Meet the Amazing Beauty of Yunnan
If you are planning your first Yunnan tour, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La should be on your list. Those cities offer a captivating blend of natural beauty, ancient cultures, and delicious cuisine.
In this 8-day classic Yunnan tour, you will go beyond the famous sights to see what few people see and to get a real encounter with the local culture and people. From notable limestone "forest" formations to one of the world's deepest canyons, from ancient towns to snowy mountains, from colorful minority cultures to delicious food, you will be enchanted by Yunan's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures.
Utilize our complimentary itinerary planning service to design your inaugural Yunnan adventure and embark on a memorable journey with your loved ones.
Suggested 8-Day Classic Yunnan Tour
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1-2 Kunming |
Naigu Stone Forest, Yuantong Tempe, Green Lake Park |
| 3 Dali |
Erhai Lake Cycling, Xizhou Village, Dali Ancient Town |
| 4-5 Lijiang |
Dayan Town, Black Dragon Pool, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Village |
| 6-8 Shangri-La |
Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Ancient Town, Songzanlin Lamasery, Pudacuo National Park |
Kunming Dali Lijiang Shangri-La Tour Map
Tour 'Wow' Points
Lose the crowds in Naigu Stone Forest
Uncover the hidden gem of Naigu Stone Forest, a peaceful oasis with towering, jagged rock formations.
Witness the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Soar above the clouds in a cable car and discover a winter wonderland at the snow-capped summit of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Cycle around Erhai Lake
Have a bike ride alongside Erhai Lake. Feel the wind, enjoy the flowery meadows and rice fields, and see the clouds floating above the majestic Cangshan mountains.
Marvel at the Tiger Leaping Gorge
Check out the Jinsha River's raw power in Tiger Leaping Gorge, carving through a narrow valley around a central rock formation beneath towering mountains.
China Highlights' Special Discovery Experiences
Visit a shaman and learn about some mysterious Dongba characters.
Have a chat with a lama at Songzanlin Lamasery.
Learn to make Naxi pancakes in a local restaurant.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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12 day trip to Kunming, Dali and Lijiang
Our tour guide cum driver for Kunming, is Jack Lee. He took good care of us, especially when there is any descending or ascending hike during the trip. He gave excellent suggestion for dinner and even show us the authentic way to eat the food. We had a fantastic 6 days in Dali area. Our guide, 王立婷, is from the Bai ethnic group. She is very knowledgeable in the custom and history of Yunnan as well as the different Ethnic group of the area. We learn a lot of interesting things from her. If I were to go to Dali again, I will definitely look for her. The last stretch of our trip, is 3 days in Lijiang with our guide , 和绍春. He is from the Naxi Ethnic group. He shared with us his knowledge of his people and also how to handle high altitiude. Luckily for us, we had him to look out for us as some of us were unwell during and after the ascent of Yulong snow mountain. Last but not least, our driver, 卞师傅，spent 9 days with us and is a safe driver and a friendly person. more
Apr 2025, Boon Keow L
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Lijiang and Kunming
Thanks to Camillia Jiang from China Highlights who created our itinerary we had a wonderful holiday in Lijiang and Kunming. Our guides in Lijiang Alice and Lulu in kunming were wonderful in taking care of our needs from the word go and made our holidays so much better. more
Apr 2025, Chng S
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Amazing 9D8N Yunnan Experience!
Our group of 8 had an amazing time in Yunnan with China Highlights!We’re on 9D8N tour in Shangrila, Lijiang, Dali and Kunming. Special thanks to Liberman (key coordinator) for his patience in meeting our many requests and changes, I’m really impressed with his good English competency, prompt responses and follow-up. We were blessed with great weather, sunshine when we visit Pudacuo and Songzhanlin, Hotel Indigo is an excellent choice for hotel stay in Shangrila. We were able to ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang too, it was snowing slightly and the mountain was covered by thick white snow, making our experience a very special one. Thumbs up to Lijiang guide Jack, he’s one of the few guides who would hike up the mountain side by side with guests. Our special thanks goes to our guides - James (Shangrila), Jack (Lijiang), Alice (Dali), Lydia and May (Kunming). They have worked very hard to ensure our Yunnan experience is an amazing one with beautiful scenery, delicious food, great shopping! I will definitely travel with China Highlights again andwill highly recommend them to my friends. more
Apr 2025, savvy Traveler
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Suggested Itinerary
Here is a suggested itinerary. Feel free to let us know if you'd like to make any changes.
