Yunnan’s Hidden Gem! Warm Winter in December + Ancient Caravan City + Tens of Thousands of Terraced Fields | Relaxed Travel Guide

Who would have thought! Want to escape the cold and avoid crowds in winter? We’ve discovered this "Mountain-top Caravan Ancient City" in Yunnan! Warm winter at 20°C from December to January, mirror-like terraced fields, old houses blending Chinese and Western styles, and best of all, fewer people, great photo spots, and affordable prices 🤫 Here’s a laid-back travel guide for you to copy👇 🌟Must-visit spots (perfect for photos!) 1. Yisa Caravan Ancient City In the Yi language, it means "water-scarce mountain ridge," but it’s a "grand architectural garden beyond the river"! Horse hoofprints on bluestone roads, old houses with French arches + Chinese courtyards (Yaochu Mansion / Qian Erguan Maze Courtyard), and standing on the East Gate tower overlooking the entire mountain city, you can capture vintage movie vibes in no time 🎬 Photo spots: East Gate tower high point, Yaochu Mansion triangular courtyard, Qian Erguan Courtyard corridor 2. Samaba Tens of Thousands of Terraced Fields Guinness-certified "China’s largest contiguous Hani terraced fields"! Filled with water during the abundant water period in December, morning mist wraps the mirror-like fields, like laying out ten thousand sky mirrors ✨ At sunrise, golden light floods the fields; at dusk, the sea of clouds surges—every casual phone shot is wallpaper-worthy Photo spots: Duoyishu Viewing Platform, Azheke Village field ridges 🗺️2-day 1-night relaxed itinerary (no rush, no detours!) Day 1: Explore the Caravan Ancient City ✅ Morning: Arrive in Honghe County → Visit Yisa Ancient City (East Gate tower → Yaochu Mansion → Qian Erguan Courtyard) ✅ Afternoon: Visit Caravan Museum to see old account books / bronze horse lamp → Shoot sunset over the mountain city from the high point ✅ Evening: Eat cold rolled rice noodles + grilled tofu at East Gate tower night market Day 2: Chase the Sea of Clouds at the Terraced Fields ✅ Early morning: Watch sunrise and sea of clouds at Samaba Terraced Fields (recommend arriving at the viewing platform before 7 AM) ✅ Morning: Stroll along the field ridges → Visit Hani mushroom houses in Azheke Village ✅ Noon: Enjoy Hani Long Street Banquet → Return trip 🚗Transportation tips (worry-free and no pitfalls) - External transport: Kunming → Mengzi Airport (1h) → transfer by bus to Honghe County (1.5h); or drive directly from Kunming in 4h - Internal transport: Taxi from county town to ancient city costs 10 RMB, carpool from ancient city to Samaba Terraced Fields 30 RMB/person (30-minute drive) 🍜Must-try warm winter foods (local secrets!) 1. Cold rolled rice noodles + charcoal-grilled tofu Yisa’s signature combo! The noodles are tender and wrapped in sour-spicy dipping sauce, the grilled tofu is crispy outside and tender inside, paired with a bowl of icy papaya water, spicy enough to sweat but refreshing 🌶️ 2. Hani Long Street Banquet Terraced field fish + red rice cakes + simmered pot wine, sour, spicy, fresh, and fragrant—all wild mountain flavors, about 50 RMB per person to eat until you can barely stand 🍚 3. Local Yellow Cattle Jerky Locally marinated yellow cattle, grilled to a crispy and chewy texture, was the "top-tier ration" for caravan traders back in the day 🥩 💡December travel tips - Temperature around 20°C, wear a light jacket + long sleeves; bring a windbreaker for the misty terraced fields in the early morning - The ancient city has many stone steps, wear comfortable sneakers - All attractions are free or low-cost; Samaba Terraced Fields ticket is 30 RMB (half price with student ID) No need to squeeze into Xishuangbanna this winter! Come to Yisa to enjoy a 20°C warm winter, stroll through the century-old caravan city, chase the sea of clouds over tens of thousands of terraced fields, even the air feels relaxed~ Quickly your lazy travel buddy and go!