Yunnan, I'm back! I really don't recommend going this month because…
Because it's too beautiful!!!
A Super Comprehensive Guide to Traveling in Yunnan: The Perfect First-Time Itinerary
From March to May, Yunnan enjoys perfect sunshine and gentle breezes, making it an ideal time to travel. Wondering how to plan your first trip to Yunnan? Don't worry! This carefully curated guide covers everything from routes and accommodation to transportation and food, allowing you to embark on a dream journey to the colorful south of the clouds with ease.
1. Major Attractions Overview
Kunming: The Stone Forest Scenic Area boasts bizarre stone formations, a testament to the awe-inspiring karst landscape. Kunming Old Street is steeped in history; stroll along its paths and experience the vibrant atmosphere of old Kunming. Dianchi Lake is a paradise for migratory birds, with flocks of seagulls visible in winter. The Dounan Flower Market is a sea of flowers, with all kinds of fresh blooms competing for attention at very affordable prices.
Dali: Dali Old Town exudes ancient charm, with its cobblestone streets and Bai ethnic architecture. Erhai Lake shimmers like a pearl; cycle along the lakeshore and admire the picturesque scenery. Cangshan Mountain stands majestically; take a cable car to the summit for panoramic views of Dali. Xizhou Old Town features a delightful blend of rice paddies and Bai dwellings. Nanzhao Folklore Island is shrouded in mystery. Shuanglang Old Town offers a tranquil escape. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple stand in solemn grandeur.
Lijiang: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the sacred mountain of the Naxi people, is perpetually snow-capped and wreathed in clouds. The waters of Blue Moon Valley are as blue as sapphires, contrasting beautifully with the snow-capped mountain. Spruce Meadow resembles a paradise, with its serene and deep primeval forest. Shuhe Old Town is quieter than Lijiang Old Town, perfect for a slower pace. Lijiang Old Town is bustling with bars, guesthouses, and shops. Lugu Lake's crystal-clear waters and the unique Mosuo culture are captivating.
Shangri-La: Pudacuo National Park is a wonderland of alpine lakes, primeval forests, and meadows of wildflowers, forming a breathtaking panorama. The waters of Tiger Leaping Gorge surge and churn, exuding immense power. Dukezong Old Town is rich in Tibetan culture, with prayer wheels carrying people's best wishes. Meili Snow Mountain, a sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism, offers the enchanting spectacle of the sunrise illuminating its golden peaks. The terraced calcium pools of Baishuitai resemble a fairyland. Songzanlin Monastery, known as the "Little Potala Palace," stands in solemn splendor.
Xishuangbanna: The Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden is a kingdom of plants, with a dazzling array of rare species. Wild Elephant Valley offers close encounters with wild elephants. Manting Park, steeped in Dai ethnic charm, feels like a journey to Southeast Asia. The solemn General Buddhist Temple is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. The vibrant Starlight Night Market is filled with food and handicrafts. The Dai Nationality Garden offers an immersion in Dai traditions. The pristine Primeval Forest Park is a refreshing retreat into nature.
2. Seven-Day In-Depth Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kunming. Take the subway (CNY 6) to the city center, then take a taxi to your hotel to check in and rest, allowing yourself to acclimatize to Yunnan's climate. In the evening, explore the neighborhood and sample Kunming's specialties, such as Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles. Thin slices of meat and a flavorful broth complement the chewy noodles, making every bite a delight.
Day 2: Visit Dianchi Lake and interact with the seagulls, feeding and photographing them. Then, head to the Western Hills Scenic Area and climb to the Dragon Gate for panoramic views of Dianchi Lake. In the afternoon, visit the Dounan Flower Market and pick out some of your favorite flowers. In the evening, go to Kunming Old Street and try Bean Curd Rice Noodles. The smooth rice noodles paired with tender bean curd and spicy seasoning create an unforgettable flavor.
Day 3: Take the high-speed train to Dali. Upon arrival, head straight to Erhai Lake, rent an electric bike, and cycle along the lakeshore, taking in the stunning lake views. Afterward, visit Cangshan Mountain and take a cable car to the top to experience the majesty of nature. In the evening, arrive at Xizhou Old Town, admire the Bai architecture, and sample Xizhou Baba. The sweet version is soft and chewy, while the savory version is crispy and fragrant. Return to Dali Old Town in the evening and explore the lively bars, experiencing the city's nightlife.
