Yunnan 3–5 Day Travel Guide | Unlock the Dreamy Journey to Colorful Yunnan
| Unlock the Dreamy Journey to Colorful Yunnan. 🌈👋 Hey guys, 💁♀️ I just came back from the beautiful Yunnan and couldn't wait to stay up late to organize this super detailed and practical guide for you 📖, covering itinerary, food, accommodation, and tips. After reading this, you will be able to travel to Yunnan easily and avoid any pitfalls 💪!
🌸 [Five-day Classic Itinerary]
📍 Day 1: Meet Kunming and start your first impression of Yunnan 🌆
✅ In the morning, go to Green Lake Park to feed the lovely black-headed gulls 🕊 and feel the harmony between humans and animals. In the afternoon, visit Yunnan Nationalities Village to experience the unique customs of 25 ethnic minorities 🎊. At night, stroll through Nanqiang Street Night Market and have a bowl of steaming "Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles" 🍜 to start your Yunnan food journey.
🚗 Transportation: It only takes 20 minutes to take a taxi from Kunming Airport/High-speed Railway Station to the city center, which is very convenient 🚕.
🏠 Accommodation: We highly recommend staying near Nanping Street, where you can enjoy food, shopping, and entertainment 🛍.
📍 Day 2: Explore the Stone Forest and visit Dali Ancient City at night 🏰
✅ In the morning, go to the Stone Forest Scenic Area to immerse yourself in the karst landform. Wear a white dress 👗 and take beautiful photos. In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Dali (about 2 hours). At night, walk on the stone road of Dali Ancient City and taste the delicious combination of "casserole fish + rushan" 🐟🧀.
⚠️ Note: There are many walking paths in the Stone Forest Scenic Area, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes 👟.
📍 Day 3: Cycle around Erhai Lake and go to Lijiang Ancient City 🏞
✅ Rent a bicycle 🚲 and start a romantic ride along Erhai Lake. Panxi S Bay is a must-see spot, where you can take beautiful photos. Then go to Xizhou Ancient Town and take beautiful photos in the golden rice fields 📸. In the afternoon, go to Lijiang (2 hours by car). At night, stay in Lijiang Ancient City, listen to folk songs in the bar street, and feel the unique charm of this ancient city 🎶.
📸 Photo tips: It is recommended to wear a light-colored long dress by Erhai Lake. At sunrise or sunset, the light will shine on you, making your photos beautiful 💯.
📍 Day 4: Conquer Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and enjoy a visual feast 🏔
✅ Take the Glacier Park Cableway to an altitude of 4,680 meters and challenge yourself. After going down the mountain, go to Blue Moon Valley and enjoy the Tiffany blue lake 💙. Then watch the impressive "Impression Lijiang" performance 🎭.
⚠️ Altitude sickness warning ⚠️: Prepare an oxygen tank in advance, don't exercise vigorously, walk slowly, and enjoy the scenery along the way 🚶♀️.
📍 Day 5: Return home or explore Lugu Lake ✨
⏰ If you have enough time, you can go to Lugu Lake (4 hours by car), take a pig trough boat to cruise the lake 🛶, attend the Mosuo bonfire party 🔥, and experience the mysterious culture of the Kingdom of Women.
🚨 [Important Tips! Must-read]
1️⃣ How to deal with altitude sickness: The altitude of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Shangri-La, and other places is high, which is likely to cause altitude sickness 😵. Prepare an oxygen tank in advance (important ❗ CNY 60/bottle in the scenic area, CNY 15/bottle in the city). Don't drink alcohol or run and jump. Enjoy your trip 🚶♂️.
2️⃣ Sun protection tips: The ultraviolet rays in Yunnan are very strong 😎. Be sure to apply sunscreen with SPF50 + and wear a hat 👒 and sunglasses 🕶 to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays.
3️⃣ Clothing tips: The temperature difference between morning and evening is large (5–20°C). Wear a thin coat + long dress during the day, which is fashionable and comfortable. Wear a fleece jacket at night 🧥. You can rent a down jacket when going to the snow mountain.
4️⃣ Shopping tips: Be careful when buying silver jewelry and herbs in the scenic area ❗ Be careful of hidden costs when joining a group tour. Choose a pure tour to have a good time 👏.
5️⃣ Transportation tips: The scenic spots in Yunnan are scattered. It is more convenient to charter a car or join a group tour. If you travel independently, remember to book high-speed train tickets in advance (Kunming → Dali → Lijiang) 🚄.
🍜 [Yunnan Food | Recommended and Not Recommended]
🔥 Must-try:
Kunming: Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles at Jianxin Garden 🍜, which is delicious and has a variety of side dishes; Guandu Baba 🥮, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Dali: Bai Casserole Fish 🐟, which is tender and has a rich soup; Grilled Rushan 🧀, which is sweet and delicious; Sour and Spicy Fish, which is appetizing and goes well with rice.
Lijiang: Preserved Pork Ribs Hot Pot 🥘, which is firm and has a unique flavor; Grilled Tofu, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside; Chickpea Jelly, which is smooth and spicy.
❌ Not recommended: The "wild mushroom hot pot" in the scenic area may not be fresh ❌. It is recommended to go to a local restaurant, such as Lijiang Huama Street, which is authentic and delicious 👍.
🏡 [Accommodation Recommendations]
💫 Kunming: Designer homestay near Green Lake, which is artistic and perfect for taking photos 📷.
💫 Dali: Erhai Seaview Inn (Shuanglang or Caicun area is highly recommended), where you can enjoy the beautiful sunrise 🌅.
💫 Lijiang: Naxi Courtyard in the ancient city, which is unique, but it is a little tiring to carry luggage. You can choose a light luxury homestay on the edge of the ancient city, which is convenient and comfortable 🛏.
⚠️ Remember to book a room 1 month in advance during the peak season! During the off-season, you can stay in a seaview room for CNY 200, which is cost-effective 💰.
With this guide, you can travel to Yunnan 🚀 and embrace the colorful Yunnan 🌌! I hope you have an unforgettable journey 🎉.