About this Tour
Designed for travelers interested in cultural discovery, hands-on experiences, and scenic landscapes, this 7-day journey offers an in-depth introduction to the distinctive traditions of Yunnan. The tour begins in Kunming, with opportunities to visit the Stone Forest and experience the acclaimed Dynamic Yunnan performance before continuing west toward Dali and Shaxi.
Along the way, explore Bai culture in Dali, Xizhou, and Zhoucheng through a traditional three-course tea ceremony, Bai-style cuisine, and a hands-on tie-dyeing experience. In Lijiang, the focus shifts to Naxi heritage, including Dongba script, Naxi embroidery, and traditional wedding customs. The journey is balanced with some of Yunnan’s most memorable natural scenery, from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley to the peaceful wetlands of Lashihai.
4CanGo Small Group Program
Our 4CanGo departures are confirmed to operate as soon as four guests are booked, with a maximum of ten travelers per departure. Once the minimum is met, your trip goes ahead, so you can plan with confidence and enjoy the attentive pace that only a small group allows.
Online booking is set up for parties of four or more. If you are traveling solo or with a group of three or fewer, please contact us and we will arrange your booking directly. We are glad to build flexible arrangements around your preferred dates, group size, and travel style.
Quality of service is our priority. Every Horizon itinerary is planned by a team led by a founder with more than 20 years in the travel industry, specializing in both U.S. national park tours and international travel. We are committed to delivering a personalized and memorable journey.
About Yunnan
Yunnan is one of China’s most diverse provinces, a meeting point of varied landscapes and ethnic cultures in the country’s far southwest. For centuries it was crossed by the Tea-Horse Road, a network of trade routes that carried tea, horses, and goods between Yunnan, Tibet, and beyond. 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
- Accommodation: 6 nights in selected five-star hotels and distinctive boutique properties with local character, as listed in the itinerary or equivalent-standard properties, based on twin/double occupancy.
- Meals: Daily breakfast and other meals as listed in the itinerary, with complimentary bottled drinking water provided daily.
- Transfers and Transportation: Scheduled arrival transfer in Kunming and departure transfer in Lijiang, high-speed rail from Kunming to Dali, and air-conditioned ground transportation for scheduled sightseeing and other intercity transfers.
- Guides: Professional English-speaking guides for scheduled sightseeing.
- Included Sightseeing & Signature Experiences: Entrance fees and guided experiences as specified in the itinerary, including:
- Kunming: Complimentary arrival-day visit to the Stone Forest; Kunming City Museum; Yunnan Military Academy; Tang Grass paper art and traditional rubbing experiences; Dynamic Yunnan cultural performance; and Beijing Road Catholic Church.
- Dali, Xizhou & Zhoucheng: Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, including electric shuttle; Dali Ancient Town and Foreigner’s Street; Xizhou Ancient Town; traditional Bai three-course tea ceremony; Bai-style lunch; and Bai tie-dyeing experience in Zhoucheng Village.
- Shaxi: Shaxi Ancient Town, including Xingjiao Temple, Four-Square Street, the Ancient Theater Stage, Yujin Bridge, and the South Gate.
- Lijiang: Lijiang Ancient Town and scheduled Naxi cultural experiences, including Dongba script, Naxi embroidery, and traditional Naxi wedding customs.
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Blue Moon Valley: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain National Park with Glacier Cable Car, or Spruce Meadow Cable Car during peak season subject to local arrangements; and Blue Moon Valley.
- Lashihai Wetland: Lashihai Wetland Park and its Tea-Horse Road landscape.
- Complimentary Stone Forest Visit: The Stone Forest visit is offered on the arrival day for guests whose flight schedules allow sufficient time. If the visit cannot be accommodated due to flight schedules, delays, or other arrival-related circumstances, no refund or substitute activity will apply, as the visit is offered on a complimentary basis.
