Escape the Urban Hustle, Journey West to Uncover the Mysteries of the Ancient Dian Kingdom

For the Dragon Boat Festival in 2019, I had originally planned to go to Paris, but no one could join me, so I packed my bags and went to Yunnan alone. However, just as I arrived in Yunnan, an urgent work matter called me back to Hangzhou. For the National Day holiday in 2020, I again planned to visit Paris, but the pandemic hit. So I invited my family, made a detailed itinerary, and joined a light-luxury tour group to embark on a journey to the land of colorful clouds—Yunnan. I’d love to share this wonderful experience with everyone, and welcome you to explore the secrets of the ancient Dian Kingdom!

Our itinerary covered Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. As we booked a light-luxury tour package with Diyi Travel, we were picked up at the Kunming airport and taken directly to our hotel, which had a nice environment. Yunnan's high altitude means the sun's rays are intense, so be sure to bring sunscreen and apply it to any exposed skin to avoid sunburn. Additionally, the climate here is such that it can be cool when the sun is hidden and very hot when it's out, so it's wise to pack both light and warm clothing. Below is our packing checklist for reference.

Before the trip, the weekly rain forecast looked depressing, but once there, we realized the weather was unpredictable—a downpour could be followed by clear skies in no time. So for most of the week, we enjoyed blue skies, white clouds, and bright sunshine. Moreover, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La are relatively dry, so clothes dry quickly after washing, meaning you don't need to pack many outfits (I brought seven T-shirts but only wore three).

DAY 1: First, let's talk about the Spring City: Kunming is a renowned historical and cultural city. Human settlement around Dianchi Lake dates back 30,000 years. In 278 BC, the Dian Kingdom was established and made this its capital. In 765, the Nanzhao Kingdom built the Tuodong City, marking the start of Kunming's urban history. At the end of the Ming Dynasty, the Southern Ming Yongli regime based its capital in Kunming. Kunming has a northern subtropical low-latitude plateau mountain monsoon climate, with a terrain of hills and mountains, surrounded on three sides by hills and facing Dianchi Lake to the south. The lakeside scenery is gorgeous, and thanks to its low-latitude plateau location, it enjoys spring-like weather all year round, earning it the name 'Spring City'.

Red-billed gulls at Kunming's Dianchi Lake

After arriving in Kunming on the first day, we had a free day because group members arrived at different times. Since we got in early, we visited Kunming's Dianchi Lake. Kunming truly lives up to its name as the Spring City. We arrived in the right season just in time to see the seagulls seeking warmth—totally worth it! DAY 2: Let's talk about the Stone Forest. It's already the second day. When you first arrive, you might experience mild altitude sickness. Don't wash your hair or take a shower on the first day, as it can worsen symptoms. Usually, a good sleep helps a lot. The Kunming Stone Forest Scenic Area, also known as Yunnan Stone Forest, is located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, about 78 km from Kunming. Covering an area of 350 square kilometers, the main developed areas for tourism include: the Stone Forest Scenic Area, the Black Pine Rock (Naigu Stone Forest), Flying Dragon Waterfall (Dadieshui), and Long Lake. It has been designated a 'World Geopark' and 'World Natural Heritage' by UNESCO. In 1982, it was among the first group of national key scenic spots approved by the State Council, a 5A tourist attraction and a national civilized scenic area. The rocks come in countless bizarre shapes, a display of nature's astonishing craftsmanship!

Nature's artistry makes playtime short but joyful, and today ended perfectly. Time flies, so relax, empty your mind, and give yourself a break! DAY 3: Let's go for a rendezvous with Dali. The Dali Flower Sea and Jeep tour is not to be missed.

Relax, enjoy the birdsong and floral scents. Be your own internet celebrity. Beautiful Dali is a world of flowers, with different blossoms every season—red, yellow, purple. Under the sun, run through the flower fields, take deep breaths under blue skies, and have fun with friends. Take photos in the flower sea, and time seems to slow down. The 'Sky Mirror,' a place hailed as a must-visit once in a lifetime, can be experienced right here at the Huayu Ranch. Watch the clouds roll by, snap pictures at the spot closest to the sky, and your personal 'Influencer Photoshoot' will create unforgettable memories.

Leaving behind the most beautiful memories

Private yacht on Erhai Lake: Step aboard to visit the pearl of Erhai, the thousand-year-old Bai fishing village, Luoquan Peninsula. No traveler to Dali misses Erhai's beautiful scenery. A 360-degree island cruise around Erhai brings you zero-distance contact with the lake, immersing you in the Cangshan-Erhai scenery, a harmony of man and nature you won't find in the hustle and bustle of city life. Perhaps love awaits by Erhai Lake...

Complimentary show: 'The Romance of Lijiang'—an IMAX 3D spectacular that portrays the Naxi creation epic, the romantic kingdom of women at Lugu Lake, the glory of the Mu Mansion, the thrilling legend of the caravan, the life-and-death saga of Jade Dragon’s Third Kingdom, and the spirit of paradise in a single flower… It paints a cultural legend full of soul and flesh, blood and tears, life and death, and love. A hymn to life.

