Yunnan Summer Escape: Mushrooms, Cool Highlands & Blooming Lake
Embark on a refreshing 7-day Yunnan summer tour (Jun to Sep) designed to beat the heat. This journey blends the cool highland breezes of Lijiang with exclusive summer delicacies—from sizzling wild mushroom hotpots to refreshing local teas. Venture to Lugu Lake, where the rare "Water Lily" blooms across the turquoise waters, creating a scene unique to this season.
Experience the perfect summer trifecta: culinary adventures, alpine coolness, and nature’s seasonal artistry. The suggested itinerary below could be customized according to your preferences.
Suggested 7-Day Yunnan Summer Tour
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1-2 Kunming |
Stone Forest and Street Food Tasting |
| 3-4 Lijiang |
Wild Mushrooms Cooking with Naxi People, Dayan Town, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain |
| 5-6 Lugu Lake |
Relaxing Boat Ride, Easy and Cool Hiking |
| 7 Back to Lijiang |
Departure |
Tour 'Wow' Points
Drift Among Summer Blooms
Embark on a serene boat ride across the "Sea," where the rare "Water Poppy" flourishes in delicate white clusters atop the emerald waters. Glide through this unique summer spectacle and immerse yourself in the tranquil charm of Lugu Lake.
Dress Up & Master Summer Mushroom Cooking
Don traditional Naxi attire and shop for premium wild fungi at the market. Learn crucial safety tips and cooking techniques in a local kitchen, culminating in a soul-warming seasonal hotpot.
Enjoy an Exclusive View of Secret Princess Island
Follow a well-paved path, which is untrodden by most tourists, to have a relaxing hike and enjoy exclusive views of the lake.
Unveil the Authentic Culture of the Mosuo Minority
Visit a Mosuo home. Sit in the grandma's room and listen to stories of the matriarchal clan society.
Journey through a Landscape of Mystical Stone Wonders
Walk through the labyrinthine Naigu Stone Forest which is less crowded during the summer holiday, and engage your imagination with your guide's black stone stories..
Tasting local snacks at Kunming Old Street
Have a relaxing walk on the Old Street in Kunming. Try the local snacks including rice noodle salad, deep-fried mushrooms, big sweet dumplings, and bubble tea.
Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Upon arrival, enjoy a seamless transfer to the hotel. Settle into your room and prepare for your Yunnan adventure.
Begin with the Stone Forest, where towering jagged rocks form a natural air-conditioned maze. Escape the summer crowds at Naigu Stone Forest for tranquility.
Later, visit the ancient Yuantong Temple, a 1200-year-old Buddhist sanctuary.
Conclude with a stroll through Kunming Old Street, sampling summer delights like chilled wild mushroom snacks and refreshing Lao-style milk tea.
Board a high-speed train to Lijiang, ascending to cooler altitudes.
In the afternoon, explore the shaded lanes of Lijiang Ancient Town. Stop at Black Dragon Pool Park for classic photos of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the water.
Skip the crowded glacier summit and take a scenic ride to Spruce Meadow, where summer brings lush greenery instead of snow. Wander through the cool, dense forest on wooden boardwalks, breathing in fresh, pine-scented air.
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.
Note: Snow cover at the Glacier Park is minimal in summer, so we suggest exploring the cool, dense forest of Spruce Meadow instead.
Start with a Naxi cultural dive: don traditional attire and shop for premium wild fungi at the market—master summer foraging secrets. Learn crucial safety tips and cooking techniques in a local kitchen, culminating in a savory seasonal stir-fry and soul-warming hotpot.
Later, travel to Lugu Lake and settle into a lakeside hotel, ending the day at a viewpoint overlooking the serene, summer-blue waters.
Embark on a full-day exploration. Cruise the lake on a traditional dugout canoe (pig trough boat), gliding past blooming lotus flowers.
Hike the scenic trail between Luowa Pier and Goddess Bay (4km), where you can enjoy a exclusive view of the lake.
End the day with a Mosuo home visit to understand their matriarchal culture.
After breakfast, transfer to Lijiang Airport for your departure flight. Reflect on the unforgettable summer memories forged across Yunnan's cool mountains, crystal lakes, and vibrant cultural tapestries.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- First-class seats on the bullet trains listed
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: yn-7