Day 4: Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take a cable car to the top and admire the magnificent snow-capped scenery. Then, head to Spruce Meadow and Blue Moon Valley, stroll through the primeval forest, and admire the azure waters. Stay in Lijiang Old Town in the evening and try the Dried Pork Rib Hot Pot. The tender ribs are stewed to perfection in a rich broth, served with vegetables for a warm and satisfying meal.
Day 5: Travel to Shangri-La. First, visit Tiger Leaping Gorge and experience the surging waters. Then, head to Pudacuo National Park and stroll along the boardwalk, taking in the natural scenery. In the evening, arrive at Dukezong Old Town, spin the giant prayer wheels, make a wish, and try the yak yogurt. The rich, milky flavor paired with honey is a sweet and sour treat.
Day 6: Travel to Xishuangbanna. Upon arrival, visit Manting Park and admire the Dai architecture and gardens. In the afternoon, head to Wild Elephant Valley, where you might spot wild elephants if you're lucky. In the evening, visit the Starlight Night Market and sample various local delicacies, such as Dai-style barbecue, lemongrass grilled fish, grilled pork belly, and more. The unique dipping sauces enhance the flavors.
Day 7: Enjoy a day of leisure. Explore the shops near your hotel, buy some souvenirs, and conclude your trip. Pack your bags and prepare for your return journey.
3. Accommodation Guide
Kunming: Choose accommodation near Kunming South Railway Station or the city center for convenient transportation, easy access to attractions, and a wide variety of dining options.
Dali: For those seeking romantic sea views and sunrises, Shuanglang Old Town is the perfect choice. If you prefer a lively atmosphere, choose accommodation in Dali Old Town. For discerning travelers, boutique guesthouses in the villages along Erhai Lake are excellent options.
Lijiang: Accommodation in Lijiang Old Town offers a unique experience and immerses you in the local culture, but prices are relatively high. Accommodation in Lijiang City offers better value and convenient transportation.
Shangri-La: Guesthouses and inns in Dukezong Old Town offer a distinctive ethnic charm, allowing you to experience Tibetan culture. If accommodation in the old town is fully booked, Shangri-La County is a good alternative.
Xishuangbanna: Gāozhuāng Xīshuāngjǐng offers a wide range of accommodation options at various price points, catering to both budget-conscious and luxury travelers. The area also boasts excellent amenities, making transportation, shopping, and dining convenient.
4. Transportation Guide
Kunming: Upon arrival in Kunming, the subway is the preferred mode of transport to the city center, offering an economical, efficient, and fast journey.
Kunming - Dali: High-speed train tickets cost around CNY 145, with a journey time of approximately 2.5 hrs, offering speed and comfort. Buses and trains take about 5.5 hrs and are cheaper but take longer.
Dali - Lijiang: High-speed train tickets cost around CNY 72, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hrs. Buses and trains take about 2.5 hrs. Choose based on your time and budget.
Lijiang - Shangri-La: High-speed train tickets start from CNY 49, with a journey time of approximately 1.2 hrs. Buses start from CNY 60 and take about 4 hrs. The high-speed train saves more time.
Kunming - Xishuangbanna: High-speed train tickets cost around CNY 198, with a journey time of approximately 3.5 hrs, offering convenience and speed.
Pack your bags and embark on your Yunnan adventure, following this guide to discover stunning scenery and delicious cuisine!
The best part of the Yunnan trip, it was fantastic! The wonder of nature can only be described as breathtaking... The scenic area is vast and exhilarating, with each stone uniquely shaped, a masterpiece of nature, truly awe-inspiring. It was definitely worth the trip!
It's a great deal. The bus fare alone is this price, and it also includes tickets. There is a group meal at noon. Although the taste is average, why would you need a bicycle for such a cheap price? The tour guide is also very good, and there is no compulsory shopping.
It is convenient to buy tickets on Ctrip. I bought a ticket that includes an electric car. It is really necessary because the gate is about 2 kilometers away from the scenic area. I can save energy and play more in the scenic area. I can also take a circular electric car in the scenic area to visit the periphery of the Stone Forest. It is a great experience.
