Happy TravellerWelcome to Yuxi, a prefecture-level city located in the central part of Yunnan province in the People’s Republic of China. Yuxi is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists in favor of its more famous neighbors, but it boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious local cuisine that make it a must-visit destination. Let’s explore what Yuxi has to offer.
Geography:
Yuxi is located in the center of Yunnan province, approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) south of Kunming, the provincial capital. The area covers 15,285 square kilometers (5,902 square miles) and has a population of approximately 2.5 million people. The city is part of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and is surrounded by four beautiful lakes, including Fuxian Lake, the second-deepest freshwater lake in China. The Yuxi museum houses ancient fossils that were discovered in Fuxian Lake, making it a popular destination for history buffs.
Climate:
Yuxi has a mild subtropical highland climate (Köppen Cwb) that is tempered by its low latitude and moderate elevation. The winters are short, mild, and dry, while the summers are warm and rainy. Frost may occur in winter, but the days still generally warm up to around 17 °C (63 °F). During summer, a majority of the days feature some rainfall, and daytime temperatures rise to 26 °C (79 °F). A great majority of the years rainfall occurs from June to October.
Transport:
Yuxi is well-connected to other parts of China via the China National Highway 213, G8511 Kunming-Mohan Expressway, Kunming-Yuxi-Hekou railway, and Yuxi-Mohan railway. The city is easily accessible by road, rail, and air, with Kunming Changshui International Airport located just 90 kilometers (56 miles) away.
History:
Yuxi has a rich history that dates back to 960 AD when it was founded during a time when Yunnan was not yet part of China. It was once the core area of Yunnan Province during the Previous Qin Dynasty (period before 221 BC) and became a county of Yizhou Shire in the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD). The following dynasties witnessed the continuous separations and unifications of the area. It was not until 1997 that Yuxi became a prefecture-level city of the People’s Republic of China.
Demography:
31.76% (2003) of Yuxi’s population are non-Han ethnic minorities, making it a diverse and culturally rich city.
Government:
Rao Nanhu is the current mayor of Yuxi City.
People:
The composer of China’s National Anthem, Nie Er, was from Yuxi, making it a city of great cultural significance.
Economy:
Yuxi is home to the Hongta Group, which was named after the Red Pagoda that sits atop a nearby hill. The tobacco grown in Yuxi is of high quality due to the region’s over 2300 hours of sunlight a year, adequate rainfall in the summer, and excellent soil that produces a plethora of other fruits and vegetables. The region has also begun producing wine, which could prove to be quite palatable in the next decade or so. Yuxi is one of the fastest-growing small cities in China and has substantial mineral deposits of tin and phosphate ores, including the Heavenly Triangle of Huaning, Jiangchuan, and Chengjiang.
Education:
Yuxi Normal University is a university located in Yuxi with almost 8000 students. It was founded in 1978 as Yuxi Normal College and was renamed Yuxi Normal University in 2000, with the merging of Yuxi Adult Education Center and Yuxi Normal School.
Subdivisions:
Yuxi is divided into seven districts and one autonomous county.
See also:
Yunnan Institute of Development
Yuxi is a city that is full of surprises and is waiting to be explored. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Yuxi has something for everyone. Come and discover this hidden gem for yourself!
