Escape the Urban Hustle, Journey West, and Uncover the Secrets of the Mysterious Ancient Dian Kingdom

For the 2019 Dragon Boat Festival, I had planned to visit Paris, but no one could accompany me, so I packed my bags and headed to Yunnan alone. However, just after arriving in Yunnan, I was called back to Hangzhou for a work emergency. For the 2020 National Day holiday, I again intended to go to Paris, but the pandemic hit. So, I invited my family, planned the trip thoroughly, and signed up for a luxury small-group tour to the land of colorful clouds. I, the editor, also want to share this wonderful experience and invite everyone to explore the secrets of the ancient Dian Kingdom together!

Our itinerary covered Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. Since we booked a luxury tour with Diyi Travel, upon landing in Kunming we were greeted by staff and taken to our hotel, which had quite nice surroundings! Yunnan's high altitude means the sun is intense, so sunscreen is a must—apply it to all exposed skin to avoid sunburn. Also, the climate: without sun it's cool and shady, but with sun it gets very hot, so it's best to bring both light and heavier jackets. Below is our packing checklist for reference.

Before the trip, seeing a week of rain in the forecast was discouraging, but once there we realized the weather is changeable—a heavy downpour one moment, and sunshine the next. So most days that week featured blue skies, white clouds, and bright sunshine. Also, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La are all quite dry, so clothes dry quickly after washing; you don't need to bring many clothes (I brought seven T-shirts and only wore three).

DAY 1: First, the 'Spring City': Kunming is a national historical and cultural city. Humans have lived around Dianchi Lake for 30,000 years. The Dian Kingdom was established in 278 BC and made Kunming its capital. In 765 AD, the Nanzhao Kingdom built the city of Tuodong, marking the start of Kunming's urban history. At the end of the Ming dynasty, the Southern Ming regime of Yongli set up its capital here. Kunming experiences a subtropical highland monsoon climate at low latitude. The terrain is mountainous, surrounded on three sides by mountains and bordering Dianchi Lake to the south, with beautiful lakeside scenery. Due to its low-latitude plateau location, the climate is 'spring-like all year round,' earning it the nickname 'Spring City.'

Red-billed gulls at Dianchi Lake

On the first day in Kunming, since group members arrived at different times, we had a full free day. As we arrived early, we headed to Dianchi Lake. Kunming truly lives up to its name as Spring City—we happened to come in the season when seagulls came to escape the cold, making the trip worthwhile!

DAY 2: Next, the Stone Forest: Today was the second day. Upon arrival you might experience mild altitude sickness; avoid washing your hair or bathing on the first day as it can worsen symptoms. A good night's sleep usually helps. The Kunming Stone Forest Scenic Area, also known as Yunnan Stone Forest, is located within the Shilin Yi Autonomous County, 78 kilometers from Kunming. It covers 350 square kilometers. The main developed zones are: the Stone Forest Scenic Area, Black Pine Rock (Naigu Stone Forest), Flying Dragon Waterfall (Dadieshui), and Changhu Lake. The site has been recognized by UNESCO as a 'World Geopark' and a 'World Natural Heritage' landscape. In 1982, it was among the first national-level key scenic spots approved by the State Council, a 5A tourist attraction and national civilized scenic area. The stones, with their myriad shapes, display nature's unparalleled craftsmanship!

Time flies when marveling at nature's wonders, but it was joyful. The day ended perfectly; time races by, so relax, empty your mind, give yourself a break! DAY 3: Let's go find romance in Dali. [Dali Flower Sea Jeep] is an experience not to be missed.

Unwind, listen to birdsong and breathe in floral scents.

Be your own influencer.

Beautiful Dali is a world of flowers. Every season brings different blossoms—red, yellow, purple. Under the sun, run through the flower sea, breathe deep under blue skies and white clouds, play with friends, and take photos amid the blooms; time slows down. 'The Mirror of the Sky'—a place hailed as a lifetime must-see—can be experienced at the Flower Language Ranch. Watch clouds drift, and capture photos in a spot closest to the sky; your very own 'influencer travel shoot' will be an unforgettable memory.

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Preserve the most beautiful memories.

[Erhai Private Yacht] Board a private yacht and visit the pearl of Erhai, the thousand-year-old Bai fishing village of Luoquan Peninsula. No traveler to Dali misses the beauty of Erhai Lake. A 360° tour around the island brings you up close to the lake, immersing you in the scenery of Cangshan and Erhai, offering a picture of harmony between humans and nature that city life can never provide!

Perhaps love awaits by Erhai's shore.

Complimentary viewing of 'The Romantic Show of Lijiang'—a grand IMAX 3D spectacle that portrays the Naxi creation epic, the romance of the Mosuo 'Kingdom of Daughters,' the splendor of the Mu Mansion, the thrilling legend of the caravan, the life ode of the Jade Dragon's Third Kingdom, and the sentiment of 'one flower, one heaven.' It outlines a cultural legend brimming with spirit and flesh, blood and tears, life and death, love and passion.

