"China's Fiery City · Romantic Flower Capital" — Chuxiong
Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, established in 1958, is one of only two Yi autonomous prefectures among the 30 ethnic autonomous prefectures in China. Covering an area of 28,400 square kilometers and housing a permanent population of 2.342 million, Chuxiong achieved a GDP of 182.7 billion yuan in 2023, growing by 5.5%, ranking 5th in both Yunnan Province and among China's 30 ethnic autonomous prefectures.
Situated at the geographical heart of Yunnan, Chuxiong is known as the “Gateway to the Province,” the “Throat of Western Yunnan,” and a key corridor linking Sichuan and Yunnan. It serves as a vital hub for transportation, water resources, energy, big data, and logistics. Chuxiong proudly bears four world-class titles: "World Dinosaur Homeland," "Eastern Origin of Humanity," "Global Kingdom of Wild Mushrooms," and "China’s Green Peacock Sanctuary." A city imbued with the fiery passion of its people and the romantic elegance of blooming flowers, it is celebrated as China's Fiery City · Romantic Flower Capital.
Chuxiong’s Ideal Climate
Chuxiong enjoys exceptional weather, with an annual average of 2,414 hours of sunshine. Yongren County, the sunniest in Yunnan Province and the second sunniest in China, boasts 2,836 hours of annual sunlight, earning it the nickname "China's Sunlight City," second only to Lhasa. The prefecture has an annual average temperature of 17.9°C, while Yuanmou County, with an average of 21.6°C, is affectionately called the "Hot Valley." Winters are mild, frost is absent year-round, and abundant sunlight graces the land, making Chuxiong a "city without winter." Its air quality remains excellent 99.9% of the year, with a forest coverage rate of 62.09% and over 2,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter. In 2021, the China Meteorological Administration honored Chuxiong as a "Natural Oxygen Bar."
Picturesque Mountains and Rivers
Chuxiong is a canvas of natural wonders, framed by the Wumeng, Ailao, and Baicao mountain ranges and divided by the Yangtze and Hong Rivers. It is home to awe-inspiring sights such as the Ji-E Great Rift Valley, deemed a "beautiful scar on Earth," the Yuanmou Earth Forest, a global natural wonder, and the "cool paradise" of Yongren Fangshan. Other marvels include Wuding’s Lion Mountain, hailed as the "Top Mountain of Southwest China," the primordial forests of Ailao Mountain, and Baicao Ridge, offering panoramic views. Visitors can marvel at the "Three Pools Waterfall," the "Southwest’s Tallest Waterfall," or experience the "high gorge yielding a tranquil lake" at Jinsha Lake. These stunning landscapes reveal the Earth's timeless transformations and China’s breathtaking natural beauty.
A Culinary Paradise
Chuxiong is a treasure trove of natural resources, offering an unparalleled culinary experience. Known as the “Global Kingdom of Wild Mushrooms,” it boasts delicacies like the renowned "Chuxiong Wild Mushroom Hotpot," one of Yunnan's six signature dishes, recognized among the top 100 rural delicacies at China’s Farmers' Harvest Festival. Nanhua County is celebrated as a national hub for ecological and wild mushroom cuisine. Signature dishes include Heijing Salt-baked Chicken and Yuanmou Cold Chicken with 27 dipping sauces, among Yunnan’s earliest culinary gems. Traditional Yi delicacies such as Chuxiong Lamb Soup, Lufeng Mule Team Meat, Nanhua Thousand-layer Pork, Yuanmou Roasted Piglet, and Wuding Yi-Style Pork preserve the rich heritage of Yi gastronomy. Regional snacks like Yongren Cold Jelly, Mouding Fermented Tofu, Shiyang Pancakes, and Pine Needle Tofu are equally enticing. Pair these delicacies with Bai Bamboo Mountain Tea, Ailao Ancient Tree Tea, or Yi Family Rice Wine, and you’ll savor the essence of Chuxiong’s culinary wonders.
