Summer Escape Plan - Yunnan Small Loop Six-Day Five-Night Self-Driving Tour

Number of days：6 days
Time: July
Average cost: 1600 yuan
With whom：parents and children
Updated: 2022.09.17

Just ask yourself?

How long has it been since you looked up at the blue sky?

How long has it been since you stood by the river and enjoyed the evening breeze?

Escape the city and go on a road trip in Yunnan with friends.

An interesting life is half about the mundane world and half about mountains, rivers, lakes and seas.

Listening to the sounds of nature and

setting off are always the most meaningful things.

On the first day, we drove from Chengdu to Kunming and rested in Zhaotong Ancient City at noon.

If you don’t want to travel far, I’ll wait for you in Zhaotong Ancient City.

Address: Zhaotong Ancient City

Coordinates: Near No. 279, Beizheng Street, Zhaoyang District, Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province

️Parking: Park your car in advance. The roads in the ancient city are narrow and parking is not allowed. An old city brimming with life, an old city steeped in history, an old city steeped in heroes. The heart of Zhaotong Ancient City is Yuanmenkou Square, where stands the "Joining the National Crisis" monument to the 60th Yunnan Army. The monument's base inscribes the exact number of 3,453 Zhaotong soldiers killed in the Battle of Taierzhuang. Zhaotong Ancient City is a testament to Zhuti culture. Zhaotong is one of Yunnan's three major cultural birthplaces, once known as "Little Kunming." Its spacious and rustic streets feature a diverse architectural style, with a focus on Qing Dynasty architecture, complemented by elements from the Republic of China era and a blend of Chinese and Western styles. Like modern commercial streets, these streets cater to people's daily lives, offering a wide variety of businesses. The old streets and alleys are home to the locals. The "Zhaotong Ancient City" lacks city walls, but it does have four gates: Fuzhen Gate in the east, Jining Gate in the south, Jichuan Gate in the west, and Quma Gate in the north. The core area is centered around Yuanmenkou. Traffic jams can cause us to pause, but that's okay, because we know our pause is brief; we're still heading in the right direction and will eventually reach our destination. During our journey, we can slow down and savor the scenery. Smoked Pork and Burning Rice Noodles

One checkpoint is in the east and the other in the west, but there is no Golden Horse, only Jade Rooster.

Address: Jinbi Plaza

Coordinates: South side of Jinbi Road, Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province (South side of Jinbi Road, Wuhua District)

️Parking: In order to facilitate the nucleic acid test, the car was parked in the underground parking lot of the First People's Hospital

This is my second time in Kunming. I drove for a whole day. First, I went to the First People's Hospital to do a nucleic acid test (24-hour nucleic acid test). I went to several other hospitals before and they didn't do it. The Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archway was first built during the Xuande reign of the Ming Dynasty, and boasts a history of nearly 400 years. The myth of the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster was first recorded in Ban Gu's "Book of Han" during the Han Dynasty. According to the "Biography of Wang Bao" chapter of this book, in the third year of the Wufeng reign of Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty, an alchemist claimed that a deity called the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster existed in Yizhou and could be summoned through sacrifice.

At dusk, Jinbi Square was bustling with the sounds of life. Strolling the night market in the drizzling rain, I felt the gentle romance of summer in the Spring City.

Legend has it that the two squares once created a spectacle of "gold and jade mingling together." Today, the wonder is hard to see, but the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archway remains a symbol of auspiciousness, embodying Kunming people's yearning for a better life.

Have a bowl of cross-bridge rice noodles at the food stall across the street.

Day 2: Kunming World Expo Park, Botanical Garden, Guandu Ancient Town

Escape the summer heat and stroll through the Kunming World Expo Park in the rain

Address: Kunming World Horticultural Exposition Park

Coordinates: 439 Bailong Road, Panlong District, Kunming

Currently, admission to the Expo Park is free, but most venues are under renovation. From now until December 31, the Kunming World Expo Park tourist area will be open free of charge.

️Parking: The main gate is under construction, please park in the open-air parking lot at Gate 2 of the World Horticultural Expo Park.

The overall planning of the Kunming World Expo Park is based on lush mountains and forests. The man-made landscape is ingenious and the scenery changes with every step. It originates from nature and returns to nature.

After Kunming hosted the 1999 World Horticultural Exposition, the Expo site was preserved and remains open to the public, becoming the only remaining intact World Expo site and a landmark in Kunming.

This site brings together horticultural landscapes from around the world, featuring representative architecture from 35 provinces and municipalities across China. It is a grand spectacle of gardens and horticultural products embodying "Yunnan characteristics, Chinese grandeur, and world-class excellence."

The Kunming World Expo Park has opened the door for the world to see Yunnan's colorful clouds.

Come to Kunming for a mushroom feast, then visit the botanical garden to admire a bouquet of flowers.

The colors of summer are all in the Kunming Botanical Garden.

