Escape the hustle and bustle: Come walk with me to Yunnan, the land south of the colorful clouds

Yunnan: I’ve been wanting to go there since the beginning of the year. Partly because Chongqing was just too hot, and partly because I had a deep obsession with Lijiang. So in the second-to-last week of August, I set off on my self-driving trip to Yunnan.

The specific route: Chongqing — Neijiang (to pick up a friend’s sister) — Luzhou (lunch) — straight to Kunming — Dali (stay in Dali) — Lijiang (stay in Lijiang) — Lugu Lake (stay at Lugu Lake) — Xichang (stay in Xichang) — Chengdu (drop off friend) — back home in Chongqing.

The first day was probably the toughest because we were on the road all day. It took about 15 hours to reach Kunming. Along the way, you could have lunch in Neijiang, or take a detour to Zigong. The Zigong-style Sichuan cuisine is really delicious.

We arrived in Kunming close to midnight that night. I had wanted to try a bowl of cross-bridge rice noodles, but it was too late. If you get there earlier, I recommend a cross-bridge rice noodle shop at Jinma Biji Square that’s quite good. I've been to Kunming a few times, and honestly, there isn't much to do. If you have enough time, you can visit Dian Lake and the Yunnan Nationalities Village.

Waterfront rooms? Only ones that were a little near Erhai Lake. Our friend in Dali recommended an inn to us. The address is in the Erhai Tianyu villa area, Xiaguan, Dali. First, let me tell you about the environment: this inn is newly opened. Aside from a slight odor in the room, it was perfect. The room was absolutely amazing — pull back the curtains and you can see Erhai Lake, plus a fantastic view balcony...

As I mentioned, the room had that common issue of newly renovated hotels — a slight odor, but it was very faint, and they did a great job deodorizing. Plus the room was spacious, with a very comfortable bed. I absolutely loved the floor-to-ceiling windows that let you see Erhai Lake the moment you opened the curtains.

Is life less than satisfying? Haven't smiled in so long and don't know why? If you're unhappy and don't like where you are, why not head west all the way to Dali. Driving along Erhai Lake, listening to the song 'Go to Dali,' feeling the breeze, time slows right down.

How can you come to Dali and not take a spin around Erhai Lake? A few years ago when I first visited Dali, Shuanglang was just a small fishing village, but Erhai Lake was just as beautiful.

Park the car by the roadside, take any random path down, and you'll reach the shores of Erhai Lake with such stunning scenery.

Around Erhai Lake there are many places renting electric scooters. If you don't have a car, I recommend trying one — but your riding skills better be up to scratch. These scooters usually can go about 30 km. One time I ran out of battery and ended up pushing it a full 5 km. Starting from Shuanglang, you can ride roughly to Little Putuo Island and then turn back.

There are also many charming little villages around Erhai Lake. Once you enter, it feels like a hidden paradise, and the photos turn out great. I've even forgotten the name of one village I visited.

After another spin around Erhai Lake by car, we set off for Lijiang. The whole way is expressway, and it takes about two and a half hours. I really admire the weather in Lijiang and Dali — on the expressway, heavy rain can start falling at any moment. When we reached Lijiang, we headed straight to our hotel. We had spent a lot on this accommodation, and even before arriving I imagined the beautiful scenery here: a close-up view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and a superb environment. The only downside was that it's a bit far from the ancient town, with a stretch of mountain road, but when you get there, you realize it's all worth it. After all, even the cheapest rooms cost over 1,000 yuan a night. The place is also very close to Yuzhu Qingtian Scenic Area.

After parking, we opened the main gate just as dry ice on both sides of a pond was being released, making it feel like stepping into a fairyland. At the front desk, the staff quickly checked us in.

I really liked the room types here — they're mostly standalone small villas, with rooms on the first and second floors. Each villa has its own private garden, and the environment is truly wonderful.

When the weather is good, sitting in the garden, you can see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain directly, very close.

From this terrace, you can also gaze out at the Old Town of Lijiang.

Now let’s look at the room. It’s also superb. The room is huge, truly worth the price. They even provided two big bottles of Nongfu Spring water, as if they were afraid we'd get thirsty. My favorite part was the starry sky room — the roof is made of glass, so you can see the stars directly.

After a rest at the hotel, we headed to the ancient town. As for Lijiang, what I love most is probably Shuhe. What’s the greatest purpose of coming to Lijiang? Doing nothing but daydreaming! Shuhe is even more suitable for daydreaming — just quietly find a bar, order a drink or a beer, and space out peacefully.

Let me recommend a great spot. Keep walking up the hill, where there’s a place offering a panoramic view of Shuhe. I discovered it by chance.

At the entrance of Shuhe, there are wind chimes perfect for couples. Write down the promises you’ve made to each other on them.

Lijiang has many wandering singers who can really sing. You can stop and listen for a long time.

Shuhe is so peaceful, with an extra dose of calm and less of the hustle and bustle.

We had dinner in Shuhe Ancient Town. We found a popular restaurant that many celebrities have visited. I highly recommend the dry pot black goat — not gamey at all, delicious, and generous with the meat! I didn’t expect to eat grilled fish here, but I felt it would be good, and it certainly didn’t disappoint! The signature mini pot rice initially seemed like just rice and vegetables, how good could it be? But the meaty grains were plump and flavorful. The bok choy and crispy pork soup was a bit bland on its own, but paired with the dry pot black goat, these three made a perfect combination. Highly recommended!!!!!!

