Fifteen-Day Yunnan Road Trip: A "Relaxed" New Year with My Parents

For the Spring Festival of 2026, our family of five once again chose to leave home and celebrate the New Year on the road. This was our second time spending the holiday away from home — last year it was Guangxi, this year it was Yunnan. No longer a romantic trip for two, nor a simple getaway to clear our minds, but a journey with our parents and our little one in tow — the whole family together, welcoming the New Year amidst the journey.

Traveling while celebrating, watching the scenery unfold as the holiday approached — yet this time, with the steadiness of our elders and the innocence of a child, there was an extra layer of profound happiness and fulfillment. Stepping away from the familiar routines toward distant horizons, placing our reunion within mountains and rivers, hiding the flavor of the New Year in the time we spent together — such a holiday felt gentle and special, becoming the most precious memory for our family.

This was my husband's and my second visit to Yunnan; my parents had also set foot on this land many years ago. But this time, the meaning was entirely different — we brought our young baby along, five of us together, revisiting Yunnan during the Spring Festival reunion. No rushed check-ins at tourist spots, no rigid itineraries — instead, there was the warmth of family companionship and the tenderness of showing the world to a child. The same landscapes, because the dearest people were by our side, took on an entirely new form. The same Yunnan, because the whole family was celebrating together, became extraordinarily precious and unforgettable.

In the Spring Festival of 2026, I embarked on a fifteen-day Yunnan journey with my parents. Starting from Shanwei in eastern Guangdong, transiting through Nanning, we drove westward all the way to Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang, moving our ordinary reunion into the warm sunshine and mountain breezes of Yunnan.

Route and Expenses: A Carefully Planned Slow Journey

Itinerary Overview

Toll Road Expenses

• DAY 1: Shanwei → Nanning — 395 RMB
• DAY 2: Nanning → Kunming — 445 RMB
• DAY 4: Kunming → Dali — 147 RMB
• DAY 8: Shaxi Ancient Town → Lijiang — 61 RMB
• DAY 12: Lijiang → Kunming — 265 RMB
• DAY 14: Kunming → Yulin — 502 RMB
• DAY 15: Yulin → Shanwei — 390 RMB

Fuel Records

• DAY 1: 200 RMB + filled up before departure
• DAY 4: 200 RMB
• DAY 8: 200 RMB
• DAY 14: 300 RMB

Accommodation Choices

• DAYS 1 (Nanning): Hanting Hotel
• DAYS 2-3 (Kunming): Kunming Kaola Bei Hotel
• DAYS 4-5 (Dali): Dali Shanli Rurality Guesthouse
• DAYS 6-7 (Dali Shuanglang): Yinxi Shanshan · Sea-View Inn
• DAYS 8-9 (Baisha Ancient Town): Shuxia UnderTheTree
• DAYS 10-11 (Lijiang Old Town): Yuntang Zuoguan Time French Vintage Aesthetics Guesthouse
• DAYS 12-13 (Kunming): City Comfort Inn (Dounan Flower Market Branch)
• DAY 14 (Yulin): Vienna International Hotel (Yinfeng International Chinese Medicine Port Branch)

Kunming: The Winter Gift of the Spring City

The last time I came to Yunnan was summer, and Kunming was just a transit point — we didn't really explore it. This time, arriving with my parents and baby during the Spring Festival, right when seagulls and tulips were in full bloom, I knew we had to set aside a day for this city.

Cuihu Park: Stepping into a Miyazaki Oil Painting

Practical Info: - Parking: 56 Dongfeng West Road, about 600 meters (10 minutes' walk) from the park - Parking fee: 10 RMB for up to 4 hours - Recommended route: Cuihu West Gate → Yunnan Military Academy → Huanggong East Street → No. 65 Courtyard → Lu Han Mansion → Yunnan University

The moment we stepped into Cuihu Park, we were overwhelmed by thick, vibrant spring colors. It felt like walking into a Miyazaki oil painting — pink spreading like soft gauze, red flickering like flames, pale yellow and creamy white glowing translucent in the sunlight.

