From Singapore to Kunming & Dali + Travel Tips for First-Timers to China
We have never really included China as a desired travel destination till my colleagues converted me. In June 2025, to celebrate our 26th Wedding Anniversary, the hubby and I finally took the plunge. What started as a bundle of hesitations (predominantly around hygiene of public toilets) turned into one of the most awe-inspiring and humbling travel vacations we’ve ever had.
Our 10-day DIY Wedding Anniversary trip to Yunnan,China, brought us from Singapore to Kunming via an easy 5 hours direct flight, then onwards to Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La and back to Kunming (via their high-speed rail). Along the way, we were treated to majestic mountains, charming ancient towns and the kind of warmth and hospitality that completely changed our perceptions of travelling in China.
Watch our Yunnan Trip Highlights – From Dali to Shangrila
In this first post of our 4-part Yunnan, China series, we’ll share:
✔️ Helpful travel tips for Singaporeans heading to China for the first time
✔️ How we flew into Kunming and took the High-Speed Rail to Dali
✔️ Sights and experiences in Dali you shouldn’t miss
Sunrise view from Erhai Lake, Dali
Morning walk along Erhai Lake, Dali
Getting There: Singapore to Kunming
We flew with China Eastern Airlines on a red-eye flight from Changi Airport (Departure Time: 00:55 AM) and arrived in Kunming Changshui International Airport (Arrival Time: 08:40 AM). Despite a short delay at boarding, everything else went smoothly. Immigration was efficient, the airport was modern and clean, and there were plenty of signs in English.
After picking up our luggage, we took a Didi (China’s version of Grab) from the airport to Kunming Railway Station, which was about a 40-minute drive. As a sign of how efficient the country’s transport system, our very first time booking a car using the Didi app was very smooth-sailing. The car arrived right on time and whizzed us off to our destination.
From Red eye flight to High speed Rail
From Kunming to Dali via High-Speed Rail
We pre-booked our High-Speed Rail (HSR) tickets from Trip.com about two months prior. I had wanted first-class seats for greater comfort, but it only managed to secure second-class seats online. However, since we arrived at Kunming Station 45mins earlier, I decided to walk up to the ticketing office counter to request for an upgrade on the spot (subject to availability). To our pleasant surprise, there were indeed first-class seats available on an earlier train and we topped up for the upgrade then made a dash for the train.
Trains in China are fast, clean, and punctual (comparable to Japan’s Shinkasen!). They are truly a fantastic way to explore the country. The ride from Kunming to Dali took us 2 hours. The ride was scenic, clean and comfortable.
⏱ Tip: Book your HSR tickets early on Trip.com
Seats can fill up fast during local Chinese holidays, and international credit cards work seamlessly on the Trip.com platform.
Essential Apps You’ll Need in China
Before your trip, make sure you’ve downloaded and set up:
- WeChat – The app for everything: messaging, payments, reservations and tour coordination
- Alipay (Tour Pass) – For cashless payments (many places don’t accept cash)
- Didi – For ride-hailing (like Grab)
- Meituan – For food delivery
- XiaoHongShu (RED) – Think of it as the Chinese version of Pinterest + Instagram. Fantastic for travel inspiration, cafe reviews, and hidden gems
Tip: Set up your Alipay in Singapore before you arrive and load sufficient funds. Many places in China are fully cashless, yes, even market stalls at their local wet markets!
Where We Stayed: BellaVita Boutique Hotel, Dali 大理贝拉维塔香氛疗愈海景酒店
We chose this mingsu precisely because of its aromatherapy concept, which deeply appealed to me. I’ve always believed that scent plays an important role in creating a sense of calm. I love it when a hotel room (and even the lobby or common areas) smells fresh, soothing and inviting. BellaVita Boutique Hotel, Dali 大理贝拉维塔香氛疗愈海景酒店 did not disappoint. This small, family-run stay blends rustic charm with modern elegance; every corner is thoughtfully designed, decorated with fresh florals and delicately infused with essential oils. We felt welcomed the moment we stepped inside.
Bellavita Boutique Hotel Dali. An oasis right next to pristine nature.
The interior of Bellavita Hotel is chic and a certain simple charm to it.
And as if the ambience wasn’t enough, the hosts made our anniversary stay unforgettable. Knowing we were celebrating a special occasion, they thoughtfully decorated our suite with a huge fresh rose bouquet and a welcome fruit platter. We had splurged a little to book the top-floor suite since accommodation in China are relatively affordable. The spacious private balcony came with a jacuzzi tub overlooking the lake, perfect for quiet mornings and starlit evenings.
Our suite with an external jacuzzi that looks out to beautiful Erhai Lake, Dali.
The hotel owners surprised us with this beautiful bouquet for our anniversary stay. We were so touched.
This outdoor sunken jacuzzi tub was what sold us this hotel.
Unblocked view of Erhai Ecological Lake from the room balcony.
