11 Days Yunnan Nature and Wildlife Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kuming Arrival
   Relax on Your Own

   Welcome to Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan province! Your privatedriver will pick you up at the airport arrival hall with a welcome board “China Xian Tour” and send you to the city center hotel. Have a good rest during the rest of the time.

   Here are recommended activities for you: take a stroll around Dianchi Lake, China's 6-largest freshwater lake. Try a leisure boat ride in spring or feed red-billed gulls in winter. Also, climb Longmen Gate for a panoramic view of the lake.

   Besides, have fun at Yunnan Wildlife Park. It's a pioneering eco-tourism site focusing on conservation, education, and wildlife viewing. The park has open habitats where animals roam freely, divided into zones like Rare Animals Area, African Village, and Panda House. With over 100 species, it shows a harmonious blend of nature and biodiversity.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Kunming
2. Day 2: Kunming Highlights
   Karst Wonders, Local Parks & Flower-Bird Markets

   After breakfast, meet the guide at the hotel lobby and then drive for 1 hour to Kunming’s most stunning natural highlight - the Stone Forest. This is a vast karst wonderland spanning over 1,100 square kilometers, comprises five distinct areas. Among them, the Greater Stone Forest and Lesser Stone Forest are the best views. Walking in the scenic area, see towering peaks in various shapes, including sword-like, mushroom, and balanced rock formations.

   The Greater one, with its 40-meter-high pillars, houses some iconic sites like Lotus Peak and Sword Pool. The Small Stone Forest, northeast of the Big, is home to the elegant Ashima Rock, a symbol of the Sani people's legend of a brave girl pursuing true love. Near the back entrance of the Lesser stands a rock resembling Monk Tang meditating with his palms together.

   

   Then you will be led through Green Lake Park, Kunming's "Emerald of the Spring City." The park features two willow dikes intersecting in a cross shape, dividing the lake into four sections. At their meeting point lies the Lake Island, centered around the Lake Pavilion. Surrounding attractions includeQing-era buildings like the fish-viewing tower, plus scenic spots such as the water-moon pavilion, bamboo island, and nine-bend bridge.

   Last your guide may take you to Jingxing Flower-Bird Market if time permits. Established in 1983, this market in downtown area (only 10 minutes from Cuihu Park) has a lively open-air bazaar where you can find flowers, birds, fish, antiques, and ethnic crafts. As the top must-visit market in Kunming, it provides a glimpse into local life.

   After all visits, take the high-speed train to Dali. In about 2.5 hours, meet your Dali local driver and get transferred to the hotel in Dali Old Town. You are going to be free to explore the ancient town in the evening.

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   4-Star Hotel in Kunming
3. Day 3: Kunming to Dali by High-speed Train
   Discover Three Pagodas, Bai Tie-dye Culture, Lakeside Walks

   This morning your guide will take you to visit the Three Pagodas and Chongsheng Monastery first. Three Pagodas is the landmark of Dali, composed of one large and two small ones. In the middle is the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), 69.13 meters tall. The two small on the north and south sides are conical in shape and typical of the architecture of the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

   

   Chongsheng Monastery was once a royal temple of the Dali Kingdom. Follow your guide to explore the Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall to admire artifacts from the Nanzhao (738-902) and Dali periods (937-1254). The monastery will amazes you by the over 10,000 dragon carvings and a massive 3.1-meter-diameter leather drum. Don’t miss a 16-ton bronze bell in Bell Tower.

   Transfer to Zhoucheng Village, a Bai ethnic settlement, where you can visit a traditional tie-dying workshop. Here, artisans create beautiful patterns on cloth using natural dyes. You have an opportunity to make one (optional) and take home as a Bai-style souvenir. Next, head to Xizhou Town to explore its well-preserved Bai courtyards, characterized by white walls and intricate carvings. Following that is a cultural experience: savoring fragrant Three-Course Tea, symbolizing life's stages: bitterness, sweetness, and aftertaste.

   Walk along the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor, immersing yourself in the views - surrounded by lush greenery (in spring & summer) and distant mountains. As evening falls, stroll through Dali Old Town, where explore Foreigner Street with a cup of cafe and visit the historic Gate Towers. This town blends traditional charm with modern vibrancy.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Dali
4. Day 4: Dali to Tacheng Black Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park
   Walk Shaxi Ancient Town and Witness the Dramatic First Bend of the Yangtze River

   After breakfast, we drive to Shaxi Ancient Town, which is located in Jianchuan County. It is a well-preserved historical town with the Shideng Street as its core area. It was once an important stop on the ancient tea and horse trade route. Walking along Shideng Street, find that the cobblestone roads have been worn deep by the hooves of horses over the centuries. On both sides are the white ethnic traditional houses with "three archways and one screen wall". The Ancient Stage and Xingjiao Temple are also worth seeing. There is no noisy commercial activity here. Use your camera to capture the scene of Bai minority elders wearing traditional clothing and sunbathing.