We entered the park at 9:30 AM, primarily aiming to see the tulips, so we followed the paths with the most flowers. With our one-year-old baby in tow, we didn't cover the entire park — just took a general look, sat down here and there, admired the flowers, and enjoyed the breeze. By around 1:00 PM, we returned through the West Gate, had rice noodles at a restaurant near the park entrance, bought some flower pastries (鲜花饼), and headed back to the hotel for a rest.

Photography Tips: - Outfits: Light-colored clothing photographs better - Props: Vintage-style newspapers, tulip bouquets, transparent umbrellas - Poses: Turn back while crouching among flowers, close-ups of fingers brushing petals, candid running shots

Haihong Wetland Park: A Date with Visitors from Siberia

At 4:00 PM, we set off from the hotel to Haihong Wetland Park. We parked at the Kunming Sports Training Base parking lot; across the road was the spot for feeding seagulls.

In Kunming, the city of eternal spring, the Siberian seagulls arrive right on schedule. The most active period for the seagulls is 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Around 5:30 PM, the authorities distribute "relief grain" — and they distribute it right where the seagulls gather most.

We first fed the seagulls on the walkway opposite the parking lot, where railings made it safer for the little one to play. Then we strolled along the path, finding beauty at every turn. With seagulls filling the sky, any shot turned out stunning.

Notes: - It's very windy by the lake — don't wear too little, and make sure hats have chin straps - You can bring your own bread to feed the seagulls; they don't seem to like the bird food sold there as much - Aim to arrive around 5:00-6:00 PM, when the setting sun casts soft, golden light - Check the weather forecast in advance; overcast or cloudy days aren't worth the trip

Dali: Slow Time Amid Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moonlight

Dali Old Town: Exploring by E-Scooter

The drive from Kunming to our Dali guesthouse took about 4 hours. We arrived around 3:00 PM, took a short rest, and headed straight to the old town.

The guesthouse offered scooter rentals — 60 RMB for 24 hours per scooter. We rented two and rode leisurely to the old town. We found a restaurant recommended by the owner that locals frequent, and ordered the must-try chicken with rice cake (饵块鸡).

Dali Old Town's attractions are quite scattered, unlike Lijiang, which is concentrated in one area. Dali Old Town is enormous — it's best to ride a scooter through the smaller streets. There are plenty of beautiful cafés and shops to explore, and we ended our visit on the main street, Yuer Road.

Cycling Around Erhai Lake: Changing Rides, Changing Laughter

Important Reminder: Do NOT rent a bicycle outside the Erhai Lake trail — it's exhausting to ride! Some bikes are also in poor condition. It's best to rent a small electric scooter instead. (This is a hard-learned lesson.)

Winter Erhai is purer and more open than in summer — blue water, white seagulls, pink winter cherry blossoms, red dawn redwoods — vivid scenes unfold before you like living paintings.

Along the way, we switched between various modes of transport: e-scooter, bicycle (rented + shared bikes), and our own two feet. Whenever we found a spot we liked, we'd stop to enjoy the breeze and soak up the sun — it was incredibly relaxing.

Cycling Route: Longkan Pier → Caicun Village (rented bicycles) → S-Curve (didn't make it that far)

Erhai is truly perfect for leisurely exploration — no thinking required, no need to hit specific attractions. Every spot by Erhai is beautiful. Find a quiet place, sit down, feel the Erhai breeze on your face, gaze at the snow on Cangshan Mountain — that's the most enjoyable way to spend your time.

Around 4:00 PM, we started cycling back. When we couldn't pedal anymore, we returned the bikes, hopped back on our e-scooters, and rode back to our guesthouse at Longkan Pier. After resting a while, we rode to the old town again for dinner. Dinner recommendation: Taohong Xiaoguan (Peach Red Restaurant).

Dali North Gate Market: Authentic Local Flavors

How could you visit Dali without exploring the morning market? The last time I was in Dali, the morning market left the deepest impression on me.

Opening Hours: Open all day, but the morning market (7:00 AM - 11:00 AM) is the most lively.

