12-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La and Mt. Meili

Land in Kunming and enjoy a seamless airport pickup

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.

Dive into Kunming Old Street for a summer food hunt, savoring chilled wild mushroom snacks, refreshing Lao-style milk tea, and local street delicacies.

Take a bullet train from Kunming to Dali in the morning.

Explore Dali Ancient Town's ancient temples, vibrant markets, and charming neighborhoods to immerse yourself in its rich history and culture.

Then, enjoy the view of Erhai Lake along the Erhai ecological corridor. Begin at Longkan Dock for sweeping lake views framed by Cangshan Peak. Continue north to Panxi Village to walk the famed“S Bend”, where the lakeside road curves past Bai cottages and blue waters. Conclude at Haishe Ecological Park with a relaxed afternoon tea amidst waterside trees and quiet peninsular views.

Learn the art of crafting traditional flower cakes at a local farm with a great view of Changshan Mountain. Savor your handmade, unique cakes with a cup of aromatic flower tea.

In the afternoon, visit a tea house nestled in the emerald folds of Cangshan. Access is strictly controlled—only those with advance reservation may pass the mountain checkpoint into the Peach Stream Valley. In this secluded garden, a gracious hostess introduces you to the quiet art of tea. Spend 90 minutes gathering leaves, pressing a traditional cake by hand, and tasting the mountain's character in a peaceful courtyard.

Drive from Dali to Lijiang. Visit Shaxi Ancient Town and a hidden Bai village on the way.

Step into the private courtyard of Shilong Village's renowned Bai singer. Beyond the symbolic screen wall of his traditional home, listen to personal stories of village life and the quiet philosophy embedded in Bai architecture.

Savor the ritual of the Three-Course Tea before enjoying an exclusive performance on traditional instruments. The experience concludes with a gentle lesson in the Bai's signature dance, where four simple steps reveal the rhythmic beauty of daily labor.

After a home-cooked Bai meal, explore Shaxi’s ancient Tea-Horse Road relics. Find the traces of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road on the old temple, the old stage, and the stone bridge.

Enjoy a private transfer to Lijiang in the morning.

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.

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.

Drive from Lijiang to Shangri-la in the morning.

On the way, 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.

Visit the largest Tibetan Buddhist Lamasery in Yunnan Province — Songzanlin Lamasery. Feel the piety of Tibetan people who are praying and listen to the chants of the lamas.

Visit the dormitory of a lama, which is not normally open to tourists. If you are curious about their lifestyle, religious beliefs, practices, and discipline, this is a great chance to get ask a lama face to face.

Enjoy a relaxing walk in Dukezong town in the afternoon. Begin at the North Gate, where the soul of Tibet greets you in a palette of white, red, black, and gold. From there, head into the Shangri-La Thangka Painting Academy to see these five sacred colors come alive.

Next, climb to Guishan Park to spin the colossal 21-meter prayer wheel with locals.

As dusk approaches, dive into the region's culinary arts at a beloved heritage spot, enjoying authentic flavors within beautifully preserved walls.

Wind deeper into the Tibetan plateau. Pause beside the vast Napahai Lake, sharing quiet moments as clouds reflect upon the water.

Trace the roaring Jinsha River to its majestic Big Bend—a humbling reminder of nature’s grand design.

As we ascend to the Wunongding Viewing Platform, the panoramic sweep of the Meili Snow Mountains​ commands silence. Let these eternal peaks serve as a majestic backdrop to your shared adventure.

Rise early for the revered Golden Summit. As the first light ignites the snowy crown of Mt. Kawagebo, gather together in the crisp dawn air. Witnessing this miracle, the noise of the world fades, leaving only the awe of the moment.

Later, approach the Mingyong Glacier, feeling the raw power of nature. Honoring the local belief that this virgin peak remains unconquered, we reflect on the beauty of preservation—a pristine wilderness kept sacred for all who gaze upon it.

On the return journey, discover a hidden winery cradled in the gorge. Stroll through sun-baked Tibetan villages to the vines.

Step into the cellar for a private chat with the vintner about the craft of "guarding time". Savor three signature wines, decoding the high-altitude terroir on your palate. Conclude with a leisurely Yunnan-style lunch, where the complexity of the wine mirrors the richness of the memories you've gathered along the way.

Transfer to the airport, carrying the quiet echoes of Yunnan with you.