An 8-Day In-Depth Yunnan Travel Guide: Kunming, Dali, Shaxi, Lijiang, and Blue Moon Valley

This is a carefully designed 8-day classic Yunnan tour, covering must-visit cities and highlights such as Kunming (昆明), Dali (大理), and Lijiang (丽江). In just 8 days, you will experience Yunnan’s breathtaking landscapes and unique culture, embarking on an unforgettable journey.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Kunming (昆明): Spring-like all year round, best climate in April-May (15-25°C), mostly sunny and ideal for outdoor activities.

Dali (大理): Most comfortable from March to May and September to November (18-26°C), occasional showers during the rainy season (June-August).

Shaxi (沙溪): Cool and pleasant in spring and autumn (April-June, September-November), quiet ancient town with few tourists.

Lijiang (丽江): Flower fields bloom in spring (April-May); clear skies in autumn (September-October); best snow mountain scenery in winter (December-February).

Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷): Lake is bluest in summer (June-September); stunning snow-capped reflections in winter (December-February); be prepared for cold weather due to high altitude.

Recommended Attractions and Travel Plan

Day 1-2: Kunming (昆明)

• Dianchi Lake (滇池) (Free, open all day): Watch seagulls in the morning, cycle around the lake.
• Stone Forest (石林) (Entrance ¥130, 8:00–18:00): Karst landscape wonders; suggested 3-hour visit.
• Yunnan Ethnic Village (云南民族村) (Entrance ¥90, 9:00–18:00): Experience ethnic minority cultures.

Day 3-4: Dali (大理)

• Erhai Ecological Corridor (洱海生态廊道) (Free): Recommended cycling route: Ancient Town → Longkan Pier (龙龛码头) → S Bay (S湾) → Xizhou (喜洲).
• Wuwei Temple (无为寺) (Free): Hidden ancient temple at the foot of Cangshan (苍山), ideal for meditation.
• Xizhou Ancient Town (喜洲古镇) (Free): Check out rice fields and try Xizhou Baba (喜洲粑粑).

Day 5: Shaxi (沙溪)

• Sideteng Street (寺登街) (Free): Ancient Tea Horse Road market, feel the thousand-year-old history.
• Yujin Bridge (玉津桥) (Free): Perfect spot for sunset photography.
• Pioneer Bookstore (先锋书局) (Free): Artistic bookstore with creative local souvenirs.

Day 6-7: Lijiang (丽江)

• Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城) (Maintenance fee ¥50): Stroll Sifang Street (四方街) at night and experience Naxi (纳西) culture.
• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) (Entrance ¥100 + cable car ticket): Includes Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷); recommend visiting in the morning.
• Black Dragon Pool Park (黑龙潭公园) (Free): Capture the “Golden Mountain at Sunrise” scene.

Day 8: Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷)

• Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷) (Included in Jade Dragon Snow Mountain ticket): Suggest a 3-hour visit; walk or take an electric cart (¥50).

Transportation Guide

• Kunming (昆明) → Dali (大理): High-speed train 2 hours (~¥145) or bus 4 hours.
• Dali (大理) → Shaxi (沙溪): 2-hour drive by car/charter, or take bus to Jianchuan (剑川) and transfer.
• Shaxi (沙溪) → Lijiang (丽江): 2.5-hour charter (~¥200) or return to Dali and transfer to high-speed train.
• Lijiang (丽江) → Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷): Bus No. 101 (~¥15) or charter (round-trip ~¥150).

Food Recommendations

Kunming (昆明): Crossing-the-bridge rice noodles (过桥米线), Steamed Chicken Pot (汽锅鸡), Wild Mushroom Hotpot (野生菌火锅).

Dali (大理): Claypot Fish (砂锅鱼), Rushan Cheese (乳扇), Cold Chicken Rice Noodles (凉鸡米线).

Shaxi (沙溪): Local Plum Wine (本地梅酒), Traditional Bai Banquet (土八碗).

Lijiang (丽江): Naxi Smoked Pork Ribs (纳西腊排骨), Chickpea Jelly (鸡豆凉粉), Black Goat Hotpot (黑山羊火锅).

Shopping Recommendations

Kunming (昆明): Flower Pastry (鲜花饼), Yunnan Small-bean Coffee (云南小粒咖啡) — more affordable in supermarkets.

Dali (大理): Tie-dye Cloth (扎染布艺), Silverware (银器) — best craftsmanship at Xinhua Village (新华村), Heqing (鹤庆).

Shaxi (沙溪): Handmade Plum Wine (手工梅子酒), Creative products from Pioneer Bookstore (先锋书局文创).

Lijiang (丽江): Dongba Paper Crafts (东巴纸制品), Naxi Embroidery (纳西刺绣).

Accommodation Recommendations

Kunming (昆明): Boutique hotels near Cuihu Lake (翠湖), e.g., Cuihu Hotel (翠湖宾馆).

Dali (大理): Guesthouses by Erhai Lake (洱海), recommend Shuanglang (双廊) or Ancient Town area.

Shaxi (沙溪): Inns in the old town, such as “Yezi’s Inn” (叶子的店).

Lijiang (丽江): Naxi-style courtyards like “Boyun Xin She (泊云心舍)”, starting at ¥1000+ per night.

Travel Tips

• Altitude Sickness: Lijiang (丽江) and Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷) are at high altitudes; avoid intense exercise and prepare oxygen bottles.
• Sun Protection and Cold Weather: Strong UV rays require SPF50+ sunscreen; bring a windproof jacket for large day-night temperature differences.
• Environmental Protection: No littering at Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷); protect the water source.
• Ticket Reservations: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) cable car tickets must be booked in advance via “Lijiang Tourism Group” (丽江旅游集团) official WeChat account.

Detailed Itinerary Table

This itinerary combines Yunnan’s natural wonders and rich culture — from the eternal spring flowers of Kunming (昆明), the ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) of Shaxi (沙溪), to the majestic snow mountains of Lijiang (丽江). Each stop is a feast for the eyes and taste buds. Adjust hiking intensity according to your stamina, and leave flexible time slots to enjoy a slower pace of life.
Wishing you a wonderful journey!