Things To Do
in Qujing
Qujing is a prefecture-level city in eastern Yunnan province known for its agricultural landscapes, ethnic diversity, and quieter, less-touristed urban feel. The city sits on a high plateau with rolling hills, rivers, and nearby karst and terraced scenery that attract photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. Local life blends Han Chinese culture with visible influences from Yi and other minority groups, reflected in markets, festivals, and cuisine.
Qujing serves as a practical base for exploring nearby rural attractions such as Luoping rapeseed fields, ancient towns, and waterfalls.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Qujing Ancient Town, where you can stroll through the narrow alleys lined with traditional architecture. Enjoy a local breakfast at a charming street vendor, sampling the famous 'rice noodles' unique to this region. Take time to explore the historical sites, including ancient temples that showcase the rich culture of the area.
After a hearty lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Qujing Museum to delve deeper into the history of the region. Spend some time admiring the exhibits that highlight the unique cultural heritage and local art. As the afternoon sun begins to set, you can enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake nearby, reflecting on the beauty of the surroundings.
In the evening, indulge in a traditional Yunnan cuisine dinner at a highly-rated local restaurant. After dinner, consider joining a cultural performance that showcases local music and dance, providing a perfect end to your day. Spend some time walking through the night market, where you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy local snacks.
Start your day early and travel to the famous Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site located about two hours from Qujing. Marvel at the stunning limestone formations that rise dramatically from the ground, creating a unique and otherworldly landscape. Take a guided tour to learn about the geological history and the local legends associated with this natural wonder.
After exploring the Stone Forest, enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature, soaking in the serene environment. Spend the afternoon hiking through the various trails, where you can encounter unique flora and fauna indigenous to the region. Capture breathtaking photographs of the unusual rock formations and the vibrant natural scenery.
Return to Qujing in the evening and treat yourself to a relaxing dinner at a local eatery. Reflect on your day while enjoying some popular local dishes, such as grilled fish or spicy hot pot. Consider visiting a nearby tea house to experience traditional Chinese tea culture and unwind.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1.50-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $2-6 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.30-0.80 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, less-touristed Yunnan experience and strong local culture
- Access to photogenic rural landscapes (Luoping rapeseed fields, waterfalls)
- Lower costs compared with major Chinese cities
- Good seasonal scenery and diverse local produce
- Limited English signage and services outside main hotels
- Fewer direct flights and longer travel time from major hubs
- Less developed tourism infrastructure compared with Kunming or Dali
- Seasonal attractions (like rapeseed blooms) are time-sensitive
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "对不起 (duìbuqǐ)" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "请问…在哪里? (qǐngwèn... zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is...?
- "多少钱? (duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does it cost?
- "我不吃肉 (wǒ bù chī ròu)" - I don't eat meat
Places to Visit in Qujing
Visit one of these nice places.
Vast yellow canola fields with rolling karst hills—one of the most photogenic landscapes in the prefecture during late February to March.
Small river valleys and local waterfalls offer long-exposure opportunities and lush greenery in the wet season; best in morning or late afternoon light.
Cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and village life are excellent for street and cultural photography—look for local markets and craftsmen.
Public parks with temples, pavilions and lake scenery provide composition variety and local cultural scenes.
Food in Qujing
Qujing Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Yunnan classic — bowls of hot broth served with separate plates of noodles, sliced meat and vegetables to dip and cook; widely available in Qujing’s noodle shops.
Must-Try!
Seasonal wild and cultivated mushrooms stir-fried or stewed with simple seasonings; found in restaurants and markets when in season.
Assorted pickled vegetables and cold preparations used as side dishes; great for sampling at market stalls and family-run eateries.
Comforting breakfast options found in street stalls and small breakfast shops across the city.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early-morning markets where locals buy fresh produce, breakfast noodles, buns and snacks—ideal for trying authentic local breakfast items and farm produce.
Evening street-food clusters near main squares and busier streets offering skewers, pancakes, fried snacks and local sweets; try savory pancakes and grilled skewers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple hello (你好, nǐ hǎo) and thank you (谢谢, xièxiè) are appreciated. Modest behavior and avoiding loud or confrontational conduct are valued.
Showing respect to elders is important—offer seats on public transport and address older people politely.
Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in minority villages or religious settings; be sensitive around ceremonies.
Remove shoes if entering private homes or certain temple areas when requested; follow local customs in religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Qujing
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most local Chinese settings; service charges are rare in small restaurants. In higher-end hotels or for private guides/drivers, a small tip is appreciated but not required.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate urban transactions; many small vendors still accept cash (RMB). Foreign credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and some restaurants but carry cash or a mobile pay solution where possible.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming landscapes—ideal for visiting Luoping rapeseed fields (late Feb–Mar). Expect variable weather with occasional rain; mornings can be cool.
Warm and wetter months with frequent afternoon showers; countryside is very green and lush, but humidity and mosquitoes increase—carry rain gear and insect repellent.
Clear skies and comfortable temperatures make autumn one of the best times for hiking and photography; harvest season provides local food markets with fresh produce.
Mild to cool winters with chilly nights on the plateau; snow is rare at city level but higher nearby hills can be cold—layering is recommended.
Qujing at Night
Hiking in Qujing
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Seasonal hiking and walking paths through terrace and karst scenery—excellent in late winter and spring for panoramic photography of yellow blooms.
Short hikes following river gorges to pools and waterfalls—suitable for half-day trips and nature photography.
Low-impact trails connecting traditional villages, tea farms and farmland—good for cultural encounters and easy day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Qujing by plane.
The nearest major international airport (roughly 2–3 hours by car or train depending on route); offers extensive domestic and international connections—common gateway for visitors to Qujing.
Smaller regional airports exist in Yunnan; many travelers reach Qujing by high-speed rail or road connections from Kunming and nearby cities. Rail is a convenient and comfortable option for inland travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Qujing, forming the bulk of the urban population and many cultural institutions.
The prefecture includes Yi, Miao and other minority communities with distinct traditions, dress and festivals visible in rural areas and markets.
Smaller communities such as Hui (Muslim) live in the region, contributing to culinary and cultural variety.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed at grassroots levels with local amateur teams and school competitions.
Popular in urban areas and schools; informal games are common in parks and public courts.
Common recreational sports enjoyed indoors and in community centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Qujing.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but often limited to vegetable stir-fries, mushroom dishes, tofu and noodle soups without meat; communicate clearly by saying “我不吃肉” (wǒ bù chī ròu, I don't eat meat) and double-check broths which may be meat-based.
More challenging because many broths and sauces use animal products; request vegetable-only dishes and verify that no egg or meat stock is used—bringing a translation card helps.
Halal options exist but are less common; seek out Hui-run eateries or ask locally for halal restaurants; larger nearby cities like Kunming have more halal choices.