Kunming/Dali/Lijiang/Lugu Lake Trip

Notable Attractions

Zhuanxin Market

Zhuanxin Market seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern vibrancy, making it an ideal destination to experience local Yunnan life. This bustling market offers a wide variety of regional delicacies, exquisite handicrafts, and unique souvenirs. Preserving its rich historical commercial culture while embracing innovative trends, Zhuanxin Market provides visitors an immersive journey into the local heritage. Strolling through its vibrant alleys, one can enjoy lively street scenes and authentic cultural experiences that reflect the city’s essence.

Kunming Old Street

Kunming Old Street is a vibrant district that preserves the rich historical and cultural heritage of the city while embracing modern elements. Lined with ancient buildings, the street is dotted with traditional snacks, artisanal shops, and local markets that showcase Kunming’s unique charm. It offers visitors a journey into the past, allowing them to experience local life and the enduring legacy of centuries-old traditions. Walking along this storied lane, one can feel the pulse of a city that celebrates its heritage with pride.

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple The Three Pagodas, situated in Dali, Yunnan, China, are iconic Buddhist structures from the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms (8th–12th century). The central Qianxun Pagoda, a 69-meter-tall square brick tower with 16 tiers, dates to the Tang Dynasty, while the two smaller octagonal pagodas (42 meters, 10 tiers) were added during the Song Dynasty. Remarkably earthquake-resistant, they showcase ancient architectural ingenuity with intricate carvings of Buddhas and lotus motifs. Despite the destruction of the adjacent Chongsheng Temple, the pagodas remain intact, symbolizing Dali’s multicultural heritage. Recognized as a National Key Cultural Relic and 5A scenic site, they attract global visitors as a testament to China’s historical and artistic legacy.

Xizhou Ancient Town

Xizhou Ancient Town, located near Lijiang Old Town, is a charming enclave rich in Naxi cultural traditions and history. The town’s narrow lanes, traditional architecture, and stone-paved streets vividly showcase unique local customs and lifestyles. Blending the old with the new, Xizhou features historical sites alongside modern boutique shops and cozy cafes. A stroll through this timeless town offers a serene journey into authentic Naxi heritage, making it an ideal destination for cultural exploration.

Bai Three-Course Tea ceremony

The Bai Ethnic Intangible Cultural Heritage Three-Course Tea ceremony embodies the rich wisdom and unique aesthetic of the Bai people. This traditional ritual unfolds in three stages: the first, a slightly bitter tea, symbolizes life’s hardships; the second, a sweet infusion, represents warmth and familial bonds; and the third, a lingering aftertaste, reflects the profound depth of life’s experiences. More than just a tea ceremony, it is a vibrant cultural expression that harmonizes life’s diverse flavors with deep-rooted values, offering a glimpse into the Bai people’s enduring connection with nature and tradition.

Dali Ancient City

An ancient city with over 1,200 years of history that once served as the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. With well-preserved city walls, distinctive Bai architecture, and landmark buildings like Wuhua Tower, its bustling Foreigner Street is ideal for experiencing Bai culture and shopping.

Black Dragon Pool

Black Dragon Pool is located in the picturesque region of Yunnan and is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and enchanting legends. Surrounded by ancient trees and majestic mountains, its serene reflections vary with each season, offering a captivating blend of tranquility and vitality. This scenic spot not only serves as an ideal retreat for leisurely sightseeing and photography but also holds a wealth of historical and cultural significance, inviting visitors to explore its mystical atmosphere and rich heritage.

Lijiang Old Town

Lijiang Old Town is renowned for its rich history and distinctive Naxi culture, preserved beautifully through winding cobblestone streets and ancient architecture. The town’s intricate water systems, traditional courtyards, and cultural landmarks create an enchanting atmosphere that reflects centuries of heritage. Visitors can leisurely stroll its charming lanes, savor local cuisine, and immerse themselves in a timeless blend of tradition and modernity. Lijiang Old Town is not only a living testament to history but also a vibrant canvas where cultural legacies meet contemporary life.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

A snow-capped mountain standing at 5,596 meters, with year-round snow and sacred to the Naxi people. Visitors can take a sightseeing train and cable car to enjoy magnificent highland scenery. The mountain features rapidly changing weather and distinct vertical vegetation zones at different elevations.

Blue Moon Valley

An alpine valley at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, named for its dreamlike blue waters. The lakes, formed by melting snow, appear in various shades of blue under sunlight and are described as a “paradise on earth.”

Ganhaizi

A plateau lake near Lijiang Ancient Town. “Ganhaizi” means “Sun Lake” in the Naxi language. With crystal clear water and a tranquil environment, it’s a great place for locals to relax and tourists to sightsee, as well as a paradise for photographers.

Snow Mountain Sightseeing Train

Embark on this panoramic mountain tourism train and immerse yourself in a breathtaking journey through nature’s masterpiece. The route unfolds a spectacular canvas of landscapes: the majestic and towering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, crystal-clear lakes as blue as jade, and awe-inspiring valleys that stretch beyond imagination. From the comfort of your train car, you’ll witness an uninterrupted visual feast, capturing the stunning vistas of Yunnan’s pristine wilderness with every passing moment.

Lugu Lake

Straddling Yunnan and Sichuan, this alpine lake harbors the Mosuo people – one of the world’s last matrilineal societies practicing “walking marriage” customs. Traditional dugout canoes glide between sacred islands, while reed marshes and Goddess Mountain reflections create ethereal landscapes.

Dounan Flower Market

Dounan Flower Market, located in Yunnan, is one of China’s most renowned flower trading centers. This bustling market brings together a vast array of seasonal blooms and rare floral varieties, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Yunnan’s rich horticultural heritage. The vibrant atmosphere is filled with the fragrance of fresh blossoms and the energy of local merchants, creating an immersive sensory experience. Whether you are looking to purchase exquisite flowers or simply admire the colorful displays, Dounan Flower Market is an ideal destination to explore and appreciate the natural beauty and cultural significance of Yunnan’s floral landscape.