Our Romantic Journey

(Yunnan: Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La — Sichuan: Yading, Daocheng)

This summer, hold hands with your special someone

and embark on a journey of wind, flowers, snow, and moonlight made just for the two of you.

Starting from Dali in Yunnan,

through Lijiang and Shangri-La,

into Yading in Sichuan,

and finally ending this romantic trip in Daocheng.

Your guide is ready—read on and take notes!

1. Sun protection is a must when traveling in Yunnan and Sichuan! The UV rays in these places are powerful even in winter.

2. Bring some basic medications to deal with colds, motion sickness, stomach upsets, and altitude sickness.

3. Some areas have a big temperature difference between day and night. Even in summer, pack a couple of long-sleeved tops and long pants, plus comfortable sneakers.

4. Consider bringing your driver's license and renting a car to explore.

5. Check official websites in advance to book entrance tickets before you go.

6. Carry energy-boosting snacks like chocolate and plenty of water—some scenic spots require serious physical effort.

Yunnan Chapter (Dali – Lijiang – Shangri-La)

Yunnan, home to the largest number of ethnic groups in China—25 including the Yi, Hani, Bai, Dai, Zhuang, Miao, Hui, and Lisu—is a place woven from diverse cultures and traditions, blessed with rich tourism resources. Yunnan has countless travel routes; if time is limited, do your research in advance and list the must-see spots.

Dali Ancient City lies in western Yunnan Province, also known as Yeyu City or Purple City. Its history goes back to the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty; it was once the capital of the mysterious Nanzhao Kingdom. Founded in the 15th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1382), it served as the political, economic, and cultural center of Yunnan for over 500 years during the Tang and Song dynasties. Though commercialized today, the city still offers plenty of local snacks and handicrafts, plus churches that blend Chinese elements with Christianity and Catholicism—perfect for photo ops.

Dali’s scenery is picture-perfect all year round. Among its many attractions, four stand out the most: wind, flowers, snow, and moonlight. “Wind at Xiaguan, flowers at Shangguan, snow on Cangshan, moonlight over Erhai Lake”—a beauty no one can resist. Cangshan and Erhai are truly captivating.

Tips:

1. Wuhua Tower is the iconic building of Dali Ancient City—climb up for a panoramic view of the whole ancient town.

2. The ancient city covers a large area. If you have the energy, walking is best; you can explore quieter corners and see a different side of it. Bicycles and sightseeing electric cars are also good options.

3. To save time and energy on Cangshan, take a cable car. There are three cableways; choose the one that suits you best.

4. Around Erhai Lake, don’t miss Twin Corridors Pavilion, Nanzhao Customs Island, and traditional Bai-style homes. Many visitors pay 10 yuan to enter Yuji Island and check out Yang Liping’s private villa.

GreenTree Alliance Dali Ancient City Hotel

The hotel is located at No. 16, Fuzhu Community, Sanyue Street, Dali Ancient Town, Dali City, Yunnan Province. It boasts a design inspired by local architecture, ethnic-style breakfasts, and a courtyard movie-watching area.

GEM Dali Xiaguan Erhai Park Olympic Center Hotel

Situated at No. 267, Weishan Road, Economic Development Zone, Dali City, Yunnan Province, this hotel is bright and cheerful with a spacious dining area. The public spaces are decorated with refined details, elegant and simple. Rooms are clean and tidy, with azure accents that echo the sunshine.

Hotel at No. 66, Lüyu Road, Gucheng District, Dali City, Yunnan Province – highly recommended! Inside, there’s a charming little courtyard where you can rest after a day of sightseeing and sip a glass of wine while soaking up Dali’s wind, flowers, snow, and moonlight.

Lijiang is also a multi-ethnic area, home to the World Cultural Heritage Lijiang Ancient City, the World Natural Heritage Three Parallel Rivers, and the World Memory Heritage Dongba manuscripts of the Naxi people. Rich in tourism resources, it’s most famous for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Since Yunnan’s ancient towns were already visited earlier, this time we highlight Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, though we recommend staying overnight in Lijiang. If you have extra time and energy, by all means wander through Lijiang Ancient City.

The mysterious Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is Lijiang’s “white snow in spring sunshine.” As the setting of many novels’ adventurous tales, it’s shrouded in mystery and allure. The magnificent snow-capped scenery draws countless explorers and travelers.

