My First Solo Trip to Yunnan: 5 Days, 4 Nights, and the Cheapest Way to Experience Lijiang, the Snow Mountain, and Erhai Lake

My First Solo Trip to Yunnan: 5 Days, 4 Nights, and the Cheapest Way to Experience Lijiang, the Snow Mountain, and Erhai Lake

You don't have to shine like a beacon, but you can still radiate warmth. When the weight of daily life becomes suffocating, when the noise of the city drowns out your inner voice, a spontaneous trip becomes the gentlest form of salvation. In May 2020, I packed my bag and set foot on the soil of Yunnan—Lijiang Ancient Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Dali Ancient Town, and Erhai Lake. Five days, four nights, and with the smallest budget possible, I came away with memories richer than any luxury could buy.

The Departure: A Long-Planned "Impulse"

Late on the night of May 3rd, I was scrolling through my phone in bed when I noticed flight prices that were shockingly low. Even better, Beijing had just lifted its quarantine requirement for travelers returning from low-risk areas. That restless heart of mine, which had been wavering for so long, suddenly caught fire. "Setting out is always the most meaningful thing you can do," I told myself.

At 3 a.m., my alarm tore through my dreams. A quick wash, out the door by 4 a.m. The airport was nearly empty, with only a handful of travelers scattered about. Would I feel lonely traveling alone? Would I be scared? But the moment I stepped onto the boarding ramp, all my anxiety was swept away by the wind, leaving only anticipation behind.

I chose a round-trip flight to Kunming because it was the cheapest option. After landing, I took the airport shuttle to Kunming Station and then hopped on a train to Lijiang. The scenery outside the window kept shifting—from the gray concrete of the city to lush green mountains. I couldn't bear to close my eyes, afraid I'd miss even a single frame.

By 5 p.m., I finally arrived at my guesthouse in Lijiang. The owner was a warm and helpful guy who sorted out my reservation for the ancient town. The second-floor viewing balcony was like a hanging garden, filled with flowers and plants. Sitting on the swing, I could catch a glimpse of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance. The afternoon sun was as gentle as a mother's embrace. I brewed a cup of tea and let my whole body relax.

Day 1: Lijiang Ancient Town—Lost Between Bustle and Serenity

After dropping my bags and washing off the travel fatigue, I couldn't wait to step into the ancient town. The big waterwheel at the main entrance turned slowly, as if telling the thousand-year story of Lijiang. The cobblestone streets glowed with a warm, polished sheen, flanked by antique wooden buildings. Occasionally, a passerby strolled by, leaving behind a trace of hazy memory in the folds of time.

Lijiang Ancient Town is a place of contradictions. It can be loud—the bar streets pulse with music all night long. Or it can be peaceful—find a sun-drenched courtyard and spend the whole day doing nothing but daydream. I walked along the canals, listening to the murmur of flowing water, brushing past weeping willows. The little bridges in front of the doorways made me feel like I had wandered into a Chinese ink painting.

I climbed Lion Hill and took in the entire ancient town spread out below me. Gray tiles and white walls stacked layer upon layer, with the distant snow mountain appearing and disappearing through the haze. I found a small café, sat by the window, and listened to folk music as the sunset painted the town gold. In that moment, I understood why people say, "Lijiang is a place for dreaming."

Practical Tip: You need to make a reservation one day in advance to enter the ancient town. Your guesthouse owner can usually help with that. During the pandemic, remember to carry your health QR code at all times.

Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain + Blue Moon Valley—Touching the Blue and White of the Sky

Early in the morning, I set off with a day tour group. Our guide was a local Naxi man who spent the whole ride telling us legends about the snow mountain and stories about local customs.

Pre-departure checklist:

Sunglasses: Not for looking cool. The glare from the snow is so intense you can't even open your eyes without them.
Sunscreen: The UV rays at high altitude are no joke. Even with sunscreen on, you might still get a tan.
Jacket: It's windy and cold at the summit. The altitude of 4,680 meters (15,354 feet) is no joke.
Oxygen canister: If you're going solo, buy one in advance at a shop. At the base of the mountain, they'll charge you 60 yuan (about $8.50) per can. When you're climbing to the top, you'll really feel the lack of oxygen—it's an unpleasant sensation.
Energy snacks: Chocolate, small bread rolls. And make sure you eat breakfast in the morning.

The cable car rose slowly, revealing deep gorges and layered mountain ranges beneath us. At an altitude of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), I took a deep breath and began the final ascent to the highest point at 4,680 meters. Every step was heavy, but when I saw the five-starred red flag flapping in the wind, a surge of emotion welled up inside me. I finally made it to the summit. The clouds were right there, within arm's reach, as if I could grab one.

