This is one of those places where time stops, the place sucks you in, and completely throws away your itinerary. I’ve been to this place many times, and have seen more than a few backpackers breeze in for “just a couple of days”. On my next visit, the same people are still there, working at a cafe, learning kung fu on the hill, or whatever it takes to pass the days, and they have no intention of leaving.

The place is extremely relaxing, and although it has lost a little of it’s laid back vibe as it is transformed more and more to resemble LiJiang, it is still a beautiful place to visit.

Why do people visit? Superficially, because the place is the center of the Bai minority, so it’s people, dress and architecture are unlike any other place in China. The scenery is excellent, and it is close to Kunming. However, what causes people to stay is the great feel of the town that you will not find anywhere else in China, and will have difficulties recapturing it elsewhere in the world.

Everyone should check it out, even if for “a couple of days”.