Day 1: Kunming Arrival
Attractions & Activities: Green Lake Park, Nanqiang Pedestrian Street
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: None
Upon arrival in Kunming, known as the “Spring City” for its year-round mild climate, we’ll pick you up at airport/train station and transferred you to your hotel for check-in. After a short rest, begin your Yunnan journey with a leisurely stroll around Green Lake Park, a peaceful urban oasis beloved by locals. The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons—emerald waters in summer, golden ginkgo leaves in autumn, and flocks of red-billed seagulls in winter—creating postcard-perfect views at every turn.
In the evening, wander through Nanqiang Pedestrian Street, where the aromas of Yunnan cuisine fill the air. Sample local specialties such as Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles and grilled delights while soaking up the lively atmosphere. Your guide will gladly recommend hidden food gems and local favorites, giving you your first true taste of Yunnan culture.
Day 2: Kunming–Dali
Attractions & Activities: Stone Forest, Dali Old Town
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, journey to the spectacular Stone Forest, a UNESCO-listed karst wonder formed over 270 million years ago. Towering limestone pillars rise dramatically from the earth like a petrified forest, creating a maze of stone peaks, hidden caves, tranquil lakes and winding paths. As you explore this geological masterpiece, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into another world shaped by time itself.
Later, return to Kunming and board a high-speed train to Dali, where history and romance await. Upon arrival, explore Dali Old Town, once the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. Stroll beneath its imposing city gates, admire traditional Bai-style houses, and wander cobbled streets filled with handicrafts, cafés, and mountain views framed by the majestic Cangshan Range.
Day 3: Dali
Attractions & Activities: Three Pagodas, Shuanglang Old Town, Dali Santorini
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast
Begin your day at the iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, the timeless symbol of Dali. Standing gracefully for over a millennium, these elegant pagodas reflect beautifully against the serene backdrop of Cangshan Mountain. Explore the temple grounds and enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Erhai Lake.
Continue to Shuanglang, a charming lakeside town nestled along the northeastern shores of Erhai Lake. With fishing boats drifting across crystal waters and traditional Bai houses lining the shoreline, Shuanglang offers a tranquil escape infused with local character.
Later, visit Dali Ideal State, often nicknamed “Santorini of China.” Whitewashed buildings cascade along the hillside overlooking Erhai Lake, creating a dreamy Mediterranean atmosphere. Enjoy afternoon tea while gazing across shimmering waters and distant mountains.
Day 4: Dali–Lijiang
Attractions & Activities: Fengyangyi Village, Flower Sea Photography, Xizhou Town, Zhoucheng Village (tie-dye experience), Lijiang Old Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, revisit the ancient charm of Dali before heading to Fengyangyi, a historic village along the Tea Horse Road and filming location of the popular drama Meet Yourself. Its quiet lanes and traditional courtyards preserve the soul of old Yunnan.
Continue to a Flower Sea Photography Base, where vibrant blossoms create a dreamlike setting. Dress in traditional ethnic costumes for memorable photos amidst colorful fields and mountain scenery.
In Xizhou, admire well-preserved Bai mansions adorned with intricate carvings and painted gates. Nearly 80% of the buildings here are centuries old, offering a vivid glimpse into Bai architectural artistry. Continue to Zhoucheng Village, the “Home to Bai Tie-Dye,” where you’ll experience this centuries-old craft firsthand, learning the symbolism of its signature indigo and white patterns.
After that, head to Lijiang and explore the enchanting Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 800 years of history. Lantern-lit canals, stone bridges and wooden houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties create an atmosphere of timeless romance!
Day 5: Lijiang
Attractions & Activities: Ganhaizi Meadow, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Glacier Park Cableway, Blue Moon Valley, Impression Lijiang Show, Baisha Old Town & Baisha Murals
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast
This day, ascend the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred peak of the Naxi people. Ride the Glacier Park Cableway high into the alpine world, where snow-capped summits pierce the sky and crisp mountain air refreshes the spirit. Ganhaizi Meadow stretches below like a green carpet framed by dramatic peaks.
Descend to the breathtaking Blue Moon Valley, where turquoise waters shimmer beneath the mountain’s reflection. On sunny days, the crescent-shaped valley glows in surreal shades of blue, resembling a fallen sapphire.
Later, enjoy the spectacular outdoor performance Impression Lijiang Show, showcasing local ethnic culture against the backdrop of the snow mountain, and then explore Baisha Old Town and its ancient murals, offering an insight into early Naxi culture.
Day 6: Lijiang – Shangri-La
Attractions & Activities: the First Bend of Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Ancient Town
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast
Drive toward the legendary land of Shangri-La, stopping at the dramatic First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the mighty river makes a spectacular turn amid sweeping mountain scenery.
Continue along Dianzang Road to the awe-inspiring Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world with its Upper Trail rated as one of the "Top 10 Classic Trekking Routes in the world". At Tiger Leaping Gorge, feel the thunderous power of the Jinsha River as it surges through towering cliffs.
Afterwards, move forward to Dukezong Ancient Town, also known as “Moonlight City”, and spin the giant prayer wheel for blessings beneath the Tibetan sky.
Day 7: Shangri-La
Attractions & Activities: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park (Potatso National Park)
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast
Visit the magnificent Songzanlin Monastery, often called the “Little Potala Palace”. Explore its mysterious halls and discover precious Tibetan Buddhist cultural relics, including gilded statues, palm-leaf scripts, thangkas (religious tapestries) and golden lamps. In the sunlight, its golden rooftops gleam against the mountain backdrop as monks chant within sacred halls filled with thangkas, statues and ancient scriptures.
Later, explore Pudacuo National Park, where pristine lakes, dense forests, and alpine meadows create a serene natural sanctuary. The crisp plateau air and unspoiled landscapes offer a peaceful retreat into nature.
Day 8: Shangri-La – Feilai Temple
Attractions & Activities: Benzilan Town, Moon Bend of Jinsha River, Dongzhulin Monastery, Baima Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Feilai Temple
Meals: Breakfast
Travel to Deqin County (at an altitude of some 3400 m) through the dramatic landscapes of Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve. Stop at Benzilan to admire the Moon Bend of the Jinsha River and visit Dongzhulin Monastery, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and quiet Tibetan villages.
Arrive at Feilai Temple, the gateway to Meili Snow Mountain, where towering snow peaks rise into the clouds.
Day 9: Feilai Temple – Shangri-La
Attractions & Activities: Feilai Temple, Sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain, Balagezong
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast
Rise before dawn to witness the magical sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain, as golden light gradually illuminates its sacred peaks. This unforgettable moment is considered one of the most breathtaking sunrises in China.
Return toward Shangri-La and explore Balagezong Scenic Area, part of the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage region. Dramatic canyons, snow mountains, forests, and Tibetan culture combine to create a landscape of raw, untamed beauty.
Day 10: Shangri-La Departure
Attractions & Activities: None
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer you to Shangri-La Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey. You may take a short flight or high-speed train back to Kunming to connect to your next destination.
Your unforgettable Yunnan adventure will then conclude, leaving you with lasting memories of ancient towns, vibrant ethnic cultures, snow-capped mountains and other breathtaking natural wonders.
