Dali Nanjilo Hiking Guide: A Dreamy Journey Through a Fairyland

I. Overview Nanjilo is located in Badi Township, Weixi County, Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan Province, and is a secluded paradise. The hike is about 12 km long and takes 8–10 hours. It is of medium difficulty and requires some physical strength and outdoor experience. The best time to hike is from June to October, when the weather is relatively stable and the mountains are covered with blooming flowers. II. Preparation 1. Equipment: High-top waterproof hiking shoes to ensure foot support and waterproofing on complex roads; warm clothing, such as fleece and a windbreaker, as the temperature is low at the top of the mountain and the temperature difference between day and night is large; quick-drying clothes to keep you dry; a backpack (30–40 liters) to carry water, food, clothes, and other items; trekking poles to reduce knee pressure and improve walking stability; knee pads to protect your knees from injury; a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect you from the sun; waterproof gloves to deal with possible rain and slippery conditions; a headlamp or flashlight in case of delays. 2. Documents: Bring your ID card, as some areas may require registration. 3. Medicine: Prepare cold medicine, fever medicine, stomach medicine, anti-inflammatory medicine, band-aids, iodine, and other common medicines to deal with possible physical discomfort. 4. Food and water: Prepare high-energy food, such as chocolate, beef jerky, nuts, energy bars, and an appropriate amount of fruit. Each person should carry at least 2–3 liters of water, which can be adjusted according to personal water consumption. III. Itinerary 1. Day 1: Various places - Dali • After arriving in Dali, you can choose to stay near the ancient city of Dali, enjoy the leisurely atmosphere of the ancient city, and taste local delicacies, such as baba and rice noodles. Contact a vehicle to Nanjilo or sign up for a local tour in advance. 2. Day 2: Dali - Nanjilo • Depart from Dali in the morning and take a car to Nanjilo. The journey is long, so prepare motion sickness medicine in advance. You will pass by attractions such as Tiger Leaping Gorge, where you can stop to enjoy the scenery. • Arrive at a village near the Nanjilo Scenic Area in the afternoon. After a short rest, go to the starting point of the hike, adapt to the high-altitude environment, and do some simple warm-up exercises, such as brisk walking and stretching. 3. Day 3: Nanjilo Hike • Start hiking at around 8 am. There are obvious signs at the starting point. Follow the winding mountain road. The slope is relatively gentle at first, and you can enjoy the surrounding dense virgin forest. The trees are tall and straight, and the sunlight shines through the gaps in the leaves, forming golden beams of light. • After about 2 hours of hiking, you will reach the first viewing platform. The view here is wide, and you can overlook the continuous mountains and dense vegetation in the valleys. The snow-capped mountains in the distance shine in the sunlight. Rest here for a while and replenish water and food. • Continue forward. The road conditions become complicated, with some steep uphill sections and slippery mud. Use trekking poles to move forward steadily. You will pass several alpine lakes along the way. The water is clear and reflects the surrounding peaks and blue sky, like mirrors embedded in the mountains. • Arrive at the lunch spot at around 12–1 pm. Choose a flat place to enjoy the prepared food. You can enjoy the surrounding scenery and let your body rest. • Continue in the afternoon. There will be some downhill sections along the way. Control your speed to avoid slipping. As the altitude gradually increases, the scenery becomes more spectacular. You can see large alpine meadows with wildflowers blooming in a riot of colors. • Arrive at the end of the hike at around 5 pm. Take the pre-arranged vehicle back to your accommodation and rest to relieve the fatigue of the day. 4. Day 4: Nanjilo - Dali • You can move freely in nearby villages in the morning, experience local customs, and buy some special souvenirs. • Then take a car back to Dali and end the pleasant Nanjilo hiking trip. IV. Precautions 1. Altitude sickness prevention: Nanjilo is at a high altitude, and some people may experience altitude sickness. Take altitude sickness medicine, such as Rhodiola, a week in advance. During the hike, avoid strenuous exercise and maintain a steady breathing rhythm. If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache or difficulty breathing, stop immediately and rest. If necessary, use oxygen or go down the mountain for medical treatment. 2. Environmental protection: Nanjilo's ecological environment is fragile. During the hike, practice "Leave No Trace" and do not litter. Put garbage in bags and take it out of the scenic area. Do not damage vegetation or wildlife habitats. Protect the original appearance of this paradise. 3. Weather changes: Mountain weather is changeable, and it may rain or snow at any time. Check the weather forecast before departure, but do not rely on it completely. Carry rain gear with you. In bad weather, find a safe place to take shelter in time. Do not stay under trees or on mountain tops. 4. Communication: Some areas may have no cell phone signal during the hike. Inform family or friends of your itinerary and expected return time in advance. Carry a walkie-talkie to keep in touch with your companions. 5. Team action: Try not to hike alone. It is best to form a team with experienced hikers or professional guides. Team members should take care of each other and maintain a suitable pace to avoid getting lost.