Yunnan is one of the biggest provinces in southwestern China and is well known for its cultural diversity, beautiful scenery, and historical places. The Yunnan Classic Route is the perfect tour for those who want to see the best of what Yunnan has to offer.
1. Yunnan Classic Route: An Overview
The Yunnan Classic Route is a well-thought-out proposed schedule of Yunnan’s main attractions. This route covers Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. Every place is different and has something unique to offer the guests, and the beauty of Yunnan province is impressive.
2. Kunming: The Spring City
Kunming, also known as the Spring City in Chinese due to its favorable climate, is the beginning of the Yunnan Classic Route. Highlights include:
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as the Stone Forest, has massive stones shaped like a forest.
- Green Lake Park – a beautiful park with a pond where one can take a walk and watch the songs and dances of local people.
As soon as you reach Kunming, you will be met by our representative and then transferred to the hotel. You should free up some time and walk around the local surroundings to experience the city’s atmosphere.
3. Dali: This Includes the Ancient Town and the Cangshan Mountain
Dali is famous for its old city and beautiful landscapes. Key attractions are:
- Dali Ancient Town – Discovering the local Bai architecture and the lively markets.
- Cangshan Mountain is a beautiful and exciting place to visit. One can enjoy the view and go hiking.
One traveler said about Dali, “Dali is history and beautiful scenery all in one,” indeed, it is.
After having breakfast in Kunming, we proceed to Green Lake, a beautiful park with a very attractive environment. Then we go to the Stone Forest, one of the world wonders listed by UNESCO, where you can admire the sculptural shapes of the stones. In the afternoon, we travel by bullet train to Dali and get accommodated in the hotel.
4. Lijiang: It Is Listed as One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
UNESCO has declared Lijiang a World Heritage site due to the availability of ancient towns and Naxi cultural elements. Don’t miss:
- Lijiang Old Town – A town well-renowned for the quaint streets paved with cobblestones and houses made of wood.
- The Black Dragon Pool offers beautiful scenery of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Our day tour starts with a visit to Xizhou Old Town, which has preserved the ethnicity and culture of the Bai people. We also visited Zhoucheng Village, a tie-dyeing village where one can see a workshop and learn how to make ties and dyed products. Later in the day, we visit the beautiful Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient City.
5. Shangri-La: Tibetan Cultural Resource Center
Shangri-La, known as the ‘Eden in Dream,’ is famous for its Tibetan culture and virgin landscapes. Highlights include:
- Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Yunnan province of China.
- Pudacuo National Park contains different tree species, animal species, and beautiful lakes.
We move out of Dali and head to Shangri-la. During the trip, we also get out at the First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the river flows through a U-turn. We keep moving to the next destination, Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the most beautiful places in the world and also famous for hiking. Next, we transfer to Dukezong Ancient Town and go to Guishan Hill to see the Grand Prayer Wheel and have a bird’ s-eye view of Shangri-La City.
6. Cultural Aspects in the Area of the Route
Yunnan Province is one of the largest provinces in China, with many ethnic groups and diverse cultures. Essential cultural experiences include:
- Bai Ethnic Minority in Dali – One of the minorities easily identified by their attires and celebrations.
- Naxi Music in Lijiang – Have a chance to see a traditional Naxi orchestra showing.
Today is our day to visit Shangri-La. First on our itinerary is the Songzanlin Monastery, the most prominent Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Yunnan province. It will also allow you to look at the architectural designs and learn more about Tibetan Buddhism. Then we go to Napahai Lake, a mountain lake with snow-capped mountains in the background. We also go on a cultural tour of a local Tibetan family to experience the culture and traditions of the locals.
7. Scenic Landscapes of Yunnan
The route is among the most beautiful ones in China in terms of the view. Key scenic spots are:
- Tiger Leaping Gorge: Deep and wide, one of the world’s incredible gorges.
- The Erhai Lake – A beautiful lake situated at a high altitude on the plateau with mountains surrounding it.
We leave Shangri-La in the morning and head towards Lijiang. On our arrival, we explore the beautiful Lijiang Old Town, a heritage site with outstanding ancient architecture and a great tradition of the Naxi people. We also visit the Black Dragon Pool and take in the beautiful scenery of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
8. Practical Travel Tips
To make the most of your Yunnan Classic Route adventure, consider the following tips:
- It is best to visit the place from March to May and September to November.
- Things to carry: Comfortable shoes, a camera, and a jacket.
Our tour finally ended, and on the last day, we visited Baisha Old Town, famous for its murals and history. We also visited Yuhu Village, where we saw the former residence of Joseph Rock, an American botanist and explorer. In the afternoon, we will go to Shuhe Old Town, another ancient town near Lijiang. In the final analysis, we take you to the airport and recommend that you book a flight that leaves after 7 p.m. to avoid the rush.
9. Here is a Step-by-Step Guide on How to Book for Your Yunnan Classic Route Tour:
Booking your Yunnan Classic Route tour is quite simple. Please go to our booking page to see availability and book our services. For further and more precise information about traveling and attractions in China, visit our Travel Guide China.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is the best time to go to Yunnan?
A: The recommended time to travel to Yunnan is during the spring season, which is from March to May, and the autumn season, which is between September and November, because the climate is moderate.
Q: What am I allowed to take with me for the trip?
A: Bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and a jacket. Remember to apply sunscreen and wear a hat.
11. Additional Resources
For more information on specific destinations, visit our pages on:
- Beijing Destination
- Great Wall of China 1-day Jinshanling Hiking Tour
- Vietnam Country
- Great Wall Destination
12. Conclusion
The Yunnan Classic Route is one of China’s most culturally, historically, and visually rich routes. This trip will be remembered from the fastest city in China – Kunming, to the serene and scenic township of Shangri-La.
For more information, visit our website at https://www.yellowbirdtour.com/ or contact us using our WeChat Yellowbird tourAsia-Luki.
