A Yunnan Road Trip You Can't Miss

We love speed, because speed brings a sense of freedom, passion and independence. As an Olympic fan, this year the Asian flying man Su Bingtian ignited our excitement again and again with his rocket speed on the track. The same Chinese speed, the same explosive power – a strong synergy once again embodies the sportsmanship of never stopping.

I heard that during this National Day holiday, Su Shen drove his Empow on a road trip to Inner Mongolia, turning heads all along the way. Here, I’d like to recommend another perfect getaway for his next relaxation trip – Yunnan. I think this Yunnan road trip route suits him best. Departing from Dali, cruising from low altitude all the way up to high-altitude Shangri-La, winding along twisting mountain roads, muddy ancient trails, crossing mountains and seas, eventually flying on wide open highways – every stretch of the journey is like a testimony to his pursuit of dreams. Set off for Yunnan and start a speed trip like the wind! First, let’s share a wave of beautiful photos.

Before sunrise, come to the shore of Erhai Lake and wait for a new day to begin. At dawn, Erhai is tranquil, utterly tranquil. Everything is still asleep, veiled in a soft haze, with late-arriving morning glow outlining the mountain ridges. Glancing up inadvertently, the mountain peak already catches the light, and all things revive, becoming clearer. Boundless misty waters, cloudless sky – Dali never lacks sunshine through all seasons. Today will be another fine day! Looking back at the Empow, its fighter jet-inspired sporty styling, aggressive front face, full-LED sharp headlights, and highly recognizable logo – there’s an obstinate, unconquerable spirit in its posture that refuses to admit defeat.

The rear end features a raised, sporty rear, dual exhaust outlets, arc-shaped LED taillights, muscular rear shoulders, and a cool lower bumper – creating a sexy tail line. Inside the cockpit, borrowing a fighter jet layout, the interior presents a forward-high, rear-low stance; the joystick-like gear shifter, three-spoke steering wheel, and dual 10.25-inch integrated screens enhance the tech and track feel throughout the self-drive trip. Moreover, the Empow’s fighter jet styling looks incredibly dashing when driving in the city. Even in heavy traffic, the dual-clutch transmission remains smooth, making it a car that perfectly balances sportiness and family use.

Driving my beloved car through the Cangshan Mountains and along Erhai Lake, I feel the sea breeze brushing my ears and the warm sunshine. The lake water is clear blue, grasses and trees vivid green – time freezes at this moment, and both body and mind unwind to the fullest. The mountains of Dali

I believe every photography lover wouldn’t miss the pursuit of a limited-edition sunset. And my ultimate goal this time was Dafengba. Dafengba sits atop Zhemo Mountain south of Xiaguan. This once obscure wind farm suddenly gained fame online, drawing countless visitors. The road from Xiaguan to Dafengba has many bends and steep slopes. As it’s also a busy route, there’s plenty of oncoming traffic, overtaking, and merging. The mountain road ahead gets steeper, climbing higher with one hairpin turn after another. Here, thanks to the Empow’s "Giant Star Chassis," the handling perfectly interprets "resilient, smooth, stable." Whether cornering or on bumpy surfaces, it gives a smooth feel with precise lane changes, and high-speed cruising is more stable and gentle. Notably, the Empow features a front MacPherson independent suspension paired with a rear multi-link independent suspension. With this independent suspension setup, the rear-seat jolts are greatly reduced, significantly enhancing passenger comfort.

Since I often drive long distances for road trips, safety is always a key consideration in my choice of vehicle. The Empow’s pioneering dual-mode driving assist system detects the distance and relative speed between your car and obstacles ahead. If there’s a collision risk, it warns through visuals or sound. Should the driver not brake proactively, the system will apply brakes automatically to ensure safety – a great reassurance for long-distance driving where fatigue and distraction can occur. Tips: Getting there: The windmill mountain is a bit tricky to find. The navigation’s pinpoint for windmill mountain is actually wrong; you can only reach the lower road. Near where the navigation says you’ve arrived, on the right side there’s a road going uphill – that’s the real path to the windmill mountain. The forestry guard at the gate charges an entrance fee of 10 yuan. Do dress warmly, especially for night views. Although Dali is warm during the day, it’s very windy here, and once the sun sets it gets incredibly cold. If using a drone, be very careful about the spinning wind turbine blades and power poles.