Tips:

1. We recommend the ticket combo of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain + the large cableway. There are three cableways; only the large one takes you to touch the snow. You can buy same-day tickets via the mountain’s official WeChat account—remember to bring your ID card.

2. Oxygen bottles can be bought online or at nearby supermarkets.

3. Bring a down jacket when visiting the snow mountain; if that’s too much hassle, you can rent one at the foot.

4. Check with official customer service in advance: student IDs and certain documents qualify for ticket discounts.

5. Carry energy-boosting snacks like chocolate, along with bottled water.

GreenTree Inn Lijiang Ancient City

Found at No. 56, Mixiang Alley, Xinyi Street, Dayan Subdistrict, Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, this inn is designed in traditional courtyard style, with every detail exuding Lijiang’s romance. Nearby are many unique Lijiang-style bars where you can sip wine and listen to wandering poets sing.

Shangri-La means “the sun and moon in one’s heart” in Tibetan. Formerly known as Zhongdian County, it is the capital of the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, bordering Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet. It’s also part of the World Natural Heritage site Three Parallel Rivers.

Tips:

1. Sun protection is also important in Shangri-La; the altitude is high and UV rays are strong.

2. Bring medicine for altitude sickness, rest well, and avoid strenuous activities.

3. Suggested duration: about one day.

GreenTree Eastern Hotel Shangri-La Dukezong Ancient City

As a popular tourist destination, accommodation in Shangri-La is usually pricey, so it’s a pleasant surprise to find rooms this nice and spacious at such a reasonable price! The hotel’s design is fresh and elegant, made even cozier by Shangri-La’s afternoon sunlight. At just over 200 yuan a night, it’s comfortable and clean.

Sichuan Chapter (Shangri-La – Daocheng Yading)

Since Shangri-La and Daocheng Yading are so close, you can cross the provincial border directly from Shangri-La to Yading in Sichuan. The distance is about 400 kilometers, and the drive takes around eight to nine hours, but the scenery along the way is absolutely worth it—a road trip you shouldn’t miss.

Daocheng Yading means “land of the sun” in Tibetan. Inside the scenic area, three sacred snow mountains—Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Xanodoje—are collectively known as “Chenrezig, Manjushri, and Vajrapani.” Locals revere them as holy guardians; in Tibetan Buddhism they are called the “Three Protectors.” Snow peaks, colorful forests, deep valleys, and jewel-toned lakes—this is heaven on earth. The snowmelt-fed Milk Lake, Five-Color Lake, and Pearl Lake are called “haizi” (sea sons) here. In a place like this, vows of love feel all the more absolute.

Tips:

1. Full-price tickets vary by season: 146 yuan in peak season, 120 yuan in off-peak season. Discounted or free tickets are available for certain groups.

2. If you fly directly to Daocheng Yading Airport, there is no direct bus to the scenic area. Take an airport shuttle to Daocheng County first; buses depart on a rolling basis after flights land, at about one-hour intervals. The fare is 30 yuan per person.

3. Tickets for Daocheng Yading can be purchased at on-site ticket windows, self-service machines, the official website, or the official WeChat account. Remember to bring your ID.

Daocheng Yading Gongjin Lianri Yage Pudi Hotel

Located at the entrance of Yading Scenic Area, “the last pure land on the blue planet,” this hotel lets you encounter temples and stupas along the way, experience the world’s highest-altitude airport, and gaze at sacred mountains, flowing rivers, blue skies, lakes, and pastures. While immersed in nature, you’ll enjoy modern, comfortable service; rooms are well-equipped and the setting is cozy. The design brims with cultural and artistic flair—raw wood, cave-like touches—making you feel as if you’ve stepped through time into another dreamlike wonder.

GreenTree Inn Ganzi Daocheng Yading Scenic Area Express Hotel

Also close to the scenic area, this hotel features spacious rooms. I want to invite you to Yading to gaze together at the starry skies we remember. After a day of exploration, return to the hotel, sit in its little courtyard, and lose yourself in the star-scattered night of Daocheng. Under this quiet canopy of stars, let this romantic journey of wind, flowers, snow, and moonlight come to a perfect close.