Yunnan Adventure: Exploring Kunming & Dali's Beauty

We Explore China's Hidden Paradise - Yunnan! | Aiken Chia

Destination:ChinaProvince:YunnanCity:Kunming
We Explore China's Hidden Paradise - Yunnan! | Aiken Chia
AIKEN CHIA2024-12-2832 min

Hi Fam! We are back with Part 1 of our adventures to Yunnan starting with Kunming where we stayed in one of the best hotels - Grand Hyatt Kunming + exploring the ancient towns and Stone Forest! We then head to the super scenic Dali where mountains and lakes are breathtaking for a scenic drive around Er Hai!

--- AIKEN CHIA
December 28, 2024, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Introduction to Yunnan
  2. 0:13Kunming: Grand Hyatt & Ancient Towns
  3. 0:24Dali: Mountains & Er Hai Lake
  4. 1:22Kunming Farmers Market
  5. 3:38Grand Hyatt Kunming Hotel
  6. 4:44Stone Forest Park
  7. 5:36Cable Car Ride & High Home Wetlands
  8. 7:26Twin Bridge Night Market
  9. 10:49Stone Forest Exploration
  10. 13:30Kunming Old Street
  11. 14:26Nine-Course Feast in Kunming
  12. 17:03Arrival in Dali
  13. 18:25Er Hai Lake
  14. 22:27Shang Shang Ancient Town
  15. 27:45UNESCO Global Geopark
  16. 28:35Shuanglang Glacial Lake

Aiken Chia explores Yunnan's stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, from Kunming's Grand Hyatt to Dali's Er Hai Lake. A delicious food journey and unforgettable experiences await!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1One of Nina Tan's favorite things to eat are vegetables. Yunnan is a vegan paradise. (2:08)
  2. Tip 2If you're looking for a place with not much tourist and want to see the local produce, visit the local market in Kunming. (3:14)
  3. Tip 3The Grand Hyatt Kunming offers suites and standard rooms at various price points. Consider splurging on a suite or opting for a more budget-friendly standard room. (4:31)
  4. Tip 4In Stone Forest, you don't need a tour guide; everything is easily accessible. (13:03)
  5. Tip 5In Kunming Old Street, try local specialties and Yunnan coffee, known for its unique flavor profile due to the region's altitude and temperature. (14:09)
  6. Tip 6Er Hai Lake in Dali is called 'Er Hai' because the correct translation means 'ear lake'. (18:35)
  7. Tip 7In Dali, try a communal-style Bai cuisine meal; it is a unique dining experience that involves using your hands to eat. (29:49)
  8. Tip 8Rent a pastel-colored convertible for a fun and Instagrammable experience in Dali. (30:32)

Aiken Chia's Yunnan adventure begins in Kunming, showcasing the luxurious Grand Hyatt and exploring ancient towns and the Stone Forest. The journey continues to Dali, where breathtaking mountain and lake views are the backdrop for a scenic Er Hai cruise. Aiken and his team savor local Yunnan cuisine, from bustling markets to exquisite fine dining, offering viewers a taste of authentic Yunnan life. This episode is a visual feast, capturing the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Yunnan, leaving viewers wanting more.

More about the current video:( 1 / 3 )

We Explore China's Hidden Paradise - Yunnan! | Aiken Chia

This episode of Carry On follows Aiken Chia and his team on their first-ever trip to China, specifically Yunnan province. Their journey begins in Kunming, where they luxuriate in the Grand Hyatt Kunming, a hotel whose lobby design is inspired by rice fields. They explore the city, visiting local markets brimming with fresh produce and unique culinary delights. Aiken highlights the spicy steamed buns and his friend Nina Tan's love for local vegetables. The Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is another highlight, though Aiken suggests foregoing the strenuous hike and opting for the cable car for a more relaxed experience. They also visit High Home Wetlands to observe migratory birds. The culinary journey continues at the Twin Bridge Night Market, where they sample a variety of local delicacies.

The trip then moves to Dali, a city described as chaotic yet stunningly beautiful, with mountains, lakes, and grasslands reminiscent of Lake Como. They stay in a unique accommodation overlooking the Er Hai Lake. Here, they explore the lake, sample Bai cuisine (a local ethnic group's food), and enjoy a communal-style meal. Aiken and his team also participate in a fun photoshoot along Rainbow Road. In Shang Shang Ancient Town, they find a blend of modern and traditional elements. They have a caricature drawn, and the episode concludes with a final meal and reflections on their Yunnan adventure. Nina Tan's enthusiasm for the trip is evident throughout, adding a personal touch to the narrative. The video is visually rich, showcasing the beauty of Yunnan's diverse landscapes and culture.

Yunnan Adventure: Exploring Kunming & Dali's Beauty

Hi Fam! We are back with Part 1 of our adventures to Yunnan starting with Kunming where we stayed in one of the best hotels - Grand Hyatt Kunming + exploring the ancient towns and Stone Forest! We then head to the super scenic Dali where mountains and lakes are breathtaking for a scenic drive around...

Yunnan Adventure: Kunming, Dali, Stone Forest Exploration

Aiken Chia's Yunnan adventure begins in Kunming, staying at the luxurious Grand Hyatt Kunming. He explores ancient towns and the stunning Stone Forest. The journey continues to Dali, where breathtaking mountain and lake views accompany a scenic drive around Er Hai. This is just part one of his exciting exploration of China's hidden paradise!

Attractions in this video: Stone Forest, Er Hai Lake, High Home Wetlands, Twin Bridge Night Market, Kunming Old Street, Shuanglang Glacial Lake