Gejiu Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Jiaji Village Pear Valley Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
It turns out that the pear blossom is the one with the 'romantic brain'
Do you know what the flower language of pear blossom is? ——Pure love, waiting, inseparable love. So! Hurry up and bring your 'photo-taking buddy' to Gejiu, Yunnan, to encounter a romantic 'pear blossom rain'! Every March, with the arrival of the spring breeze, this small 18th-tier city suburb in Yunnan has a large area of pear blossoms in full bloom. The peak blooming period is now, so rush before April! Spring is the time to discover all the beauty and romance.
Self-Drive in Yunnan | Off-the-Beaten-Path Red River Flower Chasing Three-Day Tour: Non-stop Viewing of Pear and Cherry Blossoms
Spring in Yunnan is a competition of flowers vying for beauty, and Honghe Prefecture, with its tropical and subtropical climate, boasts the extraordinary pear blossoms and the stunning cherry blossoms that outshine all others.
We spent three days chasing the hidden gem of flower seas in Honghe Prefecture.
Day❶ Chasing a 'Pear Blossom Snow'
In Jiageda Village, Gejiu City, Honghe Prefecture, known as Yunnan's Pear Blossom Valley, the name is well-deserved. In March here, for just over ten days, the hills are blanketed with pear blossoms like snow. Layer upon layer, with no gaps. We happened to witness this scene and were moved by the height of the pear trees, the fullness of the petals, and the long history.
Jiageda Village, situated atop deep mountains, has preserved a quintessence. Nature is eternal, as this proves.
🚙Self-Drive Tips
🛣️Road conditions: Generally good, some mountain roads are narrow.
🅿️Parking: Plenty of free parking lots, and some paid parking lots in good locations.
⛽Fuel/Electricity: You can refuel or charge in Gejiu city before setting out.
🎫Admission: 20 RMB/person during the peak flowering season.
⏳Duration: Plan for half a day to a full day.
🌸Flowering period: Varies each year, usually reaches peak in mid-March.
Day❷ Pear and Cherry Blossoms Continuation Journey
First stop: Shanlin Village Pear Blossoms
If Jiageda Village's pear blossoms are ancient natural treasures, then the pear blossoms of Shanlin Village reveal the neat beauty of new-era ecological agriculture. This place is suitable for aerial photography, where the large-scale pear trees are neatly arranged on the red soil, and during the peak flowering period, the exquisite beauty is like a fine brushwork painting that instantly makes one fall in love with this little-known village.
🚙Self-Drive Tips
🛣️Road conditions: Village by the national road, good conditions.
🅿️Parking: Parking available near the village.
🎫Admission: No admission fee.
⏳Duration: 1–2 hours.
Second stop: Eagle Beak Stone Park
Not long after passing Shanlin Village, you can see a small lake by the main road, which most passersby don't realize is a park. But in March, the lake and park are lit up by the brilliant cherry blossoms, becoming a focal point in the eyes of passersby.
When I first saw Yunnan's late cherry blossoms here, I was amazed at the unparalleled brilliant colors and felt a deeper affection for the little-known Eagle Beak Stone Park.
🚙Self-Drive Tips
🛣️Road conditions: Park by the main road, good conditions.
🅿️Parking: Parking available near the park.
🎫Admission: No admission fee.
⏳Duration: 1–2 hours.
🌸Flowering period: March.
Day❸ Cherry Blossoms Reflecting in Mile
On the third day, we arrived in Mile City, where you don't have to travel far. In the city's Lake Spring Ecological Park, you can see a lush cherry blossom forest. The bright colors boldly cover the blue sky, reflecting the city's prosperity like a tapestry of blooming flowers.
🚙Self-Drive Tips
🛣️Road conditions: City park, good conditions.
🅿️Parking: Parking spaces available along Lake Spring Ecological Park.
🎫Admission: No admission fee.
⏳Duration: About 2 hours.
🌸Flowering period: March.
▶️The above content is summarized based on personal travel experience, please forgive any omissions.
▶️Affected by time, some scenes may change, current conditions prevail.
▶️Address and location information provided by websites, please leave a message for more detailed information.
▶️All the scenic spots traveled by Cai Cai Juan Er and Mr. Dog are accessible by car.
🔸🔹🔸
If you like self-driving tours and prefer the road less traveled, please listen to the stories from Cai Cai Juan Er.
Elegant high-speed service area
Located on the Yunnan Yangji Expressway in the direction of Jijie, the Luqiaochong service area is a newly built high-speed service area. It features upscale and elegant resting places. Travelers resting here are attracted by the lounge designed like a high-end cafe. If you are driving by, you can choose to take a break here.
