Puzhehei (普者黑) is a renowned 4A national scenic area that gained widespread recognition after being featured as the third stop in the popular family reality show Where Are We Going, Dad? Nestled in the southeastern limestone region of Yunnan, Puzhehei boasts a stunning landscape characterized by its unique karst topography. It is located approximately 13 kilometers northwest of Qubei County.
The name “Puzhehei” translates to “a pond filled with fish and shrimp” in the Yi language, aptly describing the area’s rich aquatic life. The best way to experience Puzhehei is through boat tours, which offer a unique perspective of its picturesque scenery. The region features a network of 68 lakes, 15 rivers, and over 300 solitary peaks, along with 73 large caves and 120 kilometers of underground rivers.
As you navigate the waters from Xianrendong Village to Luoshuidong Cave, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking 12-kilometer journey surrounded by towering peaks and tranquil waters. The view from afar reveals a landscape dotted with peaks, while closer observations showcase verdant hills rising from the lakes. Notably, Xianren Lake and Lantern Lake are home to 13 small islands that gracefully float on their surfaces.
In midsummer, Puzhehei transforms into a stunning natural wonder as over 3.3 million square meters of white lotus flowers blanket the water, creating an endless sea of blossoms that exemplify the area’s natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to explore its waterways or soak in its tranquil atmosphere, Puzhehei offers a memorable escape into nature.
Travel Information about Puzhehei Scenic Area
Ticket and Opening Hours
Admission Fee: The scenic area is free to enter, but additional fees apply for specific activities within the park.
Opening Hours:
- May to October: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- November to April: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
Summer is the ideal season to visit, particularly from July to August when the lotus flowers are in full bloom. This period showcases beautiful scenery and features the annual Lotus Flower Festival, making the area lively and festive.
Accessing the Scenic Area
Location: Located in Shuanglongying Township, Qubei County, Wenshan Prefecture.
By Air: Wenshan Puzhehei Airport is situated in Yanshan County, approximately 77 kilometers from Qubei County. Visitors can fly to Yanshan and then take a bus to Puzhehei.
By Train: There are high-speed trains from Kunming to Puzhehei, with a travel time of about one hour.
Scenic Rating
- Cultural Value: ★★★
- Local Characteristics: ★★
- Leisure Activities: ★★★★
- Natural Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★★
Highlights of Puzhehei Scenic Area
Xianrendong Village
Xianrendong Village is an ancient settlement nestled against lush green mountains and facing clear waters. Surrounded by Xianren Lake, the village boasts vast stretches of emerald waters reflecting the imposing peaks and rustic houses that characterize its scenic beauty.
The village is known for its simple and hospitable lifestyle, with the Sani people practicing natural religious activities such as the ancient “Sacred Branch Ritual” to establish community rules and norms. This fosters a sense of unity among villagers, who work together to create a harmonious home.
Visitors to Xianrendong Village are always greeted with warm smiles. Regardless of which house you enter, you’ll find villagers eager to serve tea and offer a bamboo water pipe. They take great pride in sharing their local customs and legends, ensuring that every guest leaves with a deeper understanding of their culture.
Lake Cluster
Puzhehei Scenic Area features a cluster of 68 lakes, both large and small, with crystal-clear waters where fish can be easily spotted. From a high vantage point, the lakes resemble a 21-kilometer string of shimmering pearls. During the summer and autumn months, the waters are adorned with thousands of acres of lotus flowers, their green leaves contrasting beautifully with the colorful blooms standing gracefully above the surface. Boating through this picturesque setting, visitors are enveloped in a delightful fragrance that evokes the essence of poetry and painting.
A visit to the scenic area would be incomplete without a boat ride, which could leave one with a lifelong regret. The traditional wooden canoes used by the Yi people, narrow and only about one meter wide, can accommodate just three to five people. As the boat glides swiftly across the lake, it feels like an arrow released from a bow. Deeper into the lake, one is greeted by a vast expanse of water, with lotus leaves clustering together, resembling celestial beings gracefully descending to Earth, dancing gently on the surface in the soft breeze.
Hualian Culture
Hualian culture, also known as “Flower Face” culture, is an ancient and primitive folk tradition of the Yi ethnic group in Qiubei County. It serves as a cultural hallmark for tourism in the Puzhehei Scenic Area. This unique culture has developed over time through the local people’s long-standing agricultural and daily practices, creating a captivating cultural expression.
The practice of painting faces with colorful patterns, known as “Hualian,” is a distinctive tradition among the Yi people of Puzhehei. This custom is employed for various purposes, including driving away evil spirits, exchanging blessings, and expressing affection between men and women. Hualian is also celebrated during the Yi people’s most festive traditional festivals, where vibrant face painting plays a central role in the celebrations, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Yi community.