Address: Kunming Botanical Garden

Coordinates: On the banks of Heilongtan Lake in the northern part of Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province

A temporary nucleic acid test site is located on Qingsong Road in Ciba Town, Panlong District.

️ Parking: There are limited parking spaces at the entrance to the West Botanical Garden, so it's best to park in advance nearby. Founded in 1938, the Kunming Botanical Garden is affiliated with the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Enjoy a weekend getaway to the Kunming Botanical Garden with its blue skies, gentle breezes, and vibrant flowers.

Kunming's rainy season is bright, rich, and moving. In spring, the grass and trees are dense; in early summer, the grass and trees grow taller. Kunming's rainy season is a lush green. The branches and leaves of the plants are saturated with water, displaying an excessive, almost exaggerated, exuberance. "It suddenly started to rain lightly, and I happened to read Mr. Wang Zengqi's description of the rain in Kunming. How appropriate it was!" The only things that can heal me are plants. Open your arms and embrace nature. Submerge yourself in the greenery and you will feel the beauty of Yunnan. Lush greenery blankets the landscape, and a refreshing coolness gradually sets in. Walking through the botanical garden, you're surrounded by refreshing greenery.

Colorful Yunnan Tour | Encountering Guandu Ancient Town

Address: Guandu Ancient Town

Coordinates: Guandu Ancient Town is located in Guandu District, Kunming City (eastern part of the city, about 5 kilometers from the city center).

There is a temporary nucleic acid test site at the south gate.

Parking: There is an underground parking lot at the south gate of Guandu Ancient Town.

With a history of thousands of years, Guandu Ancient Town has a profound cultural heritage and is one of the birthplaces of ancient Dian culture. It was originally a fishing village on the shores of Dianchi Lake. In ancient times, merchants gathered here, and it was prosperous and bustling, known as "Little Yunnan". It is one of the famous historical and cultural ancient towns in Kunming. Guandu Ancient Town's streets are mostly new buildings, so there's not much to see. The surrounding commercial streets are mainly commercial, so if you enjoy a lively atmosphere, come and visit. The night view is beautiful, with a perfect blend of modern city and ancient architecture.

Walking through the commercial street, you'll see ancient buildings, including the Tuzhu Temple, built during the Tang Dynasty, and the Fading Temple, built during the Song Dynasty. Miaozhan Temple, dating from the Yuan Dynasty, originally had two pagodas. The west pagoda was destroyed by an earthquake, while the east pagoda remains today. The Vajra Throne Pagoda in front of Miaozhan Temple is a nationally recognized cultural relic. Let's take a deeper look at Guandu!

The tofu rice noodles will open up a new world. The rice noodles are wrapped in tofu and tossed with seasoning, giving you a rich meaty flavor and a spicy, refreshing taste.

Day 3: Drive to Wase Town in Dali and visit Shuanglang Ancient Town

Wase Town is truly amazing

Address: Wase Town (formerly known as Luchuan, formerly known as Guishen)

Coordinates: Wase Town, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province

There is a nucleic acid test site at Wase Health Center.

Parking: Parking is available by the lake (the main road is prone to bumps and scratches), but it is best to park in the hotel parking lot.

Wase Town, Dali, Yunnan, is located on the east coast of Erhai Lake and is a beautiful fishing village. The local folk customs are rich and the culture is long. It is one of the areas where the Bai ethnic group's native culture originated and is relatively well preserved. There are many Bai buildings throughout the area, which are architectural works with ethnic characteristics. Compared to the commercialized Xizhou and Shuanglang Ancient Towns, Wase Town is more comfortable and quiet, with a more down-to-earth feel. It lacks the bustling nightlife (barbecue stalls do pop up at night) and is quiet at night, making it a great place for a relaxing and extended stay. Experience the local natural beauty.

This is one of the main stops for independent travelers near Erhai Lake. It enjoys a prime location, conveniently located just off the Dali Expressway. Wase Wharf offers beautiful views of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, making it a convenient spot for sightseeing or boat trips. During the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty, people dug colored minerals from Qigu Mountain for dyeing, hence the name. [Image: https://dimg04.c-ctrip.com/images/0101u120009ywtrrf04FB_R_800_10000_Q90.jpg?proc=autoorient" />] There are many guesthouses in the town with complete facilities and beautiful surroundings, as well as local Bai ethnic minority delicacies. Sour Cabbage Mashed Potatoes

Wase Rice Noodles

Facing Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, feel the warmth of spring and the blooming flowers.

Address: Shuanglang Town

Coordinates: Northeast shore of Erhai Lake, Dali City

Parking: Shuanglang Town's Ring Road is extremely congested. You can choose to drive the highway as directed by navigation. When exiting the highway, avoid the parking lot at the town entrance as it's very busy. Parking spaces around Shuanglang Primary School are recommended. Walk into the ancient town.

Sit back and relax while gazing at the Nanzhao Island, enjoying the sea breeze, and enjoying a local fruit drink for a truly special summer experience.

These places carry childhood memories, and time can always be felt when it slows down.

