Mountain Temple Hidden Among the Greenery

🌴 Yunnan | An Unmissable Dream Journey1

Dear friends👋, Yunnan, the land of colorful clouds, is like a vibrant and colorful painting. It boasts mysterious ethnic minority cultures, enchanting natural scenery, and countless delicious foods. Today, follow my guide to embark on this dreamy journey through Yunnan together🎈!

Preparation

Documents

ID card, student ID (for discounts), and a small amount of cash.

Clothing

Yunnan’s weather is changeable, so be sure to bring a thick jacket🧥, even in summer. Also, pack lightweight sneakers for easy walking. Ladies can bring beautiful dresses for stunning photos📷!

Skincare

Yunnan has strong UV rays, so sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and moisturizing masks are essential.

Itinerary

Kunming — First Impressions of the "Spring City"
Haigeng Dam Haigeng Dam Haigeng Dam Gaozhuang Xishuangjing
Day 1: Arrive in Kunming, check into your hotel and rest briefly, then head to the Kunming landmark — Jinma Biji Archway. This is a symbol of Kunming’s history and culture, surrounded by many local snacks like Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles🍜 and tofu rice noodles, which taste amazing! In the evening, stroll along Nanping Street to experience Kunming’s lively atmosphere.
Day 2: In the morning, visit Haigeng Dam at Dianchi Lake to get up close to red-billed gulls. Buy some gull feed and have an intimate encounter with these adorable little creatures😘. In the afternoon, go to Yunnan Nationalities Village to experience the unique architecture and folk customs of 25 ethnic minorities.

Dali — The Romance of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon

Day 3: Take the high-speed train from Kunming to Dali. Upon arrival, cycle along the Erhai Ecological Corridor🚲 to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery of Erhai Lake. Along the way, there are many popular photo spots, such as the S-bend and the wheat fields in Xizhou Ancient Town, perfect for beautiful photos. Stay overnight in Shuanglang Ancient Town and enjoy the sunset over Erhai Lake🌅.
Day 4: Take a boat tour of Erhai Lake and visit Nanzhao Style Island to feel the charm of Nanzhao culture. In the afternoon, stroll through Dali Ancient Town on the cobblestone streets, browse unique shops, and taste local delicacies like grilled milk fan and flower cakes.

Lijiang — Encounter the City of Romance

Day 5: Take a bus from Dali to Lijiang. In the afternoon, visit Lijiang Ancient Town to experience its rustic and tranquil charm. In the evening, head to Sifang Street to enjoy Naxi ethnic song and dance performances, or have a drink at the bar street🥂.
Day 6: In the morning, go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and take the cable car to admire the magnificent snowy peaks. In the afternoon, visit Blue Moon Valley, where the lake water is as blue as a gem, like a fairyland on earth.

Xishuangbanna — The Mystery of the Tropical Rainforest

Day 7: Fly from Lijiang to Xishuangbanna. Upon arrival, visit Gaozhuang Xishuangjing, which features many distinctive Dai-style buildings. In the evening, explore the Starlight Night Market and taste various tropical fruits and local delicacies.
Day 8: In the morning, visit Wild Elephant Valley, where you might see wild elephants🐘. In the afternoon, go to the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to admire various tropical plants.

Food Recommendations

1. Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles: Kunming’s signature dish, with fresh and delicious soup and rich toppings.

2. Grilled Milk Fan: A specialty snack from Dali with a strong milky flavor.

3. Flower Cake: Filled with flowers, sweet but not greasy.

4. Hand-Grasped Rice: A specialty of Xishuangbanna, with a table full of various dishes, very satisfying.

5. Cured Spare Ribs: A traditional dish from Lijiang, tender ribs with flavorful soup.

Accommodation Suggestions

● Kunming: Stay near Jinma Biji Archway or Nanping Street for convenient travel.

● Dali: Shuanglang Ancient Town and Dali Ancient Town are great choices with beautiful views of Erhai Lake.

● Lijiang: Stay inside Lijiang Ancient Town to soak in the ancient town atmosphere.

● Xishuangbanna: Near Gaozhuang Xishuangjing for easy travel and shopping.

Transportation Guide

● Airplane: Yunnan has multiple airports; choose the one that fits your itinerary.

● High-speed train: Convenient and fast trains run from Kunming to Dali and Lijiang.

● Bus: Buses connect cities at relatively low prices.

● Local transport: Options include taxis, buses, or shared bikes.

Friends, the beauty of Yunnan cannot be fully described in words; only by experiencing it yourself can you feel its charm. Pack your bags and start this Yunnan journey now🎉!