成都

Teahouses, greenways and rich Sichuan flavors make Chengdu an easy starting point for slowly understanding western China.

大理

Dali is not just an ancient city, but a travel area spread between the high ridges of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Bai ethnic communities, the history of Nanzhao and Dali, lakeside wetlands and mountain routes are suitable for a few days to slowly understand. The Erhai Lake Loop is very long, so you should choose a section of the lakeshore or a group of villages for an in-depth tour instead of completing the circle in a hurry.

昆明

Kunming is a plateau provincial capital where Dianchi Lake, limestone landscapes, flower and food markets, museums and Yunnan's multi-ethnic culture meet in a rapidly developing transportation hub. It’s not just a transit point: you can spend a day understanding the city’s lakes and the history of the province, and then choose a key suburb, rather than mistaking the entire central Yunnan for close-up attractions.

丽江

Lijiang is a plateau travel area, not just an ancient city. Dayan, Shuhe and Baisha preserve different levels of Naxi settlements and water system management, while Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and long-distance Lugu Lake require independent transportation and high-altitude preparation. The itinerary should revolve around two or three connected areas, and leave the most crowded commercial streets as early as possible to observe the living heritage that continues.