Yuxi is located in central Yunnan Province, bordering Kunming to the north, Pu'er to the southwest, and Honghe Prefecture to the southeast. Its terrain is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast. It has a subtropical plateau monsoon climate with spring-like weather year-round, an average annual temperature of about 16°C, abundant rainfall, and ample sunshine. The three plateau lakes—Fuxian Lake, Xingyun Lake, and Qilu Lake—are embedded here, providing an excellent ecological environment.
Yuxi has a long history and was formerly called Xinxing Prefecture. From the Warring States period to the Western Han dynasty, it was the core area of the ancient Dian Kingdom, where the famous Lijiashan bronzes were unearthed. In the Yuan dynasty, Xinxing Prefecture was established, and it continued through the Ming and Qing dynasties. In modern times, Yuxi is the hometown of the people's musician Nie Er, who was born here and composed the 'March of the Volunteers'.
Yuxi has a diverse culture, with local operas such as Huadeng Opera and Dian Opera being popular. The cuisine is represented by Yuxi rice noodles, copper pot fish, and sour soup fish, which are sour, spicy, and fresh. Yuxi is an important tobacco production base in Yunnan, with Hongta Mountain cigarettes renowned nationwide. In addition, Yuxi is famous for high-quality fruits such as Chu oranges.
Modern Yuxi has developed into an important industrial city in central Yunnan, with tobacco, mining and metallurgy, and equipment manufacturing as leading industries. At the same time, relying on tourism resources like Fuxian Lake, it vigorously develops health tourism and ecological agriculture. The city has complete infrastructure, convenient expressway and high-speed rail networks, and is moving towards a modern city suitable for living, working, and traveling.
The best time to visit 玉溪 is Suitable all year round, best in spring and autumn.
Spring (March to May): The temperature warms up, flowers bloom, especially the cherry blossoms and rapeseed fields around Fuxian Lake. There are fewer tourists, suitable for outings and flower viewing.
Autumn (September to November): The weather is cool and the sky is blue, making it the best time to visit Fuxian Lake and Ailao Mountain. Autumn is also the season to taste Chu oranges and other fruits.
Summer (June to August): Although rainy, the lakes and mountains become especially fresh after rain. Winter (December to February) is mild and dry, suitable for escaping the cold and vacationing.
During the Warring States period, the Chu general Zhuang Qiao led his army into the Dianchi area and established the ancient Dian Kingdom in the Yuxi region, becoming the first local regime in Yunnan history.
In March 1950, the People's Liberation Army entered Yuxi, and Yuxi was peacefully liberated, followed by the establishment of Yuxi Prefecture.
Recommended places to visit
The deepest plateau freshwater lake in China, with crystal-clear water known as 'glazed expanse'. There is Gushan Island in the lake, accessible by boat. Nearby attractions include Luchong Scenic Area and Bijia Mountain.
A landmark of Yuxi, named after the red ancient pagoda on the hilltop. Offers a panoramic view of Yuxi city. At the foot of the mountain is the Hongta Group industrial tourism area.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Yuxi Huadeng Opera is an important branch of Yunnan Huadeng, integrating folk songs and dances with opera. It features beautiful tunes and vivid performances, and has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Yuxi has no airport; the nearest is Kunming Changshui Airport, about 100 km from Yuxi city. Direct airport buses or high-speed trains are available to Yuxi.
Airport bus about 100 yuan, high-speed train about 50 yuan
Yuxi Station is located in Hongta District, an important stop on the Kunming-Yuxi-Hekou railway. High-speed trains are available to Kunming (about 30 minutes) and Mengzi.
Yuxi to Kunming second-class high-speed train seat about 40 yuan
City buses cover major urban areas and attractions, with fares of 1-2 yuan. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available, with a starting fare of about 8 yuan.
Bus 1-2 yuan, taxi starting fare 8 yuan
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Yuxi rice noodles feature sour soup, topped with minced meat, chives, bean sprouts, etc., sour and spicy. The 'cold rice noodles' are most popular in summer.
Fresh fish from Fuxian Lake stewed in a copper pot, the soup is fresh and the meat tender. The dipping sauce is made with burnt chili, garlic paste, etc., offering a unique flavor.
In 1998, Yuxi was upgraded from a prefecture to a prefecture-level city, governing districts and counties such as Hongta, Jiangchuan, and Tonghai.
Located on Beimen Street in Hongta District, it is the birthplace and childhood home of the people's musician Nie Er. The residence is a civil structure, displaying Nie Er's life story.
A national nature reserve with dense primeval forests, known as a 'natural oxygen bar'. Main attractions include Shimen Gorge, Ancient Tea Horse Road, and Nan'en Waterfall.
Xiushan has a long history and is one of the four famous mountains in Yunnan, known as 'the most beautiful mountain in southern Yunnan'. The mountain is covered with ancient trees and temples, such as Yongjin Temple and Qingliang Terrace.
Sour soup made from pickled vegetables and tomatoes, with fresh fish fillets cooked in it, sour and spicy appetizing. It is a representative home-style dish of Yuxi.
A variety of sugar oranges planted by Chu Shijian in Ailao Mountain, with sweet and juicy flesh, known as 'the most delicious orange in China'.
Made from pickled greens, crispy and sour, can be used as a side dish or cooking ingredient. It is a traditional condiment in Yuxi.