Must-Try Foods: - Xizhou Flatbread (喜洲粑粑) (5 RMB): The most popular stall at the North City Market; during peak times, you might wait 30-40 minutes. Available in sweet (rose and brown sugar filling) and savory (scallion and pork filling). Freshly baked, the flaky crust is incredibly crispy — eat it while it's hot. - Corn Uncle (玉米大叔) (5 RMB): Corn juice available with or without added sugar. I recommend unsweetened — the natural flavor is already rich and sweet. Currently only available hot, not iced. - Weishan Braised Pork with Rice Noodles (巍山𤆵肉饵丝) (9 RMB): The braised pork is made from pork hock, stewed until tender and flavorful. Small portion is 9 RMB, large is 11 RMB — excellent value.

After strolling through the morning market and having breakfast, we bought a large batch of blueberries — the fragrant ones were especially crisp and sweet.

Langqiao (Bridge Corridor): A Secluded, Peaceful Hidden Gem

In the morning, Langqiao wasn't crowded. This is a spot I love — few people, quiet, serene, and relaxing. I enjoyed it so much on my last visit to Erhai that I had to come back this time.

Tips: - Best for travelers who aren't in a rush and enjoy photography; may require queuing during busy times - Safety first! The steps on the bridge corridor are narrow — be careful when taking photos - Recommended shooting times: before 12:00 PM or after 3:00 PM, when the light is soft - UV rays are strong during the day in Dali — remember to apply sunscreen

Shuanglang: Quiet Time on the Mountainside

Hotel Recommendation: Yinxi Shanshan · Sea-View Inn

Located halfway up the mountain, you'll need to park at the Shuanglang parking lot, and the hotel will send someone to pick you up. They also provide transportation when you want to go down to explore and return to the hotel. It's very close to Shuanglang Ancient Town. Quiet, comfortable bedding, and a generous breakfast.

In the evening, we explored Shuanglang Ancient Town. After dark, Shuanglang felt especially gentle. Walking along the Erhai lakeside, a soft breeze blew away our fatigue, leaving only a heart full of leisure and peace. When time slows down, you truly understand what it means to be at ease.

Wencun Village: Healing Time Where Mountains Meet the Sea

How could you visit Dali and miss Wencun Village? This village, built into the mountainside, offers an unobstructed view of the entire Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake — clean, healing scenery. Scattered throughout the village are many beautifully designed cafés. Sit by the window, watch the clouds drift and the mountains embrace the sea — time becomes gentle and slow.

Café Recommendation: Red Rock Coffee (红石咖啡)

We originally planned to visit the wildly popular "Fuguangli" café online, but navigation showed heavy traffic, so we searched for another option — Red Rock Coffee, located at the top of Wencun Village. The garden entrance fee is 58 RMB per person (children free), and the ticket can be exchanged for a drink.

Upon entering the café, we were greeted by a garden that was undergoing renovations — workers were planting new landscaping. Inside, there were many scenic spots overlooking Cangshan and Erhai. We stayed from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM.

58 RMB per person including a drink isn't cheap, but we felt it was absolutely worth it. Our family found a spot by the window and settled in for hours. The baby played quietly nearby, while my parents leaned on the railing and gazed into the distance, their faces filled with relaxed smiles. No rush to move on — just the mountains and sea for company, and the comfort and warmth of family by our side.

Yunxiang Mountain: The Ultimate View of Dali

Location: Dali Yunxiang Mountain Admission: Free (28 RMB minimum spend required to enter the fenced photo area)

Free Photo Spots: 1. 270-degree observation platform — overlooks all of Dali and Erhai Lake 2. Cliffside white chapel — perfect for photos 3. Small lawn at the highest point — low-angle shots with Erhai in the background 4. S-curve road — use 2x zoom for that perfect shot

Note: It's extremely windy on the mountain, and the temperature difference is significant — bring a thick jacket. We had the baby with us and were worried about the cold, so we didn't wait for sunset and headed down.

Lijiang: A Reunion New Year at the Foot of the Snow Mountain

When traveling from Shuanglang to Lijiang, don't miss Shaxi Ancient Town — be sure to set aside a day for it.

Leaving Shuanglang, we drove over mountains and through valleys, with stunning scenery along the way: Cangshan's layered green, Erhai fading into the distance, winding mountain roads connecting Bai ethnic villages and terraced fields — every frame framed by the car window looked like an oil painting.

Note: You'll cross high-altitude mountains, and your ears may feel uncomfortable — remember to eat something to help. Next time, I'll take the expressway; this mountain road's altitude was a bit intense.

