Live Your Best Lives
This is a long-planned trip------- driving from Chengdu to western Yunnan, watching the blue sky and white clouds, watching the red-billed gulls soaring, and watching the sunset.
It was originally planned to be implemented in early December 2020, but the already calm epidemic in Chengdu's Pitong District suddenly became tense due to the imported virus. We also responded to the call not to go out and pressed the pause button on the trip.
Finally, two weeks later, the epidemic was contained, and friends discussed staggered travel before the Spring Festival and put the plan for 2020 in early 2021. On January 8, 2021, we set off, two cars, 7.5 people. And the 0.5 people are a little princess of 2 years and 8 months. With her on this trip, it added a lot of fun to our tired self-driving trip.
The plan for this trip was formulated by me, and the map was rolled out to make a strategy, synthesizing everyone's ideas, four different drafts, and finally implemented, according to the weather changes and everyone's physical condition, we made adjustments at any time.
First of all, the scheme diagram
On the morning of January 8, we set off. Unfortunately, since the 8th, the whole country has ushered in the cold wave of the century, and we set the departure time at 9:00 a.m., which is the wrong time for people at work. At this time, snowflakes had already fallen in the sky of Chengdu. Everyone was in high spirits, thinking that this trip to the south, Yunnan is a place like spring in all seasons. Just then, at 24:00 on the evening of December 31, 2020, the Chengyizhao Expressway was opened, and the driving time was shortened by one hour, so we chose the road from Yibin Shuifu into Yunnan.
The journey was very smooth, but in Zhaotong, it was snowing, and the snow covered the mountains, and we drove carefully and enjoyed the beautiful snowy scenery.
It was already 19:00 in the evening when I arrived at the ancient city of Huize in Yunnan, and the temperature was 0 degrees, so cold. After settling in the B&B we contacted in advance, we went out to eat. I found a fish hot pot restaurant that is relatively close to the reviews, and the phone communication is still open. That little princess is such a good child, just like us, she just started dinner now, she didn't cry at all, and everyone liked her very much.
After dinner, we walked back to the homestay in the cold wind.
On the morning of January 9, the temperature in Huize was minus 3 degrees. According to the plan, it was to take pictures on the red land of Dongchuan, and when the weather forecast was checked, the temperature was slightly higher than that of Huize, so everyone discussed whether to implement it according to the plan. If the temperature is low there, we will go directly to our destination in Kunming.
This tour did not arrange a tour of the ancient city of Aize, so after packing your luggage, go to Aize Park to photograph the world's largest copper coin when leaving Aize. I wanted to pass through Qianyan along the plank road, but unfortunately the bridge deck of the plank road was frozen, and as soon as I stepped on it, I immediately had a butt pier, so I had to take a picture below and drive towards Dongchuan.
Taken while resting on Dongcheon Road
As soon as we entered Dongchuan, we were overjoyed, the temperature in Dongchuan was 16 degrees, the sun was shining, and we were glad for our decision. Get out of the car and take a frenzy.
Grandma, the car is coming!
The little baby is so coordinated with us, she also pointed her little finger to the sky.
the texture of the land, the prospect of a good harvest.
Leaving Dongchuan, we went straight to Kunming.
Arriving in Kunming at 20:00 in the evening, I had dinner in the restaurant, had nothing to say all night, and rested early.
January 10th. The original plan was to go to Dianwei Village, but the weather forecast also came to Kunming, and the temperature dropped to 3 degrees, so everyone discussed the adjustment plan, soaked in the hot springs in the morning to rest to relieve the fatigue of two days of long-distance driving, and then set off in the afternoon to Dali to chase the sunny place. After some cleanup, we came to the hot spring villa.
After resting at the villa, we drove to Chuxiong in the afternoon and divided the road to Dali into two sections to make the trip easier.
January 11th. After breakfast in Chuxiong, we set off for Dali. At this time, the cold wave followed us all the way. The road from Chuxiong to Dali is a road for cars to pass through the mountains, entering the dark side of the mountain, thick fog, low visibility, and slow speed; As soon as I entered the sunny side of the mountain, it suddenly became clear. At noon, we arrived in Dali smoothly, passed by a restaurant called March 3, got off the bus for lunch, especially recommended, the food is really delicious, there are many succulents in the backyard, some of them can't be named, the store is also very enthusiastic, and some local folk songs and dances will be performed during the meal.
are all succulents
There is a Fucui Yunhai Inn on the shore of Dali Erhai Lake, and the owner is the younger sister who settled in Chengdu from Qingdao. I have never met her on WeChat for many years. Before leaving, WeChat told her that we were going, and she received us warmly. Although it was noon when we arrived in Dali, the cooling wind also blew into Dali. After entering the inn, everyone settled down, lit the fireplace, took out the tea set, and boiled water to make tea. Looking out the window at the leaves that were blown up by the strong wind, sitting in front of the warm fireplace, everyone relaxed and comfortably drank tea, chatted, ate snacks, played games, and played mahjong.
