Author Profile

Name: Yu Mingbo
Position: Sales Representative, International Department, Kinghelm Electronics
Hometown: Suizhou, Hubei
Aspiration: Always believe that tomorrow will be better!

Yu Mingbo, Sales Representative of the Kinghelm International Department

During the 2026 Spring Festival holiday, a few friends and I traveled to Yunnan, a destination we had long looked forward to visiting. Winter in Yunnan brings bright yet gentle sunshine—neither the biting cold of the north nor the damp chill of the south. Throughout the journey, we not only relaxed our minds and bodies but also gained many new experiences and reflections.

1. Lijiang: The Lively Ancient Town and the Serenity of Snowy Mountains

After having our New Year’s dinner with colleagues from the company, my friends and I quickly packed our bags and set off for Yunnan. Our first stop was Lijiang.

Entering Lijiang Ancient Town, the stone-paved streets glimmered softly under the sunlight. Red lanterns hung along the streets, and flowers of all kinds filled the air with color and fragrance, creating a strong festive atmosphere. Visitors from across the country gathered here—some taking photos, others pausing to listen to street musicians perform. The lively charm of the ancient town blended with the festive spirit of the Spring Festival, giving the place a unique vibrancy.

Local Specialty Dishes

At night, the ancient town glows with lights. Small bridges and flowing water reflect the warm glow, creating a unique and romantic atmosphere. Although the area has a strong commercial vibe, one can still find quiet little shops hidden deep in the alleys. Sitting down with a cup of hot tea and listening to the shop owner talk about the local Naxi culture is a rewarding experience.

A Colorful Display of Real and Artificial Flowers

The next day, we admired the distant view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Against the clear blue sky, the mountain appeared magnificent—seemingly close yet far away. Its snow-covered peak stands in sharp contrast to the sunny ancient town below. Standing at a high vantage point overlooking the mountains, my mind suddenly felt calm, as if the winds from the snowy peaks had carried away all the pressures of work.

A Distant View of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

2. Dali: Romance of Wind, Flowers, Snow and Moon — and Everyday Life

From Lijiang we traveled to Dali by car, enjoying picturesque scenery along the way. My first impression of Dali was openness and freedom. Dali Ancient Town is much larger than Lijiang’s, and even after walking for a long time we still could not see everything it had to offer. The city gates are majestic and the streets wide. Compared with Lijiang, Dali feels less crowded and more relaxed.

Cycling along Erhai Lake was the most unforgettable experience of the trip. The lake water is crystal clear, while the Cangshan Mountains stretch endlessly in the distance. Sunlight sparkles on the lake, and the gentle breeze makes you naturally slow down and enjoy the moment.

During the Spring Festival, many visitors gathered by the lake—some taking photos, others sitting in cafés enjoying the view, or feeding seagulls along the shore. Despite the crowds, the overall atmosphere remained peaceful and comfortable.

Scenery of Erhai Lake

In Dali, many well-preserved Bai ethnic houses can still be seen. Their white walls, gray tiles, and delicately carved wooden windows are both simple and elegant. The pace of life here is slow. Restaurants and teahouses are filled with locals chatting leisurely, forming an interesting contrast to the bustling tourism scene.

Local Specialty Wild Mushroom Hot Pot

This Spring Festival trip allowed me to truly appreciate Yunnan’s unique natural scenery and diverse culture. Lijiang feels like a vivid painting—colorful and lively—while Dali is more like a gentle poem, relaxed and far-reaching.

Amid the busyness of work, being able to step out of familiar surroundings, escape the concrete forests of the city, and see snowy mountains and lakes while hearing stories from different places is a rare kind of relaxation. Travel is not only about seeing new landscapes; it is also an opportunity to reorganize one’s thoughts.

Lijiang and Dali during the Spring Festival offer both festive joy and tranquil natural beauty. This journey will remain in my memory as a warm and bright chapter.