Admire Scenery, Enjoy Wild Mushrooms in Yunnan

Captivated by the mystique of "Colorful Yunnan," a land naturally evokes a sense of longing and wonder. With mountains gazing upon us, water beckoning us, and winds embracing us, Yunnan's beauty always surpasses our imagination. 

As the saying goes, "Peach blossoms and flowing water exist nowhere but in this world. The marks of clouds and moss form their own passage of time." From snow-capped glaciers, the convergence of three rivers, and the dance of wind, flowers, snow, and moon, to the tropical rainforests, ancient Tea Horse Road, and millennium-old tea plantations, from the picturesque karst landscapes, terraced fields in the clouds, and secluded utopias to the magnificent Wumeng Mountains, alpine meadows, and lake-filled gorges, Yunnan showcases an abundance of beauty. Its perpetual spring-like climate provides a captivating charm, especially during the summer, with its unique allure.

How can we embrace Yunnan's summer? Let us venture into Yunnan, immerse ourselves in its sensory wonders, and gradually unravel the traces of Yunnan's summer.

Yunnan's summer reveals itself in countless manifestations

Jiaozi Snow Mountain

In the hands of the creator, the land of Yunnan adorns itself with the most colorful ripples. Majestic mountains, ever-changing clouds, treacherous fault cliffs, vast alpine meadows, deep canyons, and peculiar karst formations—this magical land intertwines all forms of geographical splendor.

Stunning waterfall in Pudacuo National Park. Source: Shangri-La City Media Center

When the southwest monsoons from the Indian Ocean bring a touch of vitality, the seven climatic zones that grace the Yunnan highlands are greeted with exuberance. Yunnan, the "land of winds," boasts average summer temperatures ranging from 15°C to 26°C.

Alu Ancient Cave

When the seven climatic zones collide with summer, Yunnan's summer reveals not just one face, but a myriad of wonders.

Tropical Botanical Garden at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Xishuangbanna

Here, a sudden snowfall of feather-like snowflakes cannot deter the blooming rhododendrons across the mountains. Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys frolic in the forests, white eared-pheasant emerge from the shrubs at the foot of the mountains, venturing towards the snow line to embrace the summer. The vast Dianchi Lake, adorned with clear sandbars and blossoming lotus flowers, captivates observers with its mystical beauty. As described by the renowned writer Wang Zengqi, the rainy season in Kunming shines brightly and exudes a heartwarming charm. Such is the essence of Yunnan's summer.

"A place of winds" offers a refreshing sensation in summer, where the Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake present a picturesque scene of wind, flowers, snow, and moon, alongside the sea of blooming azaleas and golden rice fields. Lincang enveloped by forests like a utopia, offers a cool and tranquil respite, making it an excellent summer getaway. Strolling through this serene environment provides a delightful experience, immersed in the benefits of natural oxygen.

Boating amidst distant mountains, one can enjoy the fragrance of lotus flowers and revel in spirited water fights. Basking in the warm sunlight near the Tropic of Cancer, one can listen to the melodious hoofbeats along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, savor the rich sweetness of Pu'er tea, and immerse oneself in the aromatic essence of Pu'er coffee. This is the perfect way to experience Yunnan's summer.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

"In Yunnan's summer, winds can be cool." Amidst the continuous landscapes, one can revel in the refreshing breeze, following the footsteps of clouds as they wander through forests, lakes and rivers. Yunnan portrays summer in the most diverse, whimsical, and delightful manner.

Beihai Wetland. Source: Tengchong City Media Center

"The weather remains like the early spring months, with flowers blooming continuously throughout the seasons." Who can resist the allure of a pleasantly cool summer?

In Yunnan, the air is filled with the delectable flavors of cuisine

During this season in Yunnan, the air is filled with the delightful flavors of wild mushrooms.

Wild mushrooms. Photo by Li Tianyong.

Tricholoma matsutake in Shangri-La, truffles in Lijiang, macrolepiota albuminosa in Dali, morels in Nujiang, porcini in Chuxiong, russula virescens in Baoshan, thelephora ganbajun in Kunming—these all thrive and flourish fervently during the summer in Yunnan.

