A Yunnan Travel Guide Based on 10 Trips

Yunnan is truly a fantastic travel destination! With its spring-like weather all year round, picturesque scenery, rich ethnic minority cultures, and an abundance of delicious food, it's a must-visit. Today, I'm sharing my personal travel tips, which first-time visitors can follow directly. Preparation - Documents: ID card, student ID (bring it if you have one, as some attractions offer discounts). - Clothing: Yunnan experiences significant temperature differences between day and night, so even in summer, a light jacket is recommended. If you're going to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a thick down jacket is essential, though you can also rent one at the scenic area. Other clothing can be prepared according to the season and personal preference, prioritizing comfort and ease of movement for walking and taking photos. - Skincare & Sun Protection: Yunnan has strong UV rays, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sun-protective clothing. Also, don't forget moisturizer to prevent dry skin. - Medicine: Pack common medications like cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, and altitude sickness medicine (prepare in advance if visiting high-altitude areas). - Other: Power bank, phone charger, camera (don't forget this if you enjoy photography), travel backpack or suitcase. Itinerary Kunming - Dali - Lijiang (7 Days, 6 Nights) Day 1: Arrive in Kunming → Kunming Old Street → Dianchi Lake Morning: Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport. Take the airport express, subway line 6, or a taxi to your hotel in the city center. Check in and take a short rest. Noon: Visit Kunming Old Street and sample local specialties like small pot rice noodles, roasted rice cakes, and tofu pudding rice noodles. Afternoon: Head to Dianchi Lake to admire the beautiful scenery and feed the seagulls (November to March is the peak season for seagull watching). Evening: Have dinner at a restaurant near Dianchi Lake and try Yunnan delicacies such as steam pot chicken and wild mushroom hot pot. Afterward, explore Kunming's night markets and experience the local atmosphere. Day 2: Kunming → Dali → Dali Old Town Morning: Take a high-speed train to Dali. Upon arrival, go to Dali Old Town and check in to your hotel. Noon: Have lunch in Dali Old Town and try local specialties like rice noodles, Xizhou baba, and cold chicken rice noodles. Afternoon: Stroll through Dali Old Town, visit the Five Pagodas, Foreigner Street, and Fuxing Road, and soak in the charm of the old town. You can also browse the unique shops and pick up some souvenirs. Evening: Find a bar in the old town, listen to folk music, and relax. Day 3: Dali Old Town → Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor → Xizhou Ancient Town Morning: Rent an electric bike or bicycle and cycle along the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor, enjoying the stunning scenery of Erhai Lake. Take photos at the Panxi S-bend and experience the "windy place." Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant near the corridor and try Erhai fish or farmhouse dishes. Afternoon: Visit Xizhou Ancient Town, admire the windswept wheat fields (most beautiful from May to July when the wheat ripens), experience tie-dyeing, and visit the Yan Family Courtyard. Evening: Return to Dali Old Town for dinner and rest. Day 4: Erhai Lake Tour (East Side) → Shuanglang Ancient Town → Ideal Bond Morning: Continue the Erhai Lake tour, starting from the east side. Visit Wenbi Village, Small Putuo Island, and other scenic spots, enjoying the different views of Erhai Lake. Noon: Have lunch in Shuanglang Ancient Town, where there are many seaside restaurants offering a pleasant dining experience with sea views. Afternoon: Explore Shuanglang Ancient Town, browse the unique shops, and experience the laid-back lifestyle. Afterward, visit Ideal Bond, a place with a Santorini-like exotic atmosphere, perfect for taking photos. Evening: Stay overnight near Ideal Bond or return to Dali Old Town. Day 5: Dali → Lijiang → Lijiang Old Town Morning: Take a high-speed train or bus to Lijiang. Upon arrival, go to Lijiang Old Town and check in to your hotel. Noon: Enjoy Lijiang specialties like Naxi grilled fish, preserved pork rib hot pot, and chicken pea jelly. Afternoon: Explore Lijiang Old Town, visit Sifang Street, the Water Wheel, and Mu's Residence. Stroll along the cobblestone streets and experience the romance and tranquility of the old town. Evening: Experience Lijiang's nightlife in the bars of the old town, or find a restaurant to savor local cuisine and admire the night view. Day 6: Lijiang Old Town → Jade Dragon Snow Mountain → Blue Moon Valley Morning: Get up early and head to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Book tickets and cable car tickets in advance. Upon arrival, take the eco-bus and cable car up the mountain to admire the magnificent scenery and take photos at the 4680m marker. Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant in the scenic area, where light meals and snacks are available. Afternoon: After descending, visit Blue Moon Valley, where the lake water is as blue as a gemstone, reflecting the snow mountain like a fairyland. Every photo taken here is a masterpiece. Evening: Return to Lijiang Old Town for dinner and a good rest to recover from the day's activities. Day 7: Lijiang Old Town → Shuhe Ancient Town → Departure Morning: Visit Shuhe Ancient Town, a quieter and more ancient town than Lijiang Old Town. Explore the Nine Dragon Pond and Qinglong Bridge, and experience the charm of this rural ancient town. Noon: Have lunch in Shuhe Ancient Town and try the local specialties. Afternoon: Pack your luggage and prepare for your departure, concluding your pleasant Yunnan trip! Food Recommendations - Kunming: Crossing-the-bridge noodles, steam pot chicken, wild mushroom hot pot, small pot rice noodles, roasted rice cakes, Yiliang roast duck, flower cakes. - Dali: Rice noodles, Xizhou baba, cold chicken rice noodles, Dali pickled cabbage fish, three-course tea, milk fan, carved plums. - Lijiang: Naxi grilled fish, preserved pork rib hot pot, chicken pea jelly, rice sausage, black goat hot pot, Lijiang baba. Things to Note - Yunnan's attractions are scattered, so plan your route in advance and book train tickets, entrance tickets, and hotels to avoid delays. - Yunnan has complex terrain and some areas are at high altitudes. Take precautions against altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise, and get plenty of rest. - When visiting scenic areas, protect the environment, do not litter, and do not damage natural landscapes or cultural relics. - When trying wild mushrooms, choose reputable restaurants and ensure that the mushrooms are thoroughly cooked to avoid poisoning. - When buying souvenirs, compare prices from different vendors to avoid being overcharged. If you encounter any problems, report them to the relevant local authorities promptly.