This inn is relatively large, with three floors, the first floor is the hall, kitchen, and staff rest room, and the second and third floors are guest rooms. The windows of each guest room can see Erhai Lake, and you can see the sunrise and sunset while lying on the bed. The room is very exquisitely decorated, the bathroom decoration is also very exquisite, the bathtub, bath room, smart toilet, spacious washbasin, each of us chooses a room that we are satisfied with. The inn also has a huge garden, although it is winter, many flowers have withered, but the garden is still neat and refreshing.
Brew tea, bake potatoes on the brazier.
My friends were playing mahjong, and I was walking around the garden and taking pictures of the night view of the garden.
lie in bed and see the sun rise
The view from the window is intoxicating
Early in the morning, dine in a sunny restaurant and feel good
all day
On the morning of January 12, the wind had stopped, and the temperature was still very low, of course, it was still much warmer than Kunming. After breakfast, we decided to drive around Erhai Lake.
The innkeeper recommended Gusheng Village and Longkan Wharf to us, and after we set the navigation, we began to go to Gusheng Village along the Huanhai Highway of Erhai Lake.
In2009, the village implemented Erhai ecological improvement, improved the appearance of the village, and showed the cultural characteristics of the Bai people, and in 2014, the per capita net income of the villagers was tens of thousands, and they lived a happy and prosperous life. In 2015, the general secretary inspected Gusheng Village and highly praised the high-quality ecological environment of Erhai Lake.
Bai temple in the village
big stage in the village 
There is a big tree in the center of the village, facing the big stage in the village, which reminds me of Mr. Lu Xun's "social drama" and the children climbing the tree to watch the play
The next attraction is the Dragon Shrine Pier. To go to the pier to pass through the ancient city of Dali, everyone has been to the ancient city many times, so it is not our itinerary this time, but it happens to be lunchtime, we decided to go to the ancient city to eat mushroom soup pot.
The firecrackers in the ancient city are blooming and shooting.
Nezha, it must be a favorite of children
After lunch, we left the ancient city and went straight to the Longkan Wharf. It was an abandoned pier that the local government turned into a tourist attraction. When we went, it was still under construction, and the prototype had already been presented. The attraction is not open to the public, but the small door to the park leading to the pier is open, and after we enter, the first thing that unfolds in front of us is a Japanese-style dry scene, through which is a small forest, and there is a long reinforced wooden plank road built around the periphery of the grove, and then there is the endless Erhai Lake.
Longkan Wharf under construction
outside the Longkan Wharf Scenic Area
Push open the small door and enter the scenic spot, and a Japanese-style dry scene is presented in front of
you 
>
Outside of the dead scenery is a forest
edge of the woods is a former pier and a newly built boardwalk 
Stand on the plank road and look at the endless Erhai Lake. Due to the cold wave, the sky was gloomy, and the photos of the dragon niche pier were like ink paintings.
Coming out of the Dragon Shrine Wharf, we returned to the inn.The meat dishes that the innkeeper entrusted to help us buy were already in the kitchen, and everyone worked together to cook in the inn, which was so lively. After dinner, mahjong began, and there was nothing to say all night.
January 13th. Today's plan is to go to Shaxi Ancient Town in Dali. Shaxi is 99 kilometers away from Dali Inn, an hour and a half by car.
Today is sunny with a temperature of 16 degrees. Our group of people chasing the sun finally ushered in an extremely sunny day. Although it is my third time in Shaxi, I still like it here. It does not have the hustle and bustle and utilitarianism of Lijiang, nor does it have the artificiality and vulgarity of Shuhe, only authenticity, tranquility and simplicity.
On the way from Dali to Shaxi, we saw hard-working villagers
After parking the car in the parking lot, we entered the ancient town. The beams of the Shaxi Inn are covered with cured meat, which looks like they are prepared for the Spring Festival.
stroll through the alleys of Shaxi Ancient Town.
Most of the ancient towns in Yunnan are in the four-square street model. There is a square square in the center of the town, which used to be a trading market. There are alleys at all four corners of the square leading to the outside of the town. Sifang Street has many functions, it is a market, but also a cultural and social center of the town, because there must be temples and stages on Sifang Street, and the spacious Sifang Street is also a place for local people to dance and sing. Sifang Street in Shaxi Ancient Town is no exception, and the stage building in Shaxi is very exquisite and magnificent.
