Yunnan Late Autumn Secret Realm: Seven-Day Dream-Seeking Journey of "Double Rivers Autumn Scenery and Ethnic Secrets" in Northwest Yunnan
Theme Explanation: Breaking away from the conventional Kunming-Dali-Lijiang route, this journey focuses on the Nujiang Grand Canyon and Lancang River basin in northwest Yunnan. In late October to early November, the deep autumn here presents the most vibrant colors and the most tranquil atmosphere of the year. With the theme of "Double Rivers Autumn Scenery and Ethnic Secrets," we will take you through the turbulent Nujiang River and the gentle Lancang River, visit the divine-human cohabited Bingzhongluo, stroll through the millennium-old salt fields soon to be submerged by a reservoir, immerse yourself in the golden ginkgo village, and delve into little-known ethnic minority villages, experiencing an original in-depth journey combining magnificent landscapes, cultural wonders, and autumnal serenity.
Trip Highlights:
· Best Season: Avoiding summer and National Day crowds, enjoy crisp autumn air, colorful forests, and emerald-green river waters.
· Ultimate Scenery: Experience the majestic and rugged Nujiang River alongside the rustic pastoral Lancang River.
· Cultural Secrets: Visit the Dulong ethnic facial tattoo women (if luck permits), Lisu villages, and experience diverse ethnic cultures.
· Exclusive Experiences: Listen to the heavenly four-part a cappella choir at Laomudeng Church, reminisce in Zhiziluo "City of Memories," and make ham in the ancient village of Nuodeng.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kunming – Liuku, Nujiang Prefecture (Gathering)
· Arrive at Kunming Changshui Airport from various locations; it is recommended to take an afternoon flight or high-speed train to Baoshan or directly drive to Liuku (about 4-5 hours by car).
· Overnight in Liuku; after arrival, take a walk along the Nujiang River, feel the night atmosphere of the canyon city, and taste Lisu hand-grabbed rice to prepare for the deep canyon exploration tomorrow.
Day 2: Liuku – Laomudeng – Zhiziluo (Cultural and Spiritual Shock)
· Head north along the beautiful Nujiang highway, enjoying the grandeur of Gaoligong Mountain and Biluo Snow Mountain, and the magical "zip line" over the river (now mostly a safe experience activity).
· Arrive at Laomudeng Village, visit the cliffside Laomudeng Christian Church; if it happens to be Sunday, listen to the Lisu four-part a cappella choir praised as "heavenly sound."
· Hike up to Zhiziluo, the "City of Memories," a frozen-in-time 1980s county town with abandoned buildings and slogans full of strong era vibes and photographic charm.
· Overnight in Laomudeng, enjoy the sunset over Crown Mountain from the guesthouse terrace, and savor the canyon’s tranquility.
Day 3: Laomudeng – Stone Moon – Gongshan – Bingzhongluo (Land of Divine-Human Cohabitation)
· Continue north, admire the Stone Moon wonder—a Dali karst cave in the peaks of Gaoligong Mountain.
· Arrive at Gongshan, then transfer to a small vehicle to Bingzhongluo. Pass by the First Bend of the Nujiang River, where the river forms a perfect "Ω" shaped grand curve, magnificent in scale.
· In the afternoon, stroll through the fields of Bingzhongluo, the essence of the Nujiang Grand Canyon, with post-harvest terraces, scattered villages, and distant snow-capped mountains forming a stunning picture.
· Overnight in Bingzhongluo.
Day 4: In-depth Exploration of Bingzhongluo (Qiunatong/Wuli Village)
· Early morning, if weather permits, enjoy the sea of clouds over Bingzhongluo.
· Visit Qiunatong Village, the last village at the northern end of the Nujiang Grand Canyon, primitive and peaceful, with autumn colors decorating Tibetan-style wooden houses.
· Hike to Wuli Village (also known as Wengli Village), crossing an ancient Tea Horse Road; this riverside terrace village feels like a secluded peach blossom land.
· Overnight in Bingzhongluo.
Day 5: Bingzhongluo – Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park – Lancang River Canyon – Tacheng (From Nujiang to Lancang River)
· Bid farewell to Nujiang, drive over Biluo Snow Mountain into the Lancang River basin. This section is long but with changing scenery.
· Visit Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park, where under a guide’s lead, you can observe the national treasure known as the "Snow Mountain Spirit"—the Yunnan golden monkey (viewing time needs prior confirmation).
· Arrive in Tacheng Town by evening, located by a tributary of the Lancang River, with gentle scenery.
· Overnight in a characteristic guesthouse in Tacheng.
Day 6: Tacheng – Tongle Lisu Village – Millennium Salt Fields (Nuodeng/or other well-preserved salt fields in the area) – Yunlong
· In the morning, visit Tongle Lisu Village, built on a mountain with closely packed wooden houses, a living fossil of Lisu dwellings.
· In the afternoon, head to the millennium-old salt fields by the Lancang River (such as the Nuodeng ancient salt wells or other well-preserved salt fields). These salt fields use the ancient "well frame" salt drying method, sparkling under the autumn sun, a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
· Then check into Yunlong County or a nearby characteristic ancient town.
· (Optional/Highlight): If time permits, visit the "Millennium Bai Village" Nuodeng to witness the birthplace of Nuodeng ham featured in "A Bite of China" and enjoy a ham feast.
Day 7: Dali Weishan Ancient Town/or Eryuan West Lake – Return (Peaceful Ending)
· To avoid the bustle of Dali Ancient Town, choose to visit Weishan Ancient Town, the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, more original and peaceful, with autumn streets perfect for slowly savoring food and history.
· Or visit Eryuan West Lake, take a small boat through Bai ethnic villages on the lake, enjoying the last quiet moments of the water town.
· In the afternoon, depending on flight time, head leisurely to Dali Airport or train station, concluding this rich and profound late autumn secret journey in northwest Yunnan.
Travel Tips:
· Some sections of this route are mountainous with many curves; it is recommended to charter a car or hire a local driver familiar with the roads.
· Late October to early November in northwest Yunnan has a large temperature difference between day and night; prepare warm clothing such as windbreakers and light down jackets.
· Respect local ethnic customs; please ask for permission before photographing people.
· The itinerary can be slightly adjusted according to actual weather, road conditions, and personal interests.
This journey is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual cleansing. In Yunnan’s late autumn, stepping into these secret realms guarded by mountains and rivers, you will gain unparalleled tranquility and awe.