Back from Qujing and it was a rough trip. I don't recommend visiting in September or October.

First, let me share my "lazy" itinerary—the non-rushed version is truly amazing 🎒. Day 1: Arrive in Qujing and stay in Qilin District. In the afternoon, catch a breeze at Qilin Water Town and take photos at the South Gate. In the evening, head to Huake Night Market for steamed rice noodles and skewers 🍢. Day 2: Take a taxi to Zhujiangyuan in Zhanyi. Admission is 33 yuan, and the round-trip sightseeing bus is 25 yuan. A walk through the forest won't leave you drenched in sweat 🌿. Day 3: Choose one of two options. If you have average stamina, go to Jiulong Waterfall in Luoping. Adult admission is 59 yuan. To save time, buy the admission plus electric bamboo raft package for 78 yuan. Don't bother with the 128 yuan package that includes the flying carpet and slide. Walking for too long will be exhausting 💦. If you prefer meadows, go to Dahai Grassland in Huize. Admission plus shuttle is 53 yuan. However, the altitude is high, and it gets cold in the mornings and evenings in September. You'll suffer if you don't bring a thick jacket 🐑. Honestly, trying to visit both Luoping and Huize in one day is a bad idea; you'll just end up frustrated once you're there. For accommodation, just follow my advice if you want to avoid bad experiences 🏨. Qilin Garden, the South Gate, and Huake Night Market are the most convenient areas for shopping, dining, and getting a taxi. On Trip.com, economy hotels are about 100–143 yuan, and comfort hotels are 135–178 yuan. If you want a better night's sleep, choose a high-end chain near the South Gate for 190–269 yuan. The area near the train station is suitable for those catching early trains, while the Wanda Plaza area is perfect for lazy travelers who love watching movies and ordering takeout 🛏️. I don't recommend staying too far from the scenic spots. The round trip to Jiulong or Dahai Grassland takes half a day, and you'll be exhausted by the time you get back to the city at night. Before booking on Trip.com, check the ratings and cancellation policies. Don't just look at the cover photos; some homestays look so different in reality that it's laughable. Here is a breakdown of the costs for popular items 💰. A two-night stay in a comfort hotel in the city is about 270–356 yuan. Zhujiangyuan is 58 yuan including the shuttle. Jiulong Waterfall is 59 yuan for admission only, or 78 yuan with the bamboo raft. Dahai Grassland is 53 yuan, Colorful Sand Forest is 65 yuan, and Duoyi River is 40 yuan 🎫. Don't worry about food. A small bowl of steamed rice noodles is 9 yuan, and Zhanyi spicy chicken is about 60 yuan per person. You can get full at the night market with skewers for a few dozen yuan. Only eat wild mushrooms at reputable restaurants where they are thoroughly cooked, and avoid unknown varieties sold on the street 🍲. Overall, a three-day, two-night trip without shopping costs about 600–900 yuan per person. If you are taking the high-speed rail from Kunming and then using public transport, a budget of 1,000 yuan is safer 🚄. Don't be overconfident about your clothing choices in September 👗. In the city, daytime temperatures can reach 26–30°C, so short sleeves are fine. However, there are frequent showers, and temperatures drop to around 17°C in the mornings and evenings. It's even colder at Dahai Grassland. Layering is the safest bet: a T-shirt with a thin jacket, and a windbreaker for the grassland. Don't forget your sun hat and sunglasses 🕶️. The first time I went, I didn't check the weather forecast. It was sunny at noon and rainy in the evening. My shoes got soaked, which was a disaster. I swore never to skip packing a folding umbrella again. Finally, a few tips to avoid pitfalls ⚠️. At Jiulong Waterfall, don't trust roadside guides offering shortcuts; the official boardwalk is the most worry-free option. It's windy at the Colorful Sand Forest, so bring sunglasses, or you'll suffer from sand in your eyes 😅. There are no rapeseed flowers at Jinji Peak Cluster in September, but the peak forest is great for photos, so don't be disappointed by the lack of flowers. Book your tickets and hotels in advance on Trip.com for transparent pricing and peace of mind. Overall, Qujing is less crowded, food is cheap, and the pace is slow. It's perfect for lazy travelers looking to relax ☁️.