Things to do in Yongsheng

I highly recommend Ms. Zhang Jinxiu from the Yunnan Provincial Museum! I was fortunate to have Ms. Zhang give a guided tour today, and the experience exceeded my expectations. She has a solid foundation in Yunnan's history and is very familiar with its historical context. She explained the stories behind the museum's prized artifacts, such as the Bronze Ox and Tiger Case, in a vivid and easy-to-understand way, with clear logic and a captivating delivery. Her explanations were patient and composed, answering every question. She was never dry or simply reading from a textbook, bringing the dormant artifacts to life. My trip to the Yunnan Provincial Museum was incredibly rewarding, and I sincerely thank Ms. Zhang Jinxiu!

- Tranquil and Relaxed Atmosphere: Compared to Lijiang Ancient Town, Shuhe Ancient Town is quieter and more peaceful, without excessive noise and commercial hawking. It feels more like a place to live, where visitors can slow down and enjoy leisurely moments. - Beautiful Natural Scenery: Shuhe Ancient Town is nourished by water, which comes from melting snow from the mountains. The water is crystal clear, flowing through the fields and into the town, forming small canals that surround every row of houses. The emerald green waters of Jiuding Longtan (Nine Dragon Pool) are like an emerald embedded in the town, adding to its ethereal beauty. - Rich Cultural Heritage: Shuhe Ancient Town has a long history. Formerly known as "Suhe," it is related to the ancient Naxi tribe. During the Yuan and Ming dynasties, it was an important post on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Many relics from that time are still preserved, such as the stone slabs worn smooth by horses' hooves. Historical buildings like Jiefang Bridge and Yujin Bridge also bear the marks of time. - Rich in folk customs: The ancient town preserves the traditional architectural style and lifestyle of the Naxi people. Visitors can see Naxi elders sunbathing in their courtyards, admire exquisite Naxi wood carvings, embroidery and other handicrafts, hear melodious Naxi ancient music, and experience the rich ethnic customs.

Animal interactions within the park are charged separately, and it depends on the individual… some are a bit pricey, others are okay. But it's still fun, kids have a great time, and you'd need at least 4 hours to experience everything at a leisurely pace. The sightseeing bus system is well-designed.

The wetland is China's only volcanic barrier lake floating carpet type wetland, surrounded by mountains, with beautiful scenery and large meadows floating on the water. Walking along the wooden boardwalk is very comfortable due to its high altitude (1750m) and high negative oxygen ion content, but migratory birds were not observed much.

Sifang Street is located in the center of Lijiang Old Town. It is well connected with traffic and surrounded by quiet alleys. It is said that it was built by Mu Tusi in the Ming Dynasty according to the shape of his seal. It is the most important hub on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Since the Ming and Qing Dynasties, merchants from all over the world have gathered here, and the cultures of various ethnic groups have intersected and thrived here. It is the center of economic and cultural exchanges in Lijiang. Sifang Street is famous for its unique street scene of colorful stone paving, clear water washing the street, market in the middle of the day and washing the market at dusk.

I was searching for "Best Spot for Sunset" in Lijiang Ancient Town. Recommendation which pops up was Wangu Tower. Whilst it took me a while to find the entrance through the maze within the old town, but it was worth every second and effort. Started with a refreshing calming stroll within the park (right side about 100 meters walk from entrance, check out for signage). The trail leads me to foot of Wangu Tower. The pond, big ancient drum and bell greets me upon entrance, leading to the majestic view of Wangu Tower. Climbing up to flight of wooden stairs,the top is about 5/6th floor up. It overlooks 360 view of Lijiang surrounding mountains which includes a direct view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain peak. There are high benches available at the top two floors. Visitors can find a spot and enjoy the serene moment within the park, fresh air whilst enjoying the sunset view. A hidden gem within the town , indeed!

Dali Ancient City is definitely worth a visit. Entering from the South Gate, the ancient cobblestone streets exude a charming, old-world atmosphere. Backed by Cangshan Mountain, with distant views of rolling hills, it evokes the feeling of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom. The ancient city's streets and alleys are crisscrossed, with Renmin Road and Yangren Street being particularly lively. You can find Bai ethnic snacks like roasted milk fan and crispy rice cakes on the street. Climbing Wuhua Tower offers a panoramic view of the entire ancient city's rooftops. The main street is lined with shops, making it quite commercialized. Souvenir shops abound, so be sure to compare prices before buying. It's recommended to avoid the crowds and explore the side alleys to experience the local atmosphere. Stroll around during the day, watch the sunset over the ancient city, and enjoy the enchanting ambiance when the city lights up at night. Overall, it's a great experience. I recommend allowing 2-3 hours to explore at a leisurely pace. A must-visit in Dali, perfect for a relaxing stroll and soaking in the city's laid-back lifestyle.

The scenic area is nice, but personally, I feel the shuttle bus is pointless. It replaces a section of scenic flat road, making the package ticket a waste. The real challenge is the mountain trails; the high altitude makes climbing them especially strenuous.

This is absolutely stunning!!! It’s really nice to walk around the whole lake slowly. I can be here all day seriously. Love this place!