Chuxiong is the seat of the Yi Autonomous Prefecture of the same name in Yunnan, a working city with an old town quarter and a river running through it. Visitors generally pass through on the road between Kunming and Dali, and the practical question is where to leave your bag for a night or two.
For a visitor, the useful geography is simple. The commercial streets and bus stations cluster around the centre, the river divides the town, and the Yiren Ancient Town sits at the western edge. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, and what kind of accommodation each one offers.
Best areas to stay in Chuxiong
1. Fēngshèng Xiǎoqū (丰盛小区)
The small-street area north of the river is the most useful base for budget travellers. It is easy to find any kind of accommodation here, and the range runs from expensive hotels on the big streets to dozens of cheap lüguans and binguans in the side streets.
To get there, go to the intersection of Fēngshèng Lù (丰胜路) and Lóngjiāng Lù (龙江路). You will see the larger hotels on those main roads first; walk into the side streets northeast of the intersection for the cheaper places. This is the area to choose if price matters more than polish, and it keeps you within a short walk of both the main streets and the smaller guesthouse lanes.
2. Yiren Ancient Town (彝人古镇)
The old town area at the western edge of the city is where you find the higher-end and mid-range places, including a five-star hotel at the West Gate and a boutique inn within the town itself. It suits visitors who want a more atmospheric setting and are willing to pay for it.
Bus routes 3, 10, 12 and 14 serve the West Gate, so the area connects to the rest of the city by public transport. If you base yourself here, plan on using buses or taxis to reach the bus stations and the commercial centre.
3. Lucheng Road
The stretch of Lucheng Road, both East and North, is a practical mid-range base close to the bus stations. There are hotels on Lucheng Road East near the East Bus Station, and on Lucheng Road North across from the west side of the North Bus Station.
This area suits travellers arriving or leaving by bus, or anyone who wants to be near transport rather than in the old town or the budget lanes. Public buses stop on both stretches of the road, so moving around the city from here is straightforward.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: lüguans and binguans in the side streets of Fēngshèng Xiǎoqū, north of the river.
- Mid-range: hotels along Lucheng Road and boutique-style inns in Yiren Ancient Town.
- Splurge: the larger hotels on the main streets around Fēngshèng Lù and Lóngjiāng Lù, and the five-star property at the West Gate of Yiren Ancient Town.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Fēngshèng Xiǎoqū. It offers the widest choice of accommodation in one compact area, from cheap lüguans to larger hotels, and it sits north of the river within reach of the rest of the city. If you prefer an old-town setting and a higher budget, Yiren Ancient Town is the alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find cheap accommodation in Chuxiong?
Go to the intersection of Fēngshèng Lù and Lóngjiāng Lù, then walk into the side streets northeast of the intersection. Dozens of cheap lüguans and binguans are located there.
Which area is best if I am arriving by bus?
Lucheng Road is the most convenient. There are hotels on Lucheng Road East near the East Bus Station and on Lucheng Road North across from the west side of the North Bus Station, with public buses stopping nearby.
How do I reach Yiren Ancient Town by public transport?
Bus routes 3, 10, 12 and 14 serve the West Gate of Yiren Ancient Town.
Is it easy to find accommodation in Chuxiong?
Yes. It is easy to find any kind of accommodation, particularly in the small-street area north of the river.
Compare live prices for the area you choose with the booking tools on this page.