What to do in Yunnan…

Yunnan literarily means “south of colourful clouds”; as its romantic name suggests, is one of the most colourful and vibrant provinces in China, consists of 36 ethnic groups with their own unique cultures and traditions! (56 in total in China.)   Being located in the remote wild southwest, it preserves a lot enchanting traditions.

Here is an useful link if you are planning a trip around Yunnan.
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/yunnan/

Recommended Places

Dali Area

If you have never being in Dali. We would recommend you spend 2-3 days in this beautiful part of China.

Here is a useful link about tourist attractions in Dali:

https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/yunnan/dali/

Dali Old Town

Dali old town is the place where I grow up and I have so many beautiful memories about it. Maybe 10 years ago, I can tell you about every marble paved alley way, every singing streams and take you to dip in various snack booths to try out tasty snacks. It has changed so much since I have left. But still, this beautiful gem has so much to offer. Just pick up a road and let the romance unfold itself.

Dali old town was built by ancient kingdom Nanzhao (8^th centry). The four city walls, guards the traditional homes, pavilions and towers from Bai ethnic group people.  Another treasure from Dali is the flowers. Almost every house-hold in Dali grows flowers and proudly display them in their garden and in front of their houses.

ErHai Lake

Erhai, is a beautiful highland lake, located in the east of Dali. One can take a boat tour around lake and do some island hopping. If you are feeling energetic, you can cycle around the lake, taking in the fishy breeze, picturesque sceneries and taste local delicacies from vendors by the road side. You can also take an afternoon to cycle to one of the fishing villages, cross golden rice fields, chasing grass hoppers (you can eat them!), pick lotus root…

Three Pagodas and CongSheng Temple

The Three Pagodas inside the temple was built 1,800 years ago. It is a symbol of the history of Dali City, and a record of the development of Buddhism in the area. 

Natural Hot Springs

simple and clean, an hour away from Dali. Contact Mengling if you are interested.

Butterfly spring

Above this spring, there is a famous ‘Butterfly Tree’, so called as in the short interval as spring turns to summer, its fragrant blossom attracts thousands of butterflies. These small multi-colored creatures fly around the pool and settle on the tree in great clusters as they sip the nectar from its blooms. Unfortunately, due to bloom of tourism the environment is no longer suitable for the butterflies. So you will see lots of people leaning over the pool taking selfies instead of butterflies.

Kunming Area

Capital city of Yunnan province. If you are flying to and from there, you might as well spend a couple of days there. Attractions

ShiLin (Stone Forest)

A spectacular set of limestone groups and the representative of south China’s karst landscape.

Yunnan Nationalities Village Museum

A good place to go if you want to learn a bit about various ethnic groups of people living in Yunnan and their cultures.

Lijiang Area

An attractive ancient town, is considered a fairyland blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snowy mountains and an undisturbed landscape inhabited by native Naxi people.

YuLong Mountain

Beautiful snow caped mountain, up to almost 6000m. Stunning sceneries of glacier, snow, lakes and yak

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Deep, landmark canyon with river vistas. Large natural gorge, one of the deepest in the world, offering river overlooks & trails

For Lijiang, we are planning to organise a 2-3 days (22^nd Oct – 24^th /25^th Oct) trip after the wedding. Please let us know if you are interested.

XiShuangBanNa

The only tropical rain forest nature reserve in China, the area has surprising biological diversity in the virgin forest.It’s culture is very similar to Thai people. And amazing food!

ManFeiLong Buddhist Pagoda

Wild Elephant Valley