Yunnan, a place of poetic beauty, consistently draws numerous tourists eager to explore its stunning landscapes. This 8-day itinerary allows you to experience the unique allure of Yunnan, famous for its breathtaking natural scenery that features incredible karst formations, towering mountains, serene lakes, and rolling valleys—offering plenty of options for travel and adventure enthusiasts. As one of China’s regions rich in ethnic minority cultures, Yunnan presents a diverse cultural experience, where the vibrant traditions of various ethnic groups invite visitors to deeply engage with local customs and authentic cuisine. Whether you're wandering through tranquil ancient villages, exploring charming old towns, or reveling in the harmonious blend of nature and spirituality, visitors are bound to be enchanted. With its warm climate and welcoming atmosphere, this journey promises unforgettable experiences, showcasing the grandeur of nature and the richness of cultural heritage.
Code of Tour: SZW0000016
Length of Travel: 8 Days
Departure City: Kunming
Price of Tour: Request
Features of Tour: This classic Yunnan tour from Kunming will take you to explore the region's breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, as well as Muslim culture focused scenic spots.
Highlights
- The world's top wonder: the Stone Forest karst landscape, exploring a fantastic world made of stone.
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain:the mountain closest to the equator in the Northern Hemisphere, with a rich ecosystem.
- Tiger Leaping Gorge:one of the most famous gorges in the world, known for its steep cliffs and rushing river.
- Pudacuo National Park:visiting highland lakes, an ideal destination for exploring plateau ecology.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Kunming Arrival
- Day 2: Kunming - Dali (HSR)
- Day 3: Dali
- Day 4: Dali - Lijiang
- Day 5: Lijiang
- Day 6: Lijiang - Shangri-La
- Day 7: Shangri-La - Lijiang - Kunming (HSR)
- Day 8: Kunming Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kunming
Attractions & Activities: Arrival at Kunming, Green Lake Park, Nanqiang Pedestrian StreetAccommodation: Kunming
Meals: None
Upon your arrival at Kunming, staff will arrange a vehicle to take you to your designated hotel for check-in. You will visit Green Lake Park (approximately 1 hour) – the scenery varies with each season. After that, explore Nanqiang Pedestrian Street (approximately 1 hour) – enjoy tasting local snacks of Kunming and experience the charm of the "Spring City." You can also ask the tour guide any questions you may have about the attractions and food.
Day 2: Kunming - Dali (HSR)
Attractions & Activities: Stone Forest, Dali Ancient TownAccommodation: Dali Ancient Town
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
After breakfast at the hotel, head to the Stone Forest Scenic Area (approx. 3 hours). The karst landscape formed approximately 270 million years ago, with remarkable stones, waterfalls, streams, and caves attracting many photography enthusiasts. After the tour, return to Kunming and travel to Dali by HSR. Check in the hotel after you arrive at Dali and have a good rest.
Day 3: Dali
Attractions & Activities: Shuanglang Ancient Town, Dali "Santorini", Dali Ancient TownAccommodation: Dali Ancient Town
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
isit Shuanglang Ancient Town (approximately 1.5 hours), located at the northeast end of Dali City on the northeastern shore of Erhai Lake. Shuanglang is surrounded by the islands of Jinsuo and Yuji, with Luoshi Mountain to the north and Lianhua Mountain to the south, giving it the name Shuanglang. Next, explore Dali "Santorini" (approximately 2 hours), a tourism and resort town backed by Cangshan Mountain and facing Erhai Lake. Dali "Santorini" is known for its mysterious and romantic architectural style, earning the title of "China's Santorini." You can enjoy afternoon tea here. Then explore Dali Ancient Town (approximately 2 hours), which was the capital of the ancient Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. The city gates are tall and solid, and you can still sense the ancient charm of bygone homes on the streets.
