By Anthony Dylan Anak Frankie Jurem
China is a tourist magnet. This would be the most recent since the last one when we visited Guizhou in 2024. Having the desire to travel again after our European trip, we took a tour from Globalite Travel & Tours which is a travel agency located in Subang Jaya. This time, we chose Yunnan.
The tour was a 9 Days 7 Nights itinerary using Batik Air. The group was small with just over 20 of us. A family trio which included my in-laws and uncles along with equally interesting strangers. This trip would take us through to Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La. The first day began in the evening as we assembled in KLIA Terminal 1 to meet our other tour group members and our cheerful, bubbly tour guide. After the standard check-ins and formalities, we had time to walk around the airport before boarding.
Batik Air used a B737-8 Max for our flight. Though a narrow-bodied aircraft, the flight was smooth and the service was good. The tour provided in-flight meals, and vegetarian choices were available as part of the arrangements. This was arranged in advance when booking the tour.
Upon arrival and going through the standard procedures at Kunming Changshui International Airport, we met our China guide and proceeded to our Yunnan Huishang International Hotel on a comfortable bus. The bus had seats arranged in a 2 x 2 layout with luxurious space complete with charging ports. Kunming had an elevation of close to 1,900 metres. An elevation much like Genting Highlands.
Our day began the next morning after breakfast as we travelled towards Dali where we spent time in the ancient city. This included the Erhai Ecological corridor which is a beautiful wetland area where many come to take pictures. The lake is the center piece of the 129km corridor. Within this, sits the man-made Ideal Town which is often referred to as Dali Santorini. We moved into our new hotel for the night at the Hilton Green Garden.
On the 3rd day, we made our way to Xizhou Ancient Town where we were brought to see the largest and best preserved Bai residential architecture. The entire day was discovering the beautiful old town and the learning about its history. We also took part in creating indigo blue tie dye handkerchiefs which we could take home. Dali has an elevation rather like Kunming and a good night’s rest at the same hotel prepared us for the journey ahead.
The 4th day saw us travel from Dali to Lijiang. The elevation climbed to an average of 2,400 metres. This would take some use to but as long as you keep your calm, you will adjust to it. Here, we stopped by the Shaxi Ancient Town where the old stone paved roads still exist. Old markets still operate and you could just imagine yourself thrown back into those days. The people are amazingly friendly and not loud. We proceeded to the famous Black Dragon Pool. It also known as the Jade Spring Park and lies at the foot of Elephant Hill. It was built in 1737 during the Qing dynasty and offers views of the region’s tallest mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, over its white marble bridge. We finished the day with a walk around the old town of Lijiang as we acclimatise to the new elevation. After dinner, we 
checked into our hotel for the night at Fairfield by Marriott.
Our 5th day began early as the bus travelled to a place for us interested, to purchase oxygen cans. These looked like the “Ridsect” mosquito spray cans! Nevertheless, not wanting to risk altitude sickness all of us bought a can each. We then took the cable car up as we headed to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain). The highest possible elevation you can reach is 4,680 metres. After exiting the cable car station, we were greeted with snowfall at 4,506 meters. We could not proceed to walk up towards the highest at 4,680 metres as they closed the section due to heavy snowfall. We spent quite a bit of time there taking photos before we made our way down to take a short tour of the Blue Moon Valley. 
The stunning, high-altitude scenic area at the base of Yulong Snow Mountain. The picturesque vibrant, turquoise-blue lakes make it a beautiful sight for pictures. However, better pictures are taken from an elevated location instead of on the lakeside.
The day then proceeded to watching the Zhang Zimou curated” Impression Lijiang” highlighting the songs and dance of the ethnic population. The performers are all amateurs from the villages, which made it even more authentic. We proceeded to then visit the Yushui Village and Shuhe Ancient Town. After a beautiful dinner of hot pot and sitting in a restaurant watching performances, we turned in for the night at the same hotel.
The 6th day was another eventful one where even the rain could not dampen our enthusiasm as we made our way to the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge. The fierce rushing water was rather scary, and we walked to the last possible point before heading back to the top. Here, we also took pictures of the views from above. It is one of the deepest river canyons in the world and took its name form a folklore. It was said that there was a hunted tiger which jumped to a lone stone at the narrowest part of the river onto a stone in the middle to cross the other side. A feat only the brave would do. This river is not navigable due to its strong angry currents. We ended the day on a walk through the Dukezong Ancient City, and this is where you can see the Tibetan culture come alive. There is a 60 ton 5 stories high prayer wheel there at the top of the hill where many would take time to turn. The night was spent at the Silk Cirrus Hotel.
Day 7 draws us closer to a close as we made our way to Shangri-La and visited the Somgzanlin Monastery and Potatso National Park. Here we were already 3,300 metres.
Day 8 was a day where we began very early to head to the high-speed train station as we made our way back to Kunming before we strolled around the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archway and Green Lake park before dinner at Hai Di Lao and leaving for the airport. Our luggage was traveled by bus from Shangri-La and brought to us to the airport separately. That eased our day.
Day 9 was on the plane home, and we genuinely enjoyed the trip. We look forward to travelling again this year.
KONG HEE FATT CHOY!!