After coming down, I took the electric cart (50 yuan, about $7 per person) to Blue Moon Valley. At the foot of the snow mountain, the lake was a brilliant turquoise blue, like a piece of jade, reflecting the snowy peaks and green trees. It was so beautiful it felt like a fairyland. No filter needed—every photo looked like a postcard. When the sunlight hit the water, the surface sparkled like scattered gold, crystal clear.

Advice: You should plan at least 2-3 days for Lijiang. This time, I missed out on Shuhe Ancient Town and Lugu Lake. But the regrets of a journey are what make the next one complete.

Day 3: Dali Ancient Town—Finding Yourself in Slow Time

The train from Lijiang to Dali took a little over two hours. My first impression of Dali Ancient Town was "earthy and simple." It's not as commercialized as Lijiang; it feels more like a mountain fortress. The locals rise with the sun and rest with its setting. In their free time, they tend flowers, walk their birds, and soak up the sun. The pace of life is so slow it makes you envious.

I walked along Fuxing Road, the busiest pedestrian street in the ancient town, lined with shops selling ethnic clothing, accessories, and local snacks. On Foreigner Street (Yangren Jie), Bai-style architecture blended strangely with Western-style cafés, creating an almost time-travel illusion. Renmin Road is the liveliest place at night, with bars spilling out guitar music and singing. I went in, ordered a drink, and felt the warmth of the city in a pleasant haze.

Wuhua Tower is a must-see. I've heard you used to be able to climb it for a panoramic view, but unfortunately, it's closed now. I walked 25,000 steps that day, covering almost every alley. On my way back to the guesthouse, I bought a bunch of small daisies. Their subtle fragrance lifted my mood instantly.

Day 4: Erhai Lake Loop—Every Breeze Smells Like Freedom

There are two ways to circle Erhai Lake: rent a car and drive yourself, or ride a small scooter. I agonized over the choice and finally went with driving.

Pros of driving yourself: You're in control of your time. You can stop whenever you want and take unique photos. Along the way, I checked off the网红 (internet-famous) glass ball, the white bus, and even discovered a small, off-the-beaten-path farm filled with cherry blossoms and lavender. There was almost no one there, so I didn't have to queue for photos.

Cons of driving yourself: If you don't know the route well, it's easy to miss spots. The road around the lake also requires some driving skill. If you're not confident behind the wheel, I'd recommend joining a tour.

Recommended route:

West Erhai Road: Xizhou Ancient Town (wheat fields, rapeseed flowers, and the white bus are all here). You can also try Xizhou Baba (a local stuffed flatbread). In the flower fields, there's the largest lavender garden.
East Erhai Road: This is a paradise for wedding photos. Xiaoputuo Island, Shuanglang Ancient Town, the white tables, the网红 glass ball, and the "Mirror of the Sky" installations—the scenery is stunning all along the way.

I recommend the east route. There are more sights, and the road is easier to drive. Erhai Lake is shaped like a human ear. When the water is calm, it looks like a deep green gem. When a gentle breeze blows, the surface glitters with gold, and the waves lap softly. Standing on the shore, I felt the wonder of nature and a long-lost sense of peace welling up inside me.

Day 5: Farewell—So We Can Meet Again

On the last day, I slept in until I naturally woke up. Left the guesthouse at 8 a.m., headed to Dali Station by 9 a.m. On the way, I suddenly remembered Xingsheng Bridge. The bridge has a unique style, spanning the river and connecting Dali with the area downstream. There were old men fishing by the riverbank, and in the distance, high-rise buildings stood tall. Modernity and antiquity blended perfectly here.

I arrived at Kunming Station at 11 a.m. I'd planned to visit Yunnan University, but I took the easy way out and went straight to the airport. The result? Five hours of waiting time, which I kind of regretted. There's a noodle shop and a rice noodle place on the B1 level of the airport terminal, and on the second floor, you'll find McDonald's and Yonghe King (a fast-food chain). I ate a soft-serve ice cream cone, browsed the duty-free shops, and finally dozed off in the waiting area. The guy next to me thought I'd missed my flight and kindly woke me up. I had to laugh at the misunderstanding.

Before boarding, I scanned the QR code for health reporting. Everything went smoothly. As the plane took off, I looked out the window at the clouds and silently said to myself, "Goodbye, Yunnan. May someone walk with you through the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, and may someone be with you through all the ups and downs."

Travel Tips During the Pandemic

Temperature checks before security. QR code health reporting before boarding.
After getting off the plane, you'll need to scan another QR code at the exit. Green code means you're clear.
You'll need to scan codes for the airport shuttle, entering scenic spots, and checking into hotels.
Lijiang Ancient Town has capacity limits and requires a reservation one day in advance.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain limits daily visitors to no more than 3,000 people.

A Final Thought

Five days, four nights. I didn't spend much, but I came home with a heart full of memories. Traveling alone isn't lonely. On the contrary, it sets your soul completely free. May the gentle wind blow away all your troubles. On the road to meeting you, even the breeze tastes sweet.