National Day Trip to Ancient Dian: Encountering the Colorful Ancient Dian Life Season

Looking forward, looking forward, the National Day holiday finally arrived. I couldn't wait to head to the Spring City Kunming, wanting to thoroughly relax with the charming Yunnan landscape and a dazzling array of Yunnan cuisine. The profound and extensive Ancient Dian culture also fascinated and captivated me.

However, what greeted me was not only scenery and delicacies; there was also the colorful Ancient Dian Life Season waiting for me. An unexpected beauty, with one small happiness after another warming my holiday, adding a brilliant splash of color to my memories.

This was a brand-new life, a wonderful life—music, passion, kindness, sincerity. All these beautiful things were happening at the Ancient Dian Life Season. It was pure joy, a feeling of meeting too late. Every moment was moving, and every day was a colorful life.

In Ancient Dian, Reliving the Beautiful 'Shiguang' Moments

On my first night at Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town, I experienced the unforgettable Shiguang Joy Night 3.0. That evening, the stars twinkled and sparks flew as a grand bonfire party brought together the residents of Ancient Dian. They were not family, yet felt closer than family. It was a warm and touching night.

At the Shiguang Joy Night, there were fantastic magic shows and cheerful song and dance performances. The Ancient Dian residents sat on the grass, intently enjoying the show without looking at their phones or discussing work. People gathered to celebrate the opening of the third Ancient Dian Life Season and be grateful for the good life. This scene is rare for modern city dwellers, but here at Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town, it was effortlessly realized.

At the Shiguang Joy Night, you could also see many small stalls doing various businesses. These were from 'Shiguang Co-op,' a public welfare organization spontaneously started by the talented residents. They donate 10% of the co-op's proceeds to support left-behind children in Colorful Yunnan, contributing love to the world with their own strength. This deeply moved me.

Besides Shiguang Joy Night, the Handcraft DIY Experience Tribe was also highly anticipated. Here, you could experience cultural handcrafts from the beautiful Yunnan. Whether it's traditional tie-dye (intangible cultural heritage), printmaking, or trendy tarot divination and aromatherapy experiences, the aesthetics of life are found in these small objects.

Forget everything and dive into a handcraft, temporarily putting aside all worries and troubles. Focus your energy on the small object in your hands, inch by inch, bit by bit. When the beauty in your heart takes shape, the sense of achievement is incomparable.

The parent-child orienteering race at the Bosu Baqianji · Ancient Dian Camp was also very popular among residents and visitors. Dads and moms with their little ones were engaged in an intense orienteering competition—sack races, three-legged races—both educational and fun. The whole camp was filled with laughter and joy. I really wished I could instantly become a little kid to join in these parent-child activities.

Out of curiosity about Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town, I asked a new Ancient Dian resident friend I had just met. It turns out that the joy is not limited to the Life Season; everyday activities are also very rich—yoga classes, morning exercise groups, outings to nearby places—harmonious and wonderful. Seeing their earnest and content expressions, living in Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town is truly a blessing.

The Most Melodious Music, The Most Elegant Life

I never imagined that a holiday could be spent amid such beautiful music. At the top of Ancient Dian Hot Spring Villa, the Music Without Borders · Cloud Concert · Cello Night was cleansing every listener's soul with soaring string music. Everyone was immersed and reluctant to leave.

With melodious violins and deep cellos, music knows no borders. Beautiful notes can transcend geography, ethnicity, and even time and space. Just like travel, every piece of music, every journey, is a form of cultivation. I am not proficient in these instruments, but the impact on my soul at that moment was undeniable.

Then, the 'Back To 80’' retro concert got everyone really hyped. As night fell, singers on stage paid tribute to classics with one great song after another. Polka-dot dresses and floral shirts transported everyone back to the good old days.

Where there's song, there's dance. As one song after another soared through the concert, the atmosphere was ignited, and the crowd began to boil. I started dancing with the Ancient Dian residents. With the simplest dance moves and the most sincere smiles, everyone laughed like innocent children. I too rediscovered that long-lost wonderful state of mind.

In the dark night, with brilliant lights and cheerful crowds, everyone was immersed in the joy brought by the music. Just as the energetic songs and dances came to an end, the gorgeous fireworks blooming in the night sky reignited the scene. Everyone was thrilled, and the emotion lingered.

