Sunshine Yi Homeland · Birthplace of Sai Zhuang

Chuxiong Yongren County — China's Sunshine City and the birthplace of the Yi Sai Zhuang Festival. A 2-day-1-night itinerary ascending Fangshan Mountain to feel the cool world, exploring Zhiju Yi Village's Sai Zhuang culture, and strolling through Zhonghe Ancient Town's historic streets. Experience the Yi ethnic charm and ecological beauty at the Yunnan-Sichuan border.

300 Days/Year

Sunshine Hours

Yi Sai Zhuang Festival

World's Oldest Runway

Zhuge Liang

Southern Campaign Camp

Yunnan-Sichuan Gateway

Strategic Passage

Yongren County Fangshan Scenery & Yi Sai Zhuang Festival

Fangshan forest landscape and Yi traditional costume display

Yongren County 2 Days 1 Night Sunshine Cultural Tour

Cool world + Sai Zhuang culture + ancient town exploration, feel the unique charm of the Yi homeland at the Yunnan-Sichuan border

                    
Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                    
Main Destinations
Fangshan Mountain, Zhiju Yi Village, Zhonghe Ancient Town, Zhuge Camp Ruins

                    
Suitable For
Culture Enthusiasts, Nature Explorers, Photographers, Folk Experience Seekers

                    
Per Capita Budget
¥350 - ¥650

Nature & Culture Exploration

Cool World

Itinerary Highlights

Ascend Fangshan Mountain in the morning, explore Yi village in the afternoon.

Attractions

Fangshan Mountain

A provincial-level scenic area at 2,377 meters above sea level with 70% forest coverage, known as the "Cool World". It includes Zhuge Camp, Wangjiang Ridge, and Jingde Temple, the campsite of Zhuge Liang's southern campaign.

Zhiju Yi Village

The birthplace of the Yi Sai Zhuang Festival, preserving intact Yi dwellings and traditional lifestyle. It includes a Sai Zhuang cultural exhibition hall and intangible cultural heritage workshops, where visitors can experience Yi costume making and song and dance performances.

Zhuge Camp Ruins

The campsite of Zhuge Liang's southern campaign during the Three Kingdoms period. Existing ruins include the camp perimeter and horse watering pool, showcasing the history and military culture of Zhuge Liang's southern expedition.

Practical Information

Travel Tips

Pack extra clothing for mountain temperature differences
Respect Yi ethnic customs
Wear anti-slip shoes for hiking

Accommodation Recommendations

Fangshan Forest Cabin
Yi Village Homestay
Boutique Hotel in County Town

History & Culture Experience

Ancient Town Charm

Itinerary Highlights

Stroll through Zhonghe Ancient Town in the morning, experience Sai Zhuang culture in the afternoon.

Attractions

Zhonghe Ancient Town

A provincial-level historical and cultural town, an important post station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, preserving Ming and Qing Dynasty stone streets, horse inns, and traditional dwellings, known as the "Yunnan-Sichuan Keystone".

Xia Family Courtyard

A Qing Dynasty residential complex with a three-courtyard layout, featuring exquisite wood and stone carvings, showcasing central Yunnan's traditional architectural art and merchant culture.

Yongren Sai Zhuang Cultural Square

A Yi Sai Zhuang cultural exhibition center, featuring a Sai Zhuang Museum, runway show venue, and costume experience area, with daily Yi costume fashion shows.

Practical Information

Special Experiences

Yi costume wearing experience
Ancient town horse caravan culture experience
Sunshine ecology photography

Return Trip Suggestions

Reserve time for local specialty shopping
Yongren truffle souvenirs
Yi ethnic embroidery handicrafts

Must-Try Foods in Yongren County

Yongren Truffle

A National Geographical Indication product, superior quality with rich aroma, known as the "Black Diamond of the Kitchen", protected under the National Agricultural Product Geographical Indication registration.

Mutton Soup Pot

A traditional Yi dish — black goat meat slow-cooked with secret spices. The soup is fresh and the meat tender, representing the highest etiquette in Yi hospitality, listed in the Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Registry.

Sunshine Ecological Fruit

Plateau specialty fruits including strawberries, grapes, and pomegranates. High sugar content and excellent quality due to abundant sunshine, earning the reputation of "Sunshine Fruit".

Yongren County Travel Tips

Best Seasons