Overview

Kaiyuan City (开远市) is a county-level city under the jurisdiction of Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture in southeastern Yunnan Province. Situated at the junction of major transportation routes, Kaiyuan is known for its strong industrial base, strategic location, and its ongoing transformation into a model of green development and urban-rural integration.

 

With a history rooted in mining and metallurgy, Kaiyuan is now evolving into a dynamic city balancing industry, innovation, and ecology.

 

Geography and Climate

Location: Central-northern part of Honghe Prefecture

 

Altitude: ~1,300 meters

 

Topography: A mix of mountains, hills, and river valleys

 

Climate: Subtropical plateau monsoon climate

 

Average Annual Temperature: ~19°C

 

Rainy Season: May to October

 

Kaiyuan enjoys a warm, mild climate suitable for agriculture and outdoor recreation year-round.

 

Historical and Strategic Importance

Kaiyuan has long been a transportation and trade center in southern Yunnan. The development of railways and mining industries in the 20th century accelerated its growth. It was once known for its coal, lead, and zinc production and played a significant role in regional logistics.

 

Today, it is a vital node in Yunnan's east–southwest transport corridor, with connections to Kunming, Vietnam, and other parts of Southeast Asia.

 

Economic Profile

Kaiyuan’s economy is transitioning from heavy industry to a modern mixed economy, driven by manufacturing, services, logistics, and agriculture.

 

Traditional Strengths: Coal, metallurgy, cement, and chemicals

 

Emerging Industries: Environmental engineering, modern logistics, green agriculture

 

Major Development Zones:

 

Kaiyuan Industrial Park

 

Kaiyuan Logistics Park

 

Yunnan Kaiyuan Green Energy Demonstration Zone

 

Efforts are being made to promote low-carbon industry and urban greening, positioning Kaiyuan as a pilot city for sustainable development.

 

Urban Development

Kaiyuan is recognized for its “smart city” and eco-city initiatives. It has gained national attention for:

 

Urban greening projects

 

Smart infrastructure and public services

 

Resettlement and livelihood improvement programs

 

One notable achievement is its transformation of former mining zones into parks, wetlands, and cultural districts.

 

Ethnic and Cultural Diversity

As part of Honghe Prefecture, Kaiyuan is home to multiple ethnic groups, including Han, Hani, Yi, Miao, and Zhuang. The region’s multicultural character is reflected in local festivals, markets, and village life.

 

Famous Festivals:

 

Torch Festival (Yi)

 

Flower Street Festival (Hani)

 

Kaiyuan International Folk Arts Festival (modern, multicultural celebration)

 

Key Attractions

Xianrendong Scenic Area (仙人洞景区)

A famous natural and cultural site featuring karst caves, waterfalls, and forest hiking trails.

 

Kaiyuan Museum (开远博物馆)

Displays local history, industrial heritage, and ethnic culture.

 

Kaiyuan Wetland Park (开远湿地公园)

A reclaimed ecological zone that blends nature conservation with recreation and environmental education.

 

Shanmao Mountain Forest Park (山茂山森林公园)

A scenic area offering panoramic views, hiking paths, and biodiversity research opportunities.

 

Cultural Streets and Ethnic Markets

Local shopping streets that offer handmade crafts, ethnic costumes, and regional foods.

 

Agriculture and Rural Development

Kaiyuan supports a variety of agricultural innovation projects, including:

 

Highland vegetable farming

 

Fruit orchards (especially pomegranates and citrus)

 

Eco-farming and rural tourism in surrounding villages

 

Efforts are underway to connect rural revitalization with ethnic culture preservation and e-commerce platforms.

 

Transportation

Highways: Linked via expressways to Kunming, Mengzi, and Hekou (border with Vietnam)

 

Railways: Kaiyuan Station on the Kunming–Hekou Railway, vital for freight and passenger movement

 

Nearby Airports: Kunming Changshui International Airport (~2.5 hours away)

 

Kaiyuan’s location makes it a strategic logistics node in southern Yunnan.

 

Education and Innovation

Kaiyuan has invested in vocational education and technical training to support its industrial transformation. It hosts:

 

Kaiyuan Vocational and Technical School

 

Training centers in green technology, logistics, and e-commerce

 

Environmental Protection and Sustainability

Kaiyuan has been designated a national pilot