Day 1: Arrival in Kunming
Attractions & Activities: free activities
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: None
Arrive in Kunming, known as the "Spring City" for its pleasant climate year-round. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from your journey or explore the surroundings at your own pace.
Day 2: Kunming-Dali
Attractions & Activities: the Stone Forest, Green Lake Park, Flowers and Birds Market
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, visit the spectacular Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring dramatic limestone formations shaped by nature over millions of years. Later, enjoy a leisurely walk around Green Lake Park, followed by a visit to the lively Flowers and Birds Market, where local life comes alive. In the evening, take a high-speed train to Dali
Day 3: Dali
Attractions & Activities: the Three Pagodas, Dali Old Town, Foreigner's Street, Ancient City Wall
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast
This day, you will explore the highlights of Dali. Visit the iconic Three Pagodas, a symbol of the region’s Buddhist heritage. Continue to Dali Old Town, strolling along its cobbled streets and Foreigner’s Street, once a gathering place for travelers from around the world. Admire the preserved Ancient City Wall, reflecting the city’s long history.
Day 3: Dali
Attractions & Activities: the Three Pagodas, Dali Old Town, Foreigner's Street, Ancient City Wall
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast
This day, you will explore the highlights of Dali. Visit the iconic Three Pagodas, a symbol of the region’s Buddhist heritage. Continue to Dali Old Town, strolling along its cobbled streets and Foreigner’s Street, once a gathering place for travelers from around the world. Admire the preserved Ancient City Wall, reflecting the city’s long history.
Day 4: Dali-Lijiang
Attractions & Activities: the Xizhou Old Town, Zhoucheng Village (with tie-dye experience), Lijiang Old Town, Black Dragon Pool
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast
Visit Xizhou Old Town, famous for its Bai ethnic architecture and relaxed atmosphere. Continue to Zhoucheng Village, known for traditional Bai tie-dye craftsmanship. In the afternoon, arrive in Lijiang and explore Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Black Dragon Pool for stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and learn about the unique Dongba culture of the Naxi people.
Day 5: Lijiang
Attractions & Activities: the Ganhaizi Meadow, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Glaciar Park, Blue Moon Valley, Impression Lijiang Show, Baisha Old Town, Baisha Murals
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast
A full day of natural and cultural wonders. Visit Ganhaizi Meadow and ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by cable car to Glacier Park. Descend to admire the turquoise waters of Blue Moon Valley. Enjoy the spectacular Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show, set against a mountain backdrop. Later, visit Baisha Old Town and its ancient Baisha Murals, reflecting early Tibetan and Naxi art influences.
Day 6: Lijiang
Attractions & Activities: free activities
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast
This day is free for leisure. You may relax at the resort, explore Lijiang independently, or choose optional activities such as cycling, tea tasting, or local markets.
Day 7: Lijiang - Shangri-La
Attractions & Activities: the First Bend of Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Ancient Town, Guishan Hill
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast
Travel toward Shangri-La, stopping at the First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the river dramatically changes direction. Continue to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world's deepest gorges. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, explore Dukezong Ancient Town and visit Guishan Hill, home to the world's largest prayer wheel.
Day 8: Shangri-La
Attractions & Activities: the Songzanlin Monastery,Tibetan Family Visiting, Tibetan Village, Napahai Lake, Yila Grassland
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast
Visit the majestic Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Enjoy a Tibetan family visit and explore a traditional Tibetan village to learn about daily life and customs. Later, visit Napahai Lake and Yila Grassland, offering serene plateau landscapes and seasonal wildlife.
Day 9: Shangri-La - Lhasa
Attractions & Activities: Lhasa Arrival, free activities
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast
Fly to Lhasa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest to acclimatize to the high altitude. The rest of the day is free for leisure.
Day 10: Lhasa
Attractions & Activities: Drepung Temple, Sera Temple, Norbulingka
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast
Begin exploring the spiritual heart of Tibet. Visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world, followed by Sera Monastery, famous for its monk debate sessions. Continue to Norbulingka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lamas.
Day 11: Lhasa
Attractions & Activities: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast
This day's highlights include the iconic Potala Palace, a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture and a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Continue to Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet, and enjoy a walk around Barkhor Street, observing pilgrims and traditional Tibetan life.
Day 12: Lhasa-Shigatse-Lhasa
Attractions & Activities: Shigatse day trip
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast
Take a high-speed train from Lhasa to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. Enjoy sightseeing in Shigatse and return to Lhasa for accommodation.
Day 13: Lhasa-Xining
Attractions & Activities: train journey
Accommodation: Xining
Meals: Breakfast
Board the scenic Qinghai–Tibet Railway, traveling across vast plateaus, snow mountains, and grasslands. This unforgettable train journey is considered one of the world's most beautiful rail routes.
Day 14: Xining
Attractions & Activities: free activities
Accommodation: Xining
Meals: Breakfast
Arrive in Xining and meet your local guide for transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest or light exploration.
Day 15: Xining
Attractions & Activities: Kumbum Monastery, Dongguan Mosque
Accommodation: Xining
Meals: Breakfast
Visit Kumbum Monastery, one of the most important Tibetan monasteries outside Tibet. Later, visit Dongguan Mosque, showcasing the Islamic heritage of the region and the cultural diversity of Qinghai.
Day 16: Xining-Xi'an
Attractions & Activities: Qinghai Provincial Museum, Xi'an Arrival
Accommodation: Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast
Visit the Qinghai Provincial Museum to learn about the region's history and ethnic cultures. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi’an (17:55–19:15). Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore the city in the evening.
Day 17: Xi'an
Attractions & Activities: the Terracotta Army, Huaqing Hot Springs
Accommodation: Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast
Visit the world-famous Terracotta Army, the eternal guardian of the emperor Qin Shi Huang. Continue to Huaqing Hot Springs, known for its imperial history and Tang Dynasty romance.
Day 18: Xi'an
Attractions & Activities: the Qianling Mausoleum,Tang Paradise
Accommodation: Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast
Explore Qianling Mausoleum, the joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian. Later, visit Tang Paradise (Datang Furong Garden), a beautifully designed park showcasing Tang Dynasty culture.
Day 19: Xi'an
Attractions & Activities: the Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter Streets, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Accommodation: Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast
Walk or cycle along the Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, famous for its street food and culture, and visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Xi'an.
Day 20: Xi'an Departure
Attractions & Activities: the Daming Palace, Xi'an Departure
Accommodation: none
Meals: Breakfast
Visit Daming Palace National Heritage Park, the former imperial palace of the Tang Dynasty. After that, transfer you to the airport for your departure, marking the end of this unforgettable journey.