Tea Horse Road

Half an hour’s drive from Panxi Ferry, our next stop is Fengyangyi Village. Since the Yuan Dynasty, this was a post station on the ancient Dali road, and a part of the Yunnan-Tibet Tea Horse Road Dali section. Walking to the village entrance, it feels as if stepping back in time; the mottled white walls seem to lead you into a bygone era. Inside the village, there’s a courtyard nestled against a mountain full of catalpa trees, hence the name – Qiu Yuan. Every brick and tile is locally sourced – simple but exquisite. The second-floor terrace of the old house overlooks Erhai Lake.

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Wooden rails and earth-toned stone walls interlace, and charming small handcrafted items are very appealing. The owners follow a very zen approach. A little café hidden among the grass opens only at their whim; whether you find it open is all a matter of fate. On several visits, I found the door closed, and I couldn’t help but envy such free-spiritedness. Tips: Don’t miss their plain noodle soup.

Ji Zhao Nunnery

Never thought that one day even a Buddhist nunnery would become an online sensation. Less than 3 km from Fengyang Village, follow Gantong Road to the Cangshan Scenic Area cable car station. After parking, continue climbing the mountain on foot for about 20 minutes, and you’ll find this unique nunnery. The temple garden is brimming with succulents – potted, soil-planted, suspended, even squeezing life from the crevices in the stone walls. Ji Zhao Nunnery gets its name from the phrase "sense and connect, illuminate in silence." The abbess blends Zen and aesthetics together, devoting herself to practice, chanting, tending the temple, and also meticulously preparing vegetarian meals.

Don’t underestimate the vegetarian feast here. Despite the rugged mountain path, people flock here eagerly. Before 11 a.m., a long queue already forms at the food serving area. Though the doors aren’t open yet, the aroma of the dishes drifts out. Over a dozen dishes are available for you to take as you like; eat until you’re full. But remember: no leftover food is allowed – a single grain of rice means one incense stick’s worth of kneeling punishment. So when you visit, be sure to take only what you can finish. TIPS: Address: Follow Gantong Road intersection straight uphill until you reach the Cangshan Geopark parking lot. From there you can walk to Gantong Temple, Ji Zhao Nunnery, Dayun Hall, and Boluo Temple. Wuwei Temple is north of the Three Pagodas tunnel; you can drive all the way to its parking lot. Price: Ji Zhao Nunnery charges 20 yuan per person; some other temples accept donations. Suggestion: Great weekend destination – you can hike up for a view or sit quietly for meditation.

Coffee Time in Xizhou

Leaving Ji Zhao Nunnery, driving along National Highway 214 for about 50 minutes, you arrive at the simple, tranquil Xizhou. Compared to the bustling old town of Dali, it feels much quieter and more understated. As an area inhabited by the Bai people since the era of the Six Zhaos and Heman coexistence, Xizhou’s architecture is well worth exploring. Strolling through Xizhou Ancient Town, the streets and vintage houses on corners are extremely photogenic. Especially the wall of Xilinyuan, set against traditional Bai architecture and the deep blue sky, is a favorite photo spot for tourists.

If you want to find a café in Xizhou, I highly recommend Tian Coffee. Its entire vibe perfectly matches the feel of Xizhou – a two-story, century-old house furnished with retro-style tables, chairs, utensils, and cups. Exposed grayish-white walls allow sunlight to stream through a small window on the second floor, bringing vibrancy and life to the old objects.

