Yunnan Travel Guide

🌈 Yunnan 5 Days 4 Nights Travel Guide (Budget 4000 RMB)✨
Suitable for: Students/Young Professionals | Theme: Natural Scenery + Cultural Experience | Season: Suitable all year round (better in autumn and winter)

📅 Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Transit in Kunming → Dianchi Lake/Old Street → Night train to Dali
Day 2: Dali Ancient Town → Erhai Lake Cycling → Shuanglang Sunset
Day 3: Cangshan Light Hiking → Afternoon high-speed train to Lijiang → Lijiang Ancient Town Night Tour
Day 4: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Day Tour (Blue Moon Valley + Glacier Park)
Day 5: Baisha Ancient Town Leisure Tour → Return trip

💰 Budget Allocation (Total about 3800-4000 RMB)
1️⃣ Transportation (about 1200 RMB):

Round-trip flight: Book special deals in advance (e.g., Spring Airlines), round trip about 800-1000 RMB (non-holiday)
In-province transport: Kunming → Dali night train hard sleeper (about 100 RMB), Dali → Lijiang high-speed train (80 RMB), Lijiang → Kunming high-speed train (220 RMB)

2️⃣ Accommodation (about 800 RMB):

Dali: Homestay near Erhai Gate (150 RMB/night)
Lijiang: Hostel/Inn in Shuhe Ancient Town (120 RMB/night)
Kunming: Budget hotel near train station (100 RMB/night)

3️⃣ Tickets (about 600 RMB):

Erhai Lake bike rental: 50 RMB/day
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain package (including cable car + eco bus): 300 RMB (half price with student ID)
Cangshan Gantong Cableway: 80 RMB

4️⃣ Food (about 700 RMB):

Daily budget 100 RMB: Dali grilled milk fan (5 RMB), Lijiang cured pork rib hotpot (50 RMB per person), Kunming small pot rice noodles (10 RMB)

5️⃣ Others (about 500 RMB):

Souvenirs: Tie-dye scarf (80 RMB), flower cake (30 RMB/box)
Emergency fund

🌟 Must-Do Experiences
✅ Erhai Ecological Corridor Cycling: From Caicun Pier to Panxi Village (S curve), stunning scenery along the way, free!
✅ Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 4680m check-in: Remember to buy oxygen bottles in advance (Ancient Town 20 RMB vs Scenic Area 60 RMB)
✅ Lijiang Ancient Town Nightlife: Listen to folk songs at Sifang Street, but avoid impulsive spending in bar street~
✅ Baisha Ancient Town Café: Second-floor terrace facing the snow mountain, perfect for photos!

⚠️ Pitfall Tips
🚫 Skip Dali Butterfly Spring and Lashi Lake in Lijiang (heavily commercialized)
🚫 Be cautious buying silver jewelry/Pu'er tea in scenic spots, choose reputable shops
🚫 Confirm battery level when renting electric bikes around Erhai Lake, running out of power halfway is very frustrating!

📸 Photo Tips

Sunrise spots: Longkan Pier (Dali), Dongba Valley (Lijiang)
Outfit suggestion: White/red long dress + ethnic style shawl (30 RMB in ancient towns)

Summary: 4000 RMB is enough to explore Yunnan’s highlights, focus on controlling transportation and accommodation costs, and save budget for the snow mountain and food! If you have more time, consider adding a 2-day Shangri-La trip (additional budget of 800 RMB)～
If you need a detailed daily schedule or recommendations for off-the-beaten-path spots, feel free to leave a message!✈️