Upon arrival in Kunming, you will be warmly welcomed by our dedicated guide and driver. A comfortable vehicle will be at your service to transport you to the hotel.
Discover the Naigu Stone Forest, where towering, jagged rock formations create a dramatic and peaceful landscape. Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this otherworldly environment, perfect for tranquility and adventure.
Explore the Yuantong Temple, a 1200-year-old Buddhist temple that offers a glimpse into the diverse cultural heritage of Yunnan Province.
Stroll through Green Lake Park, and you might stumble upon a vibrant local dance, where people in traditional dress create a cheerful atmosphere.
Transfer to Kunming Railway Station for a bullet train to Dali, where a private guide and driver will greet you.
Visit the homes of the local people in Xizhou Village to discover the heart of Bai culture. Witness their daily life, learn about their traditions, and admire their exquisite clothing.
Experience the beauty of Erhai Lake on a leisurely bike ride along its western shore. Enjoy the gentle breeze, the vibrant colors of the flowers, and the stunning panorama of Cangshan Mountain.
Explore Dali Ancient Town's ancient temples, vibrant markets, and charming neighborhoods to immerse yourself in its rich history and culture.
Good to know:
The Three Pagodas stand tall in a triangular formation and are over 1,000 years old. They are ideal for landmark photography in your spare time.
Sit back and enjoy a convenient, private transfer from Dali to Lijiang with your guide and driver.
Discover the tranquility of Black Dragon Pool Park, a hidden gem in Lijiang. Stroll through the verdant gardens and find tranquility as you contemplate the majestic reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Discover Lijiang Ancient Town(Dayan Town), a UNESCO site inhabited by the Naxi minority. Stroll cobblestone streets lined with traditional houses, admire local crafts and climb Lion Hill for stunning views.
Explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the holy mountain of the Naxi people. Take a cable car to the Glacier Park at 4,680 meters, where you'll find stunning scenery of forests, meadows and potentially snow-covered peaks.
Experience the Blue Moon Valley, a stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Valley featuring an incredibly blue river winding its way through.
Learn to make Naxi baba, a traditional pancake, from a skilled Naxi woman at a local restaurant. Enjoy your homemade baba and other traditional dishes for a flavorful lunch.
Witness the magnificent Baisha Murals in Baisha Village. Over a thousand years old, these murals provide a fascinating journey through their beliefs.
Meet a Naxi shaman(Dongba) to explore their ancient spiritual practices and culture. Learn about the Naxi people's connection to nature, language, and music.
Enjoy a seamless and private transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La.
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons. The mighty Jinsha River rushes through this narrow valley, carving a path around a central rock formation.
Following lunch, we'll ascend to Shangri-La, reaching an altitude of 3200 meters. Take some time to rest and adjust to the higher elevation at your hotel.
Discover the grandeur of Songzanlin Lamasery, Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Explore this architectural masterpiece, filled with Buddhist statues and cultural treasures, providing insight into Tibetan spirituality.
Interact with resident Tibetan monks in their dormitory. This unique opportunity offers a deeper understanding of their beliefs and practices, and you may even meet a living Buddha.
Explore the pristine beauty of Pudacuo National Park with its well-preserved ecosystem and stunning lakes - Bita Lake and Shudu Lake.
Have some free time to stroll through Dukezong Ancient Town before a private transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique 4-star hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- First-class seat on the bullet train from Kunming to Dali
- English-speaking local guides
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- A 24/7 helpline is available throughout your trip
Tour code: km-3