Yiliang, Yunnan: Stone Forest and Roast Duck

China’s BEST roast duck? Forest of STONE? First class train for $4?? ONLY IN YUNNAN!

Destination:ChinaProvince:YunnanCity:Yiliang
China’s BEST roast duck? Forest of STONE? First class train for $4?? ONLY IN YUNNAN!
Blondie in China2024-09-2517 min

In today's video I visit the county of Yiliang, home to a variety of Peking duck, with a local twist! Then I visit the famous stone forest! Absolutely incredible scenery, gosh I love Yunnan province.

--- Blondie in China
September 25, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Yiliang duck introduction
  2. 0:39Unique breakfast in Kunming
  3. 2:10Arrival in Yiliang county
  4. 3:15Yiliang roast duck history
  5. 4:41Tasting the Yiliang duck
  6. 7:55Journey to Stone Forest
  7. 8:22Exploring Stone Forest
  8. 9:41Stone Forest formation
  9. 12:01Goat encounter in Stone Forest
  10. 12:30Goat cheese and stinky tofu
  11. 14:45First class train to Kunming

Blondie In China explores Yunnan's unique roast duck & stunning Stone Forest, savoring local flavors and enjoying an unexpectedly luxurious train journey. An unforgettable adventure!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Try the Sha aray, a unique grilled pancake breakfast in Kunming, with sweet or savory sauce. It's a soft, chewy pancake with a slightly crispy exterior, perfect for a quick and flavorful start to your day. (0:39)
  2. Tip 2Visit Yiliang county to experience a unique variation of Peking duck. The ducks are smaller, and the cooking method differs from the Beijing style, resulting in a distinct flavor profile. (2:10)
  3. Tip 3Explore the Stone Forest, a breathtaking natural wonder in Yunnan. Allow ample time to wander through the diverse formations and appreciate the scale of this geological marvel. (7:55)
  4. Tip 4Indulge in the local cuisine of Shilin, especially the mountain goat cheese and stinky tofu. This area is known for its Yi ethnic minority food, offering a unique culinary experience. (12:30)
  5. Tip 5Consider traveling first class on the train in Yunnan. It's surprisingly affordable and provides a comfortable and luxurious experience, especially after a day of sightseeing. (14:45)
  6. Tip 6Take advantage of the readily available massage chairs in Chinese train stations and airports. It's a relaxing way to unwind before or after your journey. (15:12)

Blondie In China takes us on a culinary and cultural adventure in Yunnan, starting with a unique breakfast and culminating in a luxurious train ride. She explores Yiliang's distinctive roast duck, a smaller, local twist on the Beijing classic. The journey continues to the breathtaking Stone Forest, a geological wonder that leaves Blondie In China awestruck by its ancient formations and history. The video also includes a delightful detour to sample local goat cheese and stinky tofu, offering a taste of the region's diverse culinary landscape. A first-class train experience at a surprisingly affordable price caps off this unforgettable Yunnan adventure.

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China’s BEST roast duck? Forest of STONE? First class train for $4?? ONLY IN YUNNAN!

This video follows Blondie In China's journey through Yunnan province, starting with a delicious breakfast of grilled pounded rice pancakes with various sauces. She then travels to the small county of Yiliang, known for its unique roast duck—a smaller version of the Beijing classic, with a history passed down through generations. Blondie In China visits a restaurant where she learns about the duck's preparation and history from the fifth-generation inheritor of the recipe. The duck's smaller size and crispy skin are highlighted, and Blondie In China enjoys it with salt and a traditional sauce.

Next, she visits the Stone Forest, a vast area of limestone formations that resemble a forest. She explores the area, noting the scale and age of the formations (270 million years old), explaining their geological origins. Blondie In China also shares the cultural significance of the Stone Forest for the Yi people. She explores less-crowded areas, finding the experience both awe-inspiring and slightly eerie.

Finally, Blondie In China visits the town of Shilin, where she samples local goat cheese and stinky tofu, before taking a surprisingly affordable first-class train ride back to Kunming, complete with a massage chair at the station. The video is a delightful blend of food, culture, and natural beauty, showcasing the unique aspects of Yunnan province.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most surprising thing about the Yiliang roast duck?
A: It's much smaller than Beijing duck, but the taste is amazing and the crispy skin is phenomenal!
Q: What's the Stone Forest like?
A: It's even more impressive than the photos suggest! It's a vast area of limestone formations that have been evolving for 270 million years. Some parts are crowded, but other areas are eerily quiet and peaceful.
Q: How much was the first class train ticket?
A: Only $6 Australian dollars, which is about $4 American dollars! It was incredibly luxurious and worth every penny.
Q: What was the goat cheese like?
A: It had a halumi vibe – firm with a salty exterior and soft, milky undertones. I was surprised how much I liked it!
Q: What about the stinky tofu?
A: It had an earthy and salty taste, and the strong smell disappeared once I ate it. It was surprisingly tasty!

Yiliang, Yunnan: Stone Forest and Roast Duck

In today's video I visit the county of Yiliang, home to a variety of Peking duck, with a local twist! Then I visit the famous stone forest! Absolutely incredible scenery, gosh I love Yunnan province. xxxx

Yunnan Adventure: Roast Duck, Stone Forest Exploration

Embark on a culinary adventure in Yiliang county, Yunnan, savoring the local twist on Peking duck. Then, prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking scenery of the Stone Forest. This Yunnan adventure is filled with unforgettable moments!

Attractions in this video: Stone Forest