The home of the Fuxian Lake—one of China's deepest and clearest freshwater lakes—and the birthplace of renowned musician Nie Er.
Yuxi, located in central Yunnan province, is a city of remarkable contrasts. It is famous as the "Tobacco Capital of China", home to the Hongta Group, one of the world's largest tobacco companies. Yet it also boasts some of the most pristine natural environments in Yunnan.
The crown jewel is Fuxian Lake, Yunnan's deepest lake at 155 meters. Its waters are renowned for exceptional clarity—visibility can reach 8-12 meters. The lake has become a major weekend getaway for Kunming residents, just 80 km away. Archaeological discoveries suggest an ancient city lies submerged beneath its surface.
Yuxi is also the birthplace of Nie Er (1912-1935), the composer of China's national anthem. The city has a deep musical heritage and honors its native son with a music square, a grand concert hall, and the preserved former residence.
The Ailao Mountain range offers spectacular hiking through primeval cloud forests, while Mopan Mountain delivers breathtaking spring blossoms. Yuxi's mild year-round climate and diverse landscapes make it a year-round destination for nature lovers.
Yuxi's history is deeply intertwined with tobacco. In 1956, the Yuxi Cigarette Factory was established, later becoming the Hongta Group. The iconic Red Tower (Hongta) was built in 1958 and has since become the city's symbol. Hongta's success transformed Yuxi from a small county into a prosperous city.
Nie Er, born in Yuxi in 1912, composed the "March of the Volunteers" in 1935, which became China's national anthem. His life was cut tragically short when he drowned in Japan at age 23, but his music left an indelible mark on Chinese history.
The Fuxian Lake area has been inhabited for thousands of years. Archaeological excavations have uncovered bronze artifacts from the Dian Kingdom (279 BC-109 BC). In 2001, underwater surveys discovered what appear to be ancient buildings at the lake bottom, suggesting a settlement was submerged by rising waters.
In recent decades, Yuxi has diversified beyond tobacco, developing tourism, mining, and eco-industries while maintaining its position as Yunnan's wealthiest city per capita.
Yuxi has one of the highest per capita GDPs in Yunnan province, driven primarily by the tobacco industry. The Hongta Group, founded in 1956, remains one of China's most profitable state-owned enterprises, contributing the majority of Yuxi's tax revenue.
Tourism is the fastest-growing sector, centered on Fuxian Lake. The lake's clear waters draw visitors from Kunming and beyond for swimming, boating, cycling, and lakeside dining. The Ailao Mountain and Mopan Mountain nature reserves attract eco-tourists.
Phosphate mining is a significant industry—Yuxi has substantial phosphate rock deposits used in fertilizer production. The city also has a growing flower export industry, leveraging Yunnan's reputation as China's flower basket.
Agriculture remains important, with tobacco as the primary cash crop, supplemented by fruits (cherries, plums, apricots) and vegetables. The mild climate allows for year-round cultivation.
Discover the culinary treasures of Yuxi, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Relax by the crystal waters of Fuxian Lake and explore the surrounding nature.
Conquer Ailao Mountain trails and discover Yuxi's cultural heritage.
Kunming Changshui International Airport - 80 km from Yuxi
30 minutes from Kunming by high-speed rail
No metro
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