Isolated Peaks
The Puzhehei Scenic Area boasts over 300 isolated peaks, each standing about 100 meters tall on average, rising dramatically from the surrounding lakes and flat lands. These peaks resemble towers, characterized by their steep cliffs and strikingly elegant profiles. From a distance, the stone peaks appear charming and delicate, creating a picturesque landscape reminiscent of galloping horses, full of dreamy colors.
When boating and gazing at the scenery, you’ll encounter more than 200 stone peaks that soar between 150 to 210 meters in height. Each peak is adorned with lush greenery and exhibits a variety of shapes—some resembling frogs or green lions, while others appear as lovers gazing into each other’s eyes. As you approach these majestic formations, the sheer cliffs and hanging rocks dance in the water’s reflection, resembling dragons and phoenixes in flight.
Cave Group
The Puzhehei Scenic Area features a total of 83 large caves with significant ornamental value, among which the following are open to the public: Moon Cave, Torch Cave, Guanyin Cave, Xianren Cave, Shenyiy Cave, and White Jade Cave. These caves are filled with water, and their formations include exquisite stalactites and stalagmites that are both magnificent and diverse. The mineral deposits within the caves exhibit a stunning array of colors and shapes, creating a spectacular underground landscape.
Notably, caves such as Moon Cave, Torch Cave, Xianren Cave, and Shenyiy Cave are particularly enchanting. They boast spacious chambers that are easy to enter and exit. Inside, clusters of stalactites and bizarre rock formations stand proudly, glimmering with clarity and vibrant colors. This results in a natural subterranean wonderland characterized by “strange rocks, unusual waters, and extraordinary cavities,” making the cave group a must-see attraction for visitors to Puzhehei.
Visitor Guide for Puzhehei Scenic Area
Transportation in Puzhehei
Visitors can explore the Puzhehei Scenic Area via waterways, as the entire tourism navigation route spans 20 kilometers. Travelers can enjoy a unique experience aboard traditional wooden canoes, passed down through generations by the local Yi people. Each boat can accommodate 3 to 6 passengers, allowing for an immersive journey through the stunning landscape. The boat tours typically last between 3 to 5 hours, offering ample time to take in the natural beauty and serene atmosphere of the area.
Accommodation in Puzhehei
When visiting the Puzhehei Scenic Area, there are several accommodation options available. You can choose to stay in Qiu Bei County, or opt for resorts or farm stays within the scenic area. Farm stays are generally more affordable, while resorts tend to have higher rates, especially during holidays when prices may increase.
Xianruju Ethnic Guesthouse (仙入居民族客栈): Located in Xianren Cave Village, this guesthouse offers beautiful views of the lake and mountains right outside your window. It provides a tranquil and serene environment, making it a great choice for relaxation. Their restaurant is highly recommended for its delicious meals.
Jiyue Jingyun Lakeside Homestay (洁月景韵湖景网红民宿): Situated within the Puzhehei Scenic Area, this homestay is known for being featured in popular shows like “Where Are We Going, Dad?” and “Eternal Love.” Guests can enjoy scenic views of the countryside from the hotel, enhancing the overall experience of the beautiful landscape.
Food in Puzhehei
Puzhehei is not only renowned for its stunning natural landscapes but also for its delightful local cuisine. Visitors can savor a variety of unique dishes, including: River Boiled Live Fish (河水煮活鱼), Cured Meat with Red Beans (腊肉煮红豆), Saltwater Shrimp (盐水虾), Lotus Leaf Fried Eggs (荷叶炒鸡蛋), Lotus Seed Porridge (莲子粥), Vegetable Tofu (菜豆腐), Black Medicine Chicken (黑药鸡), and Sanqi Chicken (三七鸡)
At the foot of Qinglong Mountain, there is a famous barbecue street that stretches from Guanyin Cave to Huoba Cave. This vibrant area boasts around fifty to sixty barbecue stalls, offering delicious grilled foods such as grilled fish and shrimp.
Shopping in Puzhehei
Qiubei County is known for its famous local specialties, including: Qiubei Chili (丘北辣椒), Lotus Powder (藕粉), Ni Jiao Wine (腻脚酒), Pink Kidney Beans (粉红腰豆), and Taiyanghun Series Wine (太阳魂系列葡萄酒)
In addition to these, visitors can find ethnic embroidery and handmade crafts. In the county town, you can purchase these specialties at Puzhehei Street. There are also many supermarkets and shops at the entrance of Puzhehei Resort within the scenic area, where local products are available for sale.
Tips for Visiting Puzhehei
Visitors to Puzhehei often participate in the unique activity of “water fighting.” After the fun, you will be completely soaked, so be sure to bring an extra change of clothes.
The karst caves in Puzhehei have complex terrain, so it’s important to prioritize safety while exploring the area.