Day 4: Dali - Lijiang
Attractions & Activities: Fengyangyi Ancient Village, the Flower Sea Photography Base,Xizhou, Zhoucheng Tie-Dye ExperienceAccommodation: Lijiang Ancient Town
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
After breakfast, visit Fengyang Yi (approx. 1 hour), an ancient village that tells historical stories away from the city's hustle and bustle. Then head to the Flower Sea Photography Base (Minority Nationality Costume Photography) (approximately 1.5 hours), where you can escape the busy city life and enjoy the perfect combination of plants, flowers, and gardening in a relaxing atmosphere in Dali. Next, visit Xizhou Ancient Town (approximately 1.5 hours), which preserves a large number of Bai ethnic residences, full of rich Bai cultural atmosphere. About 80% of the buildings in Xizhou Ancient Town are ancient structures, with each house having a history of over a hundred years. Proceed to Zhoucheng (approximately 2 hours) for a tie-dyeing experience, known as the "Home of Bai Tie-Dye." The tie-dyeing in Dali mainly features white and indigo colors, where white symbolizes auspiciousness and indigo represents hope, simplicity, and sincerity. Then move to Lijiang by car and check-in the hotel.
Day 5: Lijiang
Attractions & Activities:Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Glacier Park Ropeway, Blue Moon Valley (including battery car ), Impressions Lijiang, Baisha Murals, Baisha Ancient Town.Accommodation: Lijiang Ancient Town
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Depart at the scheduled time to visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area. Take the Glacier Park Ropeway (approximately 3 hours tour time) to fully enjoy the stunning scenery of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This location is not only a paradise for nature lovers but also a wonderland for cultural explorers. Afterward, proceed to Blue Moon Valley (including electric cart, approximately 1 hour tour time). On sunny days, the water appears blue, and the valley has a crescent shape, resembling a blue moon nestled at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, hence the name Blue Moon Valley. Watch the performance Impressions Lijiang - Snow Mountain Edition (if there are adjustments to the performance schedule leading to a conflict preventing ‘Impressions Lijiang’ from being viewed, it will be replaced with ‘Lijiang Eternal Love’). Baisha Ancient Town (approximately 1 hour tour time) is the birthplace of the Naxi culture, preserving much of the original Naxi traditions. The ancient buildings and winding alleys narrate the history of Baisha. The Baisha Murals (approximately 1 hour tour time) are renowned for their unique painting style, representing one of the expressions of Lijiang's diverse culture.
Day 6: Lijiang - Shangri-La
Attractions & Activities: First Bend of the Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge (including escalator), Sumtsenling MonasteryAccommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
After breakfast, travel to the disappearing horizon of Shangri-La, stopping at the First Bend of the Yangtze River (approximately 30 minutes for sightseeing) to take photos. Next, continue along the Dali-Tibet Road to the world-famous gorge, Tiger Leaping Gorge (including escalator, approximately 2 hours for sightseeing), the longest canyon of the Yangtze River, named for the legendary sight of a tiger leaping across the Jinsha River. . After that, visit Songzanlin Monastery (approximately 3 hours), built on a mountainside, resembling a medieval castle, and known as “the Museum of Tibetan Art.”
Day 7: Shangri-La - Lijiang - Kunming (HSR)
Attractions & Activities: Dukezong Ancient Town, Pudacuo National Forest ParkAccommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
After breakfast, head to Dukezong Ancient Town (approximately 1.5 hours visit) to tour Guishan Park and collectively spin the world's largest prayer wheel, making wishes for your family. After that, travel to Pudacuo National Forest Park (approximately 3 hours visit), a fairy-tale world free from pollution, featuring crystal-clear lakes and a bright blue sky with sceneries that change with the seasons. Then take the car to Lijiang, and departure Lijiang to Kunming by HSR, check-in the hotel after you arrive at Kunming.
Day 8: Kunming Departure
Attractions & Activities: NoneAccommodation: None
Meals: None
Departure from Kunming, end of the joyful tour.
Service Included
- Accommodation: 4 star hotels throughout the trip;
- Daily hotel breakfast;
- Excellent English speaking guide;
- 5-19 seats vehicle for transportation;
- Yunnan travel insurance package;
- Second class high speed train ticket from Kunming to Dali and Shangri-La to Kunming;
- 2 bottles of mineral water per person per day.
Service Excluded
- Lunch and dinner throughout the trip;
- International transportation for arrivals and departures;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Tips for guides and drivers (suggested: 200 RMB/group/day for guide; 150 RMB/group/day for driver);
- Travel accident insurance;
- Personal expenses;
- Single room supplements.
Group Tour Service Standards
- For groups of 2-4 people, there will be an English-speaking tour guide as driver.
- For groups of 5-10 people, there will be an English speaking tour guide and a Chinese driver.