A stunning hidden gem just an hour from Kunming!

Here's a Tonghai travel guide for your reference: Transportation - External Transportation: From Kunming, you can take the high-speed train or bus to Tonghai. High-speed train tickets cost around CNY 46, and bus tickets are about CNY 40. - Internal Transportation: Shared bikes are available within the county seat, making it convenient to travel to places like Qilu Lake. You can also take taxis or ride-hailing services. Attractions - Xiushan Historic and Cultural Park: A national AAAA-level tourist area located in the southern corner of the county seat. Historically a sacred place for Buddhism and Taoism, it is one of the four famous mountains in Yunnan and enjoys the reputation of "the most beautiful mountain in southern Yunnan." It boasts numerous historical sites, ancient trees such as Song Dynasty cypresses, Yuan Dynasty firs, and Ming Dynasty magnolias, as well as many ancient building complexes and couplets, forming a landscape of "a sea of plaques and couplets" and a "forest of steles." Entry fee: CNY 10. - Tonghai Ancient City: With a history of over a thousand years, the ancient city extends in four directions from the Ju Kui Pavilion at its center. Inside the ancient city, bluestone roads, red walls, and green tiles, along with simple streets and ancient courtyards, are well-preserved, filled with historical charm. Take a stroll and experience the ancient city's ambiance. - Qilu Lake: An important water scenic spot in Tonghai County and one of the nine major lakes on the Yunnan Plateau. The lake water is clear, the surface shimmers, and the surrounding area features wetlands, grasslands, and other natural landscapes. It's a great place for birdwatching and leisurely walks. You can also take a sightseeing bus tour around the lake at Nagu Town Xiaohai Park for CNY 25 per person, lasting 2 hours. - Tonghai Confucian Temple: Located at No. 18 Shuncheng Street, Tonghai County, this is a single-structure combined ancient building complex. Originally built in the Yuan Dynasty, it underwent renovations and expansions during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its architectural style blends Ming and Qing characteristics. The temple houses a large number of ancient inscriptions, wood carvings, stone carvings, and other cultural relics, holding high artistic and historical value. - Najia Ying Mosque: Located near No. 16 Wenhua Road, Nagu Town, this mosque was originally built in the Ming Dynasty. Its unique architectural style blends traditional Chinese architecture with Islamic architectural features. The exquisite wood carvings, stone carvings, and colorful paintings inside the temple demonstrate superb craftsmanship. Food Recommendations - Copper Hot Pot: Simmered in rich broth, with a combination of meat and vegetables, it offers a delicious flavor. - Taiji Eel: A Tonghai Mongolian specialty, featuring live eels cooked in a pot, offering a unique taste. - Xingmeng Roasted Duck: Sweet, tender, and uniquely flavorful. - Tonghai Cold Cake: Soft, glutinous, sweet, and a perfect summer treat. - Tonghai Bean Powder Candy: Sweet, crispy, and a famous local specialty. Accommodation Recommendations - Budget-friendly: Tonghai Yongqing Hotel, located on Xiushan West Road, Xiushan Town, offers convenient transportation, affordable prices, and complete facilities. Tonghai Yunshang Yinxiang Theme Hotel, located on Changhong Road, Xiushan Town, offers a pleasant environment and good facilities. - Upscale and Comfortable: Tonghai Tongyin Hotel, built to four-star standards, is located at the north gate of the county seat, right next to the ancient city pedestrian street, making shopping and sightseeing very convenient.