Panoramic view of Shaxi Sifang Street
Shaxi's Sifang Street is surrounded by coffee shops, restaurants and small shops
selling souvenirs
There is a temple on Sifang Street in Shaxi, but we didn't go in because we sold tickets. It can be seen from the carving process of the cornerstone of the temple gate that this temple has some history.
The stage building on Sifang Street in Shaxi, with a triple high eaves roof, played a very good amplification effect, and when there was no loudspeaker and radio at that time, With the wonderful design of the building, the sound can be transmitted far and wide.
The quiet and simple Shaxi Ancient Town, looking out of any window, is a picture.
When my hair reaches my waist, I will also ask my mother-in-law to comb my colorful pigtails.
This is the only preserved remains of the ancient tea horse road in the ancient town. It is said that whenever it rains and the water rises, the horse gang will bring the sediment from the river outside the town to the town. In order to keep the town clean, the villagers brought many stones from the river outside the town to pave the road, and after a long time, the horse's hooves had stepped on the hard stones with many traces. Until now, we can still clearly see the horseshoe prints on the stone. However, compared with the "Qin Five-Foot Road" in Doushaguan, this ancient road is still very "young".
We follow this alley out of town.
a city or a town in our country's ancient times, most of the rivers are outside, one is to solve the drinking water of local residents and livestock, the irrigation of farmland, and another important function is to protect the city and resist external invasion, and Shaxi Ancient Town is no exception.
This is the horse market and the place where the school horses race
The river outside the town is cool and beautiful, it should be the moat of Shaxi Ancient Town.
It is said that the horse gang left the town from this bridge and wandered around the barbarians to trade.
When we came back from Shaxi Ancient Town, we discussed returning to Kunming tomorrow, because the sunshine returned to Kunming, and we had to chase after it.
On January 14, we packed our bags and said goodbye to the innkeeper and returned to Kunming. There is a resort town "Ideal State" between Dali and Kunming, 40 kilometers away from Dali, about 40 minutes' drive, which is a resort town built by Erhai Lake, with the style of Santorini, Greece. Well, because of the pandemic, we can't travel abroad, so let's go there.
This is a real estate project, where the house is rented and sold, embedded in the blue sky and white clouds of Dali's Erhai Lake, which has a bit of Greek flavor. It's just that this kind of scenery is suitable for summer photography, we wrapped ourselves in down jackets, rolled up, took some photos and left.
On January 15, Kunming, the weather was sunny, the temperature was 17 degrees, and the human body was just right. I had planned to go to Dianwei Village on the best day to photograph metasequoia trees. Dianwei Village is 65 kilometers away from Kunming, 1 and a half hours by car. This is the place I want to go, and it must be in winter. In winter, the leaves of metasequoia trees wither yellow, and under the sunlight and blue sky, the metasequoia forest will appear golden red.
It was already noon in Dianwei Village, and considering that there was a little baby, we decided to have lunch in the village first and then go on a tour, and came to a black goat stew pot restaurant in the village to eat. To be honest, the restaurant decoration in Yunnan is relatively old, and the tables and chairs are also very simple. Friends said that if such a store were in Chengdu, we would definitely not go in, but the food was delicious.
We asked the villagers that there was a dirt road that could be driven to the edge of the metasequoia forest, and we found a dirt road to drive in. The road is narrow, potholes, about ten minutes of driving, the road is slightly wider, when everyone was discussing how to park, a fellow came over, and when he asked, he found out that there was a huge building resembling a digester in front of him, which was relatively spacious, and he could park, and from there he walked for a few minutes to reach the edge of the forest. We were overjoyed, and soon found the round pool, parked the car, packed up our bags, and happily walked down the slope.
Isaw the red metasequoia from a distance, everyone was excited, even the little baby didn't take the stroller, got out of the car and staggered with us.
Wow, the view in front of us was amazing. It is like a lake, the metasequoia trees grow in the water, the leaves are all red, the sky is blue, the water surface is also blue, the sun, the breeze, the water surface is sparkling, and a white bridge is vaguely seen through the metasequoia forest. Where have we ever seen such a stunning beauty, cheers, screams are endless, and more importantly, there is no one else here except us, it is completely our private place.
I slid along the steep path by the lake to the other side of the lake, taking a long-distance shot of the bridge and my friends on the bridge. I originally wanted to go around the lake, but it was too far away from my friends, so I just walked to the other side and returned.
metasequoia forest under the blue sky and white cloud seal.
Panorama of the White Bridge through the Metasequoia Forest. The bridge has fallen into disrepair, and the railings on the bridge have been broken a lot. 