Hymn of life: Today's itinerary: Dali Ancient Town—yacht—Mirror of the Sky—Jeep influencer snap—Lijiang's Romantic Show performance. The Mirror of the Sky was stunning, with photos you can't stop looking at; the flower sea was beautiful too. The Jeep influencer check-in made me feel like a mini-celebrity. Love by Erhai Lake is so enchanting, just like the song 'Go to Dali': 'Are you not quite satisfied with life? Haven't laughed in a long time and don't know why. Since you're unhappy and don't like it here, why not head west to Dali? The journey is a bit bumpy, the air a bit thin, the vaster the landscape, the lonelier the heart. Not knowing who waits where, or what the future holds. Whose head is free of dust? Whose shoulders bear no scars? Perhaps love is waiting by Erhai Lake; perhaps a story is unfolding. Whose head is free of dust? Whose shoulders bear no scars? Perhaps love is waiting by Erhai Lake; perhaps a story is unfolding. Whose head is free of dust? Whose shoulders bear no scars? Pick up the courage crushed by time, and let your feet be filled with fragrant mud.'

DAY: I'm waiting for you in Lijiang—Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: A national 5A scenic spot, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is famed for its perilous, peculiar, beautiful, and elegant landscapes, majestic yet delicate. On this shimmering highland, every few steps lead to heaven. Approach the god Sanduo and feel the charm of the sacred mountain in Naxi hearts. The [Glacier Cableway] offers the best perspective for panoramic snow mountain views. Ascending gently, myriad ravines lie beneath your feet, countless vistas in your eyes—a world of ice, where heaven and earth have no bounds, only awe. No need for extra exertion on day four; this is the only cableway that reaches 4,506 meters, letting you conquer the peak.

Mysterious realm of Lijiang.

A must-see in this lifetime: [Impression Lijiang]—a grand live-action show directed by Zhang Yimou, performed at the world's highest-altitude theater. With snow mountains as the backdrop and nature as the stage, it presents Lijiang's cultural heritage. Thousands of performers without microphones move in synchronized motion, a profound visual and spiritual shock!

Lijiang Ancient Town: A national 5A scenic spot, it's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and a must-visit in Yunnan. Wandering through lanes and old buildings, you feel the passage of time etched into the city. Stop and listen: drumbeats, melodies, wind chimes, girls' laughter mingled with grandmothers' chuckles. In the ancient town, even time becomes gentler. The town is full of character; explore at will—watch the dancing at Sifang Street, listen to Naxi ancient music by elders, see thousand-year-old Dongba paper, float lanterns on the river... The town's cuisine is rich: iron-plate insect feasts, charcoal-grilled snow mountain fish, stone flower dishes, Laoshantui ham, and Naxi candied fruits. Enjoy in moderation!

After a day's excursion, return to the old town, unwind, find a cozy tavern, rinse off the day's fatigue, and add a perfect touch to tomorrow's new journey!

DAY 5: Shuhe Ancient Town—Dali Ancient Town [Shuhe Ancient Town] Shuhe, called 'Shaowu' in the Naxi language, gets its name from a peak behind the village shaped like a heaped-up mountain, meaning 'the village below the peak.' It's one of the earliest Naxi settlements on the Lijiang plain, a well-preserved important town on the Tea Horse Road, and a living testament to the transition from farming to commerce. Shuhe is an integral part of the World Heritage Lijiang Ancient Town and was named a 'China Charming Town' by CCTV in 2005.

[Dali Ancient Town] A national 4A scenic spot, the ancient capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom, and a standard must-see in our Yunnan itinerary. Located at the foot of the scenic Cangshan Mountain, its streets feature 'a well shared by three households, a few flower pots per home.' Pass through Wuhua Gate, stroll along Fuxing Road, with its grey tiles and stone alleys, seeking traces of history. Visit 'Foreigners' Street' to enjoy gardening, petting cats and dogs, boutique shopping, and bars—savor a slow, artsy, and fashionable life. The old town is quaint and serene, with clear, tinkling streams flowing through. Besides sightseeing, taste the Bai ethnic cuisine, a feast for both eyes and palate, offering a unique Dali experience. Landscapes like peaks, cone karst, dissolving hills, caves, waterfalls, and underground rivers are scattered beautifully.

Where love begins.

Today, walking the Ancient Tea Horse Road and Foreigners' Street, I witnessed the march of history and the hardships endured by our predecessors to forge this lifeline, making me fall in love with this city!

Time flies, and it's time to head home!

DAY 6: Taking the high-speed train from Dali back to Kunming meant the trip was ending. Bitter-sweet farewell; I've fallen for this city. If opportunity allows, I'll return. Perhaps in a city, one can fall in love with a person!

All good things must come to an end. I'll return to Colorful Yunnan. Falling for a city, yet so many natural wonders still unseen, so much scenery unexplored. Keep the original heart through life's detours, with stops and starts and always some regrets. Even amid life's frustrations, empty your mind and embark on an impromptu journey. On the road, you might meet a loved one, or a place you'd want to stay at first sight. Colorful Yunnan, the ancient Dian Kingdom—a magical and mysterious land. Sharing my photo collection, until next time, Yunnan!

The Colorful Yunnan I journeyed through.