Day 1: From Manila to Kunming

After several trips to Mainland China, this time we decided to explore Yunnan, one of the most beautiful provinces in China.

We booked our round trip tickets from Manila to Xiamen, connecting to Kunming via Xiamen Airlines, through the Trip.com website for only ₱13,000 per person. The fare already included meals and 23kg of checked baggage, making it a great deal.

After a long journey, we finally arrived in Kunming and checked in at InterContinental Kunming, which we booked through the Trip.com app at a discounted price.
The hotel was beautiful, so we took some time to explore the property before resting after our long trip.

It was a simple first day, but we were excited for everything waiting for us in Yunnan.

Travel Tips

Book your flights through Trip.com to compare fares and find good deals.
Check the Trip.com app for discounted hotel rates before booking.
Choose a fare that includes checked baggage and meals for better value.

Day 2: From Kunming to Lijiang

Our second day in Yunnan started with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Kunming Railway Station.

To get there, I simply booked a DiDi ride through the Alipay app. We were dropped off near Exit B of Kunming Railway Station, where we continued our journey to Lijiang.

Taking the High Speed Train

I booked our train tickets through Trip.com a day ahead of time for only ₱2,016 per person from Kunming to Lijiang.

The high speed train was a comfortable way to travel, and we enjoyed watching the scenery along the way.

Checking In at Pullman Lijiang Resort and Spa

Upon arriving in Lijiang, we booked another DiDi ride through Alipay and headed to our next hotel, Pullman Lijiang Resort and Spa.

The resort was beautiful, and we spent some time exploring the property before taking a much needed rest after our journey.

It was another relaxing day, but we were excited for the adventures waiting for us in Lijiang.

Day 3: Exploring Lijiang Old Town and Black Dragon Pool

Our third day in Yunnan was all about exploring the beautiful city of Lijiang. We started with the nearest attraction from our hotel, Lijiang Old Town.

Lijiang Old Town

I initially thought Lijiang Old Town was simply a place to see historic buildings and learn about the past. But when we arrived, I realized it was much more than that.

Lijiang Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its traditional Naxi architecture, stone-paved streets, canals, and charming bridges.

The old town is also a huge market area where you can find plenty of souvenirs, including: 

Naxi-style clothing and accessories

Traditional tea and Yunnan coffee

Handmade jewelry and local crafts

Postcards and Chinese-inspired souvenirs

There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops tucked into the old streets. It is a very touristy area, but the atmosphere is still beautiful and worth experiencing.

One tip: Use Google Maps while exploring. The old town has so many streets and small alleys that you can easily get lost. Be prepared for a lot of walking because every corner has something interesting to discover.

Black Dragon Pool

After exploring the old town, we took another DiDi ride to Black Dragon Pool for only ₱80.

This scenic park is one of the most beautiful places in Lijiang, especially because of its peaceful lake, traditional Chinese architecture, and incredible mountain views.

The highlight was seeing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance. The snow capped peaks made the scenery even more breathtaking.

It was the perfect way to end another beautiful day in Yunnan.

Day 4: in Yunnan started with a hotel change.

We moved to a different hotel located inside Shuhe Ancient Town, another beautiful historic area in Lijiang.

After moving to our new hotel, I took some time to rest while waiting for the rain to stop. Later that evening, I went for a short walk around the hotel to explore the nearby area. Since most shops were already closing, I decided to keep it simple and save the rest of the exploration for the next day.

Day 5: Exploring Shuhe Ancient Town

Shuhe Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its traditional Naxi architecture, stone-paved streets, canals, and peaceful atmosphere.

Compared to Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe feels smaller and more relaxed. You can expect charming streets, local shops, souvenir stores, cafes, restaurants, and beautiful traditional houses.

This was a whole day of walking and exploring. Every corner had something interesting, from small shops selling local crafts to cafes where you can sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

For me, Lijiang Old Town is still more impressive because it is bigger and has more places to explore. But Shuhe Ancient Town is also worth visiting if you want to experience another side of Lijiang.

Watching the Local Dancing

One of the highlights was seeing the locals dancing together in the town square.

These traditional group dances are part of the Naxi people's cultural traditions. They are a way for the community to socialize, celebrate, and keep their heritage alive.

It was nice to see that these traditions are still part of everyday life, even in a popular tourist destination.

Travel Tips

Wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot.

Bring cash or a payment app for small purchases.

Visit both Lijiang Old Town and Shuhe Ancient Town to experience their different atmospheres.

Shuhe Ancient Town is a great place to slow down, explore, and enjoy the local culture.

