When people think of China, they often picture futuristic cities, ancient temples, or endless crowds — but my trip to Yunnan completely changed the way I see this country. Situated in the southwestern corner of China, Yunnan is one of the most diverse regions I’ve ever visited. This trip allowed me to step far away from the typical tourist paths and experience an authentic, deeper side of China that I never knew existed.
A Taste of Tibet in Shangri-La
My trip started from Shangri-La, a small town perched at over 3,000 meters above sea level, where the air is thin, and every step makes you realize how much your body needs to adapt. The altitude made it difficult to breathe at first, but after a couple of days drinking hot tea, walking slowly, and resting — I finally started to feel better.
Shangri-La immediately fascinated me with its Tibetan influences. The old town felt like stepping into another world: the prayer flags dancing in the wind, the smell of yak butter candles, and monks dressed in deep red robes walking around the narrow alleys. One of the highlights here was visiting the Songzanlin Monastery, also called the Little Potala Palace — a Tibetan Buddhist monastery where I could feel the spirituality in the air.
Another special memory was spinning the massive prayer wheel in the old town, together with locals. They say that every turn sends a prayer to the sky, and even though I don’t practice Buddhism, I could feel the peaceful energy and spirituality of this place.
A Village Hidden in the Mountains:
After Shangri-La, I traveled to a remote village near Lijiang called Shangnan Yaoxi (上南尧西村) — an experience that truly marked my heart. This little village is so hidden that no foreigner had ever been there before — and I was the first one.
One of the most unforgettable moments was when our host brought us to pick mushrooms in the mountains, a common activity for the locals during summertimw. Walking through the forest, breathing the fresh mountain air, and learning how they live in such deep connection with nature was something I’ll never forget.
The evenings were spent sharing family-style meals with the hosts, by sitting around a wooden table, tasting home-cooked dishes made from fresh ingredients they had picked themselves. Their warmth and hospitality made me feel like part of the family.
Something that shocked me was that many people in the village couldn’t even speak Mandarin — they only spoke their local Tibetan dialect. This really reminded me how incredibly diverse China is, with each region carrying its own traditions, language, and way of life.
The Beauty of Lijiang and Baisha
Moving on to Lijiang, I found myself in one of the most beautiful old towns in China, with big cobbled streets, wooden houses, and little canals running through the alleys. It was a lovely place, but what touched me even more was visiting Baisha, a nearby village surrounded by mountains where lifes just goes by so slowly.
In Baisha, I could take a moment to pause and look at farmers working in the fields, women wearing traditional clothes, and the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background. It’s the kind of place where you realize that sometimes, the most beautiful moments happen in silence.
Dali: A Different Side of China
When I arrived in Dali, it felt like I had traveled to a completely different country. With its relaxed atmosphere, small cafes, and stunning Erhai Lake, Dali gave me a sense of peace that I hadn’t felt anywhere else in China. Sitting by the lake, watching the sunset, I couldn’t believe I was still in the same country — that’s how diverse Yunnan is.
A Journey That Changed My Perspective
What made this trip so special wasn’t just the breathtaking nature and landscapes — it was the people and the cultures I discovered along the way. Yunnan is home to more than 25 different ethnic minorities, each with its own language, traditions, and way of life. This journey opened my eyes to how incredibly rich and diverse China really is, and this is something I could never fully understand by just living in big cities.
This trip reminded me why I love traveling so much — not just to see beautiful places, but to connect with people, break down stereotypes, and truly understand how others live.