About this Tour
Discover the cultural richness and natural beauty of Yunnan on this 7-day journey from Kunming to Lijiang. Explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, experience Kunming’s cultural heritage and the acclaimed Dynamic Yunnan show, and continue through Dali, Xizhou, and Shaxi to discover Bai traditions, ancient towns, tea culture, and traditional tie-dyeing. In Lijiang, encounter distinctive Naxi heritage before exploring the alpine scenery of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley. The journey concludes at Lashihai Wetland, offering a beautifully balanced introduction to Yunnan’s landscapes, local cultures, and historic Tea-Horse Road heritage.
About Yunnan
Yunnan is one of China’s most diverse provinces, a meeting point of dramatic landscapes and ethnic cultures in the country’s far southwest. This journey moves through the limestone pinnacles of the Stone Forest, the old Bai and Naxi towns of Dali and Lijiang, and the alpine heights of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, following stretches of the ancient Tea-Horse Road that once carried trade between Yunnan and Tibet. It is a side of China far from the imperial north, shaped by mountains, minority traditions, and centuries of exchange.
Moments from this Tour
What’s Included
- Transportation: High-speed trains or optional domestic flights, and luxury coach
- Lodging: 4-5 Star Hotels and Cultural boutique inns
- Meals: Every full itinerary day will include 3 meals. Arrival and departure will differ
- Activities and Tickets: All listed entrance fees and guided experiences as specified in the itinerary
- Tour Guide: English-speaking tour guide
What’s Excluded
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- All personal expenses, optional self-paid activities and any items or attraction tickets not mentioned in the “included” section
- Tour guide gratuities (recommended 10%)
- Trip and cancellation insurance (highly recommended)
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Single supplement
- International flights and airport taxes
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kunming – Stone Forest
In the morning, arrive at Kunming Changshui Airport and begin your Yunnan journey with a visit to the iconic Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Here, you will see trees and natural monoliths side by side. We will then enjoy a local specialty lunch: Yiliang Roast Duck. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel for check-in and time to get settled.
Day 2: Kunming Cultural Tour + Dynamic Yunnan Show
In the morning, visit the Kunming City Museum, known for its contemporary art collection. We will also visit the Yunnan Military Academy, established as one of the three major military academies of the late Qing Dynasty. After lunch, visit intangible cultural heritage workshops to learn about Tang Grass paper art and traditional rubbing techniques. In the evening, enjoy the acclaimed Dynamic Yunnan show.
Day 3: Kunming – Dali
Before departing Kunming, visit the Beijing Road Catholic Church, a historic landmark reflecting the city’s cultural diversity. Afterwards, travel to Dali. Upon arrival, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, including the electric shuttle, followed by Dali Ancient Town and Foreigner’s Street. Later, enjoy a leisurely walk through the old town while experiencing the distinctive culture and cuisine of the Bai ethnic group.
Day 4: Dali – Xizhou – Shaxi
Spend the morning visiting Xizhou Ancient Town, exploring the Turning Corner Building and the Ancient Banyan Tree, and witnessing a traditional three-course tea ceremony. Enjoy lunch in Xizhou featuring Bai ethnic cuisine. In the afternoon, take part in a Bai tie-dyeing experience in Zhoucheng Village. Afterwards, continue to Shaxi and enjoy free time to explore the ancient town.
Day 5: Shaxi – Lijiang
In the morning, explore Shaxi Ancient Town, including Xingjiao Temple, Four-Square Street, the Ancient Theater Stage, Yujin Bridge, and the South Gate. After lunch, drive to Lijiang, where you will discover elements of Naxi cultural heritage in Lijiang Ancient Town, including Dongba script writing, Naxi embroidery, and traditional Naxi wedding customs.
Day 6: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Blue Moon Valley
Spend the day exploring Jade Dragon Snow Mountain National Park. Ascend by Glacier Cable Car, or Spruce Meadow Cable Car during peak season subject to local arrangements, and enjoy the spectacular alpine scenery and mountain landscapes. In the afternoon, visit Blue Moon Valley, known for its striking turquoise waters and beautiful natural surroundings.
Day 7: Lashihai Wetland – Departure
In the morning, visit Lashihai Wetland Park and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings of this scenic area along the ancient Tea-Horse Road. Afterwards, transfer to Lijiang Airport according to your flight schedule for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Itinerary Note: To ensure the best possible travel experience, the order of visits and daily arrangements may be adjusted by the guide based on local conditions, travel time, visitor traffic, weather, and operational considerations. All key included experiences will be arranged as appropriately as possible throughout the journey.