Flower Cake

src="https://dimg04.c-ctrip.com/images/01065120009ywtt07077E_R_800_10000_Q90.jpg?proc=autoorient" /> Local specialty fruits, mint mixed with wolf tooth potatoes are particularly delicious.

Day 4: Dali Butterfly Spring, Xizhou Ancient Town, Dali Ancient Town.

After singing at Butterfly Spring for so many years, I finally got to check in.

Address: Butterfly Spring

Coordinates: West Jing Line, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

Parking: The scenic area has its own parking spaces.

The rain in Dali comes suddenly. Strolling through the park, where the sound of raindrops patters, the scent of earth wafts through the wind, the freshness of plants mingling with the moisture. The plants, well-fed by the rain, appear particularly vibrant, making the scenery before us even more breathtakingly beautiful.

"Dali is beautiful in March, and Butterfly Spring is a perfect place to dress up, with butterflies flying to gather nectar..." Every year on the third day of the third lunar month, young Bai men and women in Dali gather at Butterfly Spring to sing love songs and pledge their love.

Lover's Lake

The soul of Xizhou comes from its endless rice fields

Address: Xizhou Town

Coordinates: Xizhou Village, Dali City, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province

️Parking: There are many open-air parking lots inside and outside the ancient town, basically 10 yuan per car, with no time limit. Street parking is not allowed.

The corner building has become a landmark check-in area in Xizhou, and there are many people taking photos. Be sure to drive slowly at the intersection.

If you don't want to experience the traffic jams in Dali Ancient Town and Shuanglang Ancient Town, come to Xizhou Ancient Town.

Xizhou Ancient Town, known as the "First Town of the Bai Nationality," boasts the largest and best-preserved collection of Bai residential buildings.

As dusk falls, listening to music, and experiencing the simple local customs and culture, watching the wind blow through the green rice paddies, you must visit Xizhou Ancient Town to experience it.

Pineapple Tip Scrambled Eggs

Jasmine Flower with Erhai Shrimp

Dali Ancient Town is surrounded by Cangshan Mountain, and Cangshan Mountain embraces the ancient city

Address: Dali Ancient Town

Coordinates: No. 42, Yita Road, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province

️Parking: There is a parking lot at the entrance of the ancient city.

Those who are fascinated by the world of martial arts can explore the traces of the Duan Dynasty and the Six Meridians Divine Sword. Located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, Dali Ancient City was the capital of the ancient Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. Since the Nanzhao King relocated the capital here in 779, it boasts a 1,200-year history. It adheres to the architectural style of the Bai ethnic group. The existing Dali Ancient City was restored in the early Ming Dynasty on the basis of Yangzhumie City. It faces the rippling Erhai Lake to the east and the evergreen Cangshan Mountain to the west, forming an urban layout of "water surrounding Cangshan Mountain, Cangshan Mountain embracing the ancient city."

I heard that Xiao Putuo is the tear of Erhai Lake, the seal of the sea

Address: Xiao Putuo Island

Coordinates: Xiao Putuo, Haiyin Village, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan

Opening hours: 8:00-18:00

Average cost: 20 yuan/person for the boat ride to the island

Parking: Park by the lake.

After passing Xiao Putuo, I saw Putuo Temple on Erhai Lake from a distance. There was a parking space right at the door. This morning, the sun was high in the sky, a gentle breeze blew away the mist, and a small boat slowly glided across the shimmering lake, past Xiao Putuo. The snow-capped Cangshan Mountain loomed beneath a sea of clouds, and the blue sky and white clouds were breathtakingly beautiful.

The view of Erhai Lake from Erhai Park and Binhai Boulevard is also quite beautiful.

Address: Erhai Park

Coordinates: No. 1, Erhai South Road, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

️Parking: Park in the parking lot opposite the Fisherwoman Statue.

Sitting by the Erhai Lake on Binhai Boulevard, feeling the sea breeze, watching the children playing leisurely by the lake, and strolling along Binjiang Boulevard all the way to Haixin Pavilion, it turned out to be closed for maintenance. Erhai Park is located north of downtown Dali, close to Erhai Lake. It's a lakeside urban park. With lush greenery, chirping birds, fragrant flowers, and fresh air, it's a great place for leisure, strolls, and taking children for a stroll.

Dali is the perfect city for a poetic life amidst the rolling clouds.

Daily return to Chengdu from Panzhihua

There are so many things to do in Panzhihua all year round

Hotel Name: Mangui Hotel

Address: No. 9, Huachengxia Street, East District, Panzhihua City, Sichuan Province.

There is a nucleic acid test site as soon as you get off the highway.

Parking: In the hotel parking lot.

The location with its own yard is easy to find. Children can have fun in the yard without having to take them out deliberately. It is also suitable for the elderly to bask in the sun. The entire hotel space is pleasant and has a strong natural atmosphere. The hotel is very beautiful and very suitable for filming. Staying here for a few days, you can enjoy the comfortable life here, and you can even lie in bed and watch a projector movie at night.