Yunnan, a dreamlike journey you can't miss

Yunnan, the land of colorful clouds, is like a magnificent painting, blending stunning natural scenery, unique ethnic customs, and a rich culinary culture. Who could resist such allure? Today, I'm bringing you a super practical Yunnan travel guide to help you easily explore the province! Preparations ● Documents: ID card, student ID (discounts available), driver's license (essential for those planning a road trip). ● Clothing: Yunnan's weather is changeable, with significant temperature differences between day and night. Pack a light jacket in summer and a thick coat in winter. Also, a pair of comfortable sneakers is essential, as you'll be walking a lot 🚶‍♂️. ● Skincare: Yunnan has strong UV rays, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and moisturizing face masks. ● Medications: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc., just in case. Itinerary Planning Classic Kunming - Dali - Lijiang 8-Day Tour ● Day 1: Kunming ○ Morning: Arrive in Kunming, check into the hotel, and rest briefly. ○ Noon: Enjoy authentic Yunnan Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles. Qiaoxiangyuan is recommended; the taste is delicious and the side dishes are plentiful. ○ Afternoon: Head to Dianchi Lake, one of Kunming's iconic attractions. Rent a bicycle and cycle along the lake, enjoying the scenery and seeing many adorable red-billed gulls. ○ Evening: Stroll along Nanping Street, Kunming's most bustling commercial street, with various restaurants and unique shops. ● Day 2: Kunming - Stone Forest ○ Morning: Join a Stone Forest day tour or take a bus to the scenic area. The Stone Forest is a World Natural Heritage site; the stones here come in various shapes, making you feel like you've entered a stone maze. ○ Noon: Enjoy local specialties at a restaurant near the scenic area, such as Shilin milk cake. ○ Afternoon: Continue exploring the Stone Forest, taking photos and appreciating the wonders of nature. ○ Evening: Return to Kunming city. ● Day 3: Kunming - Dali ○ Morning: Take the high-speed train to Dali and check into a guesthouse near Erhai Lake. ○ Noon: Enjoy Dali specialties at a nearby restaurant, such as spicy and sour fish and roasted milk fan. ○ Afternoon: Rent an electric scooter and ride along Erhai Lake, enjoying its beautiful scenery. You can stop at Shuanglang Ancient Town, a great place for taking photos, with many popular Instagrammable spots. ○ Evening: Have dinner at a seaside restaurant, enjoying the sea breeze and a leisurely time. ● Day 4: Dali ○ Morning: Take a boat tour on Erhai Lake, admiring the islands and surrounding scenery. You can choose to disembark at attractions such as Xiaoputuo Island and Nanzhao Folk Island. ○ Noon: Enjoy lunch on the boat, savoring fresh fish from Erhai Lake. ○ Afternoon: Return to Dali Old Town and stroll through its streets, soaking in its historical and cultural atmosphere. You can visit attractions within the Old Town, such as the Wenxian Tower and Wuhua Tower. ○ Evening: Enjoy a drink at a bar in the Old Town and listen to a singer perform. ● Day 5: Dali - Lijiang ○ Morning: Take a bus to Lijiang and check into a guesthouse in Lijiang Old Town. ○ Noon: Enjoy local Lijiang specialties at restaurants in the Old Town, such as Naxi grilled fish and chicken bean jelly. ○ Afternoon: Explore Lijiang Old Town and experience its charm. You can visit attractions such as Sifang Street and Mu's Residence. ○ Evening: Enjoy the night view of the Old Town; the lights reflecting on the stone streets are very beautiful. You can also participate in a bonfire party and dance with the local ethnic minorities 💃. ● Day 6: Lijiang - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain ○ Morning: Join a Jade Dragon Snow Mountain day tour or take a shuttle bus to the scenic area. Purchase tickets and cable car tickets at the entrance and take the cable car up the mountain to enjoy the magnificent scenery 🏔️. ○ Noon: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant on the mountain, savoring local highland cuisine. ○ Afternoon: Visit Blue Moon Valley, where the lake water is crystal clear and azure, like a sapphire. You can also visit attractions such as Ganhaizi. ○ Evening: Return to Lijiang city. ● Day 7: Lijiang ○ Morning: Stroll around Shuhe Ancient Town, which is quieter and more charming than Lijiang Ancient City. You can sit in a cafe in the ancient town and enjoy a leisurely time ☕. ○ Noon: Enjoy a meal at a restaurant in the ancient town. ○ Afternoon: Return to the hotel to pack your luggage and prepare for your return trip. ○ Evening: Free time. You can stroll through the night market in Lijiang city and buy some souvenirs. ● Day 8: Lijiang - Return Trip ○ Morning: Check out of the hotel and head to the airport or train station, concluding your enjoyable Yunnan trip ✈️. Food Recommendations ● Kunming: Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles, Tofu Rice Noodles, Small Pot Rice Noodles, Wild Mushroom Hot Pot. ● Dali: Spicy and Sour Fish, Grilled Milk Fan, Xizhou Baba, Ersi (Rice Noodles). ● Lijiang: Naxi Grilled Fish, Chicken Bean Jelly, Cured Pork Rib Hot Pot, Black Goat Hot Pot. Accommodation Suggestions ● Kunming: Consider staying near Nanping Street for convenient transportation and plenty of nearby restaurants. ● Dali: We recommend staying in a guesthouse near Erhai Lake for beautiful lake views. ● Lijiang: Stay in a guesthouse within Lijiang Old Town to experience the atmosphere of the ancient city. Important Notes ● Yunnan is home to many ethnic minorities; please respect local customs and traditions. ● When visiting scenic spots, please pay attention to safety and abide by the rules and regulations. ● When buying souvenirs, be mindful of prices and quality to avoid being overcharged. My darlings, pack your bags and embark on this Yunnan trip! I'm sure you'll have unforgettable memories! 💕 I hope this guide is helpful. Feel free to leave any questions in the comments section! 😘