Bringing the Fairy Tale World to Reality

I've always loved The Wizard of Oz. The 2.5-meter-tall Scarecrow, endearingly clumsy, longed to find the ability to think and a sense of self. The 3-meter-tall Tin Man had no heart; cold on the outside, he too wanted a beating, warm heart. And the adorable cowardly lion was always searching for courage, wanting love, wanting to receive love. I never expected that this National Day holiday, they would also come to the Ancient Dian Life Season, giving me a huge surprise.

The fairy tale world was brought to life. New, interesting, joyful, and free, the fairy tale characters enthusiastically interacted with the audience. This was my first immersive theater experience. Letting go of my inhibitions, I happily played along with everyone. Everyone found amusement here.

And such surprises at the Ancient Dian Life Season were doubled. In the quality play 'Night at the Library,' the minor character Harper had his own adventure. A group of talented young people used whimsical and humorous creativity to stir ripples in dull life.

Using the simplest props—voice and body—they presented a magical adventure journey to the audience. Amid lively and novel music, we joined Harper in opening a new journey, and my own journey was also wonderful and romantic.

Looking back, with its long-standing Ancient Dian culture, fairyland-like scenery, kind and friendly residents, and colorful life, isn't Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town a fairy tale world in reality?

At the 'Immersed in Ancient Dian · Envisioning the Future' 2020 National Cultural Tourism Sharing Conference, Ancient Dian residents actively and passionately envisioned a bright future for Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town. I think it must be a deep love that makes them care for this place like their own home. Reflecting on the eight-year journey of Ancient Dian, I believe it will only get better.

Ancient Dian Life Season Tips:

1. This event is only held during the National Day holiday each year. The 2020 edition has already ended, so friends can join me in looking forward to the 2021 event;

2. If you want to join the 2021 Ancient Dian Life Season, you can follow their official website updates in advance.

If you love hot springs, visiting Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town is a blessing. In the many hot spring pools of the Ancient Dian Hot Spring Villa, there is high-quality natural hot spring water sourced from 2,622 meters underground. It detoxifies, beautifies the skin, soothes the mind, and relieves fatigue. Moreover, the Ancient Dian Hot Spring Villa is charmingly antique and pleasing to the eye. The feeling is simply indescribable—so refreshing.

Most recommended is the mountaintop infinity pool, where you can not only comfortably soak in the hot spring and enjoy a panoramic view of Ancient Dian, but also, at dusk, be rewarded with a stunning sunset scene. The sky filled with evening glow is like an oil painting, dazzling and breathtakingly beautiful.

Ancient Dian Hot Spring Villa Tips:

1. Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM

2. Don't soak when too full or too hungry. Do not soak for more than half an hour at a time.

3. Right next to the infinity pool is the Muyuntai Restaurant. The food quality there is quite good; be sure to give it a try.

Within the vast Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town, the Ancient Dian Premium Wetland Park is like an emerald embedded in the earth. By the side of Dianchi Lake, it sparkles with rippling water, chirping birds, fragrant flowers, and lush greenery. Various plants and animals inhabit and thrive here, making the ecological environment excellent. It is also a natural oxygen bar, and many locals come to visit.

Besides taking a leisurely stroll and enjoying the scenery, you can also cycle around the lake or go boating on Dianchi Lake at the Ancient Dian Yihai Grand Marina to appreciate the beauty of Dianchi up close. There's also the vibrant Bosu Baqianji Camp, where you can camp, barbecue, and do team-building—truly delightful.

Ancient Dian Premium Wetland Park Tips:

1. Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

2. Ticket price: 30 RMB per person

3. Parking: Free for the first half hour for cars; 15 RMB for half an hour to 24 hours, which is quite affordable.

4. Pets are allowed in the park.

5. Be sure to apply sun protection.

6. There's something to see here all year round. From March to November, flowers are in full bloom, and there are many ethnic festivals—very lively. From December to February, it's the bird-watching season, when thousands of birds return, creating a spectacular scene.

When visiting Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town, you must check in at Colorful Yunnan · Happy World, because it's just so much fun. With strong Yunnan ethnic charm, Colorful Yunnan · Happy World covers over 6,000 square meters, features seven themed zones, and boasts 81 rides and attractions. The whole family can enjoy a full day here.

