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Summary

This travel guide offers a detailed itinerary for a road trip through Yunnan, covering Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. It highlights scenic drives, cultural experiences, and practical tips for each destination.

🚗 Day 1: Kunming to Dali

  • Begin your journey from Kunming to Dali, passing through Chuxiong. Enjoy the scenic drive and explore the Yi culture if you have time.

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📍 HangRui Expressway, G56

The HangRui Expressway, G56, is a major expressway connecting Kunming to Dali, known for its scenic views and straightforward route. The long stretches of relatively uncomplicated driving make it perfect for a road trip, particularly for beginners in Chinese driving.

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Tips

Be prepared for traffic, especially during holidays. Keep your car fueled and carry snacks. The expressway offers many service stations along the way, with the biggest one at Chuxiong, making it convenient for travelers.

📍 Chuxiong

Chuxiong is a city known for its Yi ethnic culture. It's worth a stopover to explore the Yi Ren old town, where you can experience the rich Yi culture on display. Alternatively, venture 33 kilometers away to Mi Yi Lu Ethnic Valley, where a collection of six ethnic Yi minority villages have preserved traditional Yi culture.

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Tips

Visit Yi Ren old town for a cultural experience or Mi Yi Lu Ethnic Valley for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure. The city offers a unique insight into the native ethnic minorities of Yunnan.

📍 Dali Old Town

Dali Old Town is a historic town with rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. It offers a charming atmosphere with well-preserved traditional architecture and a vibrant local culture.

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Tips

Follow route 214 for an easier drive and convenient parking near the Old Town gate. The town is abundant in accommodations, but it's advisable to book in advance, especially during Chinese national holidays, as rooms fill up fast.

📍 Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake is a beautiful lake near Dali, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. It is most easily accessible via the village of Caicun, which has become a destination in itself.

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Tips

Take a boat tour to Jin Suo Island for a relaxing experience. The boat tickets are reasonably priced, offering a delightful way to explore the lake and its surroundings.

📍 Bicycle or Electric Scooter Rental

Dali Old Town offers the option to rent a bicycle or electric scooter to explore the town and its surroundings. It's a convenient and enjoyable way to navigate the area and soak in the local culture.

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Tips

Expect to pay about RMB20 for a bicycle rental. Cycling around Erhai Lake or to the neighboring town of Xizhou is highly recommended, providing a pleasant way to spend a sunny day in Dali.

🚗 Day 3/4: Dali to Lijiang

  • Drive from Dali to Lijiang, exploring ancient towns and scenic routes along the way.

🛣️ Da-Li Expressway, G5611

A newly completed expressway offering a smooth drive from Dali to Lijiang, perfect for beginners in Chinese driving.

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Tips

Follow National Road 214 to Eryuan to join the expressway. Consider stopping at Shaxi for a historical experience and immerse in the ancient town's charm.

🏘️ Dayan Old Town

A historic town known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and vibrant culture, providing a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.

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Tips

Book accommodations in advance during Chinese holidays to secure a place in this popular destination. Explore the town's many guesthouses and hotels for a comfortable stay.

🏞️ Shuhe or Baisha

Smaller, quieter hamlets near Lijiang offering stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and a serene cultural experience.

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Tips

Baisha offers amazing views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and intricate Buddhist wall paintings, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Visit Doctor He for traditional Naxi and Chinese medicine, and immerse in the local healing traditions.

🏔️ Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

A stunning natural park with breathtaking scenery, including the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and diverse flora and fauna.

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Tips

Entrance fees are over RMB200 per person. If you speak Chinese or have a Chinese friend, consider exploring discount ticket options available online to make the most of your visit.

🏞️ Day 5/6: Lijiang to Shangri-La

Travel from Lijiang to Shangri-La, exploring Tibetan culture and breathtaking landscapes.

🏘️ Shangri-La Old Town

Shangri-La Old Town is a smaller old town with rich Tibetan culture and history. The main attractions in Shangri-La are the Ganden Sumtseling Tibetan Buddhist Monastery and the holy Meili Snow Mountain.

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Tips

Explore the Ganden Sumtseling Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, known as the "Little Potala Palace," to experience the active monastery life and its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Additionally, consider obtaining special permission to climb the sacred Meili Snow Mountain and participate in the annual kora ritual around the base of the peak.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +86 151 1717 5868
📍   Address: China, Yunnan香格里拉长征大道坛城广场7-1-2号 邮政编码 - 674400

🕌 Ganden Sumtseling Tibetan Buddhist Monastery

The Ganden Sumtseling Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is the largest and oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, known as the "Little Potala Palace" due to its resemblance to the much more well-known palace in Lhasa. It is an active monastery, with many monks, young and old, in residence.

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Tips

Visit the monastery to witness the vibrant monastery life and appreciate its architectural resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Travel Information
📍   Address: China, Yunnan, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Shangri-La City, 建塘镇 邮政编码 - 674400

🏔️ Meili Snow Mountain

Meili Snow Mountain is a sacred mountain for Tibetan Buddhists, known for its stunning peaks and the annual circumambulation ritual. The mountain is over 6,000 meters high, and special permission is required to climb its peaks.

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Tips

Consider participating in the kora ritual around the base of the peak and obtaining special permission to explore this sacred and awe-inspiring mountain.