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10-day self-driving tour of Sanya and Dali, including Yangshuo, boating on the Li River, and climbing Ruyi Peak.
We're ditching the flights and hitting the open road. From the tropical tip of Hainan, we'll ferry to the mainland and climb through the karst peaks of Guangxi and Guizhou before reaching the high-altitude chill of Dali. It's a massive 2,400km trek, but the scenery is unbeatable.
10days
16stops
DAY01
Sanya Phoenix Airport → Yalong Bay
Overnight in Yalong Bay
- 14:00Sanya Phoenix Airport· start
- 16:30Yalong Bay· overnight
Island Flavors
- Coconut Chicken · Sweet, fresh, and light. The ultimate Sanya welcome meal.
- Hainan Rice Noodles · Grab a bowl at a local stall for a quick, savory lunch.
Day 1 Budget
- SUV Rental (10 days)
- $850
- Beachfront Hotel
- $120
DAY02
Nanshan Temple → Luhuitou Park
Overnight in Luhuitou Park
- 09:00Nanshan Temple· start
- 17:00Luhuitou Park· overnight
Dinner Spot
- Seafood Feast · Head to the First Market for the freshest catch of the day.
Entry Fees
- Nanshan Entry
- $22
DAY03
Haikou Port → Zhanjiang City
Overnight in Zhanjiang City
- 11:00Haikou Port· start
- 18:00Zhanjiang City· overnight
Mainland Eats
- Zhanjiang Chicken · Famous across China for being incredibly tender and flavorful.
Transit Costs
- Car Ferry Ticket
- $60
DAY04
Yangshuo West Street
Overnight in Yangshuo West Street
- 17:00Yangshuo West Street
Yangshuo Dinner
- Beer Fish · Yangshuo's signature dish. Savory, spicy, and totally worth it.
Road Budget
- Gas & Tolls
- $75
DAY05
Xingping Town → 20 Yuan Note Spot
Overnight in 20 Yuan Note Spot
- 09:00Xingping Town· start
- 11:0020 Yuan Note Spot· overnight
Local Eats
- Guilin Rice Noodles · Eat it like a local: dry first, then add the broth.
Activities
- Raft Trip
- $35
DAY06
Guiyang City
Overnight in Guiyang City
- 17:30Guiyang City
Spicy Stops
- Sour Fish Soup · Guizhou's spicy and sour masterpiece. Wakes up the senses.
Fuel
- Gas
- $50
DAY07
Kunming City
Overnight in Kunming City
- 18:00Kunming City
Yunnan Arrival
- Crossing the Bridge Noodles · A Yunnan classic. Huge bowl, tons of toppings.
Transport
- Flight to Dali
- $150
DAY08
Dali Ancient City
Overnight in Dali Ancient City
- 15:00Dali Ancient City
Sweet Treats
- Rose Petal Jam · Sweet, floral, and great on local bread.
Driving Costs
- Gas
- $20
DAY09
Xizhou Ancient Town → Shuanglang Village
Overnight in Shuanglang Village
- 10:00Xizhou Ancient Town· start
- 14:30Shuanglang Village· overnight
Roadside Snacks
- Xizhou Baba · Crispy, savory pancakes. Get the one with minced pork.
Entry Fees
- Cable Car
- $30
DAY10
Cangshan Cable Car → Dali Airport
- 09:30Cangshan Cable Car· start
- 15:00Dali Airport
Final Meal
- Wild Mushroom Hotpot · The ultimate Yunnan farewell meal. Earthy and rich.
Shopping
- Souvenirs
- $50
Heads Up
- Day 3: 7h driving — plan rest stops
- Day 4: 6h driving — plan rest stops
- Day 6: 5.5h driving — plan rest stops
- Day 7: 6.5h driving — plan rest stops
- Book the car ferry in advance
- Expect high tolls on mountain highways
- Check car for high-altitude performance