5 Days 4 Nights Off-the-Beaten-Path Relaxing Trip in Yunnan (Kid-Friendly, No Rush Version)

Been to Yunnan many times, but Fuxian Lake still wins my heart the most ❤️ Summarized this lesser-known travel route, perfect for those wanting to avoid crowds during summer and just relax! Save it and set off anytime~ 📅 Daily Itinerary Day 1: Chengdu → Kunming (✈️1.5h) → Fuxian Lake (1.5h by car) 🏨 Stay: Nanguo Sanqian Hotel (mid-mountain, facing Fuxian Lake) ▫️ After check-in, head straight to the hotel lawn where kids can play frisbee and fly kites, while I enjoy the breeze and lake view, savoring afternoon tea~ The hotel’s second floor also has a book bar, chess room, kids’ play area, and 24-hour butler service that’s really thoughtful 🥹 🍽️ Eat: Shuxi Lakeside Bistro (must-try volcanic ribs, tangy and flavorful, lemongrass pork neck, and Thai basil pork with potato rice), dining on the outdoor terrace while watching the sunset 🌅 creates a romantic atmosphere Falling asleep to the sound of waves 🌊 at night is so healing~ Day 2: Relaxing Day at Fuxian Lake ▫️ Morning visit to Moon Bay Wetland Park to dig sand or check out the sailboat ⛵️ featured on Sister Who Runs the Show ▫️ Afternoon hotel activities: flower arranging and tie-dyeing (⚠️ reservation required) ▫️ Evening after dinner, light hike to the popular Sun Mountain Bridge to catch a stunning orange sea sunset~ Day 3: Fuxian Lake → Mile (2h by car) ▫️ Morning photo shoot at Dongfengyun Town with fairy-tale scenes (red brick castle + lavender fields) ▫️ Afternoon soak at Bubble Lake Spring Mid-Mountain Hot Spring ♨️ (natural sulfur spring water to wash away all fatigue) 🍜 Eat: Traditional Mile braised chicken rice noodles (about 15 RMB per person, very filling) Day 4: Mile → Jianshui (2.5h by car) ▫️ Morning ride on the vintage narrow-gauge train 🚞 (Lin’an Station → Tuanshan Residence, 2.5 hours, rice fields + ancient bridge scenery, remember to choose the left-side seat for better views!) ▫️ Afternoon city walk in Jianshui Ancient Town, must-visit spots include Chaoyang Tower, Zhu Family Garden, and Daban Well; the colorful buildings of Ant Workshop are very photogenic~ 🍛 Eat: Shuxi brunch, the interior is stylish, kids love the creamy omelet curry rice with rich curry sauce and super rich taste; all dishes are freshly made to order, no pre-made food! The matcha red bean shaved ice 🍧 is also delicious~ 🏨 Stay: Fanxi Homestay (century-old courtyard, close to the narrow-gauge train station, very convenient for finding snacks with kids nearby, and you can stroll by Xiaogui Lake at night to enjoy the night view) Day 5: Jianshui → Kunming ▫️ Morning experience traditional tofu making at Ximen Tofu Workshop ▫️ Afternoon before heading back, try the local specialty steam pot chicken (the chicken soup is super fresh) 💡 Tips 1️⃣ Transportation: Recommend renting a car in Kunming (about 150 RMB/day), the Mile-Jianshui highway has stunning scenery 2️⃣ Clothing: Light-colored clothes + sun hat (strong UV at Fuxian Lake), bring a light jacket (big temperature difference between day and night) 3️⃣ Narrow-gauge train tickets 🎫 book 3 days in advance