This time in Lijiang, we didn't climb Jade Dragon Snow Mountain again. My husband and I had climbed it before, and my parents had also made the ascent — no need to repeat it. So we slowed down, strolled casually at the mountain's base, and quietly savored this sense of ease and relaxation.

Shaxi Ancient Town: A Gentle Hidden Gem on the Ancient Tea Horse Road

Arriving in Shaxi, you finally encounter a true ancient town. No noisy crowds here — only cobblestone streets, an ancient stage, and Yu Jin Bridge, carrying the thousand-year legacy of the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

Walking Route: Ouyang Courtyard → Sideng Street → Youfeng Cottage → Beiguzong Lane → Xingjiao Temple → Sifang Street → Ancient Stage → East Gate → South Gate → Yu Jin Bridge → Banshan Coffee → Xianfeng Bookstore

Food Recommendation: "Buwan Jia" (Never Too Late) in the snack street — black truffle and matsutake fried rice, 38 RMB per serving, generous portions, and absolutely delicious. They also offer free pickled vegetables; the pickled chili peppers are incredibly appetizing with rice.

In the evening, we took the expressway directly to Baisha Ancient Town in Lijiang — and on the expressway, you can see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain!

Baisha Ancient Town: Three Generations in Ethnic Costume Portraits

Bringing my mother and daughter to Baisha Ancient Town in Lijiang was incredibly healing. It's quiet and comfortable here; look up and you see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The slow pace of time feels especially tender.

When in Baisha, you absolutely must try an ethnic costume photoshoot — dress my mother up as a Yi ethnic girl, put cute little braids in my daughter's hair, and put on beautiful ethnic clothing. Three generations together, taking gorgeous photos.

Photography Studio Recommendation: Baisha Ancient Town Senyu Photography Studio - Makeup and costume only: 168 RMB per person - Baby (no makeup): 100 RMB per person - My husband handled the photography

Since the photoshoot was scheduled for the day before New Year's Eve, I had made a reservation before leaving home, worried we wouldn't find availability on the day.

Early morning Baisha Ancient Town was exceptionally quiet, with almost no tourists. Look up and you could clearly see the entire Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. My mother and I left the hotel at 8:30 AM, walking along the quiet cobblestone streets. The breeze was gentle, the sun warm and comfortable. We grabbed a local breakfast along the way, eating as we walked — it was wonderfully relaxing.

After getting our makeup and costumes done, we drove to the Naxi Tribe Scenic Area. For five people, we only needed to pay the photography fee for two — 60 RMB for two people, and we could even hold baby lambs!

The breeze carried the scent of grass and sunshine. In the distance, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain glittered under the blue sky. Flocks of sheep ambled slowly past us. Every photo looked like it had stepped out of a fairy tale.

New Year's Eve: Golden Sunrise on the Snow Mountain and Reunion Dinner

On New Year's Eve, we brought my parents and the baby to Yundian Bank, waiting quietly for the golden sunrise on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. When the golden light slowly spread across the mountain, the moment was both breathtaking and heartwarming.

Yundian Bank Golden Sunrise Viewing: - Address: Baisha Ancient Town intersection - Cost: 38 RMB per person - Time: Depart from Lijiang Old Town at 7:00 AM, about a 10-minute drive - Features: Watch the golden sunrise while warming yourself by a fire or in a heated room; multiple photo spots including lawns and rooftops

On New Year's Eve morning, when the first rays of golden light slowly covered Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the entire peak was bathed in gentle gold — magnificent and healing. Witnessing this spectacle with my parents and baby, I silently wished for a new year of family safety and everything going smoothly.

New Year's Eve Dinner: Jin Sheng Li Shui Restaurant

Before leaving home, I had consulted several restaurants in Lijiang and finally settled on this one. The moment we walked in, we were wrapped in festive atmosphere — red lanterns, red couplets, and Chinese knots everywhere, brimming with New Year spirit.

Recommended Dishes: Steamed sea bass, white-cut chicken, braised pork belly, salt-and-pepper prawns, garden vegetable platter, quinoa sticky rice ribs, Lishui Supreme Hot Pot, stone pot tofu.

