Third Time in Mile! A Two-Day Travel Guide to This Hidden Gem in Southeastern Yunnan

Folks, this is already my third visit to Mile, the hidden gem of southeastern Yunnan! I'm absolutely smitten with this place! With its eternal spring-like climate, sparse crowds, and affordable prices, the vacation vibes here are unbeatable. Drawing from my three trips, I've compiled this ultra-detailed two-day Mile itinerary to ensure a flawless experience! 2-Day Itinerary (Recommended to arrive the night before) D1 Diverse Urban Exploration Jinping Mountain → Dianxi River Wetland Park → Focheng Shangdu → Qianwang Gate (Honghe Water Town) → Huquan Ecological Park → Mile Dongfengyun → Night Market (Jinxiu Flower Street + Wenchang Street) Tips: • Jinping Mountain: Entrance fee ¥30, one-way shuttle ¥15, round-trip ¥20. Opt for the shuttle up and walk down to enjoy the scenic views. Don't miss the 19.99-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha statue at the summit—it's awe-inspiring! • Dianxi River Wetland Park: Free entry, uncrowded with stunning views. The lush green lawns make perfect photo backdrops with high aesthetic yield. • Focheng Shangdu: Free entry. Head to the second floor for a top-down shot of the dopamine-boosting fruit stalls—vibrant and photogenic. • Qianwang Gate: Free visit. The giant "Mile" characters are super Instagrammable. Inside is Honghe Water Town, a quaint ancient-style area worth exploring. • Huquan Ecological Park: Free entry. With its lakeside beach and palm trees, it feels like a seaside resort. Navigate to the East Gate for direct beach access—palm-lined walkways and black swans await. • Mile Dongfengyun: Entrance ¥80, shuttle ¥20. Afternoon light is ideal for photos at the Kaleidoscope Castle and flower fields. • Night Market: Start at Wenchang Street to admire the historic Wenchang Pavilion, then head to Jinxiu Flower Street for local delicacies. D2 Nature & Ethnic Culture Keyi Village → Taipinghu Forest Park → Departure Tips: • Keyi Village: Entrance ¥40, shuttle ¥20. This Yi ethnic village features yellow houses but is relatively far from downtown. Skip if uninterested. • Taipinghu Forest Park: Entrance ¥80 (includes shuttle), mini-train ¥30. The Rocky Desertification Park (near the shuttle stop) is a must—cacti-covered slopes make fantastic photos. For deeper flower field exploration, take the mini-train or rent shared e-bikes. • Transportation: High-speed trains reach Mile Station in 1 hour from Kunming Station or 0.5 hours from Kunming South Station. Public transit + taxis or self-driving work well for the itinerary.