一、 City Introduction

Kunming

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, is known as the "Spring City". Enjoying mild weather all year round, it serves as the gateway to Yunnan. Rich in multi-ethnic cultures, the city blooms with flowers in every season.

Dali

Nestled between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, Dali is the birthplace of the Bai ethnic culture. Ancient towns, lakes and rolling mountains form a poetic landscape, famous for its laid-back lifestyle.

Lijiang

Lijiang is home to the Old Town of Lijiang, a World Cultural Heritage site and the heart of Naxi culture. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain towers over the ancient town with winding water lanes full of romance.

Shangri-La

Shangri-La means "sun and moon in the heart" in Tibetan. With highland meadows and snow monasteries, it is a vast, pure land as described in legends.

二、Must-see Attractions

Kunming

1. Dianchi Lake
   Yunnan’s largest freshwater lake. Flocks of black-headed gulls visit here in winter.
2. Stone Forest
   A World Natural Heritage site featuring karst wonders, spectacular limestone pinnacles.

Dali

1. Dali Ancient City
   A thousand-year-old ancient town with flagstone streets, shops, cafes and traditional Bai houses.
2. Erhai Lake
   A highland lake. Ride around the lake and watch stunning sunrise and sunset.
3. Cangshan Mountain
   A range of 19 peaks. Hike or take cable cars for panoramic views over Erhai Lake.

Lijiang

1. Old Town of Lijiang
   A wall-less ancient Naxi town with small bridges and flowing streams. The night lights are breathtaking.
2. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
   The closest snow mountain to the equator in the Northern Hemisphere, famous for its glacier park and grand snow scenery.
3. Blue Moon Valley
   Crystal-blue lakes beneath the snow mountain, water shining like gemstones.

Shangri-La

1. Potatso National Park
   An alpine national park with forests, lakes and meadows, home to rare wildlife.
2. Songzanlin Monastery
   Known as "Little Potala Palace", it is Yunnan’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery.

三、 Local Cuisine

1. Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles
   Yunnan’s signature dish. Fresh raw meat and side ingredients are cooked in hot chicken soup at the table.
2. Steam Pot Chicken
   Chicken slowly steamed in a special clay pot, soup rich and nourishing.
3. Rushan (Bai Ethnic Cheese)
   Traditional Bai ethnic dairy cheese. It can be grilled or fried with strong milk flavor.
4. Waxed Pork Rib Hotpot
   Lijiang specialty hotpot made from cured pork ribs with deep savory flavor.
5. Yak Meat
   Shangri-La specialty. Served as grilled meat or jerky, high-protein alpine food.
6. Flower Pastry
   Crispy pastry filled with rose petals, sweet and light.

四、Transportation & Accommodation

✈️ Transportation

• Long-distance: Kunming Changshui International Airport is the main entry hub. Travel between cities by flight, high-speed train or tourist coach.
• Local travel: Walk inside ancient towns. Rent cars or licensed e-scooters for lake trips. Choose official chartered cars for long trips on plateaus.
• Note: Shangri-La sits at high altitude, and long drives take more time.

五、 Practical Tips

Weather & Clothing

Temperatures vary greatly between day and night. Bring light jackets even in summer. Pack warm coats for Shangri-La and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. UV radiation is strong — sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are essential.

Altitude Sickness

Shangri-La is around 3,300 meters above sea level. Take it easy after arrival, avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water. Seek medical help immediately for severe headache or shortness of breath.