   We then drive to Stone Drum Town for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the First Bend of the Yangtze River. It is a natural wonder where the Jinsha River suddenly turns northward by 180 degrees in the Hengduan Mountains, forming a "V" shape. Here, the river flows gently, its emerald waters winding around the mountains, while willow forests line both banks. Afterward, your guide takes you to visit the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument, standing 8.1 meters tall. Learn about the historical story of the Chinese Red Army's forced crossing of the Jinsha River in April 1936.

   

   Continue driving along the Jinsha River for 2.5 hours to reach Tacheng Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey National Park, the world's only national park dedicated to protecting the snub-nosed monkey. Overnight at a hotel within the park.

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   4-Star Hotel in Park
5. Day 5: Tacheng to Cizhong
   Observe Rare Snub-nosed Monkeys, Explore Historic Cizhong Church

   Home to the world's highest altitude primate, Yunnan Snub-nose Monkey National Park has an estimated population of between 800 and 1,000 Yunnan Snub-nose Monkeys, also referred to as Snow Mountain Spirits. The park is only open for three hours a day (9:00–12:00) and provides a unique chance to observe these monkeys close up as they play and search for food in pristine conifer forests. Along with the monkeys, visitors will see Lisu culture, the Jinsha River Canyon and alpine meadows.

   After lunch, drive to Cizhong Village in Shangri-La to visit a Catholic Church. It was originally built by French missionaries in 1867. The church we can see today was rebuilt in 1909 and took 12 years to complete. The complex consists of the church, cellars, gardens, vegetable plots and orchards, serving Tibetan, Naxi and Lisu peoples; the grapes from the vineyards are very sweet. The missionaries introduced the wine-making process to the area and taught the people how to grow and make wine from grapes, which is still continued by local farmers to the present day.

   

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   3-Star Hotel in Cizhong
6. Day 6: Cizhong to Feilaisi
   Visit Mingyong Glacier and Admire Sunset Views over Meili Snow Mountain

   Following our morning meal, we shall travel to Mingyong Village. There, encounter the Mingyong Glacier, which is positioned in Deqin County. Till now, this glacier has been holding the title of the longest low-latitude marine glacier under Kawagebo Peak, its ice tongue from 5,500 meters to 2,600 meters in altitude, and stretching 11 kilometers along the valley floor. This portion of ice still remains vigorous due to the monsoon precipitation, which builds forests of ice towers that twist and turn like silver dragons between the ancient forests and the melted water and the glacial mountains. Therefore, the time of the best year for visiting being from December through February.

   Then, a hike will be conducted along the Mekong Grand Canyon, which will pass through to Xidang Village, the last stop in the ascending journey at an altitude of 2,234 meters. The buildings in the area are designed in Tibetan style – white walls, a few small windows, and black or gray roofs.

   At the end of this day, when you reach the Feilai Temple, see the perfect view of the sunset over the Meili Snow Mountain from the viewing platform. As the sun drops, the snow-crowned peaks slowly change their colors—starting from white-silver and gradually painted in golden molten, then merging through the warm orange, and finally reddish light. Underneath, a cloud sea spreads, embracing this mountain regarded as holy by the Tibetan people. Spend one night in Feilaisi.

   

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   3-Star Hotel in Feilaisi
7. Day 7: Feilaisi to Shangri-La
   Witness Golden Sunrise and Explore Shangri-La’s Tibetan Old Town

   At dawn, Meili Snow Mountain awakens in sunlight. The first golden rays pierce the clouds, cascading like molten gold from the summit. The snow-capped ridges of its thirteen peaks ignite sequentially, transforming from silver-white to fiery gold - a spectacle lasting only 10 - 30 minutes. Then drive to Shangri-La. Stop for lunch at Benzilan en route. Later, visit the White Horse Snow Mountain, whose main peak rises to 5,429 meters. National Highway 214 traverses its heartland, with a viewing platform at the 4,290-meter pass offering panoramic views of the perpetually snow-covered peaks.

   After arriving in Shangri-La, stroll through Dukezong Ancient Town, whose Tibetan name means “Stone Town Under the Moonlight.” Built in an “eight-petaled lotus” layout, it is the best-preserved cluster of Tibetan dwellings along the ancient Tea Horse Road. Towering over the ancient town, Guishan Hill crowns the top with the world's largest prayer wheel — standing 21 meters tall and weighing 60 tons. Join locals to join it for pray. From the mountaintop, also enjoy panoramic views of Shangri-La County and the old town. After the tour, check into your hotel in Shangri-La.

   

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   3-Star Hotel in Shangri-La
8. Day 8: Shangri-La’s Culture & Nature Exploration
   Visit Songzanlin Monastery, Alpine Forests, Lakes, Tibetan Family Life

   Good morning, and welcome to the “Little Potala Palace” - Songzanlin Monastery! Founded in 1679, this sacred Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism carries over three centuries of spiritual heritage. The main hall boasts a resplendent golden roof, while its five-storey carved tower stands majestically. The eaves, blending Han and Tibetan architectural styles, harmoniously complement the pure white walls. Step inside to find intricate murals. Follow your guide clockwise around, gently spinning prayer wheels. This is a sanctuary for the soul, not merely a tourist attraction.

