As successive summer rains grace the Spring City, the breeze along the 25th parallel north carries not only a refreshing 21°C coolness, but also the rich, savory fragrance of the mountain forests. With the launch of the second season of the A Letter from Kunming international communication series, Kunming goes beyond the purple romance of the jacarandas, sending rain as its message and mushrooms as its gift. It extends to friends around the world an invitation from the hills — to visit this highland city, discover the magic of Yunnan’s wild mushrooms, and embark on a summer feast of freshness spanning mountains and seas.

Rain Nourishes the Mountains, Awakening an Entire Summer of Freshness

Yunnan is celebrated as the “Kingdom of Wild Mushrooms,” home to more than 900 known species of wild edible fungi — accounting for over 90% of China’s total and nearly 36% of the world’s. Kunming serves as one of the most important distribution hubs for this mountain bounty. Its mild 21°C climate, rolling forested landscapes, and steady summer rainfall create ideal conditions for wild mushrooms to flourish.

As rain nourishes the mountain forests, mushrooms quietly emerge beneath layers of pine needles and rich humus. This year, Kunming’s wild mushroom season arrived earlier than usual. The first Jianshouqing (Suillellus luridus) and Gushu (Lactarius deliciosus) appeared in markets as early as late March. Since April, prized varieties such as Russula virescens, Jizong (termite mushroom), wild morels, and Thelephora ganbajun have gradually entered the market. Today in Kunming, the season’s earliest and most coveted wild mushrooms have already reached dining tables — and this summer feast of freshness is only just beginning.

In Kunming, mushrooms are far more than ingredients; they are woven into the fabric of everyday life. In the early mornings after rainfall, mushroom hunters make their way through misty hillsides. In bustling markets, eager diners and travelers crowd the stalls in search of the freshest finds. By evening, the savory aroma of mushrooms drifts from kitchens into lively alleyways. This gift from nature embodies both Kunming’s most enchanting summer vitality and the deep affection the people of Yunnan hold for their mountains and forests.

From Science Halls to Bustling Streets: Discover the Many Ways to Experience Mushrooms

This invitation to freshness promises not only extraordinary flavors, but also a fully immersive journey from forest to table.

To truly understand the story of mushrooms, visitors can step into the China Wild Mushroom Museum. As the country’s largest and most comprehensive edible mushroom museum, it houses more than 40,000 dried specimens and over 3,000 live strains, spanning edible, medicinal, and poisonous varieties. Here, visitors can explore the astonishing diversity of mushrooms, uncover the science behind their growth, and trace the development of Yunnan’s mushroom industry — gaining deeper insight into the heritage of the “Kingdom of Wild Mushrooms.”

To experience Yunnan’s vibrant mushroom culture firsthand, the Yunnan Mushuihua Wild Mushroom Trading Center — the largest wild mushroom trading market in China — is an essential stop. The market brings together 257 varieties of wild mushrooms, trades species from more than 40 countries and regions, and records annual transaction volumes exceeding 10 billion yuan. Step inside, and the earthy fragrance of mushrooms fills the air: Russula virescens, boletus (porcini), Jizong, morels, and countless others are neatly displayed across the stalls. Vendors skillfully sort and weigh their goods, while diners and tourists speaking accents from across the country pause to make their selections. In front of livestream cameras, hosts send Yunnan’s freshest mountain delicacies to destinations nationwide. Here, visitors can wander from stall to stall, discover the dazzling diversity of wild mushrooms, and feel the vibrant street energy of Kunming at its most vivid.

Ultimately, this mountain gift finds its most beautiful expression on the dining table. A bubbling pot of wild mushroom hot pot is regarded as one of Kunming’s most beloved summer culinary rituals. Built upon a rich bone broth base, freshly picked mushrooms of every variety are carefully added and thoroughly cooked. The broth absorbs their deep umami flavors, creating an extraordinary sweetness that feels like nature’s purest indulgence. Beyond hot pot, classic Yunnan dishes such as stir-fried Jianshouqing with green peppers, oil-preserved Jizong, and Thelephora ganbajun fried rice reveal the remarkable spectrum of Yunnan’s wild mushroom cuisine.

A Fresh Invitation, with Safety First

No matter how delicious wild mushrooms may be, food safety must always come first. To every guest accepting this invitation, Kunming offers an important reminder: remember the “Three Essentials” of eating wild mushrooms — know which species are edible, ensure they are thoroughly cooked, and know the location of the nearest hospital.

Please purchase and consume wild mushrooms only through official markets and reputable restaurants. Never pick or eat unfamiliar mushroom species on your own, avoid mixing too many varieties in a single meal, and refrain from drinking alcohol while consuming wild mushrooms. If symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or dizziness occur after eating mushrooms, induce vomiting immediately if the person is conscious, and seek medical attention at a regular hospital as soon as possible. Bringing a sample of the remaining mushrooms can also help doctors identify the species and provide targeted treatment.

Summer rains fall, mushrooms emerge, and the season of peak freshness has arrived in the Spring City. From the purple romance beneath blooming jacarandas to the earthy fragrance deep within the forests; from scientific exploration in museums to the lively bustle of the markets, and finally to the unforgettable flavors at the dining table — Kunming’s summer offers not only 21°C coolness, but also irresistible umami, warmth, and romance.

Through A Letter from Kunming, the city sends mushrooms as its messenger and itself as a heartfelt gift, quietly awaiting friends from across the globe. This summer, come to Kunming. In the gentle 21°C breeze, embrace this feast from the mountains and carry the aroma and romance of Yunnan’s wild mushrooms into your summer memories.

We also warmly invite every guest who answers this call to share your Kunming mushroom stories on social media platforms including Weibo, Douyin, Facebook, X, TikTok, and YouTube using the hashtags #ALetterfromKunming and #春城有请, and together discover even more summer delights in the Spring City.

Click here to view the Chinese report

(Editors: Jennifer, Flynn)