Yunnan

Yunnan is truly perfect for a spontaneous getaway! This 8-day, 7-night journey took me from Kunming to Dali and then to Lijiang, with every frame as picturesque as a postcard🏞️

🚗Itinerary:
Day 1: Kunming Changshui Airport → Dianchi Lake → Jinma Biji Archway → Nanping Street
Headed straight to Dianchi Lake after landing—watching the red-billed gulls at Haigeng Dam was so therapeutic! Tip: Wear light-colored clothes for better photos!
Address: No. 1318, Dianchi Road, Xishan District, Kunming

Day 2: Day trip to Stone Forest Scenic Area
Wear comfortable shoes—it's huge and involves lots of walking.
Recommended restaurant: Yi Xiang Zhi Wei (Stone Forest Scenic Area Branch) for authentic Yi cuisine.

Day 3: Kunming → Dali → Dali Ancient Town
Just a 2-hour high-speed train ride! Be sure to explore Renmin Road and Fuxing Road at night.
Stay within the ancient town for convenient nighttime strolls.

Day 4: Erhai Lake Loop + Xizhou Ancient Town
Renting an e-bike for the ride is super relaxing! Don’t miss the Corner Tower and rice fields in Xizhou.
Recommended restaurant: Yuan Lai Xiao Yuan·Private Kitchen (Xizhou Branch).

Day 5: Dali → Lijiang → Shuhe Ancient Town
Shuhe is much quieter than Dayan, perfect for leisurely wandering.
Must-visit: The rooftop of Backpacker Ten Youth Hostel—offers views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain!

Day 6: Day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Remember to buy oxygen bottles in advance! Visit Blue Moon Valley in the morning—the lake is unbelievably blue under sunlight.

Day 7: Stroll through Lijiang Ancient Town
Don’t miss Sifang Street, Wuyi Street, and Mufu Palace.
Recommended restaurant: Ama Yi Naxi Cuisine.

Day 8: Return trip

🍜Must-try foods:
Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles, Steam Pot Chicken, Cured Ribs Hot Pot, Er Kuai, Flower Pastry
Recommended spots: Qiao Xiang Yuan (Kunming), Naxi Fire Pit (Lijiang).

⚠️Practical tips:
1. Sunscreen is a must—Yunnan’s UV rays are intense!
2. Bring a jacket for the significant temperature drop at night.
3. Carpooling from Dali to Lijiang is more convenient than taking the high-speed train.
4. Accommodation is much cheaper during the off-season.