Yunnan: An Unforgettable Journey Through Ethnic Cultures
Our six-day, five-night journey through Yunnan has come to a perfect close, leaving me filled with delight and profound emotion. The itinerary was thoughtfully crafted, allowing us to take in the breathtaking vistas of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake while immersing ourselves in the unique cultural charm of ethnic minorities.
Highlights of the Trip:
I. The Snow Mountain Blue Moon Valley was breathtakingly beautiful, and the travel photography service was incredibly thoughtful. The sightseeing schedule was perfectly paced, avoiding any rush. Each location offered ample time for photography and immersion. The seagull-watching at Dianchi Lake on the 19th was truly therapeutic. December coincides with the peak season for red-billed gulls, and these fearless birds would perch on your hand to peck at bread—utterly adorable. With sunlight glistening on the lake and white birds soaring overhead, every snapshot turned into a masterpiece. Stone Forest was equally spectacular. Those bizarrely shaped rocks narrated tales of geological shifts. Following the guide to hear the legend of Ashima made it far more engaging than wandering aimlessly. The complimentary electric cart saved us a lot of legwork.
Yulong Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley were the highlights of the entire trip. The waters of Blue Moon Valley truly resemble sapphires, their hues transitioning from light to deep blue against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Standing on the boardwalk, you'd hesitate to speak loudly, fearing to disturb the serenity. We took the Yunshanping Cableway to the “Third Kingdom of Jade Dragon,” where lush grasslands stretched beneath towering snow-capped peaks. The sheer awe was beyond words. Zhang Yimou's “Impression Lijiang” was equally captivating—performed by local villagers whose songs overflowed with love for their land. By the finale, I was moved to tears.
The “Journey with the Wind” service in Xizhou Ancient Town was exceptionally attentive, with vintage sightseeing vehicles gliding along the cobblestone paths.
II. Bonfire Party Ignites the Night, Ancient Town Strolls Delightfully Relaxing
The bonfire party was the liveliest part of the trip. The sacred fire ritual performed by the Yi Bimo priest was particularly awe-inspiring. The firelight illuminated everyone's smiling faces as we held hands and danced around the bonfire. Strangers from all corners of the country instantly became friends. I was shy at first and hesitated to join in, but the tour guide and a young Yi girl pulled me into the circle. As I danced, I let go of my inhibitions. That kind of pure joy is truly rare.
Exploring Lijiang Old Town at night is equally charming. Red lanterns hang along the cobblestone paths, with water flowing by and willow trees swaying gently. Melodious folk songs drift from the bars, creating an atmosphere far less chaotic than big cities—perfect for strolling at a leisurely pace. Shuhe Ancient Town is even quieter than Lijiang, with well-preserved remnants of the ancient Tea Horse Road. Sitting under a large green tree soaking up the sun, time seemed to slow down.
Then there's the Foreigners' Street in Dali Ancient Town, lined with unique shops. We tried tie-dyeing at a handmade crafts store, where the owner patiently guided us. We got to take home the small handkerchiefs we made as souvenirs—far more meaningful than buying ready-made items.
Special thanks to our entire service team for their professionalism and warmth: the punctual and attentive airport transfers, the smooth bus driving, and the guides' vivid and detailed commentary all made our journey exceptionally comfortable and enjoyable. From the moment we set foot on Yunnan's enchanting soil, we were utterly captivated by its rich ethnic culture and breathtaking natural beauty.