Today's itinerary: Dali Ancient Town – yacht – Sky Mirror – influencer-style Jeep photo stops – 'The Romance of Lijiang' show. The Sky Mirror was stunning, yielding photos you’ll cherish. The flower sea was beautiful too, and doing the influencer check-in with the Jeep made me feel like a mini-celebrity. The love by Erhai Lake is as unforgettable as the lyrics of 'Go to Dali': 'Are you not satisfied with life? Haven’t laughed in a long while, not knowing why. Since you’re unhappy and don’t like it here, why not head west to Dali? The journey is a bit rough, the air a bit thin, but the vaster the landscape, the lonelier the heart. Not knowing who’s waiting where, nor what will happen later. Whose head isn’t covered in dust? Whose shoulders haven’t borne teeth marks? Perhaps love is waiting by Erhai Lake, perhaps a story is unfolding. Whose head isn’t covered in dust? Whose shoulders haven’t borne teeth marks? Pick up the courage ground down by time, let your feet be covered in fragrant mud.'

DAY 4: I’ll wait for you in Lijiang. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: A 5A national scenic area, famed for its perilous peaks, extraordinary beauty, elegance, and grandeur. On this plateau shimmering with Buddhist light, paradise is just a few steps away. Go and meet the deity Sanduo, and feel the sacred mountain’s allure in the hearts of the Naxi people. The Glacier Cableway offers the best panoramic view of the snow mountain. As it climbs, myriad valleys are beneath your feet and countless breathtaking views fill your eyes—a frozen world without boundaries, leaving only awe. On Day 4, no unnecessary toil; this is the only cableway that takes you directly to an altitude of 4,506 meters, letting you conquer the peak.

Mystical land of Lijiang

Must-see 'Impression Lijiang': This grand live performance directed by the renowned Zhang Yimou takes place at the world's highest-altitude open-air theater. With the snow mountain as backdrop and nature as the setting, it presents Lijiang's cultural heritage. Thousands of actors perform without microphones, their synchronized movements creating a profound visual and spiritual impact!

Lijiang Old Town: A 5A scenic area, it's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and a must-visit in Yunnan. Wander the lanes, among old buildings, and feel the marks of time. Stop and listen to the drums, music, wind chimes, the chatter of girls, and the giggles of grannies. In the old town, time softens. There are many features: watch the traditional dance at Sifang Street, listen to Naxi ancient music played by elders, see the millennium-old Dongba paper, and float river lanterns. The town offers plenty of local delicacies—sizzling platter of insects, charcoal-grilled snow mountain fish, stone cakes, aged mountain ham, and Naxi candied fruits. You can choose freely, but enjoy in moderation.

After a day of sightseeing, return to the old town, unwind, find a cozy tavern to relax, wash away the day's fatigue, and add a perfect touch to prepare for tomorrow's adventure!

DAY 5: Shuhe Ancient Town – Dali Ancient Town. Shuhe Ancient Town: In the Naxi language, it's called 'Shaowu,' named after the mountain behind the village that looks like a pile of peaks. The name evolved to mean 'village below the peak.' It's one of the earliest Naxi settlements on the Lijiang plain, a well-preserved key town on the ancient Tea Horse Road, a living example of the Naxi people's transition from farming to commerce, and a model of town development shaped by trade and caravan activity. Shuhe is an essential part of the World Heritage site of Lijiang Old Town and was recognized by CCTV as one of 'China's Charming Towns' in 2005.

Dali Ancient Town: A 5A scenic area, the ancient capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom, and a must-see in Yunnan. Nestled at the foot of beautiful Cangshan Mountain, its streets feature the saying 'one well per three households, several potted flowers per home.' Stroll through Wuhua Gate and along Fuxing Road, with its grey tiles and stone alleys, seeking historical traces. Wander the Foreigner Street, where you can enjoy gardening, pet cats and dogs, browse boutiques, and relax in bars, soaking up a leisurely, artful lifestyle. The ancient town is quaint and serene, with clear streams gurgling. Besides exploring the town, sample Bai ethnic cuisine; the food and scenery combine to give you a different Dali. Stone teeth, peak clusters, solution hills, caves, waterfalls, and underground rivers are harmoniously distributed.

Where love begins

Today, walking the Tea Horse Road and Foreigner Street, I witnessed the unfolding of history and the hardships of those who forged this lifeline, making me fall in love with this city!

Time flies, it's time to head back!

DAY 6: Taking the bullet train from Dali back to Kunming means this journey is coming to an end. Reluctant to leave, I've grown to love this city. If I have the chance, I'll visit this beautiful place again. Arrive in a city, fall in love with someone!

All good things must come to an end. I'll return to Colorful Yunnan. I'm smitten with this city; there are still so many natural beauties unseen, so many landscapes unappreciated. Through twists and turns, keep the original heart. Stop and go, there will always be regrets. Despite the bumps in life's road, empty your mind and take a spur-of-the-moment trip. Along the way, you might meet a loved one, or a place that makes you want to stay at first sight. Colorful Yunnan, the ancient Dian Kingdom—a land of magic and mystery. Sharing my photo collection, until next time, Yunnan!