Colorful Yunnan, a Dream Journey

Number of days：7 days
Time: June
Average cost: 3000 yuan
With whom: and parents
Tour kinds: Humanities
Updated: 2024.12.19

The land south of Yunnan has always been a mystical place I've longed for. Finally, during the summer, I set foot on this enchanting land, embarking on an unforgettable trip to Yunnan.

Kunming: First Impressions of the Spring City Upon arriving in Kunming, this city, known as the "Spring City," welcomed me with its pleasant climate and unique charm. My first stop was Dianchi Lake, Yunnan's largest freshwater lake. Its waters sparkled in the sunlight, like countless diamonds scattered throughout. Along the lake's edge, red-billed gulls, migrating from Siberia for the winter, swarmed. They soared, frolicked on the water, interacted with tourists, and fearlessly pecked bread crumbs from people's hands. Their graceful movements and clear calls imbued Dianchi Lake with boundless vitality. Strolling along the lake's edge, I arrived at Xishan Forest Park. A cable car ascended the mountain, offering breathtaking views of Dianchi Lake below and the distant city of Kunming. The Longmen Grottoes atop the mountain are breathtaking. These exquisite stone carvings, carved into the cliffs, remain vibrant despite the passage of time, showcasing the masterful craftsmanship of ancient artisans. From Longmen, overlooking Kunming, the entire city unfolds like a painting, its mountains and rivers intertwined in a breathtaking landscape. Kunming's cuisine also left a deep impression on me. At a street food stall, I sampled authentic Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles. Piping hot chicken soup is served in a large bowl. Various side dishes, such as flaky pork slices, fresh vegetables, and crispy peanuts, are arranged on a plate. Pour them into the broth and they are instantly cooked, creating a bowl of delicious cross-bridge rice noodles. Then there are the crispy and delicious flower cakes. A bite of them reveals a vibrant floral fragrance, sweet yet not greasy, leaving a lasting aftertaste.

Dali: A Romance of Flowers, Snow, and Moon Bidding farewell to Kunming, I arrived in Dali, an ancient city brimming with poetry and romance. Dali is renowned for its romantic scenery, known for its "Xiaguan wind, Shangguan flowers, Cangshan snow, and Erhai moon"—each scene is a poetic picture. I cycled along Erhai Lake, a vast mirror reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, and the snow-capped Cangshan Mountains. Along the lakeshore, golden rapeseed fields contrasted with the emerald green waters, creating a vibrant and pastoral scene. Along the way, I passed through Xizhou Ancient Town, where traditional Bai ethnic minority architecture is preserved. Its blue-tiled, white-walled buildings, overhanging eaves and brackets, and exquisite wood and stone carvings are truly breathtaking. Strolling along the town's stone streets, I felt the ancient atmosphere and the simple warmth of the Bai people, as if time had stood still. Cangshan Mountain, the backbone of Dali, boasts majestic and magnificent peaks. I ascended the mountain on a cable car, and the scenery shifted with increasing altitude. Dense vegetation and shrouded in mist created a fairyland-like atmosphere. Within Cangshan Mountain's embrace, clear streams flow, forming beautiful waterfalls. Standing on the mountaintop, overlooking Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient Town, a sense of grandeur welled up in my heart. Within Dali Ancient Town, ancient streets and alleys crisscross, lined with shops. I wandered through the streets and alleys, admiring traditional Bai handicrafts like tie-dye and silverware. I sat down in a tavern, ordered a local Fenghuaxueyue beer, listened to the melodious music, watched the tourists come and go, and felt the leisurely and cozy atmosphere of Dali.

Lijiang: The charm of an ancient city and the wonders of snow-capped mountains. After leaving Dali, I traveled to Lijiang. Lijiang Ancient Town is distinct from Dali, being more compact and exquisite, and imbued with the ethnic characteristics of the Naxi people. The streets of the ancient city, paved with red breccia and nestled alongside the mountains and water, feel like stepping back in time. The Mu Mansion, a landmark of Lijiang Old Town, is magnificent and exquisitely constructed, showcasing the splendor and glory of the Naxi chieftains. On Sifang Street, people dance around torches. The lively music and enthusiastic dancing draw crowds of visitors, who join in the fun, holding hands and enjoying the moment. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a highlight of any trip to Lijiang. This perpetually snow-capped mountain range, located closest to the equator in the Northern Hemisphere, boasts thirteen snow-capped peaks stretching endlessly, resembling a giant dragon soaring and dancing. I took the cable car up the mountain. As the ride ascended, the temperature gradually dropped, and the scenery transformed from lush greenery to a blanket of snow. Arriving at the summit observation deck, the magnificent view was breathtaking. The endless snow-capped peaks shimmered golden in the sunlight. The glacial landforms within the Glacier Park, with their unique cirques and glacier tongues, evoke awe at nature's uncanny craftsmanship. Standing atop the snow-capped mountains, breathing in the thin, crisp air, I felt both my own insignificance and the grandeur of nature. In Lijiang, I also watched a wonderful performance, "Lishui Jinsha." Through dance and music, the performance vividly showcased the cultural characteristics and customs of ethnic minorities like the Naxi, Yi, and Tibetan, giving me a deeper understanding of Yunnan's ethnic minority cultures.

Shangri-La: The Sun and Moon in My Heart For my final stop, I arrived in Shangri-La, a place known as "the Sun and Moon in My Heart." Shangri-La, meaning "Auspicious Place" in Tibetan, is located in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It boasts magnificent natural scenery and unique Tibetan culture. Pudacuo National Park is a pearl of Shangri-La. The park boasts a diverse range of ecological landscapes, including alpine lakes, wetland meadows, and primeval forests. I strolled along the plank path, where the crystal-clear waters of the lake, reflecting the surrounding trees, were breathtakingly beautiful. Little squirrels occasionally darted through the forest, playful and adorable, not at all afraid of people. Here, I felt the tranquility and harmony of nature, a sense of detachment from the world. Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan, is majestically built into the mountainside. Its unique architectural style, with its golden roof and red walls, shimmers brilliantly in the sunlight. Entering the temple, an air of solemnity and awe washed over me. I watched monks chanting sutras and praying, while devotees, holding prayer wheels, chanted in ecstasy. Their devotion was moving. From the temple's perch, I could see the entire city of Shangri-La. The rolling snow-capped mountains in the distance contrasted beautifully with the temple, creating a sacred and beautiful scene. In Shangri-La, I also experienced traditional Tibetan cuisine, such as butter tea and barley cakes. The butter tea has a rich flavor, which may be unfamiliar at first, but after a few sips, its unique charm becomes apparent. The barley cakes are crispy and have a light aroma of barley. Unforgettable Yunnan Feelings As my trip concluded, I left Yunnan, filled with memories and a sense of reluctance. This trip to Yunnan allowed me to experience the magnificent mountains and rivers, the diverse culture, and the simple customs of its people. Yunnan is like a colorful book, with every page filled with stories and every landscape worth savoring. Its beauty has been deeply engraved in my heart, and I believe that I will definitely return to this magical land and continue my indissoluble bond with it.