8 Days & 7 Nights Yunnan Tour: Kunming – Dali – Shangri-La – Lijiang

Arrive in Kunming, the Spring City. You will be met by private transfer and check into the hotel. If you arrive early, wander Kunming Old Street, stroll through ancient brick alleys to soak up local life, and stop at Jinma Biji Archway to savour the timeless charm of the Spring City amid shifting light and shadow.

Head to the Stone Forest in the morning. Wander among forest-like karst peaks and marvel at grand landforms carved by nature over millions of years. Then take the high-speed train to Dali. When dusk falls, explore Dali Ancient Town at night and feel the gentle evening breeze of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom along stone-paved lanes.

Visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple in the morning, tracing Dali’s thousand-year history amid ancient pagodas and Buddhist chants. Travel to Xizhou Ancient Town to admire Bai folk houses and idyllic rural scenery. Try the intangible heritage tie-dye craft in Zhoucheng and make your own small scarf. Then cycle or walk along the Erhai Ecological Corridor to embrace the open views of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake.

Travel north to the highland secret land. Visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, known as the “Little Potala Palace”, and listen to soothing Tibetan Buddhist chants. Roam Dukezong Moonlight Ancient Town, climb Guishan Park and turn the giant prayer wheel to make sincere wishes in the highland breeze.

Travel towards Lijiang with a stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge. Take the escalator to overlook the surging Jinsha River crashing against rocks and witness the mighty power of the gorge rapids. Upon arrival, visit Black Dragon Pool Park to enjoy reflections of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. In the evening, freely explore Lijiang Ancient Town and Sifang Square, immersed in the night vibe of the Naxi ancient town.

Take the large cable car up to the 4680-metre Glacier Park of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and get close to ancient glaciers. Walk around Blue Moon Valley to see its crystal-clear turquoise water, and watch the outdoor live show set against the snow mountain backdrop. Afterwards, visit Yushui Village and the quiet Shuhe Ancient Town, savouring the lingering tranquility of the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

Take the high-speed train back to Kunming. Relax at Green Lake Park and enjoy the harmony of lake water and green trees. Visit the Yunnan Military Academy to learn about its extraordinary past within the century-old yellow building. The rest of the day is free for you to unwind and experience the laid-back lifestyle of the Spring City.

Enjoy breakfast at leisure. You will be transferred to the airport according to your flight schedule. This scenic and cultural journey across Yunnan comes to a perfect end.