Exploring Yunnan’s 5A-Lever Scenic Spot-Puzhehei
Puzhehei, located in Qiubei County within the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province, is a comprehensive tourist area that combines lakes, mountains, caves, rivers, waterfalls, and cultural attractions. As a national AAAA-rated tourist attraction, a national wetland park, and a provincial pilot site for tourism circular economy, Puzhehei attracts many visitors with its unique karst landscapes, summer lotus flower feast, and rich Yi ethnic customs.
Features of the Scenic Area
- Karst Landforms: Puzhehei is renowned for its typical highland karst landforms, featuring solitary peaks, clear streams, mysterious caves, and peculiar rocks. The area includes 312 solitary peaks, 83 caves, 54 interconnected lakes, and 60,000 acres of highland karst wetlands.
- Wild Lotus Flowers: The scenic area boasts 40,000 acres of wild lotus flowers, with the Da Shajin and Xiao Shajin varieties being the most precious.
- Ethnic Customs: The area is home to Zhuang, Miao, and Yi ethnic groups, known for their simple folk customs and rich cultural heritage.
- Pleasant Climate: Puzhehei is located at latitude 24 degrees north, with an altitude of 1458 meters. The average annual temperature ranges from 13℃ to 19.7℃, offering a mild, spring-like climate throughout the year, with humid air suitable for health and leisure vacations.
Main Attractions
- Xihuangba Wetland: Expansive wetland scenery ideal for eco-tourism.
- Swan Lake: A wide lake with beautiful scenery.
- Pucaotang Lake: The concentration area of wild lotus flowers, the best place to view lotus in summer.
- Xianrendong Yi Culture Ecological Village: A place to showcase Yi culture where visitors can experience authentic ethnic customs.
- Xiongshi Wolong (Lion Lying on the Waves): A majestic mountain resembling a lion.
- Qinglong Mountain Viewing Platform: The best viewing spot to overlook the entire scenic area.
- Huoba Cave: A mysterious cave with diverse rock formations inside.
Tourist Activities
- Boating: Row boats on the lakes to enjoy the scenic lake and mountain views and the wild lotus flowers up close.
- Photography: Puzhehei's natural scenery and ethnic customs offer rich subjects for photography enthusiasts.
- Hiking: Explore solitary peaks and caves to experience the wonders of nature.
- Bird Watching: The area is home to various rare bird species, making it an ideal place for bird watchers.
- Experiencing Ethnic Culture: Visit Xianrendong Yi Culture Ecological Village to learn about the local ethnic groups' life and culture.
Transportation Guide
- By Plane: Fly to Kunming Changshui International Airport and then take a bus or car from Kunming to Puzhehei.
- By Train: Trains are available from major cities to Kunming Station or Kunming South Station, and then transfer to Qiubei County.
- By Long-Distance Bus: Long-distance buses are available from Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang to Qiubei County.
- By Car: It takes about 3 hours to drive from Kunming to Puzhehei, following the Kunming-Stone Forest-Qiubei route.
Tips
- Altitude Sickness: Although Puzhehei is at a relatively low altitude, some visitors may still experience altitude sickness. It is advisable to bring necessary medication and pay attention to rest and diet.
- Environmental Protection: Protect the environment by not littering and not damaging the vegetation.
- Time Management: The Puzhehei scenic area is vast and diverse. It is recommended to plan your time wisely to fully explore the various attractions.
Transportation Guide:
By Plane:
To Wenshan Airport: You can fly to Wenshan Airport, then take a shuttle bus or taxi to Puzhehei Scenic Area.
By Train:
High-Speed Rail: You can take the high-speed rail from Kunming or other cities to Puzhehei Station. The Yungui High-Speed Railway has a stop in Qiubei County at Puzhehei Station. The travel time from Kunming South Station to Puzhehei Station is 1 hour and 19 minutes. Puzhehei Station is 20 kilometers from the Puzhehei Scenic Area. From the station exit, take the right-hand side bus stop at the station square. Direct buses to the scenic area cost 5 RMB per person and operate from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Buses to Qiubei County cost 2 RMB per person and operate from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
Avoid Trams: It is advised to avoid trams as they require transferring to a shuttle bus, which can be inconvenient.
By Car:
From Kunming: Drive along the Kunming-Stone Forest Highway to the vicinity of Shilin County, then turn onto the dedicated road from Shilin to Puzhehei. The total distance is approximately 324 kilometers, with an estimated driving time of 3 hours and 50 minutes. Along the way, you can enjoy the unique karst landscape of Yunnan. It is advisable to check road conditions in advance and avoid peak hours and congested sections.
Local Transportation:
Within Qiubei City: You can take Bus No. 8 to reach Puzhehei Scenic Area or take a taxi.
Scenic Area Routes:
Various Tours: The scenic area offers multiple tour routes such as the Puzhehei Lake Loop and the Bailong Lake Loop for visitors to choose from.
Tips:
Avoid Trams: Try to avoid trams as they require transferring to a shuttle bus, which is not very convenient.