Yunnan | A 7-Day & 6-Night Slow Travel Journey

Hey friends👋, do you often yearn to escape the hustle and bustle and encounter poetry on a leisurely journey? Yunnan, the land of colorful clouds, is just such a dreamy destination✨ where you can slow down and savor every moment. Take this 7-day, 6-night guide and immerse yourself in the art of slow travel in Yunnan!

Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming - Dianchi Lake - Yunnan Ethnic Village
- Morning: Arrive at Kunming Changshui Airport and take the metro to Dianchi Lake. In winter, flocks of red-billed gulls🕊️ dance like lively spirits—bring some bird feed for an intimate interaction that’s instantly heartwarming~
- Afternoon: Head to Yunnan Ethnic Village, where the cultures of 25 ethnic minorities converge🎊. Stroll through, admire unique architecture, and enjoy vibrant dance performances.
- Evening: Savor delicious cross-bridge rice noodles🍜 near the village, letting the rich flavors delight your taste buds, then unwind at your hotel🛏.

Day 2: Kunming - Stone Forest Scenic Area
- Full day: Take a bus to the Stone Forest, hailed as the "First Wonder of the World"🌍. Towering limestone formations create a surreal landscape, with Yi ethnic guides sharing lively tales. Return to Kunming in the evening.

Day 3: Kunming - Dali (Erhai Lake Cruise - Nanzhao Folk Island)
- Morning: Ride a bullet train to Dali, then board a cruise at Erhai Lake. Glide across turquoise waters, soak in mountain-lake vistas, and enjoy the Bai ethnic "Three-Course Tea" ceremony💕.
- Afternoon: Disembark at Nanzhao Folk Island, home to ancient cultural relics🏯. Walk the island loop trail for panoramic views, and browse quaint shops for souvenirs.
- Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant in Shuanglang Old Town, trying local specialties like sour-spicy fish and rushan cheese😋, then wander the lantern-lit streets.

Day 4: Dali (Xizhou Old Town - Haishu Park - Dali Ancient City)
- Morning: Rent an e-bike and ride along Erhai’s ecological corridor to Xizhou Old Town🚲. Visit Yan Family Compound for Bai architecture, and don’t miss flaky Xizhou baba pastries.
- Afternoon: Explore Haishu Park’s lush scenery🌳 (check for maintenance closures⚠️), a photographer’s paradise.
- Evening: Roam Dali Ancient City’s Foreigner Street, settling into a folk-music bar for relaxation🎵.

Day 5: Dali - Lijiang (Lijiang Old Town - Square Street - Mufu Palace)
- Morning: Take a bus to Lijiang, check into an old-town inn, and meander past canals and bridges🏘.
- Afternoon: Visit bustling Square Street for Lijiang baba snacks and souvenir hunting🎁.
- Evening: Tour Mufu Palace, where a nighttime light show transforms the ancient Tusi-era complex.

Day 6: Lijiang (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Blue Moon Valley)
- Morning: Pre-book tickets for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Ride a cable car to marvel at glacial peaks, optionally hiking to the 4,680m viewpoint👏.
- Afternoon: Descend to Blue Moon Valley’s ethereal blue waters🧚—explore by foot or electric cart. Return to Lijiang for dinner.

Day 7: Lijiang - Xishuangbanna (Wild Elephant Valley - Starlight Night Market)
- Morning: Fly to Xishuangbanna and visit Wild Elephant Valley🐘. With luck, spot wild herds and rare rainforest species.
- Evening: Dive into the Starlight Night Market for Dai-style BBQ, lemongrass fish, and handicrafts—a perfect finale.

Yunnan’s beauty awaits your discovery. Pack your bags and embrace its magic at your own pace💖!