Founded in 960 AD before Yunnan province was even part of China, Yuxi has sometimes been called "one of the fastest growing small cities in China." Yuxi is "small", which is a rare adjective used to describe any city in China, the population is mainly composed of ethinic minorities which give the place a unique cultural flavor. Although little known to foreign travellers, Yuxi is nice, scenic surprise with rolling hills, the lake and lush nature. One little fun fact is that the composer of China's National Anthem, Nie Er, came from Yuxi.

Smokers will be happy to know that Yuxi is the home of the Hongta cigarette company, named in honor of the Red Pagoda that is perched on a hill overlooking the city. During the Cultural Revolution the color of the pagoda was changed from white to red. The area is ideal for growing quality tobacco due to the 2,300 hours of sunlight a year, fertile soil, and sufficient rain during the summer months. In addition to tobacco, this region also grows of vast amounts of fruit and vegetables and most recently, wine.

Close to the city of Yuxi is Fuxian Lake, famous for being the second-deepest lake in China. The Yuxi Museum has a display of fossils discovered in the lake that is worth checking out.

Also worth mentioning is the lovely Fin du Monde Cafe on Small Temple Street Xiao Miao Jie, which is a good place to get advice about what is happening in the area. The owners speak English and it's generally a useful hub of information.

History

Fossil evidence discovered in the nearby Fuxian Lake provides proof that life existed in Yuxi long, long ago. Yuxi was founded in 960 AD before Yunnan province was part of China. 

The traditional folk festival of Han in Yuxi used to be a religious procession in New Year. It is held annually from January 1st to 25th by Chinese lunar calendar. The festival, also called Rice Noodle Festival or Lamp Festival, gets its name due to the traditional activities of eating rice noodle, performing traditional opera with lamps as props on that day. The superstitious customs no longer exist, but the tradition of hosting daughter and son-in-laws along with relatives and friends for dinner and rice noodle has been passed on through the generations. 

The region is fairly quiet when it comes to the history books - not having been involved in noteable politcs, wars or conflicts. Perhaps the most exciting incident that occured here was the with pagada being painted red during the Cultural Revolution.

Many ethnic minorities live in the region carrying on their own traditions while farming in this small, agricultural city.

Climate

Yuxi gets lots of sun and has a pleasant, mild climate: neither hot in summer nor cold in winter. It feels a bit like spring all year around since the Tropic of Cancer crosses the region. The average temperature is between 16 to 24 °C.

There are not many options in Yuxi but there are a couple of accommodations that are comfortable and clean. The Hongta Hotel and Xinxing Tobacco Hotel are two of the town's long-standing options and are usually the highest recommended by travelers. You should not pay more than 250 RMB for any room in either of these hotels and it's a good idea to check them out before agreeing to stay the night.

The cuisine of Yuxi is unusual and most of the time quite delicious. Several markets around town sell fresh fruits and vegetables which grow in abundance throughout Yunnan. 

Wild plants, mushrooms and even insects are frequently found in Yuxi's food adding color, flavor and sometimes, unfamiliar textures to dishes. Restaurants and street carts selling barbequed meats are scattered throughout town and a favorite among locals.

Hot pot is another favorite, although does not sound so appealing during hot summer months. A favorite street snack is a hack of sugar cane that can be chewed or made into a sweet drink. Most of the restaurants in town are casual and inexpensive but 39 Degree Bar is a great option for a higher-end meal.

Around Yuxi

Rent a bike for around 10 RMB per day or take a taxi to locations around town (usually no more than 5 RMB if you're going and coming from a location within town). For accurate bus schedules (which will all be in Chinese) call: Yuxi Central Bus Station: (0877) 202 2807 Yuxi West Bus Station: (0877) 202 6592

To and from Yuxi

Train 

There's a train from Kunming to Yuxi (N990) that departs at 6:00 p.m. every day and arrives in Yuxi at 8:00 p.m. A train from Yuxi departs at 8:00 a.m. daily traveling to Kunming arriving at 10:15 a.m. 

Bus

The Yuxi Central Bus Station offers long-distance bus rides but locations and schedules change frequently. Call (0877) 202 2807 for an accurate schedule.

Silver is the most popular souvenir Yuxi travelers purchase while wandering the town's streets. There are some upscale shops near the Confucius Temple and a host of stores among the bars on Beijing Lu.

Bars & Clubs

Although few Westerners travel through Yuxi, there are a few attractive joints in town worth checking out. Beijing Lu has many different bars, pubs and one discotheque open until the wee hours of the night. Most of these drinking joints in Yuxi are laid-back but the 39 Degree Bar offers locals and travelers a more sophisticated atmosphere.

Performing Arts

Most performances in Yuxi take place during the holidays or festivals specific to the area.

Museums & Galleries

 The Yuxi Museum has a collection of ancient fossils that have been found in nearby Fuxian Lake. They also have a decent collection of bronzes and pottery on display here. 

Festivals & Events 

The Traditional Folk Festival of Yuxi takes place annually from Jan 1-25 (according to the lunar calendar). The town is lit up with red lanterns and festivities and games all day long. Operatic performances are held nightly as the townspeople eat rice noodles, the traditional meal of the minority groups in this region.