曲靖市

Why this place

Qujing is where the road from Guizhou enters Yunnan, and it has been the eastern gateway to the province since the Tang dynasty. It is known for the Luoping rapeseed fields — vast yellow flower fields every February and March.

What to see

• The Luoping rapeseed terraces, flowering late February to March — one of the largest flower displays in China
• The Jiulong waterfalls and the Luoping karst peaks
• The Cuan culture steles and the old town of Huize

What to eat

• Yunnan cooking; Qujing is known for its 'zhanyi' ham and its spicy chicken
• The local mushroom and wild-vegetable dishes in season

Best time

Late February–March for rapeseed; April–October otherwise