From misty mountains to fragrant fungi and rainforest adventures, Yunnan is painting a vibrant picture of culture-tourism integration this summer. Cool retreats, mushroom-hunting expeditions, and cross-border trips are drawing visitors from across the globe.
The guide explained the knowledge of wild mushrooms to the children. Image source: Chinanews.com.cn
Sojourning in Serene Coolness
"Puzhehei is a dream—every dusk and dawn, every scent and sensation lingers beyond words." This "love letter" to Puzhehei by American traveler Leah echoed as she returned with her family nearly a year later, settling into the Chinese village for a blissful summer sojourn.
More travelers are shifting from brief stays to "poetic living" in destinations like Lijiang, Shangri-La, and Qujing. Climate data reveals Yunnan’s edge: July averages 21.9°C, with 71 counties rated "comfortable" for humans. Over half the province’s regions are ideal summer escapes.
This climatic advantage fuels real economic gains. By pioneering integrated tourism models—focusing on extended stays, night tourism, and inbound travel—Yunnan hosted 2.803 million long-term visitors in H1 2024, up 45.4% year-on-year.
The Fungus Fever: Unlocking "Mushroom Tourism"
"Come to Yunnan, we’ll gift you a Jianshouqing mushroom"—this playful slogan captures the essence of Yunnan’s mushroom-tourism fusion. As wild fungi flood markets, niche experiences like foraging tours, educational trips, and family excursions have become visitor staples.
"Finding wild mushrooms is like deciphering nature’s code," said Ma Bo, a Beijing traveler who traded city bustle for mountain serenity and mushroom hotpot feasts. Blessed with unique geography, climate, and biodiversity, Yunnan yields diverse wild fungi prized for texture, flavor, and nutrition.
Capitalizing on "the magic of mushrooms," local governments launched foraging maps, fungal festivals, and mushroom-themed stamps, creating a "gourmet-driven tourism" model. B&Bs and restaurants now offer fungi-centric dishes and picking experiences, drawing crowds for photos and tastings. At Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, children engage in mushroom-study sessions. "Our live demonstrations spark curiosity about the fungal world," explained staffer Luo Xi.
In 2024, Yunnan’s edible fungi output hit 1.1941 million tons, valued at ¥47.25 billion, with total industry value exceeding ¥110 billion.
Inbound Boom: Savoring Ethnic Charms
As China’s visa-free "circle of friends" expands, the China-Laos Railway—fast, convenient, comfortable—has become the top choice for cross-border travelers.
American visitor Benjamin, who first toured Yunnan last July, embarked on a Laos journey via the railway this year. "Visa-free clearance is noticeably faster, and more foreigners are onboard," he noted upon returning. From the bustling Mushroom Trading Market at Muxuihua to Dounan Flower Market, Dianchi Lake fishing villages, and vibrant Daguan Zhuanxin Farmers’ Market—every corner captivated him.
Increasingly, Vietnamese travelers enter via Yunnan’s Hekou Port, taking high-speed trains to Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang to admire flowers in Kunming, cycle by Erhai Lake, or gaze upon Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. In H1 2024, Yunnan hosted 2.5103 million overnight international tourists, surging 86% year-on-year.
Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen
Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang
Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong