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Honestly, Yunnan coffee has never been my favorite, with its balanced, oolong tea-like flavor being my long-held impression. Yet the owner’s handwritten menu caught my eye with a few classic Yunnan small-bean coffees: "Qiupu" and "Heluan." The beautiful names brim with local Yunnan flavor. It seems the owner is always experimenting with the integration of coffee and tea. You can choose a cup that speaks to you, while the owner completes the entire extraction and pours the coffee into it from the coffee pot, creating a sense of closeness.

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Hidden Paradise – Shaxi Ancient Town

Shaxi Ancient Town – where paths intersect, chicken and dogs can be heard, a lost paradise yet warm with the hustle and bustle of life. This is Dali’s hidden gem. [Associate location with photo] Driving from Dali Old Town to Shaxi Ancient Town takes just over two hours. Passing National Highway 214 and the expressway, you can switch to a Trumpchi GS4 PLUS. Its vertical grille "Shaking the Sky Wings" design, contrasted with light and shadow, forms a highly distinctive "light shield," creating a star-sparkling effect. [Associate location with photo] The split-type LED daytime running lights form an X-shape overall, while the phoenix feather flowing taillights resemble burning feathers, full of sporty fashion. [Associate location with photo][Associate location with photo] This black-tech PLUS model features a super-sensing interactive smart cockpit, integrating entertainment and connectivity. You can switch songs with dynamic gestures – sensitive and convenient during the journey, enjoying your favorite music to the fullest. Fatigue monitoring, safety safeguards, automatic climate control, air purification – meticulous in details. Multiple sensing cameras and the intelligent driving assistance experience deliver a 360° immersive smart experience. All these details left a deep impression on me. [Associate location with photo]

Roll down the window and look outside. In the early morning of Shaxi, by Yujin Bridge, sunlight spills onto the originally bleak riverbank, painting a Russian oil painting with light – nature’s magic! Being here, I temporarily cast aside my inner turmoil and confusion, finding a long-lost calm! [Associate location with photo][Associate location with photo] The profound history of the Tea Horse Road shows signs of age everywhere. Some say it resembles Lijiang twenty years ago – with just the right touch of commercialization, no excessive tourists to disturb the peace. [Associate location with photo][Associate location with photo] The best thing here is that even during holidays, visitors are few. Every household’s doorway still displays homemade tempting snacks and crafts, and families still greet you warmly, with no jostling or crowds. [Associate location with photo]

Because Yunnan’s road conditions are complex and varied, driving through the ancient town and on the muddy mountain paths of the Tea Horse Road, you’ll encounter many bumpy surfaces. This calls for a vehicle with strong power, low fuel consumption, and long range to escort you – the Trumpchi GS8’s driving experience was very satisfying. Let’s first look at the styling: it uses a tough-guy aesthetic design, merging sculptural shapes with sensual lines and shadows. Fluid, tough, and commanding – grand and majestic. [Associate location with photo] The 390T Trumpchi third-generation engine delivers enormous power and torque. Acceleration is swift, allowing quick overtaking on mountain roads. The high-clearance chassis is stable, performing excellently in stability through U-shaped corners. You can drive effortlessly on sand, mud, sport mode, or uphill. Meanwhile, a unique safety system ensures peace of mind, making driving more relaxed and assured. [Associate location with photo] Transport: Recommend self-driving. About 2 hours by car from Dali. Public transport is more complicated: take a minibus from Xiaguan to Jianchuan and transfer; Dali Old Town might have direct buses but services are infrequent. TIPS: ① No entrance fee for the ancient town. ② Cars cannot be driven inside the town; overnight parking costs 20 yuan (a bit pricey), and you can park on the roadside instead. ③ Accommodation is cheap; it’s highly recommended to stay a few more days. Guesthouses in the town cost only one or two hundred per night. ④ There are many interesting little shops and cafes: Universe Bakery, Changshou Tea Room, Xiyu – all very distinctive.

Hidden Hotel at the Foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

There’s a paradise in Lijiang, a secret haven at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – a treasure hotel surrounded by thousands of acres of forest, with unbeatable mountain views. It’s a tranquil spot undisturbed by noise. From the Tea Horse Road to this retreat, it’s just over an hour’s drive. The hotel is designed in Chinese style infused with Naxi elements. The room we stayed in directly faced Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. From sunrise to sunset, the nearby mountains bask in sunlight or hide in shadow, with the ever-changing sky and light creating a beautiful landscape – nature is the most gorgeous painting. The rooms are exquisite and cozy, with healing touches everywhere: soothing bedside music, essential oils with natural scents, air purifier – very comfortable and quiet. Hotel prices range from 600 to 1,600 yuan; visiting in the off-season gives you relatively cheaper rates and great value.

This is a sanctuary of romance, healing, and wandering – a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a getaway with close friends or the whole family to enjoy a life rich in sound, color, and flavor. If traveling with friends or family, the Trumpchi M6 and M8 models are the best choices. Comfort is paramount for long trips or road trips. The M8 offers great passenger space, a bright view from the driver’s seat, highly comfortable second-row seats, and even the third row is spacious enough to stretch your legs freely. The super-comfortable aviation-style seats, with satisfying softness and support, are like a mobile sofa – you won’t feel tired even after sitting for a long time on a long journey. The 10.1-inch high-definition central touchscreen, dedicated multi-function armrest touch controls, glass sunroof, and tailor-made smart screen allow you and your family to watch movies and listen to music in the car, enjoying a comfortable and luxurious trip. What’s even more delightful is the customized smart fridge – cool refreshments all summer long.

For frequent family trips, you can also consider the more economical Trumpchi M6. Besides equally spacious second and third rows, the interior storage layout is very well-designed. Long-distance travel means lots of luggage and photography gear. The Trumpchi M6’s enormous 1,100-liter magic luggage space fully meets all luggage needs. Especially for families with kids or a second child, it excels in safety, convenience, and affordability.

In Search of Lost Horizon

British writer James Hilton’s novel "Lost Horizon" depicts a timeless, peaceful, and tranquil place far away in the eastern mountains. Named Shangri-La. Where exactly is this mythical kingdom that appeared in the novel? There’s always been some debate: Mustang in Nepal, Baltistan, Ladakh, Daocheng Yading, Zayu, Bome, Nyingchi, and Zhongdian – which renamed itself "Shangri-La" – all claim to be the original. In the novel, Shangri-La lies on the border of Tibet and China, with a mysterious, peaceful Blue Moon Valley, the pyramid-shaped, towering Karakal Snow Mountain, and majestic lamaseries… To find the answer, I drove from Lijiang to Shangri-La, searching for the lost horizon and the deepest resonance within my heart.

Songzanlin Monastery is the first place in Shangri-La to wake each day. In the early morning, curling incense smoke floats above this "Little Potala Palace," much like the mysterious temple described in the novel. The monastery’s outer shape resembles a fortress, glittering magnificently under the sun. The towering bell and drum tower announces the hours with sounds that travel for miles at dawn, noon, and dusk. Near evening, climb the small earthen slope beside the monastery to enjoy the sunset over Songzanlin. The most special stop on this trip was Balagezong, which closely resembles the Moon Valley in the novel. A place cut off from the world – the only way out of Bala Village was a cliffside human-and-horse trail. At the path’s end sits a pagoda. Spectacular sheer canyons follow the winding mountain road, with heavy snow blanketing the green woods. Riding through this silver-wrapped world, or hiking to admire the scenery during rest stops, is like walking inside a painting. You can hardly tear your eyes away, and even forget to capture the magical scenes with your camera. The Xiangbala Pagoda is the highest point in Balagezong. A vast expanse of snow, biting wind, yet brilliant sunshine and deep blue sky. It stands not far away, lofty, sacred and inviolable. It is said that people in Balagezong envy Lhasa for its Potala Palace, while Lhasa’s people envy the Xiangbala Pagoda of Balagezong – showing the profound significance of the pagoda in Tibetan areas. Facing the howling wind, strolling in the snow, gazing at the Xiangbala Pagoda proudly standing under the blue sky, I silently made a wish, my heart calm and joyful.