Qujing

Qujing (曲靖; Qǔjìng) is a prefecture-level city in eastern Yunnan Province, about 130 km northeast of Kunming. It is Yunnan's second-largest city after Kunming and an important industrial and transportation hub. Qujing is best known for the stunning Luoping rape flower fields (罗平油菜花), which blanket the karst landscape in brilliant yellow from February to March each year. The area is also home to the spectacular Duoyi River Scenic Area, a limestone gorge with waterfalls and boat rides. Qujing has a mild subtropical climate year-round, making it pleasant to visit at any time. The rape flower season (February–March) is the peak tourist period.

By Plane

Qujing does not have a major commercial airport. The nearest airport is Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG), 150 km west (2.5 hr by car/bus). Direct flights to Kunming from all over China.

By Train

Qujing Railway Station and Qujing North Railway Station (high-speed) serve the city. High-speed trains from Kunming take about 30–60 minutes (¥50–80). Trains from Shanghai take about 10 hours.

By Car / Road

Qujing is on the G78 Shankun Expressway, 130 km northeast of Kunming (1.5 hr drive). Buses from Kunming's East Bus Station run frequently (¥40–60, 2 hr).

Qujing city is spread out. Taxis are affordable (¥8 flagfall). For Luoping (70 km east), buses run regularly from Qujing Bus Station (¥20–30, 1.5 hr).

• Luoping Rape Flower Fields (罗平油菜花) — Vast hillsides covered in bright yellow rape flowers, stretching across the karst landscape. February–March is peak bloom. The Golden Rooster Peak (金鸡峰) is the best viewpoint. ¥20–50 depending on spot.

• Duoyi River Scenic Area (多依河景区) — A scenic limestone gorge with crystal-clear water, waterfalls, and bamboo raft rides. 8AM–6PM, ¥70. About 40 km south of Luoping.

• Jiulong Waterfall (九龙瀑布群) — A series of ten terraced waterfalls on the Jiulong River. The largest, Shenlong Waterfall, drops 56 m. 8AM–6PM, ¥95. About 20 km north of Luoping.

• Luoping Karst Peaks — Thousands of small, conical karst hills rising from the fields are a defining feature of the landscape.

• Qujing Museum — Covers the history of eastern Yunnan. Tue–Sun 9AM–5PM, free.

• Photograph the rape flower fields — The yellow fields against the karst peaks are one of China's most photographed landscapes.

• Bamboo raft ride on Duoyi River — Float down the crystal-clear river through the gorge. ¥30–60.

• Hike the Jiulong Waterfalls — Walk the boardwalks and stairs alongside the cascading water.

• Climb Golden Rooster Peak — For panoramic views of the Luoping flower fields (20-min climb).

• Crossing-the-bridge noodles (过桥米线) — Yunnan's famous noodle soup. ¥25–50.
• Xuanwei ham — Cured ham from nearby Xuanwei, served steamed or fried. ¥40–80.
• Qujing-style grilled fish — Freshwater fish grilled with local spices. ¥40–60.
• Yunnan wild mushrooms — In season (July–September), local restaurants serve stir-fried wild mushrooms. ¥40–80.

• Pu'er tea — Although not grown here, the tea culture is strong throughout Yunnan.
• Yunnan coffee — The province is known for its arabica coffee.
• Bottled water — tap water is not recommended.

• Budget: Guesthouses in Qujing city (¥80–150) and Luoping (¥100–200).
• Mid-range: Business hotels (¥200–400).
• Upscale: Qujing Grand Hotel (¥400–600).

• Luoping honey — Local rape flower honey, a specialty.
• Yunnan cured ham (Xuanwei ham) — Famous Yunnan ham from the Qujing region.
• Dried mushrooms — Local wild mushrooms, including Yunnan's famous porcini.
• Luoping vegetable oil — Cold-pressed rape seed oil from the region.

• Luoping (1.5 hr east) — Rape flower fields, karst peaks, and waterfalls.
• Kunming (1.5 hr west) — Yunnan's capital with the Stone Forest, Green Lake, and Dianchi Lake.
• Xuanwei (1.5 hr north) — Famous for Xuanwei ham and the Weifeng Mountain scenic area.
• Fuyuan (1 hr south) — Scenic county with grasslands and limestone formations.
• Guizhou Province (2 hr east) — Huangguoshu Waterfall and the Miao and Dong minority regions.