Yunnan Self-Driving Guide | Many Missed the Same S-Curve as Erhai

✅Most tourists heading to Lugu Lake visit places like Daluoshui Village, Lovers' Beach, Lige Peninsula, Xiaoluoshui, Goddess Bay, and Grass Sea for photos and sightseeing. ✅However, if you’re driving around Lugu Lake, there are many off-the-beaten-path photo spots along the route. These lesser-known locations are less crowded and offer stunning backdrops, like the following spots that are perfect for photography. 【Hidden Photo Spots】 🌟Lugu Lake S-Curve This S-curve is identical to the famous one at Erhai Lake in Dali. Drivers circling the lake will pass by it, as the road runs close to the shoreline. If you’re driving too fast, you might miss it entirely! Above the curve, there’s a temple accessible via three routes: stairs, a drivable road, or a village path. A telephoto lens is recommended for photos here. 🌟Hillside of Lige Peninsula Most tourists park at the roadside lot near Lige Peninsula, snap a few photos at the viewpoint, and leave. But if you venture further down past the white pagoda toward the lakeshore, you’ll find a spot where a telephoto lens can frame people and the peninsula’s houses into a picturesque scene. 🌟Grassland in Front of a Hotel No ads or specific names—location marked on the last photo. Park at the gravel lot, walk 20 meters along the road, and climb a slope. To the left are vast reeds, and beyond them lies a sprawling grassland, perfect for photos. 🌟Dazu Village This is the spot to photograph the S-curve road. The lakeside village below, Dazu, features charming staggered houses. Visit in the morning to avoid backlighting. 【Lake-Circling Tips】 1⃣️For the S-curve road, navigate to Dazu Village. Park and take the first small village path uphill—a short climb reveals the entire village and the S-curve. 2⃣️The reeds near the hotel are ideal for morning shots. Non-guests can’t drive to the hotel, but roadside parking is free. 3⃣️Drive directly up to the temple—free parking 🅿️ and restrooms 🚻 are available. ❤️【Yunnan Self-Driving Itinerary】 D1-D3: Guangzhou → Dali (3 days, relaxed pace). Before exiting Guangxi into Yunnan, exit and re-enter the highway. D4-D5: Erhai Lake loop—S-curve, Wenbi Village, Shuanglang Ancient Town, Haixi Park, Xizhou Ancient Town, Yunxiang Mountain (free viewpoint overlooking Dali). D6: Dali → Shaxi Ancient Town. Skip the highway; take Niu-Sha Line for surprises. Add a stop: Deer’s Edge Coffee. D7: Shaxi → Lugu Lake via Hua-Li and Lu-Nan Highways (light traffic). Avoid Li-Ning Road in rainy season—4-hour drive. D8-D9: Lugu Lake loop. Plenty of lodging options for all budgets. D10: Lugu Lake → Tiger Leaping Gorge. Add stops: Mingyin Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s northeast gate. Stunning views of the Jinsha River and the mountain’s east face. D11: Tiger Leaping Gorge → Lijiang. Stay in Wenhai Village (a hidden paradise)—check my earlier guide. ✅This is a freshly tested route. Adjust based on your schedule. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain offers low value for money. ⚠️More self-driving routes and tips coming soon—thanks for following!