March! It's really recommended to take a trip to Gejiu
Really! I suggest you visit Gejiu once.
It is said that there is a 'Little Hong Kong' in Yunnan, named Gejiu.
This small city located on the Tropic of Cancer, situated above the Ailao Mountains, on the north bank of the Red River.
It is the old prefecture of the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan, and also the famous 'Tin Capital of the World'.
Some say it is the 'most' suitable city in China for lying flat, very suitable for living.
Some say, having been to many cities in Yunnan, Gejiu may not have the most beautiful scenery or the best climate, but it is my favorite.
Because of the low housing prices, some compare it to Hegang, even coining the slogan 'Hegang in the north, Gejiu in the south'.
🔹Walking through Gejiu is like going back to the 1980s. Old buildings, slow life, soft dialect, colorful clothing, and abundant moisture.
Compared to other major travel cities in Yunnan, Gejiu is quite niche, and therefore retains an original and simple charm.
'Gejiu has not undergone grand urban planning, like an old friend who walked out of an art film, gentle, unassuming, quietly located on the Tropic of Cancer, with mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. You can't imagine that in the remote Honghe Prefecture of Yunnan, there is a city that possesses both beauty and antiquity unless you visit it yourself'
Once, Gejiu was prosperous and lively, the second wealthiest city in Yunnan. Such a past has left it with a charm that is simple on the outside but endlessly fascinating, with a feeling of hidden depth and renown.
🔹Walking through Gejiu, you'll find it somewhat resembles Chongqing, a city truly worthy of the name 'mountain city'.
High and low alleys spread throughout the city, many buildings are built on the slopes, and every corner tells a story, as long as you are good at discovering.
Yi women carrying bamboo baskets selling vegetables, Hani grandmothers peddling sour rice cakes, old high-rises towering close together, clanging cable cars, Jinhu Lake embedded in the city center...
🔹Walking through Gejiu, you will experience a sense of temporal dislocation and then find an indescribable fondness for this city.
At night when the lights are on, the night view of Jinhu Lake is bright and brilliant, and at that moment you suddenly understand why everyone calls it Little Hong Kong.
But unlike Chongqing or Hong Kong, Gejiu is like a forgotten city, very slow and peaceful, with no sign of modern fast-paced life.
/
And every spring, Gejiu's fame grows a little bit more, because of the vast pear blossoms that bloom in the valleys.
Below Gejiu is a village called 'Jiaji Zhai', hidden in the valleys, low-key and secretive, but you can't help but exclaim in admiration when you enter. Thousands of acres of pear blossoms are in full bloom, an unparalleled shock.
Follow our leader, fully appreciate the beauty of the pear orchard, and see the entire Jiaji Zhai Pear Blossom Valley.
Walking through the pear orchard, every step is a view. The gift of sunlight, the falling petals, the stretching valleys, on this piece of land in southeastern Yunnan, everything is just right.
Take many photos, leave many thoughts, take away the happiness, leave the memories.
This March, let's go to Gejiu to see the pear blossoms together~
Show More
Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
【Gejiu, a place that slows you down】
Today, I'm going to take you to a hidden treasure town in Yunnan - Gejiu. Here, it's spring all year round, the house prices are affordable, and the pace of life is slow, making it the perfect choice to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.🏡
📅 Day 1: The blend of nature and history
Yuanyang Terraces: In the early morning, we start our day's journey from here. The greenery of spring, the golden splendor of autumn, each season has its own beauty. Remember to bring your camera to capture the charm of nature.
Jianshui Ancient City: In the afternoon, stroll on the stone roads of the ancient city and feel the accumulation of history. Jianshui Seventeen-hole Bridge, Twin Dragon Bridge, each bridge has its own story.
📅 Day 2: Exploration of art and culture
Mile Dongfengyun: This place is known as the "Provence" of central Yunnan, where art and nature blend perfectly. Every building seems to have walked out of a painting, making people linger.
Bisezhai: Take the Jianshui small train, travel through time, and feel the weight of history. The French-style houses at Bisezhai Station seem to take you back to that romantic era.
📅 Day 3: Quiet and relaxing time
Tuanshan Village: In this off-the-beaten-path ancient town, you can slow down and experience the leisurely life of southern Yunnan. Ancient bridges and buildings, each place reveals the traces of time.
Jinhu: In the evening, come to the side of Jinhu, watch the sunset glow sprinkled on the lake, and enjoy this tranquility.