Wild mushrooms. Photo by Linxiafengyun

"The porcini mushroom, named for its resemblance to cow's liver, is delicious no matter how it is cooked. The macrolepiota albuminosa mushroom is hailed as the king of fungi, boasting a rich and intense flavor. There is a wild mushroom named thelephora ganbajun, which may not look appealing at first glance, leading one to doubt its edibility. However, when torn into thin strands resembling crab leg meat and stir-fried with green chili peppers, it will leave you astonished upon tasting it: how can something like this be so incredibly delicious?" This is how Wang Zengqi described these earthly delights.

Morels

Those who visit Yunnan in the summer become mushroom adventurers. Since you have arrived in Yunnan, why not head straight to the wild habitats and indulge in a feast? Try the abundant varieties of mushrooms all at once.

In Yunnan, "one can experience all four seasons in a day, with each meal having a distinct flavor." From fresh mushrooms, unique tea dishes, various flowers, to wild vegetables... Yunnan's most ecological ingredients have the power to treat your stomach. 

In Yunnan, everything can be mixed up with specific seasonings, such as mango, elaeagnus conferta, pounded chicken feet, pounded rice jelly... Strolling through the streets and alleys of the city, you can truly experience the joy on your taste buds.

Yunnan BBQ

On cool summer nights, enjoy a barbecue in Kunming, grilled tofu from Jianshui, roasted chicken feet from Gejiu, Dai-style barbecue, beef skewers from Zhaotong... The unique dipping sauces, a variety of ingredients, and exotic grilling techniques give Yunnan-style barbecue its distinctive character.

Yunnan BBQ

The allure of worldly temptations is best experienced at the dining table. Each dish on the palate represents Yunnan's unique feast.

Yunnan BBQ

This summer, why not venture into the natural culinary market of Yunnan and savor a dish that encompasses the essence of worldly flavors? Let the flavors of Yunnan's sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty cuisine tantalize your taste buds all at once.

Yunnan's summer, a dopamine-releasing celebration

As the magical Tropic of Cancer crosses through, folding both time and latitude, Yunnan boasts its ever-changing appearances where diverse ethnic cultures blend harmoniously.

Bishu Town, Gumo. Fengqing County Media Center

Yunnan, where Yi, Dai, Bai, Naxi, Tibetan, and 25 other ethnic groups have thrived for generations. Among them, 15 ethnic groups are unique to Yunnan. The rich and colorful traditional ethnic festivals are almost held throughout the year.

Chuxiong Torch Festival

This summer, don't miss the vibrant festivities of Yunnan. Experience the passion of the Yi Torch Festival, the mystery of the Hani "Kuzhazha" Festival, the excitement of the Hualian Festival, as well as the lively and fun ethnic festivals like the Lijiang July Gathering, Cibi Lake Lantern Festival, Luguhu Mountain Worship Festival, Nirudengba Festival, and more. The festive atmosphere, with spectacular activities, offers visitors a rich experience that will make your whole summer unforgettable.

Puzhehei Hualian Festival

During the festivals in Yunnan, each ethnic group wears their most beautiful clothes, plays the most distinctive instruments, sings the most melodious songs, and performs the most graceful dances. Accompanied by cheers that resonate and never fade away... During the festivals, they jointly interpret the most beautiful ethnic style of midsummer, and the joy never stops.

Bingdao Lake. Source: Shuangjiang County Media Center 

From east to west, from south to north, beauty can be found everywhere. With diverse ethnic groups and vibrant cultures, when the desired way of life collides with ethnic festivals, every journey will come to a unique destination, and every encounter becomes a dopamine-releasing celebration.

Tea Garden Song. Simao District Media Center

Being in this land with deep historical and cultural significance and natural landscapes, you will marvel at how "every day is a festival in Yunnan"! The warmth and smiling faces of the people in Yunnan represent the most beautiful colors of the festive celebrations during the summer.

Fuxian Lake

Each place and each flavor has its unique beauty, and we share our beauty with one another.

Finest "Dasajin" lotus. Source: Qiubei County Media Center

"When heading towards the clouds, beyond the mountains," every person that encounters Yunnan is bound to experience a way of life. It may be poetic, it may be wild. But it all elicits a yearning within us and allows us to walk forward.

Embrace this summer and come to Yunnan, where your journey will unfold like a captivating book, each page revealing the answer to what it truly means to live the "Yunnan lifestyle."

Click here to view Chinese report

(Editors: Rachel, Christine)

Copyright @Kunming Information Hub 2019. All Rights Reserved. E-mail:inkunmingnews@gmail.com