8-Day Yunnan Discovery Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La
Journey Overview
This 8-day journey takes you through Yunnan’s remarkable landscapes – from the Stone Forest’s karst pinnacles to Erhai Lake, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the highlands of Shangri-La. Explore ancient towns, experience hands-on crafts, and travel comfortably by bullet train between destinations, accompanied by English-speaking guides on all sightseeing days.
Journey Highlights
- Walk among the towering limestone formations of UNESCO-listed Stone Forest and learn Pu‑er tea‑steeping skills in Kunming.
- Cruise Erhai Lake, visit Nanzhao Folk Island, and explore the ancient streets of Dali and Lijiang.
- Ride the Glacier Park cable car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, then discover Tibetan culture at Songzanlin Monastery and Dukezong Ancient Town.
Detailed Itinerary
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize every detail according to your interests and schedule.
Arrival in Kunming
Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport, where your driver will meet you for a private transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore nearby.
Stone Forest & Kunming City Highlights
Morning: Visit Stone Forest Scenic Area and walk among its spectacular karst formations.
Afternoon: Return to Kunming. Explore Green Lake Park and Kunming Old Street. Join an included Pu‑er tea‑tasting & tea‑making workshop – learn basic steeping skills and sample different brews.
Dali Ideal State, Erhai Lake Cruise & Dali Ancient City
Morning: Transfer to Kunming South Railway Station and take a bullet train (second class) to Dali. Visit Dali Ideal State, known for its Mediterranean‑inspired architecture and panoramic views over Erhai Lake.
Afternoon: Cruise across Erhai Lake and visit Nanzhao Folk Island. Afterwards, explore Dali Ancient City before checking in at your hotel.
Evening: Enjoy an included signature dinner: Yunnan Cross‑Bridge Rice Noodle feast.
Lijiang Ancient Town, Mufu Palace, Tie-Dye Workshop & Shuhe Ancient Town
Morning: Take a bullet train (second class) from Dali to Lijiang. Explore Lijiang Ancient Town – visit Mufu Palace and Sifang Street. Join a traditional tie‑dye workshop and take home your handmade creation.
Afternoon: Continue to Shuhe Ancient Town, discovering its Naxi culture, historic architecture and local crafts.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Glacier Park, Impression Lijiang & Blue Moon Valley
Morning: Ride the Glacier Park cable car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (subject to weather and ticket availability) – enjoy spectacular views of surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Afternoon: Watch the outdoor performance Impression Lijiang, set against the mountain backdrop. Visit Blue Moon Valley’s turquoise lakes, then continue to Baisha Ancient Town to see its historic murals and local crafts.
Note: Glacier Park cable car operation depends on weather and official availability; alternative arrangements may be offered if cancelled.
Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge & Dukezong Ancient Town
Morning: Drive to Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge. Walk along the developed canyon paths overlooking the Jinsha River and Tiger‑Leaping Rock.
Afternoon: Continue to Shangri‑La (approx. 3,300m elevation). Explore Dukezong Ancient Town, Moonlight Square, Guishan Park and the Giant Prayer Wheel – one of the world’s largest.
Songzanlin Monastery & Local Market
Morning: Visit Songzanlin Monastery – explore the Treasure Exhibition Hall, prayer halls and traditional Tibetan architecture. Dress respectfully when entering temple areas.
Afternoon: Browse a local market for handicrafts and regional produce.
Evening: Take a bullet train (second class) from Shangri‑La to Kunming (late evening arrival). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Departure from Kunming
Private transfer to Kunming Changshui International Airport, arriving approximately three hours before an international flight or two hours before a domestic flight.
Journey Inclusions & Exclusions
- Transportation: Private transfers and sightseeing transportation.
- Guide: English-speaking guides on sightseeing days; driver-only service on transfer-only days.
- Entrance Fees & Activities: Entrance fees and activities listed in the itinerary.
- Accommodation: Seven nights in selected three-star hotels, twin/double sharing.
- Meals: Seven hotel breakfasts and 1 Yunnan-style dinner.
- Bullet Trains: Second-class tickets for Kunming–Dali, Dali–Lijiang and Shangri-La–Kunming.
- Other Services: Travel insurance, daily bottled water, service fees and taxes.
- Meals: Lunches and dinners.
- In-Park Transportation: In-park transportation unless specified as included.
- Flights & Visas: International flights and visa fees.
- Personal Expenses: Personal purchases and other individual expenses.
- Single Room: Single-room supplement.
- Other Items: Anything not listed under Price Includes.