12 Days in Yunnan - Retreat to the Serenity of Life

In January, 2018, I received an inquiry from Mr. Pang for a 2-week Yunnan holiday with his wife. They were very interested in the delightful nature, minority culture in Yunnan and the serene life in the villages. According to their needs, I arranged this 12-day Yunnan trip for them covering many major attractions and several old towns. Now let’s see what Mr. Pang thinks of his Yunnan trip!

We thoroughly enjoyed our Yunnan trip. The China Yunnan landscape is spectacular – the Stone Forest in Kunming, the paddy fields in YuanYang, Potasa National Park in ShangriLa and the Ancient Cities of Dali and Lijiang. The guides were all informative and well versed in the history of each city, giving us an insightful account of the way people used to live and trade, folklores from the beginning of time in those places, economic development in history with the formation of the ancient silkroad via the caravan and sea routes. We also enjoyed the dynamic Yunnan performance in Kunming which artfully encapsulated the beauty and colours of the various tribes in Yunnan. The peacock dance was really the epitome of Yunnan elegance and grace.

Stone Forest in Kunming

Yuanyang’s paddy fields is really the most naturally gorgeous landscape and we enjoyed the 5km walking trail along the paddy fields. The only challenging part is the toilet for ladies and that took bit of getting used to (for my wife) while we were there few days.

Duoyishu Rice Terraces in Yuanyang

We also had some amazing experience in the Dali village. The tour guide arranged for us to enjoy a typical home cooked lunch in one of the houses in the village. It was an honest and down to earth experience as we indulge in the serenity of the village life, enjoying the simple yet delicious food. There is a lovely traditional three tea ceremony at the end of the meal.

Dali Old Town

We felt top of the world at ShangriLa at 3,600 metres above sea level. Though we took a night to climatized, our 3.3km walking trail the next day at the Potasa National Park was refreshing in the snow. Our guide was warm in hospitality and took us to a very lovely restaurant in the ancient city. There, we had the best hotpot we had in China – far exceeding the hotpot back in the Shangri-La hotel where we were staying in. We really enjoyed the food and hospitality of our Tibetan guide, Mr Padma.

Pudacuo National Park in Shangri-La

Last but not least, Lijiang is very beautiful and most relaxing for us. The Intercontinental hotel is strategically next to the ancient city and we enjoyed walking on our own in the evening, soaking up the shopping and pub culture in the vibrant city. We highly recommend this itinerary to anyone who is looking for a great holiday in China.

Lijiang Old Town

Day by Day Itinerary for Pang’s 12-Day Yunnan Trip

Day 1: Shenzhen - Kunming

Met by our local guide and driver at Kunming Changshui International Airport and transferred to their hotel in downtown.

Day 2 - 3: Stone Forest Visit & Stone Forest to Yuanyang

Drive 78km from Kunming to Stone Forest and listen to the Legend of Ashima at Minor Stone Forest, then take a visit to Sani Village. On the third day, drive pass Yunnan Ethnic Villages to Yuanyang and catch the sunset at Laohuzui Rice Terraces.

Day 4 - 5: Yuanyang Visit & Yuanyang to Jianshui

Attend Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang, then drive to visit Duoyishu Rice Terraces, Jingkou Village, Mushroom-shaped Houses, and Bada Rice Terraces. On the next day, drive from Yuanyang to Jianshui and see Chaoyang Tower, Temple of Confucius, and Zhu Family Garden at the town.

Day 6: Jianshui - Kunming

Drive back to Kunming after visiting Twin Dragon Bridge and Tunshan Village in Jianshui.

Day 7: Kunming - Dali

Take a morning plane to Dali, then tour around Three Pagodas and Chongsheng Temple, Erhai Lake, and Dali Old Town.

Day 8: Dali - Shangri-La

Drive to Xizhou Ancient Town and attend the morning market to see what the local life is like, then continue the trip to Shangri-la.

Day 9 - 10: Shangri-La Visit & Shangri-La to Lijiang

In Shangri-La, go sightseeing Sumtsaling Monastery and Pudacuo National Park, then visit a local Tibetan family and Dukezong Ancient Town. The next day, drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge, First Bend of Yangtze River, Shigu Ancient Town and finally get to Lijiang Old Town, then pay a visit to Mu’s Residence, Lion Hill, Wangu Tower, and Sifang Square at the town.

Day 11: Lijiang Visit

Keep exploring Lijiang to see Yuhu Village, Former Residence of Joseph Rock, Baisha Mural in Baisha Village, Shuhe Ancient Town, Naxi Dongba Cultural Museum, and Black Dragon Pool.

Day 12: Lijiang - Shenzhen/Hong Kong

Sent off and met by our guide and driver in Lijiang and Shenzhen airport, then escorted to the hotel in Hong Kong.

I am really happy to hear from Pang that he and his wife enjoyed this trip. It is also my honor and pleasure to introduce my beautiful motherland to more people in the world. Looking forward to next opportunity to meet Pang and more friends coming from afar.