What’s Excluded
- International airfare and related airport taxes
- Meals and beverages not listed in the itinerary
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses, optional activities, and any services or attraction tickets not specifically listed in the What’s Included section
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Single-room supplement
- Visa fees, if applicable
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kunming – Complimentary Stone Forest Visit
Upon arrival in Kunming, meet your local representative and begin your Yunnan journey.
Guests arriving with sufficient time may choose to enjoy a complimentary visit to the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before transferring to the hotel. This arrival-day experience is offered subject to individual flight schedules and available time.
In the evening, guests whose arrival schedules permit will join a welcome dinner with the guide and fellow travelers.
Day 2: Kunming Cultural Tour + Dynamic Yunnan Show
Begin the day with visits to Kunming City Museum and the Yunnan Military Academy, offering an introduction to the city’s cultural and historical heritage.
In the afternoon, take part in traditional cultural workshops featuring Tang Grass paper art and rubbing techniques, with opportunities to learn about these local craft traditions.
In the evening, enjoy the acclaimed Dynamic Yunnan performance, showcasing the music, dance, and ethnic traditions of Yunnan.
Day 3: Kunming – Dali
Begin the day with a visit to Beijing Road Catholic Church, a historic landmark reflecting Kunming’s cultural diversity.
Afterwards, travel to Dali by high-speed rail. Upon arrival, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, including the electric shuttle, followed by Dali Ancient Town and Foreigner’s Street.
Later, explore the old town at a relaxed pace and gain an introduction to the distinctive culture and cuisine of the Bai ethnic group.
Day 4: Dali – Xizhou – Shaxi
Spend the morning exploring Xizhou Ancient Town, including the Turning Corner Building and the Ancient Banyan Tree, and experience a traditional Bai three-course tea ceremony. Enjoy a Bai-style lunch in Xizhou before continuing to Zhoucheng Village for a hands-on Bai tie-dyeing experience.
Afterwards, travel to Shaxi and enjoy free time to explore the ancient town at your own pace. Dinner is included this evening.
Day 5: Shaxi – Lijiang
Begin the day in Shaxi Ancient Town, once an important stop along the historic Tea-Horse Road. Explore Xingjiao Temple, Four-Square Street, the Ancient Theater Stage, Yujin Bridge, and the South Gate, which together reflect the town’s long trading history and well-preserved character.
After lunch, continue to Lijiang. In Lijiang Ancient Town, discover the cultural traditions of the Naxi people through introductions to Dongba script, Naxi embroidery, and traditional wedding customs, offering a deeper look at one of Yunnan’s most distinctive ethnic cultures.
Day 6: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Blue Moon Valley
Travel into Jade Dragon Snow Mountain National Park, one of Yunnan’s most striking alpine landscapes. Ascend by Glacier Cable Car, or by Spruce Meadow Cable Car during peak season subject to local arrangements, for sweeping views across the mountain scenery.
Later, continue to Blue Moon Valley, where vivid turquoise waters and the dramatic mountain backdrop create one of the region’s most memorable natural settings.
Day 7: Lashihai Wetland – Departure
On your final morning, visit Lashihai Wetland Park, a peaceful landscape associated with the historic Tea-Horse Road. Enjoy time amid the wetland scenery before returning to Lijiang.
After the visit, transfer to Lijiang Airport according to your flight schedule for your onward journey.
Horseback riding or boating at Lashihai Wetland Park may be arranged at your own expense.
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.
Scheduled Departure Dates
Select a year below to view currently scheduled small-group departure dates.
2026 7 departures
September
October
November
December
2027 18 departures
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2028 18 departures
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Scheduled departures are subject to availability and final operational confirmation. Additional departure dates may be available on request.
Accommodation Selection
Hotels are selected for their location, facilities, service standards, and overall guest experience, rather than by formal star classification alone. Star ratings, where referenced, follow local standards and are provided for general reference only. Hotel assignments are finalized for each departure based on availability and operational requirements, with selections made to maintain the intended level of comfort and overall guest experience.
Age Requirements
Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult responsible for their supervision and well-being throughout the tour. All travelers should be able to safely and comfortably participate in the itinerary.