Yunnan Tour Guide

Question

hi hi, we are family of 5 planning to go Yunnan for 10-11 days, next year mid march. Plan to tour Luoping,( or Dongchuan red land), Kunming, Dali and Lijiang - include tiger leaping gorge.

would like to ask the expert here:

1. Any good guide cum driver to recommend for our entire trip

2. during march, I'm thinking should we go Luoping - see flower , or Dongchuan Red land. Any idea which is better in mid march.

3. is Lugu lake worth going, if already plan to see Erhai in dali

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Answer

Planning a 10–11 day family trip to Yunnan in mid-March covering Luoping or Dongchuan, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Tiger Leaping Gorge is a fantastic idea. Here is a detailed guide addressing your questions.

1. Guide and driver recommendation:

Hiring a private guide with a driver is highly recommended for a family of 5, especially since your itinerary covers multiple cities and remote scenic areas.
Look for licensed local guides based in Kunming, Dali, or Lijiang who offer full-day or multi-day packages, as they often provide a vehicle and driver. English-speaking guides are available, but booking in advance is essential.
Popular ways to find a reliable guide: travel agencies like Yunnan Travel Agency or TourMandarin, or verified local guides on platforms like TripAdvisor and Viator. Request reviews and ensure the vehicle is spacious enough for 5 people plus luggage.
Private car rental with driver is common; rates for 10–11 days usually range from $600–$1000 USD depending on vehicle type and distances.

2. Luoping vs Dongchuan Red Land in mid-March:

Luoping: Famous for its rapeseed flowers (canola), which bloom from late February to early March. By mid-March, the flowers may still be present but might start fading depending on the weather.
Dongchuan Red Land: Known for its red soil landscapes. In March, it’s less colorful compared to the peak of May–June but still offers dramatic patterns of farmland. Spring crops may not be fully grown yet, so colors are more muted.
Recommendation: For mid-March, Luoping is generally better if your family wants bright yellow flower fields. Dongchuan is better if you prefer dramatic landscape photography of terraced red soils.

3. Lugu Lake vs Erhai Lake in Dali:

Erhai Lake in Dali is large, scenic, and easy to explore with boat rides or cycling around. Visiting Dali town and nearby villages gives a good cultural experience.
Lugu Lake, located on the Yunnan–Sichuan border, is beautiful and has unique Mosuo culture, but it requires a significant detour from Dali/Lijiang and adds travel time (6–7 hours one way by car or bus from Lijiang).
Recommendation: If your main focus is Dali and Lijiang with Tiger Leaping Gorge, you may skip Lugu Lake unless you specifically want to see Mosuo culture. With 10–11 days, you can have a relaxed pace without adding Lugu Lake.

Additional tips:

March weather is generally cool and dry, but mornings and evenings can be chilly; pack layers.
Luoping may still have some morning fog, which can create excellent photo conditions for flowers.
Consider flying between Kunming–Dali and Lijiang–Kunming to save travel time instead of long bus rides.

In summary, for mid-March, hiring a private guide with driver is recommended. Choose Luoping for spring flowers over Dongchuan Red Land, and skip Lugu Lake if you prefer a relaxed itinerary focusing on Dali, Erhai, Lijiang, and Tiger Leaping Gorge.

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