Day 6: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang

This was the highlight of my Yunnan trip. I had seen Jade Dragon Snow Mountain all over the internet, with its majestic snow capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and incredible performances. Seeing it in person was even more amazing.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, also known as Yulong Snow Mountain, is one of the most famous attractions in Lijiang. The mountain is home to beautiful glaciers, alpine meadows, and breathtaking views that make it a must visit destination.

Getting There

I booked my attraction tickets two days in advance to secure my slots because only 10,000 visitors are allowed per day.

6:00 AM: Departed from my hotel in Lijiang

¥65: DiDi ride to the Visitor Center

6:45 AM: Arrived at the Visitor Center

Upon arrival, free oxygen canisters and bottled water were provided.

Glacier Park Cableway

At 7:30 AM, we started our adventure with the Glacier Park Cableway, taking us high up the mountain to an elevation of around 4,506 meters above sea level.

The views were incredible, with snow capped mountains and dramatic landscapes. The thin air made the experience even more memorable, so take your time, walk slowly, and listen to your body.

Blue Moon Valley

At 10:00 AM, we visited Blue Moon Valley, one of the most beautiful places in Yunnan.

The turquoise water, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, looked like something straight out of a postcard. This was one of my favorite places to take photos.

Snow Kitchen Buffet

At 12:00 PM, we had lunch at Snow Kitchen Buffet. It was a great opportunity to enjoy a warm meal and recharge before continuing our adventure.

Impressions Lijiang

At 1:20 PM, we watched Impressions Lijiang, an outdoor performance set against the stunning backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

The show features traditional music, dance, and stories inspired by the local Naxi culture. The performance was powerful, colorful, and unforgettable.

This was one of the highlights of the trip because it gave us a glimpse into the traditions and culture of the people living in this region.

Spruce Meadow Cableway

At 3:30 PM, we took the Spruce Meadow Cableway to explore another beautiful part of the mountain.

The scenery was peaceful, with forests, meadows, and mountain views. It was a relaxing way to end our mountain adventure.

Back to the Hotel

6:00 PM: Returned to the Visitor Center

6:30 PM: Arrived back at the hotel

It was a long day, but definitely one of the most rewarding experiences of my trip.

Helpful Tips for Tourists

Book your attraction tickets in advance, especially during peak season.

Bring warm clothing because the temperature at the mountain can be very cold.

Wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking.

Take it slow at high altitudes and rest if you feel dizzy or short of breath.

Bring your passport because it may be required for ticket verification.

The ¥100 entrance and shuttle bus fee was paid separately and was not included in my attraction package.

If you plan to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, prepare for a full day of adventure. The mountain views, beautiful lakes, and cultural performances make it an experience you will never forget.

Day 7: Goodbye, Yunnan

Our final day in Yunnan started early. I woke up, had breakfast at the hotel, which was included in our package, and prepared for our journey home.

Since we needed to leave by 8:00 AM, I had already packed everything the night before. This made our morning easier and gave us enough time to enjoy breakfast before heading to the airport.

Flying Back to Manila

For our return flight, we booked through Xiamen Airlines, departing from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport to Xiamen, then connecting to Manila.

Everything went smoothly, and we did not experience any issues throughout our journey. All we had to do was wait for our flights and enjoy the last moments of our trip.

My Thoughts on Yunnan

Looking back, Yunnan is truly one of the most beautiful destinations I have visited in Mainland China.

From the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the turquoise waters of Blue Moon Valley to the charming old towns, delicious local food, and rich traditions, every experience was worth the journey.

But what made this trip even more special was the people.

Everyone we met was so kind, helpful, and welcoming. From the locals we encountered along the way, to the cafe and restaurant servers, DiDi drivers, and hotel staff, we experienced nothing but warmth and genuine hospitality.

Even when communication was difficult, they were patient and willing to use a translator just to help us. Their smiles, kindness, and willingness to assist made us feel comfortable throughout our stay.

I never experienced a single rude encounter during our trip, and that made Yunnan even more memorable for me.

Would I Recommend Yunnan?

Absolutely.

Whether you are traveling solo, with friends, or with your family, Yunnan is a destination worth experiencing. It offers beautiful scenery, fascinating culture, delicious food, and people who make you feel welcome.

This trip reminded me that travel is not just about the places we visit, but also about the people we meet and the memories we bring home.

I hope we can return soon to explore more of Yunnan, especially Shangri La and Dali.

Until our next adventure, thank you, Yunnan, for the unforgettable memories.