🚌 Travel Tips: Gejiu is about 200 kilometers away from Kunming. Self-driving or taking the intercity railway are good choices. Departing from Kunming, it takes about 3 hours by car or 130 minutes by train to reach this beautiful town.
🌄 Opening hours: Most attractions are open all day, but it is recommended to set off in the morning to have more time to enjoy the beauty of each place.
🍲 Food recommendation: The snacks in Gejiu are also not to be missed. The roadside rice noodles are affordable and delicious, and are a favorite of locals.
Gejiu, this small town forgotten by time, is waiting for you to discover its story. Here, you can slow down and feel the true meaning of life.🌈
The Grand Mosque of Shadian Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
【Honghe】The largest mosque in Asia is so beautiful!
Before, I heard that the largest mosque in Asia was actually in a small town in Honghe, and I was just curious and wanted to go see it. I didn't expect to find it so beautiful after I went there, and I stayed for an afternoon without wanting to leave.
The location is in Shadian, Honghe, one day away. You can navigate to the Shadian Mosque. It is very close to Jianshui, less than half an hour by car. You can also take a look when you go to Jianshui. It is very convenient to take a taxi from the train station and it only takes more than ten minutes. Personally, I think it's worth a visit.
The mosque has five prayer times every day. It is recommended to go around 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm in the afternoon. There will be sunlight in the main hall in the afternoon, and the light and shadow will be beautiful. The evening light is also good.
Non-Muslims and women are not allowed to enter the main hall. Visiting is only allowed in the outer corridor, and do not wear too revealing clothes. Please wear long sleeves and long clothes as much as possible and respect others' beliefs.
The security guards are very friendly, they can chat with you and even guide you on where to take photos. However, during prayer time, they will ask for silence. Overall, it is a beautiful and exotic mosque worth visiting, and you can also take beautiful photos there.
Laoyinshan Scenic Area Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Gejiu, a Livable Small City in Yunnan: One-Day Tour Guide
Gejiu is known as the 'Little Hong Kong' of Yunnan and once made headlines for its low housing prices. I've always wanted to take the time to visit.
I didn't want to go to crowded cities during the Spring Festival, so I arranged to spend a day here during my trip to Yunnan. It's very close to Jianshui.
I citywalked in Gejiu for a day and felt that the city is indeed very suitable for living.
🚄 Take a D-train to Gejiu Station (Gejiu Station is some distance from the old town of Gejiu. There is a shuttle bus for 10 yuan/person every day according to the train arrival time. Get off and take it right away, don't miss the time, and don't ask me why).
🚶 How to play in the city?
-
🚠 Mid-mountain Cable Car
For just 1 yuan, you can get on the retro cable car. I rode it 3 or 4 times.
The cable car is actually a bus and is very suitable for taking photos.
📍 New Horizon Sales Office (next to it)
-
Old Train Station Barbecue
There are many barbecue places next to the old train station.
The sugar-coated meat skewers are delicious, 1 yuan per skewer, so tasty that you can't stop.
📍 Zhang's Couple Meat Skewers
There's also the special rice milk baba which is very delicious.
-
After eating, walk along the lake to 📍 Zhangzhaidian Dairy Fresh Milk Bar
Have fried yogurt and milk baijiu.
In the afternoon, you can take a boat tour of the lake.
For dinner, find a barbecue restaurant by the lake and eat special snacks.
-
If you have time, you can also go to Laoyin Mountain to see the panorama.
I personally think that Gejiu as a city doesn't need a special trip from a tourist perspective, but if you are on a road trip, you can stop by to experience the charm of the small city.
I heard that many elderly people also like to come here to escape the summer heat.
Gejiu Glass Skywalk Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
A treasure check-in place is Gejiu City Milk Town
Gejiu's famous attractions include Longyuan Water Entertainment Center, Hetian Folk Village, and Datun Sea. Among them, Longyuan Water Entertainment Center is the earliest developed water tourism project in southern Yunnan with a large scale, superior location, and complete facilities, and all facilities are of national first-class level; Hetian Folk Village is only 8 kilometers away from Gejiu city, and it can be reached by car in 15 minutes. It is the closest tourist spot in Gejiu's tourism projects; Datun Sea is located between Datun Town, Gejiu City and Yuguo Shop Town, Mengzi County, with a water surface area of 12,400 square kilometers, a maximum storage capacity of 55.2 million cubic meters, and an average easy water depth of 4.5 meters.
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Gejiu