   Next, transition from cultural landscapes to natural scenery. Pudacuo National Park is undoubtedly a jewel of the plateau! With an average elevation of 3,500 meters and a peak reaching 4,159 meters, the air contains only about 60% of the oxygen found at lower altitudes. Please slow your pace, breathe deeply, and avoid strenuous activity. The park is beautiful year-round, with summer and autumn being particularly amazing, perfect for photography. Follow your guide through the primeval forests and alpine meadows along Shudu Lake. Marvel at the mirror-like waters, squirrels darting about, and yaks grazing peacefully (please do not feed wildlife).

   

   Good to Know: No conventional dining facilities set within the scenic area. Be sure to bring high-calorie snacks in advance: chocolate, nuts, beef jerky. Wear slip-resistant hiking shoes and a sun hat.

   After that, if you are interested, we can arrange for you a Tibetan family visit. Deeply learn about their traditions and taste the homemade butter tea.

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   3-Star Hotel in Shangri-La
9. Day 9: Shangri-La to Lijiang
   Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge and Discover Naxi Culture in Lijiang

   After breakfast, drive to the most perilous stretch of the Jinsha River - Tiger Leaping Gorge! This is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Our main focus will be the Upper Section: the river is only about 20 meters wide here, with the majestic Yulong Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain towering on either side.

   In the river water, see a huge stone called Tiger Leaping Rock, which is 13 meters high. According to the legend, a tiger once jumped across the river using this rock, but it is actually a huge glacial boulder that has been left by the Quaternary glaciers. Do take the scenic pathway and listen very carefully to the river's powerful sound. Here, nature's music is revealed and the geological forces that have been fighting for millions of years are felt.

   

   Drive for 1.5 hours more to get to Lijiang. Prior to moving into your hotel, the guide will lead you to the Dongba Culture Museum first which is the best place in China to familiarize yourself with Dongba culture! With more than 12,000 artifacts, it is a living archive of the Naxi people's millennia-old knowledge. Dongba pictographs—the only surviving pictographic script in the world—have over 1,400 characters represented in paintings and poetry. These signs were classified as a UNESCO Memory of the World Heritage in 2003.

   Next, go to Black Dragon Pool Park, Lijiang's most picturesque attraction: snow-capped mountains bathed in golden twilight, with the Five-Hole Bridge and Three-Story Pavilion reflecting in the pool. Photography enthusiasts won't want to miss this. (Summer sunset times: June-August at 7:30 PM; Winter: December-February at 6:30 PM)

   After the tour, check in your hotel within Lijiang Old Town. In the evening, admire the nightscape of the ancient town. Thousands of red lanterns illuminate the cobblestone paths and murmuring streams. The bustle of Sifang Street gradually fades into the melodious tones of Dongba music.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
10. Day 10: Lijiang Mountain Adventure
    Explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley, Ancient Baisha Murals

    Today you have a full-day adventure to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This is a very sacred mountain revered by the Naxi people. It resembles a silver dragon stretching across the heavens - hence its name. Upon arrival, you will first explore Ganzhaizi, a vast alpine meadow. You then ride a cable car up to Spruce Meadow. Sitting at an elevation of 3,205 meters, this highland plateau is encircled by dense fir forests. According to local legend, this place is holy where Naxi lovers once sacrificed their lives for true love.

    After descending from the mountain, continue to the jaw-dropping Blue Moon Valley, where a chain of crystal-clear blue pools mirrior the snow peaks and lush forest. If the open-air performance Impression Lijiang is scheduled on the day of your visit, it is highly recommended. It showcases the rich culture through powerful Naxi music, dance against the natural mountain backdrop.

    

    Notes:

    1. Travelers wishing to visit Glacier Park, the highest accessible point, should notify their travel advisor in advance.
    2. Due to the high altitude, some visitors may experience altitude discomfort; anti-altitude sickness medication is recommended.

    Before returning to the hotel for a restful night, discover the great mural pictures on walls in Baisha Ancient Town. The murals of the Ming dynasty are kept in Glazed Tile Hall, which preserves them. 558 murals are still there in their original form inside. The muralists' style was a melting pot of Han, Tibetan and Naxi cultures, and they captured the beauty of nature in their works depicting lotus flowers, mountains and forests, fields, birds and insects.

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    4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
11. Day 11: Lijiang Departure

    Today, it’s time to say goodbye to Yunnan. Your driver will take you to the airport or railway station for departuring. This is the end of your 11 days Yunnan Nature and Wildlife Tour! Thank you very much for choosing China Xian Tour. Hope you have a great time.

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