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7-Day Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang Winter Tour

A Memorable Winter Trip in Yunnan

If you want to have a China trip in winter, Yunnan is a destination that's very visitable in this season. The warm sub-tropical sunshine, clear dry-season skies, and moderate climate mean this region can be even more comfortable in "winter". It is definitely recommended if you are planning a tour for Christmas or new year holiday.

We have selected must-visits Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang for a fulfilling Yunnan winter tour. Enjoy the landscapes, history, and minority cultures of amazing Southwest China, and meet local people who love this land and have created a beautiful life there. In this 7-day Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang tour, let the bright sunshine of the plateau warm your body and shine into your heart.

Tour 'Wow' Points

Feed Black-Headed Gulls from Siberia

Visit Dianchi Lake to meet thousands of black-headed gulls, which have traveled all the way from northern Russia to spend their winter. Take some pictures when feeding them. Every picture could be a magnificent poster.

feed the birds on Dian Lake
the birds on Dian Lake

Find the Lost Tea-Horse Road in Hidden Ancient Towns

Make a typical handicraft of the Bai ethnicity in Jianchuan town, which is the cultural center of the Bai. Listen to stories of old, told by the shining wall, the Square Street, the ancient stage, and the old stone bridge in Shaxi town.

the old stage in Shaxi town
the Bai people in Jianchuan town

Enjoy a Moderate Hike along the Ancient Tea Horse Road

Walk to explore the village near Shaxi Town. Enjoy the peaceful countryside. Local people might be working in the fields. A lady carrying a big basket full of plants might be on her way home.

a lady carring a basket
country road along the river

Talk with a Shaman of the Naxi People

Understand more about the mysterious Naxi culture by visiting a shaman's house. Learn some Naxi characters and enjoy a piece of old Naxi music. Be impressed by the local people's passion for their culture and homeland.

a shaman playing flute
the Dongba language

Learn to Make Yunnan's Famous Flower Cake as a Christmas or New Year Desert.

Visit a flower farm, and learn to make the famous Yunnan snack — flower cakes. Enjoy the cake you have made with a cup of flower tea and see the clouds floating above Cangshan.

making flower cakes
puple flower cakes

Warm Your Heart with the Sunny Scenery of Erhai Lake

Laze in a quite village on the shore of Erhai, and stay in a hotel with a lake view. Let the watery serenity of Erhai Lake purify your soul, and have a peaceful moment as the sun descends behind the Cangshan mountains.

white chairs on the bank of Erhai Lake
a fisherman on the blue lake

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Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

DAY 1 Kunming Arrival

Airport pick up and relaxation for the rest of the day.

DAY 2 Kunming to Dali

Visit the less-visited Naigu Stone Forest. Enjoy sunshine and interacting with black-headed gulls at Dianchi Lake. Bullet train to Dali.

DAY 3 Dali

Explore Dali Old Town. Visit the longevous landmark — the Three Pagodas. Experience flower cake making, and enjoy a fine sunset from your hotel on the shore of Erhai Lake.

DAY 4 Dali to Shaxi

Visit an ancient town hidden between Dali and Lijiang, which was an important stop on the Tea-Horse Road. Visit Xingjiao Temple, Square Street, the ancient stage, and the Yujing bridge. Listen to the stories of horse caravans in a private museum devoted to Tea Horse Road trade caravan paraphernalia. Enjoy a walk along the ancient Tea Horse Road from Shaxi to a Neighbor village (2.5 miles)

DAY 5 Shaxi to Lijiang

Private transfer to Lijiang. Explore the old town of Lijiang and Black Dragon Pool Park.

DAY 6 Lijiang

Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Baisha Murals, and a shaman's home.

DAY 7 Lijiang Departure

Airport or station transfer

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

the courtyard of the hotel
the hotel on the bank of the lake
the hotel room
FromCNY8,100p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
  • English speaking local guide
  • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour code: km-4a

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