I was walking through the metasequoia forest, heard a voice, looked for the voice, and saw two old men fishing with a rod. I stepped forward to talk and knew that this was the Songhuaba Reservoir, and the reservoir would flood the metasequoia forest in November every year, with the purpose of purifying the water quality, and in March of the following year, water was released to cultivate the fields, and the metasequoia forest grew young leaves and restored green. Ah, fortunately, I didn't go around the lake, this is a reservoir, and it is almost impossible to walk back!
How beautiful it is, why don't the local people build it into a tourist attraction?!We unanimously sighed that the best time should be December, because when we came, the metasequoia leaves were almost falling, and it looked a bit unfavorable up close.
Reluctantly leaving Dianwei Village and returning to Kunming, it was already 18:00 in the evening, when the sunset was just right, we decided to go to Haiyan Village next to Dianchi Lake, where there is a photography base dedicated to photographing the sunset over Dianchi Lake.
When the car drove into Haiyan Village, the road was very tortuous and narrow, and there would be vehicles parked in a slightly wider place, and it was impossible to meet the car in the alleys of the village. There are also many villagers in the center of the village who set up barbecue stalls, where many people eat baked tofu and baked potatoes. When we were worried that the car could not stop, the villagers enthusiastically instructed us to park the car in front of his house and charge a parking fee of 10 yuan. Then tell us that the time is almost up to follow this trail to watch the sunset by Dianchi Lake. This is a photography base, and there are many people watching the sunset, and parking fees are already a kind of livelihood for local villagers. We happily gave the parking fee and thanked the villagers for looking at the car for us and walking quickly towards Dianchi Lake. It turned out that there were already many people here, and in order to allow tourists to see the sunset, the villagers also specially built a long cement plank road, extending to the center of Dianchi Lake, and many people stood densely on the plank road. This season is the Siberian red-billed gull flying to Yunnan for the winter, and tourists are taking pictures of the red-billed gull, although the wind is gradually picking up at this time and the night cold is returning, and the excitement of watching the sunset makes us completely unaware.
Along cement plank road that stretches out to the center of Dianchi Lake.
Red-billed gulls returning at night fly in the sunset.
The sunset and the lone horse fly together, and the autumn water is the same color as the sky.
throw a stone, and the splash of water is dyed in the color of the setting sun.
love each other
release
Conscientious photographer
sunset
Today is a fulfilling and satisfying day, the day after tomorrow is the day when you plan to return, and tomorrow's content is very loose, adjust your physical condition to ensure a smooth return.
January 16th. Today's plan is to play in Kunming Wetland Park, which is a 4A-level attraction, coupled with the sunny weather, we rented multi-person bicycles in the park and took pictures while cycling. The multi-person bicycles here are very good, and there are special places for children.
We danced to the background music of the park.
January 17th. Judging from the weather forecast and navigation, the time to return to Chengdu from Zhaotong is short, but the cold wave has come to Zhaotong again, the temperature has dropped to zero degrees, and the road is icy in the Zhaotong section and the Bijie section. The Yaxi Expressway in Panzhihua and Xichang has a temperature of 8 degrees and good road conditions. Considering the little baby, we decided to take the Yaxi Expressway back, although the distance was far, so we stayed in Xichang for one night. Kunming is 513 kilometers away from Xichang, a 7-hour drive. After settling in the hotel, we went to Xichang Barbecue Street. Coming to Xichang without eating barbecue is equivalent to going to Beijing and not going to the Great Wall. Finding a well-received barbecue restaurant on the reviews is naturally a feast.
January 18, we set off from Xichang and returned directly to Chengdu. Xichang is 435 kilometers away from Chengdu, a 6-hour drive. The road is unimpeded, the weather is quite powerful, and you can see the snow-capped mountains and the Yaxi Expressway, which is known as China's most beautiful highway, and you must take pictures.
When we drove to Ya'an Hanyuan, we decided to go to Jiuxiang Town, where there was a huge grain and oil farmers' market, and everyone happily bought meat for their families to prepare for the New Year.
11-day self-driving tour ended successfully, The whole journey is 3407.4 kilometers, the little baby performed very well, did not cry or make trouble along the way, or insisted on learning children's English every day, and the grandparents who traveled with her loved her very much.
Everyone returned safely to their warm and happy homes.
The final execution plan is as follows. We didn't have the time and energy to go to Jianshui Ancient City again, because of the cold wave, we didn't go to Lijiang, and the rest of the plans were all implemented, especially the long-awaited trip to Songhuaba Reservoir to see Sequoia and Haiyan Village to take pictures of the sunset over Dianchi Lake, all of which were realized in this trip. Thank you to the little ones and friends who have traveled with me along the way.
previous itinerary map.
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