Discover Yunnan in Eight Days
Kunming · Dali · Lijiang · Shangri-La
Highlights
- Explore a World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site
- Immersive experiences of diverse ethnic cultures
- Take in snow mountains, lakes, and plateau landscapes all in one journey
- Old-town bustle and sunset over lakes and mountains
- Gradual altitude changes, well-suited to international visitors
- A collection of authentic Yunnan cuisine
Price includes
- Each city is equipped with a dedicated air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking driver
- Each city includes a licensed English-speaking guide
- All attraction admission tickets included
- Four-star hotels with daily breakfast
- List of intercity flights and trains
- 24×7 support hotline throughout the trip
Price excludes
- International round-trip flights to and from China
- China visa fees
- Personal expenses, guide / driver gratuities
- Lunches and dinners to be confirmed
- Travel insurance
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kunming |
| 2 | Stone Forest World Natural Heritage Site |
| 3 | Kunming → Dali |
| 4 | Dali in Depth → Onward to Lijiang |
| 5 | Jade Dragon Snow Mountain + Blue Moon Valley (Essential Must-See) |
| 6 | Lijiang → Shangri-La |
| 7 | A Day of Tibetan Culture |
| 8 | Shangri-La → Lijiang / Kunming, return journey |
Itinerary
1Arrive in Kunming
Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport KMG, meet your airport transfer, and check in to your hotel.
Pause at Dianchi Lake to admire the shimmering water and reflected clouds, stroll through Kunming Old Street to experience its vibrant local life, and soak up the Spring City’s uniquely laid-back atmosphere.
2Stone Forest World Natural Heritage Site
Spend the entire day exploring the Stone Forest, a World Natural Heritage site, wandering among its extraordinary karst rock formations and discovering the moving ethnic legend of Ashima of the Yi people。
Return to Kunming and, if you wish, stroll through the Flower and Bird Market for an immersive taste of the city’s vibrant local life。
3Kunming → Dali
Visit Dali’s iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, wander through Dali Ancient Town, and take a leisurely stroll along the western shore of Erhai Lake
Experience authentic Bai Three-Course Tea and quietly await sunset as it bathes Erhai Lake in a sea of rosy light.
4Dali in Depth → Onward to Lijiang
Stroll through Xizhou Ancient Town, experience the Bai ethnic group’s intangible cultural heritage of tie-dyeing in Zhoucheng, and immerse yourself in the idyllic scenery of the rice fields.
In the afternoon, take the high-speed train to Lijiang, explore the World Heritage Site of Lijiang Ancient Town, and leisurely wander around Sifang Street.
5Jade Dragon Snow Mountain + Blue Moon Valley (Essential Must-See)
Ascend to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Park and stroll along the mountain boardwalk for an up-close experience of the glacier’s magnificent grandeur.
⚠️Reserve the Glacier Park cableway ticket in advance; bring a thick jacket and an oxygen canister; if you feel unwell, do not force yourself to take the cableway—the Blue Moon Valley at the foot of the mountain is equally stunning
Explore Blue Moon Valley and stroll along the lakeside trail to admire its emerald waters, formed by melting glacier runoff.
6Lijiang → Shangri-La
Travel via the First Bend of the Yangtze River and admire the magnificent Great Bend of the Jinsha River; arrive at Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge and enjoy an easy visit from the viewing platform, taking in the breathtaking power of the surging canyon waters up close.
Arrive in Shangri-La on the snow-covered plateau and stay in the thousand-year-old Dukezong Ancient Town. Ascend to Moonlight Square and turn the world’s largest prayer wheel, immersing yourself in the rich traditions of Tibetan folk culture.
⚠️Arrive at 3300m; walk as little as possible on the first day, strictly avoid alcohol, and rest early to prevent altitude sickness.
7A Day of Tibetan Culture
Visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, explore this ancient highland monastery, and gain an in-depth understanding of Tibetan beliefs and folk culture.
Visit Pudacuo National Park, travel through its hidden landscapes by sightseeing bus, stroll along gentle wooden boardwalks, and admire alpine lakes, primeval forests, and highland meadows amid pristine plateau scenery.
Return to Dukezong Ancient Town, savor authentic Tibetan flavors, and enjoy butter tea and steaming yak hot pot.
8Shangri-La → Lijiang / Kunming, return journey
Depending on your flight schedule: fly from Shangri-La, or travel by road back to Lijiang / Kunming, depart from the airport, and conclude the journey