Epic Yunnan Adventure: Lijiang - Shangri-La - Dali - A MUST-READ!
1. Journey Overview: Get Ready to Be Amazed!
I recently conquered the Lijiang - Shangri-La - Dali route, and OMG, it was an absolute DREAM! This is hands down one of the most stunning routes in Yunnan, China. Over 7 incredible days, I dove headfirst into everything from charming ancient towns to the breathtaking Tibetan plateau. Seriously, get ready for some serious wanderlust!
This trip was an emotional rollercoaster – picture peaceful ancient towns contrasted against majestic mountains. There were also a few "OMG!" moments, like getting completely lost in Lijiang's Old Town and gasping for air trying to adjust to the altitude. If you're plotting your own Yunnan adventure, buckle up! This review is packed with real-deal insights to help you plan and avoid my *ahem* learning experiences.
2. Detailed Itinerary: Your Day-by-Day Adventure!
Days 1-2: Hanoi - Kunming - Lijiang: Let the Journey Begin!
My adventure kicked off with a flight from Hanoi to Kunming, followed by an overnight train to Lijiang. The sleeper train was surprisingly clean – a great way to catch some Zzz's and wake up in a new city! For a little extra comfort, you can upgrade to a soft sleeper, but it will cost you a bit more.
Stepping out of the Lijiang train station, I was instantly greeted by crisp, cool air – a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi! Lijiang Old Town is even more magical in person than in the photos. Think ancient wooden houses, winding canals, and flowers everywhere! On my first night, I wandered the Old Town, devoured a baba pastry, slurped down Yak yogurt, and finished with a steaming hot pot of mushrooms – pure perfection in the cool air!
- Pro-Tip #1: Stash your luggage at your hostel for easy exploring.
- Pro-Tip #2: The Old Town is packed during the day, but super peaceful in the early morning and late at night – totally worth waking up for!
Days 3-4: Lijiang - Shangri-La: Tibetan Dreams!
Shangri-La was the part of the trip I was most excited about – the lure of the Tibetan plateau is irresistible! I hopped on a bus from Lijiang to Shangri-La, a journey of about 4 hours. The road was a bit winding, but the scenery was so incredible that nobody could sleep!
My first impression? COLD! The climate here is significantly different from Lijiang – sunny days, but bone-chilling nights! The Songzanlin Monastery, a.k.a. "Little Potala Palace," is absolutely breathtaking. And the evening? Epic! I joined the locals in a traditional dance in the central square – a crazy, unforgettable experience filled with laughs!
- Pro-Tip #1: Pack warm clothes, especially for early mornings and evenings.
- Pro-Tip #2: Ginger tea or Yak butter tea will keep you warm and help with altitude sickness.
- Pro-Tip #3: Don't forget moisturizer – the air here is super dry!
Days 5-6: Shangri-La - Dali: Lakeside Bliss!
Saying goodbye to Shangri-La, I boarded a bus to Dali. It felt like transitioning from a wild mountain region to a tranquil lakeside town. Dali Old Town has a completely different vibe – less crowded than Lijiang, but with a subtle charm. I rented a bike and cycled around Erhai Lake, soaking up the fresh air and admiring the misty mountains in the distance – straight out of a Chinese romance novel!
In the evening, I strolled through Dali Old Town, trying the Three Courses Tea – a unique tea with bitter, sweet, and fragrant layers. The Old Town also has tons of cute cafes, perfect for chilling after a long day of exploring.
- Pro-Tip #1: Erhai Lake can get crowded in summer, so go early to enjoy the peace and quiet.
- Pro-Tip #2: Renting a bike or scooter is the best way to explore Dali.
Day 7: Dali - Kunming - Hanoi: Homeward Bound!
On my final day, I returned to Kunming for my flight back to Hanoi, ending an unforgettable adventure.
3. Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It? ABSOLUTELY!
This trip had it all: nature, culture, and delicious food. If you're looking for a blend of ancient beauty and rugged natural landscapes, this route is a MUST-DO! A really great experience traveling through Yunnan.
✅ What I Loved:
- Lijiang is picture-perfect, every corner is Instagram-worthy.
- Shangri-La feels like a gateway to Tibet.
- Dali is peaceful and relaxing, perfect for unwinding.
⚠️ Important Notes:
- The weather can change quickly, so pack layers.
- Lijiang Old Town gets super crowded at night – visit early for a quieter experience.
- If you're not used to high altitudes, take it easy when you arrive in Shangri-La to avoid altitude sickness.
Hope this review helps you plan your amazing Yunnan adventure! If you've been here, share your experiences in the comments below!
```