[Service bell] Service: Since we were on the second floor, they seemed a bit overwhelmed, but the service was very good. [Mint]

Environment: Beautiful, comfortable, clean and tidy.

On the fourth day, we visited the Songcheng Lijiang Eternal Love Scenic Area. It's about 5 km from Lijiang Ancient Town and is hailed as a 'living' Ancient Tea Horse Road. The area, with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance, deeply explores local Lijiang cultural elements, featuring four main parks: Tea Horse Ancient City, Nacuo Village, Lijiang Paradise, and Lovers' Leap Valley. What I was most looking forward to was the Eternal Love show. The beginning was a bit dramatic because, as a seasoned driver, I used a bad navigation app, took a wrong turn, and we nearly arrived late. By the time we entered, the performance had already started, and to make matters worse, it began pouring rain as we entered the performance area. Prologue: Naxi Genesis — because of our lateness, we only caught the very end of the prologue. The scene was already drenched in heavy rain, and we only caught a glimpse of the giant mythical bird, which left me with some regret.

This scene opens with a pair of lovers dancing within a large red lantern. The lighting and choreography vividly portray a love story.

With a call to assemble, the horse caravan begins to gather, ready to embark on a new journey.

This scene depicts a prosperous Lijiang, with a touching dance that showcases a time of peace and prosperity during the Mu Family's rule.

With the rise of the Tea Horse Road, under the Mu family's governance, Lijiang maintained friendly relations with surrounding ethnic groups and states, making it an economic hub in the southwest during the Ming Dynasty. In 1382 AD, the central government of the Ming Dynasty bestowed the surname 'Mu' upon the Lijiang chieftain to honor his loyalty and dedicated governance. When the news spread, people from all ethnic groups came to congratulate.

This scene tells the story of Naxi people defying societal norms and risking everything for love. A young couple overcome obstacles and find the 'Jade Dragon Third Realm,' a love paradise. Forgive me for describing it so simply — I’m not that interested in love stories.

Epilogue: Searching for Shambhala. Shambhala, a Tibetan transliteration! Also known as Shangri-La, meaning 'paradise.'

Finally, images of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the ancient town alternate on the screen, with the changing seasons and shifting stars — what remains constant is our heart searching for Shambhala. When prayer flags drift in unison across the stage, the climax is reached: everyone stands up, puts their palms together, and prays devoutly.

Lijiang has always given me the impression of being an ancient town, but the Eternal Love theme park adds a touch of modernity.

Bumper cars are probably my favorite attraction — thrilling and fun. I remember playing this as a kid and ending up with a bruise on my head.

Here you can also find the joys of childhood.

On the fifth day, we drove to Lugu Lake. One reminder: if the weather is bad, try not to go to Lugu Lake because landslides are common along the way. We set off around 10 a.m., and including a meal break, it took a little over five hours. Because it's a long drive, you could have lunch in Ninglang. The entrance fee for Lugu Lake from the Yunnan side is 110 yuan.

You can take a pig-trough boat from Lige Peninsula and tour around the lake. It costs about 50 yuan per person.

Lige Peninsula is probably the most beautiful spot there, in my opinion. The terrain naturally forms a heart shape — make sure to take a selfie at this point.

I absolutely love the starry sky here. Sitting by the lake, feeling the breeze, gazing at the stars, having a drink, with music playing in the car — it’s just incredibly cozy and relaxing.

Food along Lugu Lake is a bit pricey, but it’s quite good. I must recommend the barbecue here. Grilled potatoes dipped in chili powder are simply delicious.

The next morning, we chose to circle Lugu Lake. Unfortunately, we missed the sunrise. I remember one winter morning here, I even saw the golden sunshine hitting the mountain.

The Walking Marriage Bridge is located in the Sea of Grass area in the southeastern waters of Lugu Lake. It's the only bridge on the lake. Due to years of sediment accumulation, the water under the bridge has become shallow, and dense reeds grow there, looking like a sea of grass from a distance, hence the locals call it 'Sea of Grass.' The Walking Marriage Bridge is where Mosuo men and women have their dates. The Mosuo people by Lugu Lake follow the 'walking marriage' custom, where men do not marry and women do not marry.

At Lugu Lake, many sunflowers like these are planted, making them great spots for photos.

After circling Lugu Lake, we started heading toward Xichang. The road from Lugu Lake to Xichang is very dangerous, so be extra careful. We arrived in Xichang around 7 p.m. I had wanted to visit Qionghai Lake in Xichang, but it was too late. Qionghai Lake is particularly beautiful as well. And you must try Xichang's firepan barbecue.

Xichang — Ya'an — Chengdu — Chongqing

We had a smooth ride dropping our friend off in Chengdu, then returned to Chongqing.

Travelogue Contents: 1. Erhai Lake 2. Lijiang Ancient Town 3. Shuhe Ancient Town 4. Lijiang Eternal Love 5. Lugu Lake Travel Info, Hotel Index, Guide Index, Flight Index, Website Navigation, Travel Index, Cruise Index, Corporate Travel Index, Affiliate Cooperation, Distribution Alliance, Friendly Links, Corporate Gift Cards, Insurance Agent, Agent Cooperation, Hotel Joining, Destination and Scenic Spot Cooperation, More Affiliate Cooperation, About Ctrip, About Ctrip, Ctrip Hot Topics, Contact Us, Careers, User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Business License, Security Center, Ctrip Content Center, Intellectual Property, Trip.com Group Algorithm Disclosure