Our reservation was for 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. When we arrived, the staff led us to our table, and dishes started arriving one after another — impressively fast. Everything was authentic Yunnan cuisine, fresh and fragrant. No bustling kitchen work at home, no cleanup required. Our family sat together, eating and chatting, with occasional bursts of festive fireworks drifting in through the window.

New Year's Day: The Lively Charm of Lijiang Old Town

On the first day of the New Year, we strolled through Lijiang Old Town, filled with festive atmosphere. Crowds surged along the cobblestone streets, red lanterns hung high, and the ancient alleys buzzed with lively chatter.

Recommended Route: South Gate → South Gate Bridge → Xueshan Academy → Wanzi Bridge → Puxian Temple → Eye of Lijiang → Dayan Huaxiang Alley → Big Waterwheel → Yichi Alley → Sifang Street → Paper Umbrella Alley → Mu Mansion → Zhongyi Market → South Gate

Tip: The most beautiful part of Lijiang Old Town is walking along the canals; the areas around the bridges offer the best views. The canalside paths are less crowded than the main alleys.

That evening, my mother and I went back to explore the old town on our own. On the first night of the New Year, we simply let ourselves be carried forward by the crowd, squeezed among strangers, yet caught the entire old town's festive spirit. It turns out the best New Year isn't about seeing sights alone — it's about sharing the crowds with thousands of strangers, leaving the first joy of the new year in Lijiang's breeze.

After enjoying the night views, we bought lots of snacks at Zhongyi Market and didn't return to the hotel until nearly 11:00 PM.

Returning to Kunming: Packing Up Spring and Sweetness

We hadn't originally planned to spend another day in Kunming on the way back, but I wanted to see the Dounan Flower Market and missed the fruit there, so we booked two more nights at a chain hotel near the market — City Comfort Inn (Dounan Flower Market Branch). The location was superb; the market was right downstairs.

Jinma Zhengchang Fruit Market

We headed straight here early in the morning, determined to take Yunnan's sweetness home with us.

Dounan Flower Market

Back in Kunming, we didn't plan a complicated itinerary. We gave this Spring City a full day with a simple goal: dive into the flower market and pack up spring; then scour the fruit stalls and take Yunnan's sweetness with us too.

Final Thoughts: The Meaning of Travel

This journey — from Shanwei to Nanning, from Kunming to Dali, then to Lijiang, and finally back to Kunming — fifteen days, over two thousand kilometers, with our parents and child, celebrating the Spring Festival on the road.

No rush to get anywhere, no anxiety about checking off sights. Instead, there were the tulips at Cuihu Park, the seagulls at Haihong Wetland, the cycling along Erhai Lake, the coffee at Wencun Village, the cobblestones of Shaxi Ancient Town, the golden sunrise at Baisha Ancient Town, and that warm reunion dinner on New Year's Eve.

What was the greatest reward? The relaxed smiles on my parents' faces. The wonder in my baby's eyes when discovering something new. The afternoon when three generations sat together by Erhai Lake, just staring into the distance. The silent, emotional moment when we watched the golden sunrise together in the morning.

The meaning of travel has never been about how many places you've been. It's about who you're with, and with what kind of heart you experience it. Spending the New Year on the road with parents and children, placing reunion within mountains and rivers, hiding the flavor of the holiday in the time spent together — such a holiday is gentle and special, becoming the most precious memory for our family.

A few tips for those planning a road trip to Yunnan with parents:

1. Keep the pace slow: With elderly parents and children, plan just 1-2 attractions per day and leave plenty of time for rest.
2. Choose comfortable accommodation: Select clean, quiet hotels or guesthouses with good service — sleep quality matters a lot for older travelers.
3. Watch the food: Avoid overly spicy dishes at high altitudes, as they can cause discomfort.
4. Dress warmly: Yunnan has large temperature differences between day and night, and it's windy on the mountains — bring thick jackets.
5. Book in advance: Popular attractions and restaurants during Spring Festival should be reserved ahead of time.
6. Stay flexible: If you encounter traffic jams or bad weather, adjust your plans freely — no need to stubbornly check off every spot.

May every journey you take be accompanied by family, filled with beautiful scenery, and leave you with warm memories to cherish.