Yunnan

July is the perfect time to escape the heat in Yunnan! ✅ Here's a classic 6-day, 5-night itinerary covering Dali + Lijiang + Shangri-La, taking you through ancient towns, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and sacred lakes—a perfect blend of natural scenery and cultural heritage every day~

Day 1: Arrive in Dali
📍Dali Ancient Town (Free): Birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, filled with charming handicraft shops
Recommended restaurant: Duan Gongzi (Renmin Road branch) for authentic Yunnan cuisine
Tips: Don't miss the folk music at the bars on Renmin Road in the evening!

Day 2: One-day tour around Erhai Lake
🚗 Recommended to charter a car (300-400 RMB per vehicle)
📍Cycling at S Bend (Bike rental: 20 RMB/hour)
📍Xizhou Ancient Town (Yan Family Courtyard ticket: 25 RMB)
📍Shuanglang Ancient Town (Nanzhao Folk Island: 50 RMB)
📍Watch sunset at Xiaoputuo (Lots of seagulls in winter)

Day 3: Dali → Lijiang (2h by high-speed train)
📍Lijiang Ancient Town (Free): Even more beautiful than Dali, with lively Sifang Street
📍Mu Residence (60 RMB): Filming location for "The Mu Clan"
Tips: Enjoy a panoramic view of the town from Wangu Tower on Lion Hill

Day 4: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain day trip
🏔️ Glacier Park cable car (140 RMB) + scenic shuttle bus (100 RMB)
📍Blue Moon Valley (Free): Tiffany-blue lakes at the foot of the mountain
Recommended restaurant: Yunxueli Restaurant (Ancient Town branch)—must-try snow mountain fish

Day 5: Lijiang → Shangri-La (3h by bus)
📍Dukezong Ancient Town (Free): Home to the world's largest prayer wheel
📍Songzanlin Monastery (90 RMB): Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery
Tips: Be mindful of altitude sickness in high-elevation Shangri-La

Day 6: Pudacuo National Park
🌲 Shudu Lake (100 RMB): Pristine forests + alpine lakes
🚗 Return to Lijiang in the afternoon (2h drive)

‼️ Practical tips:
1. July-August is rainy season—bring rain gear and non-slip shoes
2. Large temperature swings in Shangri-La—pack a down jacket
3. Cobblestone streets in Lijiang Ancient Town—wear comfortable flats
4. High-altitude sun protection trio: hat + sunglasses + sunscreen

🍜 Must-try local dishes:
Dali: Rushan cheese, sour-spicy fish
Lijiang: Cured pork rib hotpot
Shangri-La: Butter tea, yak meat hotpot