On this trip, a dozen friends from Beijing joined us to swap the bustling northern capital for the tranquil rhythm of Chuxiong’s Nanhua and Heijing Ancient Town.

Day 1: The Mushroom Market Bustle & Evening in a Century-Old Courtyard
Our first stop was the vibrant Nanhua Wild Mushroom Market, where the air was rich with the scent of rain, soil, and fresh fungi. Guided by our local team, everyone crouched alongside local vendors, learning how to judge the freshness of Jianshouqing and Jizong mushrooms. The initial city formality melted away instantly in the lively market chatter. Over dinner, as the mushroom hotpot bubbled, local Yi hosts brought out liquor jugs and broke into lyrical welcome songs. The spirited toasts quickly filled the room with laughter and warmth.

By night, we drove into Heijing Ancient Town and checked into a heritage boutique courtyard transformed from the historic Bao Family and Yanxi Courtyards. Stepping over aged timber thresholds into the central courtyard illuminated by moonlight felt like stepping back in time. Sitting around the courtyard over hot local tea, long, effortless conversations stretched into the quiet mountain night.

Day 2: Tracing Ancient Heritage & The Warmth of Handcrafted Salt
The second day was dedicated to Heijing’s rich architectural and salt-mining history.

Wandering along red sandstone lanes, we visited the Wu Family Mansion, an extraordinary Qing Dynasty residence built in a complex multi-courtyard layout. Its exquisite wood carvings and deep corridors whispered tales of wealthy salt merchants from centuries past. A stroll to the nearby Heijing Confucius Temple revealed a serene sanctuary shaded by ancient trees, reflecting the deep cultural and educational legacy funded by the historical salt trade.

At the Ancient Salt Workshop, veteran craftsmen demonstrated traditional brine-boiling techniques. Taking turns with heavy ladles, our friends stirred the boiling brine, watching clear liquid slowly crystallize into tiny white grains. Holding the newly formed, warm salt crystals in their palms, the centuries-old history of this salt capital became a tangible, unforgettable experience.