Yunnan x Spring 🌹

This trip's theme: flowers, old towns, mountains 🌹🏚🏔🌼 I heard that Yunnan is best explored slowly, so that's what I (kinda) did. I started in the capital Kunming, the city of eternal spring. Spent two chill days mostly just hanging out at the beautiful Cuihu Lake so I could slowly acclimate to the altitude. The relaxed atmosphere around the lake reminded me so much of Hanoi, and the flowers blooming everywhere kept me in high spirits. And I had the most delicious and sinful roasted duck at the market! Took the 2-hr train to Dali and stayed just outside the old town. Highlight was definitely cycling along Erhai's Ecological Corridor. What a gorgeous cycling route. Plus coming home to my beautiful guesthouse early to eat delicious streetfood dinner and watch Netflix haha. Then came the time for Shaxi. Ahhhhhh how does one move on from Shaxi? It was just the prettiest, most peaceful, most genuine-feeling little town. Every corner, street, and alley showcased unique local art and culture. You can feel the history in the air. Strolling literally felt like being in a music video with the buskers' songs lingering in the background. And the beautiful nature made for the perfect backdrop to the dreamiest place I've ever been to. 10000/10! Finally, Lijiang. It was special as well because I got to spend a couple of days here with a rare-pokemon friend. And the entire old town was in full bloom! Jade Dragon Snow Mountain was breathtaking from afar, but even more breathtaking when you go near it, you literally need bottled oxygen to not die. shar hehe Skipped the Tiger Leaping Gorge hike and Shangri-la for now. I decided I'll do them next time with friends. Yunnan, I really hope there's next time!