Tour Overview

This 3-day tour through Mile City (弥勒市) combines stunning natural beauty, a dive into local Yi ethnic culture, and an exploration of the region’s burgeoning wine scene. You’ll discover a blend of ancient villages, picturesque parks, spiritual sites, and local delicacies, all set in the scenic Yunnan Province (云南省). It’s an immersive journey perfect for travelers looking to experience the heart and soul of this part of China.

Tour Highlights

• Dongfengyun Scenic Area (东风韵景区): A perfect spot for architectural photography with both modern and traditional structures.
• Yunnan Red Wine Manor (云南红酒庄): Explore the history of wine-making in Yunnan and experience a guided wine tasting.
• Huqian Ecological Park (湖泉生态园): Relax in the hot spring and enjoy various water activities.
• Taiping Lake Park (太平湖公园): A peaceful park with stunning lake views, ideal for a relaxing day out.
• Chengzi Ancient Village (城子古村): A historic village with Ming Dynasty architecture and traditional “earth-roof houses” (土掌房).
• Jinping Mountain Mile Buddha (锦屏山弥勒大佛): A towering 19.99-meter Buddha statue offering panoramic views of Mile City.
• Colorful Cloud Pool (五彩云池): A colorful pool surrounded by lush nature, perfect for photography.
• Keyi Town (可邑小镇): Explore a Yi ethnic village, learn about Yi traditions, and participate in cultural activities.

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Dongfengyun and Wine Culture

Morning: Departure from Kunming

Travel to Mile City (弥勒市):

Option 1 (High-Speed Train): From Kunming South Station (昆明南站), take a high-speed train to Mile (34 minutes, 34 CNY per ticket).
Option 2 (Car): If driving, the trip takes about 2 hours (approximately 180 km).

First stop: Dongfengyun Scenic Area (东风韵景区)

A unique cultural site with a mix of Chinese (中式) and Western (西式) architectural styles.Kaleidoscope Art Area (万花筒艺术区): A visually striking area with colorful, geometric buildings.Fayi Christ Church (法邑基督圣恩教堂): A modern Christian church built in 2018, designed with modern architecture and featuring beautiful stained glass windows. Perfect for a spiritual experience and great photos.

Tips:

The scenic area is free to enter, making it an ideal starting point to explore. Take your time to explore the unique mix of architecture and art installations.

Lunch: Yunnan Red Wine Manor (云南红酒庄)

Location: Located just outside of Mile City, it’s one of the main attractions for wine enthusiasts.
Entrance Fee: 25 CNY per person (seniors 60+ enter free). The entrance ticket can be used for discounts on wine purchases (up to 80%).

Experience:
Take a guided tour through the Wine Museum (红酒博物馆), learning about the history and techniques of wine-making in Yunnan.
Visit the Underground Wine Cellar (地下酒窖) to explore the wine aging process.
Don’t miss the Tasting Area (品酒区) where you can sample different wines, particularly the local Yunnan Red (云南红).
Fun Fact: Yunnan’s altitude and climate make it ideal for wine production, offering a distinct flavor profile unique to the region.

Afternoon: Huqian Ecological Park (湖泉生态园)

What to Do:

Explore the Half-Mountain Hot Spring (半山温泉) or relax at the Huqian Hot Spring Water World (温泉水世界).
Huqian Hot Spring: Famous for its high-end spa treatments and beautifully designed pool areas.
The water slides and themed pools (e.g., Fish Therapy Pool (鱼疗池)) are fun and relaxing options for families.
Ticket Fees: Hot spring access costs 170 CNY per person.
Enjoy a quiet walk through the ecological park or visit the nearby restaurant for a meal with a view.

Day 2: Discover Taiping Lake & Ancient Villages

Morning: Taiping Lake Park (太平湖公园)

Ticket: Around 30 CNY (purchase in advance online).

What to Do:

The lake’s peaceful waters are perfect for a leisurely walk along the trails.
The park is known for its pristine beauty, especially in the early morning when the mist settles over the water.
Great for photography—capture the shimmering reflections on the water and the surrounding landscapes.

Tip: The best time to visit is early morning when the light is soft and the crowds are minimal.

Lunch: Chengzi Ancient Village (城子古村)

Ticket Fees: 20 CNY for the village, and a 10 CNY parking fee.

Explore the Village:

History: The village dates back to the Ming Dynasty (明代) and still maintains its traditional earth-roof houses (土掌房).
Climb to the Terrace: From the village, head to a terrace where you’ll get a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and traditional architecture.
Traditional Architecture: Take your time to wander through the maze of narrow lanes and ancient houses, many of which have been well preserved.

Afternoon: Old Town Snack Street (老城区小吃街)

What to Try:

Halal Beef Skewers (清真牛肉串): A local favorite, perfect for a savory snack.
Li Hongying’s Spicy Marinated Chicken Feet (李红英麻辣卤鸡脚): A bold flavor that will give you a taste of authentic Yunnan street food.
Tea Harmony’s Bridge-Under Patis (茶合礼的桥下芭提): A refreshing treat featuring guava (芭乐) and green grapes (青提).
Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the market, which gives you a chance to mingle with locals.

Evening: Jinxiu Flower Street Night Market (锦绣花街夜市)

What to Try:

Grilled Oysters (烤生蚝) and Fried Potatoes (炸洋芋).
Shijian BBQ (石建烧烤): Known for its grilled pork belly (烤五花肉) and small beef skewers (牛肉小串).
The market is packed with vendors offering a variety of local snacks and street food, making it an exciting place to end the day.

Day 3: Mile Buddha and Yi Culture at Keyi Town

Morning: Jinping Mountain Mile Buddha (锦屏山弥勒大佛)

Ticket Fees: 30 CNY for entrance to the area.

What to Do:

Cable Car (观光车): Take the cable car to reach the top of the mountain. The round-trip ticket is 20 CNY.
Visit the Mile Buddha: At 19.99 meters, it’s one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.
Panoramic Views: From the top, enjoy sweeping views of the entire Mile City and surrounding areas.

Lunch: Colorful Cloud Pool (五彩云池)

Free Entrance: The Colorful Cloud Pool is a great place to relax and take photos.

What to Do:

Walk around the pool and enjoy its constantly changing hues.
The nearby Wetland Park (湿地公园) is a perfect spot for slow exploration, offering nature trails and plenty of wildlife sightings.

Afternoon: Keyi Town (可邑小镇)

Experience Yi Ethnic Culture:
Cultural Ceremonies: Participate in a welcoming ceremony (迎宾仪式) and enjoy a traditional firepot dance (跳火盆).
Yi Drinks: Taste homemade Yi liquor (自酿酒) and learn about the customs of the Yi people.
Yi Architecture: Walk around this Yi ethnic town, known for its unique traditional housing and cultural practices.

Evening:

Drive back to Kunming (昆明), marking the end of your adventure in Mile City (弥勒市).

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

Travel Tips

1. Transportation:

High-speed trains are quick and affordable (34 minutes, 34 CNY) between Kunming (昆明) and Mile City (弥勒市).

1. • Taxis are easily available in Mile City (弥勒市) and affordable for short trips.
2. Accommodation:
   • Consider staying at Huqian Hotel (湖泉酒店), which offers convenient access to the nearby hot springs.
3. Footwear:
   • Bring comfortable walking shoes, especially for the exploration of the ancient village (古村) and the Yi ethnic town (可邑小镇).
4. Weather:
   • Yunnan is known for its pleasant climate year-round, but bring a jacket as mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially at higher elevations like Jinping Mountain (锦屏山).

Enjoy your journey through Mile City (弥勒市) and immerse yourself in the local culture and nature!