Yunnan 8-Day, 7-Night Self-Guided Travel Guide for National Day

An 8-day, 7-night in-depth travel guide to Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, infused with Yunnan charm and practical tips, interspersed with lively expressions to help you enjoy your virtual trip! 🌈 Dali (2 days) → Lijiang (3 days) → Shangri-La (3 days) Explore the ancient city, explore the snow-capped mountains, experience Tibetan culture, and experience the plateau lakes. Suitable Season: Summer escape from May to October. 🗺️ Daily Itinerary 🌟 Day 1: Arrive in Dali and explore the ancient city. Morning: Fly to Dali Airport and stay in a B&B near the ancient city (Renmin Road and Yeyu Road are recommended). Afternoon: Stroll through Dali Old Town, check out Foreigner Street 🍹 and Wuhua Tower, and try grilled milk fan and Erkuai (rice cakes). Evening: Climb the Wenxian Building and watch the sunset over Cangshan Mountain 🌄. Dinner: Enjoy wild mushroom hotpot (🍄 a must-try!). Nightlife: Listen to folk music at a tavern in the ancient city 🎵 and fall asleep tipsy~ 🚴 Day 2: Cycling around Erhai Lake Morning: Rent a colorful jeep or electric scooter for the western route around the lake! 📸 Xizhou Ancient Town: Photograph rice paddies and Bai ethnic minority dwellings, and enjoy crispy glutinous rice cakes. Noon: At Haishe Park, encounter the "Couple Tree" 🌳. Take photos in the shallows—perfect for relaxing! Afternoon: Cycle to Shuanglang for afternoon tea and views of Erhai Lake. Reservations are required for Yang Liping's Sun Palace. Evening: Stay in a Shuanglang ocean view room and fall asleep to the sound of waves 🌊 🏔️ Day 3: Head to Lijiang for your first snow-capped mountain adventure Morning: Take a bus/high-speed train (2 hours) to Lijiang and stay in Dayan Old Town or Shuhe Ancient Town (for a quieter stay). Afternoon: Visit the Mufu Naxi Palace (60 yuan admission) and climb Lion Rock for panoramic views! Evening: Explore Sifang Street, release river lanterns, and make wishes 💫, avoiding the hustle and bustle of Bar Street. ❄️ Day 4: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Adventure Full-day: Join a small group tour of the snow-capped mountains (book tickets in advance!): Take the cable car to Glacier Park (check in at 4,680 meters ⛰️) Descend to Blue Moon Valley 💧 (the Tiffany Blue Lake and snow-capped mountain reflections are breathtaking!) En route, enjoy the "Impression of Lijiang" live performance (amazing!) Tip: Bring an oxygen tank and down jacket for sun protection! ☀️ 🌿 Day 5: Secret Baisha & Ancient Tea Horse Road Morning: Explore Baisha Ancient Town 🏯 and the pristine Naxi village, petting cats and sipping hand-poured coffee ☕. Afternoon: Visit Lashi Lake Wetland, ride the Ancient Tea Horse Road (at a reputable horse farm), and go birdwatching by boat 🦆. Evening: Enjoy a night tour of Jiuding Dragon Pond in Shuhe and try cured pork ribs hotpot! 🚌 Day 6: Depart for Shangri-La, your first Tibetan experience Morning: Arrive in Shangri-La by bus (4 hours), and stay at the Dukezong Ancient Town Tibetan Inn. Afternoon: Visit Guishan Park, spin the world's largest prayer wheel (requires 10 people to spin!), and take photos in Tibetan clothing 📸. Evening: Enjoy yak beef and Tibetan pork 🐗, and drink butter tea to combat altitude sickness! 🌲 Day 7: Pudacuo National Park Full day: Visit Pudacuo (ticket 138 yuan), hike the Shudu Lake plank path 🌲, encounter squirrels 🐿️, and admire meadow flowers and primeval forests. Evening: Visit a Tibetan family (drink barley wine and perform the Guozhuang dance 💃) and experience the warmth of Tibetan culture! Tip: Bring an oxygen tank and a windproof jacket, as the walk is quite long. 🙏 Day 8: Pray at Songzanlin Monastery and return Morning: Pilgrimage to Ganden Songzanlin Monastery, the "Little Potala Palace" 🕍 (photograph the morning light at the Golden Summit), and listen to the lamas chanting. Noon: Return to Lijiang/fly to Kunming (there are few flights to Shangri-La, so it's recommended to return from Lijiang ✈️). ⚠️ Key Tips 1. Altitude sickness: Shangri-La is at an altitude of 3,300 meters. Avoid showering on your first day. Prepare rhodiola rosea and ibuprofen. 2. Transportation: Intercity: Dali → Lijiang (2 hours by train); Lijiang → Shangri-La (4 hours by bus) (use "Lijiang Transportation" on WeChat to purchase tickets). 3. Accommodation: Dali/Lijiang: Choose an inn within the Old Town to experience the local charm; Shangri-La: Choose a hotel with air conditioning. #Yunnan 4. Outfit: The temperature swing between day and night is significant! A light down jacket, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. 🧣 Take this guide and spend 7 days in Yunnan as a "free and unrestrained wanderer." #YunnanDaliTravelGuide #YunnanTravel #YunnanTravelGuide #YunnanIn-DepthItineraryRecommended #YunnanDali #LijiangTravel #SummerResort