jianshui
• Mile → Qiubei → Puzhehei
• Mile → Mengzi → Pingbian → Hekou

The expressway is generally straightforward, but access roads to rural villages and high-altitude townships may be narrow and winding.

Foreign visitors who wish to drive in mainland China need a valid Chinese driving licence or an approved temporary Chinese driving permit. A foreign licence or International Driving Permit alone is generally not accepted.

Transfers from Mile Railway Station

Mile Railway Station is outside the central tourism and hotel districts, so onward transport is necessary after arrival.

Several station shuttle and public-bus services link the railway station with central Mile, Huquan Ecological Park, the bus station, Dongfeng and other areas. Route numbers and stops may be adjusted, so travellers should check the station information boards after arrival.

A dedicated connection towards Dongfeng Passenger Station (东风客运站) may stop near Dongfengyun, making it particularly convenient for travellers heading directly to the art village.

Taxis and ride-hailing vehicles are usually available outside the station. During weekends and public holidays, demand may be high, so booking through an authorised platform or arranging a hotel pickup is more reliable.

Getting Around Mile City

Urban Buses

Mile has developed an extensive city and urban–rural public-transport network. Many routes serve scenic areas, hotels, residential districts and transport hubs.

Urban buses are useful for reaching:

• Huquan Ecological Park.
• Huquan Hot-Spring areas.
• Mile Bus Station.
• Honghe Water Town.
• Central commercial districts.
• Dianxi River Wetland Park.
• Railway-station transfer points.

Bus-stop information is generally displayed in Chinese. International visitors should keep the Chinese name of their destination available on a phone or printed card.

Urban–Rural and Scenic-Area Buses

A number of services extend beyond the central districts to Dongfengyun, Taiping Lake, Keyi Town and nearby townships. These routes make Mile unusually convenient for independent travellers who prefer not to hire a car.

However, buses to rural attractions may have longer intervals and earlier final departures than city routes. Always check the return service before entering an attraction.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

Taxis and ride-hailing vehicles are widely used in central Mile. They provide convenient direct transport between Mile Station, hotels, Huquan Ecological Park, Dongfengyun and Jinxiu Mountain.

Vehicle availability may decrease around Keyi Town, Dongshan and remote rural areas. If travelling to an outlying attraction, arrange a return pickup or retain the driver’s contact details.

Shared Electric Bicycles

Shared electric bicycles are common in the urban area and are useful for short trips between hotels, restaurants, Huquan Ecological Park and nearby commercial streets.

A compatible mobile-payment application may be required. Vehicles should be parked only in designated areas, and some scenic zones may restrict their entry.

Shared e-bikes are best treated as a supplement to public transport rather than a means of travelling to distant attractions.

Walking

Central Mile is relatively comfortable for walking. Huquan Ecological Park, nearby hotels, restaurants and hot-spring facilities form one of the city’s most walkable tourism districts.

Dongfengyun, Taiping Lake and Keyi Town are separate destinations and cannot be reached conveniently on foot from central Mile.

Transport to Major Attractions

Dongfengyun Transportation Guide

Dongfengyun is one of Mile’s most visited attractions and is relatively close to Mile Railway Station. Travellers arriving by train can take a bus towards the Dongfeng area, use a taxi or arrange a direct transfer.

Self-driving visitors can follow navigation to the official visitor entrance and parking area. During major holidays, traffic controls may be introduced and visitors may need to transfer to an internal sightseeing vehicle.

Dongfengyun covers a large area with open, exposed spaces. Visitors should not rely entirely on walking if travelling with young children or elderly family members.

Huquan Ecological Park and Hot-Spring District

Huquan Ecological Park is located within the urban area and is surrounded by many of Mile’s principal hotels, restaurants and hot-spring resorts. It can be reached by several public-bus routes, taxi, shared e-bike or on foot from nearby accommodation.

The lakeside is suitable for walking and cycling, although motorised vehicles may be restricted on pedestrian paths. Visitors staying in the Huquan area can explore much of central Mile without hiring a car.

Taiping Lake Forest Town Transportation

Taiping Lake lies outside the central urban area. Public or scenic-area buses may operate between the city and the attraction, but frequency can vary.

Self-driving or hiring a car is more convenient for families and photographers, especially when carrying equipment or planning to stay until late afternoon. Use the official entrance and designated car park rather than stopping along access roads.

Because the landscape is open and large, internal sightseeing transport may be useful. Check the last departure time before beginning a long walk.