The hotel’s location was equally ideal, just steps away from the lakefront promenade, where we took leisurely strolls in the soft morning light and watched the sky glow over Erhai Lake at sunset. On our first night, the in-house chef prepared Yunnan’s signature wild mushroom hotpot, cooked to order. The broth was rich, aromatic, and bursting with umami, while the mushrooms, so fresh and varied, turned the meal into a comforting, flavourful feast. It was the perfect start to our Yunnan adventure.
If this boutique hotel is fully booked, here are two other Dali hotel options we shortlisted:
- Arcadia Yunjinyue Hotel 云锦月酒店 (in Dali Ancient Town)
- Sunyata Hotel 既下山大理酒店
Pro Tip: Boutique hotels in Dali are incredibly affordable and instagrammable, with options ranging from lakefront suites to mountain-view lofts. You can book them on Trip.com like we did.
What to See & Do in Dali
Since we only had two days in Dali, we wanted to keep our pace unhurried. Rather than cramming in every attraction, we chose to focus on Dali East, known for its serene lakeside scenery and slower rhythm of life. This side of Dali, where Erhai Lake stretches endlessly against the backdrop of the Cangshan Mountains, offers picturesque spots perfect for cycling and catching the glow of sunrise over the water. After we checked in, we spent an afternoon at a hands-on DIY Rose Pastry Making Workshop.
Hydrangeas are in abundance around Dali. Pretty!
Dali East – Lakeside Villages and Tie-Dye Workshops
- Erhai Ecological Corridor (洱海生态廊道): Ideal for lakeside cycling and sunrise views. We had fun riding those electric motorcars at sunset and also took an early morning stroll the next morning.
We used the app to rent a Snoopy e-Bike to gallivant around Erhai Lake.
The next morning, we woke early to catch the sunrise at dawn.
- Xizhou Ancient Town (喜洲古镇): A quaint village famous for its morning market, preserved Bai architecture, and Xizhou Baba (a local snack much like a thickened roti prata!)
Xizhou is a charming old town worth visiting.
Local guides taking a breather from the sun and tour groups
- Zhoucheng Village (周城村): Tie-dye capital of China. We did not have time to try the hands-on indigo fabric dyeing workshop (minimum 2hrs required) but it will be a fun activity for kids!
Local ladies leading their cultural tie-dye activity.
- Haishe Park (海舌公园): A peninsula that juts into Erhai Lake. Go at sunset for magical reflections (Our driver wasn’t able to secure admission tickets for us so we didn’t get to visit it this trip).
We’ve bookmarked Dali West for our next visit due to shortage of time. Dali West is the historic and mountainous part of the region, home to Dali Ancient Town, traditional Bai architecturea nd vibrant local markets. In contrast, the Dali East feels more modern and tranquil, dotted with boutique cafés, photogenic mingsus, and flower farms overlooking the lake. Together, both sides of Dali paint a full picture of the city’s charm: one rooted in heritage, the other in nature’s quiet beauty.
Dali West – History, Temples, and Old Town Charm
- Dali Old Town (大理古城): Beautiful stone-paved streets, boutique shops, and casual cafés
- Foreigner Street (洋人街): Fun for a night stroll with great food and vibes
- Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺三塔): A postcard-perfect landmark surrounded by gardens and set against Cangshan Mountains
- Cangshan Cableway to Ximatan (洗马潭索道): A stunning cable car ride up the mountain. Perfect for light hiking and panoramic photo ops! We had planned to visit this place but ran out of time. Next time!
A China Experience that Changed Our Perspective
Most places, especially in Yunnan’s tourist zones, were clean, well-managed and orderly. But we must caution that 99% of the toilets (even in restaurants and cafes) are squatting ones. It is very rare to come across a sitting toilet (usually inside a handicapped toilet). So, it requires a fair bit of abdominal and thigh core muscles when using the toilets. To mitigate this, we try to take small sips of water when we are out and about, keeping toilet visits to the minimum.
Hygiene and toilets aside, what truly touched us was the genuine warmth of the local people, from hotel staff to friendly shop owners and PHV drivers. We returned to Singapore not just with great photos, but with a renewed appreciation for China’s diversity, beauty and depth.
One of our biggest reservations before this trip was how we would adapt to public toilet conditions and general hygiene in China. We packed extra wet wipes and hand sanitiser but were honestly pleasantly surprised.
Coming Up Next in Part 2…
We leave Dali behind and journey onwards to the charming Yu Hu Village, then to Lijiang, home to the stunning Blue Moon Valley and the awe-inspiring Impression Lijiang Show. Plus, our stay in the gorgeous LUX Tea Horse Road Resort* and stories from Naxi village life.
Stay tuned for Part 2: From Dali to Lijiang: Nature, Culture & Naxi Charm
Watch our Yunnan Trip Highlights – From Dali to Shangrila
Read our complete DIY Yunnan Travelogues here:
DIY 9D8N Yunnan Part 1: From Singapore to Kunming & Dali + Travel Tips for First-timers to China
DIY 9D8N Yunnan (Part 3): From Lijiang to Shangri-La – Highland Dreams & Tibetan Tranquility
DIY 9D8N Yunnan (Part 4): Our Final Stop in Yunnan – Slowing Down in Kunming Before Heading Home