Shilin Scenic Area, known as the "first wonder in the world", is a must-visit place in Kunming. It is famous for its magnificent, strange, dangerous and secluded landforms. Shifeng, Shiya, Water Cave, Underground Rivers are all over the place. The peaks and forests have different forms, such as swords, towers, mushrooms, and beautiful scenery. Main scenery: 1. Dashilin: dense stone peak composition, shape Wangan, such as sword, such as tower, such as mushrooms. 2. Xiaoshilin: The most famous is "Ashima", and the night lights are very charming and the areas such as Bushao Mountain, Liziyuan Temple, Wannian Ganoderma and other areas, each with its own characteristics and worth exploring.
The Shilin Scenic Area is too worth visiting. It is not too far from Kunming City. You can take the bus to the city at 9 o'clock for self-service tours, and you can go to the scenic spot with the group tour staggered peak. Touring the Dashilin for about 2 hours, there are many people there. The small stone forest scenery is scattered, and it takes 2 hours to go around. Fortunately, there are sightseeing cars in the scenic area, which can reduce physical exertion. Special landforms and terrain, you will sigh the ghostly work of nature, why is there such a magical stone forest scenery? Stone forest not only experience the natural scenery and a good place to rest and play, but also understand nature, learn the physical textbooks of nature science, you see a pair of mothers and daughters are watching the geographical knowledge board of "the age of the rock", daughters listen carefully to mother's explanation. You have a worthwhile trip experience, with doubts and doubts to leave the stone forest scenic area, how many years will remember the unique scenery of the stone forest, for your future life enlightenment, enlightenment.
🌄 Two core highlights of Shilin Scenic Area 1. 🌍 World-class karst wonders - Sword-shaped stone forest group: The large stone forest, small stone forest and other areas are distributed with sword-shaped, columnar and mushroom-shaped stone peaks formed 270 million years ago, up to 40 meters high, known as the "essence of world karst". - Geological wonders: such as "Lotus Peak", "Jianfeng Pool" and "One Moment", among which the "Ashima" stone peak has become a landmark attraction due to Yi legends. - Caves and waterfalls: stalactite wonders of Zhiyun Cave and Da Dieshui Waterfall (the largest waterfall in Yunnan, with a drop of 92 meters). 2. 🎎 In-depth experience of Yi Sani culture - Ashima legend: The "Ashima" stone peak in the small stone forest carries the Yi love epic, and singing and dancing performances can be enjoyed in the scenic area. - Folk activities: such as the "Mizhi Festival" reproduces the primitive hunting culture, and tourists can participate in bonfire parties and big three-string dances. - Intangible cultural heritage handicrafts: Yi embroidery, paper cutting and other traditional skills are displayed, and special souvenirs can be purchased. ✨ Special gameplay recommendation💡: - Sunrise/sunset photography📸: overlooking the stone sea from Bu Shao Mountain, taking photos of light and shadow in the Wannian Lingzhi Scenic Area. - Balance car patrol check-in: encountering the "Hot Wheels" patrol team in the scenic area, it has become a unique landscape. The Stone Forest combines natural wonders + human epics, and is a double feast of geology and culture!
As a world cultural heritage, the Stone Forest Scenic Area is recommended. It is divided into the Big Stone Forest and the Small Stone Forest. The Big Stone Forest and the Small Stone Forest each have their own characteristics. The Big Stone Forest is magnificent and majestic. People feel very small in it. The Small Stone Forest is particularly beautiful, and it feels like visiting a garden. If time permits, it is recommended to visit both the Big and Small Stone Forests, and it takes at least 4 hours to visit each.
The first scenic spot I came across in China, where people over 70 years old are not only free of admission, but also free of battery car fees. I usually only see pictures of the Stone Forest, but when I walked into the Stone Forest, I was very shocked. There are really strange mountains and rocks. Although the essence area is not large, it is really beautiful. I like the Stone Forest very much because it is more beautiful than I imagined. The famous scenic spot is really not in vain. I hired a guide for 160 yuan, and someone took me to visit the essence of the scenic spots and explained it, which is worth it.