Among the many rides, the most recommended is the 'Eye of Dianchi' Ferris wheel. As the tallest Ferris wheel in Yunnan Province, it is eye-catching and beautiful, like the feathers of a peacock in full display. Riding a colorful capsule slowly ascending to the heights, you get an unobstructed view of the entire Dianchi Lake—magnificent beyond words.

At the Tiger Leaping Gorge Rapids Ride, you can enjoy the thrill of speed in the cool water, zooming down with screams, releasing all physical and mental stress. Similar rides include the Snow Eagle Wide-Wing Roller Coaster, Elephant Play Dragon Roller Coaster, and Twin Tower Space Shot—so exciting and exhilarating that you'll want to ride them again and again.

Besides high-altitude thrill rides, there are also many gentle attractions, like the romantic carousel and the delightful Colorful Train, both well worth checking in. At Colorful Yunnan · Happy World, joy will wash away your worries like a wave. Friends, be sure to come and experience it!

Colorful Yunnan · Happy World Tips:

1. Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

2. Address: 50 meters north of the northern side of Huanhu South Road, Jinning District, Kunming City

3. Ticket price: Adult ticket 198 RMB

4. Since there are many rides in the park, it's recommended to go early so you can enjoy more. There are restaurants inside the park to take care of your dining needs.

Yunnan, with its abundant resources, has no shortage of delicious food; mouthwatering Yunnan cuisine is everywhere. My most memorable dining experience on this trip was at Yixinyuan. As one of Kunming's most popular restaurants, it serves authentic and genuine Yunnan dishes bursting with flavor.

The mushroom hot pot, a must-try in Yunnan, is exceptionally fresh and delicious. Different mushrooms offer different textures, wonderfully unique. The famous Yunnan souvenir, flower cake, is crispy on the outside and soft inside, richly aromatic. Using flowers as an ingredient—now that's how Yunnan people know how to enjoy life. Other dishes are also pleasing to the eye, nose, and palate, and very healthy.

Additionally, the Colorful Food Fair at the Ancient Dian Life Season was also mouthwatering. Look at these delicate Yunnan skewers—don't be fooled by the thin sticks, the flavor is top-notch. Ancient Dian residents showed off their culinary skills, sharing delicious food, and a foodie like me had a feast.

My accommodation for this trip was the Ancient Dian Resort Hotel, located within Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town, offering an excellent location. The hotel is very close to attractions like the Ancient Dian Premium Wetland Park and Colorful Yunnan · Happy World, saving a lot of transportation time.

The hotel itself was also of high quality—warm, comfortable, and considerate—allowing me to enjoy a restful sleep in Ancient Dian. The experience was delightful.

1. Kunming is a famous tourist city, accessible by car, plane, and train. Many highways pass through, so self-driving is no problem.

2. Within Kunming city, there are subways, buses, and taxis, all convenient and not expensive. However, most Kunming buses are self-service with no conductor, so it's advisable to have small change and follow the rule of boarding from the front and alighting from the rear.

Getting to Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town

1. Buses K31, K38, 940, 941, 942, 943 can all get there.

2. Self-driving is very convenient, about a 1-hour drive from Kunming city center. There is ample parking, and the road conditions are good—recommended.

Life is vibrant, and the world is worth it. This National Day, I was healed by the 2020 Ancient Dian Life Season. The smiles of strangers and the laughter of children were genuine and warm. If you seek a city to settle down in, Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town is an excellent choice.

I envy not the mandarin ducks, nor the immortals; I only wish to be an Ancient Dian person. Every day at Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town makes one linger and forget to return. It may not be heaven, but it is certainly a paradise on earth. I look forward to next year's National Day Ancient Dian Life Season, and to more stories between me and Ancient Dian.

Travelogue Contents

1. [Preface]

2. [Colorful Yunnan, Colorful 2020 Ancient Dian Life Season]

3. [Ancient Dian Hot Spring Villa, Sunset and Hot Springs Are a Perfect Match]

4. [Strolling through Ancient Dian Premium Wetland Park, Enjoying a Leisurely Life]

5. [Colorful Yunnan · Happy World, a Sea of Joy]

6. [Food Temptations from Colorful Yunnan]

7. [About Accommodation]

8. [About Transportation]

9. [Postscript]

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