Jinxiu Mountain Transportation

Jinxiu Mountain is accessible by public bus, taxi or private vehicle. The scenic area includes mountain roads and walking sections, so visitors should allow more time than the relatively short map distance from central Mile suggests.

Self-driving is convenient, but the driver should be comfortable with bends and changes in elevation. Fog and wet surfaces are possible during the rainy season.

Keyi Town Transportation

Keyi Town is located in a rural mountain area and is known for Axi Yi culture. Urban–rural buses may provide access, while taxis and self-driving vehicles offer greater flexibility.

Visitors using a taxi should arrange a return pickup because ride-hailing vehicles may not always be available in the village. A chartered vehicle is particularly useful when combining Keyi Town with Jinxiu Mountain or another rural destination.

Self-Driving Tours in Mile

Self-driving is the best option for travellers who want to visit several attractions in one day. The city roads are generally manageable, and major attractions normally have designated parking facilities.

A practical urban and art route is:

Mile Railway Station → Dongfengyun Art Village → Huquan Ecological Park → Honghe Water Town

A nature and ethnic-culture route is:

Central Mile → Jinxiu Mountain → Keyi Town → Huquan Hot Springs

A broader regional journey can follow:

Kunming → Shilin → Mile → Kaiyuan → Mengzi → Jianshui

Another popular extension is:

Kunming → Mile → Qiubei → Puzhehei

Drivers should avoid drinking alcohol before driving, particularly when visiting wineries. During the rainy season, watch for standing water, fog and slippery mountain roads.

Electric-vehicle users should charge before visiting distant rural townships and confirm the location and compatibility of charging facilities.

Bicycle Touring

Urban Leisure Cycling

Huquan Ecological Park and Dianxi River Wetland Park are the most suitable areas for relaxed cycling. These routes combine lakeside scenery, landscaped parks and access to nearby cafés and restaurants.

Shared bicycles or e-bikes may be available, although geofenced parking restrictions can apply.

Longer Countryside Rides

Experienced cyclists can ride towards Dongfengyun, vineyard areas or nearby townships. Roads outside the city may have fast-moving traffic, exposed sunshine and long gradients.

Carry sufficient drinking water, use front and rear lights, wear a helmet and avoid riding after dark. Mile’s strong ultraviolet radiation requires sunscreen and protective clothing throughout the year.

Cyclists should not enter expressways, roads closed to non-motorised vehicles or pedestrian-only scenic paths.

Motorcycle Touring

Motorcycle travel provides flexibility for exploring Mile’s countryside, vineyards and mountain villages. Regional roads towards Luxi, Kaiyuan and rural townships offer varied scenery, but riders must prepare for trucks, agricultural vehicles and frequent junctions.

Routes towards Dongshan and other high-altitude areas contain bends, steep gradients and sudden weather changes. Rainy-season riding requires particular care because painted road markings and mountain surfaces can become slippery.

Motorcycles must be legally registered and insured, and the rider must hold the appropriate Chinese motorcycle licence. Overseas licences generally require conversion or an approved temporary Chinese permit.

Motorcycles are subject to local road restrictions and cannot be used to bypass scenic-area traffic controls.

Regional Connections from Mile

Practical Travel Advice

Train tickets should be booked with the same passport used for travel. During weekends, public holidays and summer vacation, high-speed trains and popular hotels may fill quickly.

Bus routes and departure times occasionally change, particularly for rural and scenic-area services. Confirm the final return bus before travelling to Keyi Town, Taiping Lake or Dongshan.

Navigation applications in China generally provide better road and public-transport information than overseas map services. Keeping destination names in Chinese is helpful when communicating with drivers.

Mile’s rainy season normally lasts from May to October. Allow additional road time during heavy rain and avoid driving unfamiliar mountain routes after dark.

Mile Transportation Tips with Yaso Trip

For most international visitors, the easiest journey is to fly to Kunming, transfer to Kunming South Railway Station, and take a high-speed train to Mile Railway Station. Use station buses or a pre-arranged transfer to reach the Huquan hotel district, then combine public transport with walking or shared e-bikes for central attractions. A private car is preferable when visiting Dongfengyun, Taiping Lake, Jinxiu Mountain and Keyi Town in the same journey. Before departure, confirm train schedules, rural bus services, scenic-area traffic controls and seasonal road conditions, especially during public holidays and the summer rainy season.