10 Days Yunnan Tour with Tengchong, Shangri-La & More

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kuming Arrival
   Free Exploration

   Upon your arrival at Kunming Changshui International Airport, be welcomed by your private local driver with a sign “China Xian Tour” and transferred directly to your centrally located hotel. After hotel check-in, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Kunming, aka the “Spring City,” is great for leisurely strolls.

   Let’s talk about a real local favorite – Shangyi Flower Market. Head over in the late afternoon or early evening, and you’ll catch Kunming’s daily rhythm in full swing. This isn’t some fancy planned marketplace; it started in the mid-80s, born from locals simply setting up stalls along the roadside. What you’ll see here are dozens of seasonal blooms – think roses, lilies, and so much more. And here’s the lovely part: you don’t have to buy a huge bouquet. Feel like just one perfect rose? Go ahead, pick your favorite. It’s that simple.

   Or, you could explore Jingxing Flower & Bird Market. It’s Kunming’s most vibrant downtown market, a maze of eight connected alleyways packed with open-air stalls. Here you’ll find flowers, birds, fish, insects, antiques, calligraphy, folk crafts, and more. And if you’re craving some local Kunming snacks — this place won’t disappoint either.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Kunming
2. Day 2: Must-sees in Kunming
   Karst Natural Wonder Exploration & Green Lake Stroll

   After breakfast, we're heading straight to the crown jewel of any Kunming adventure - the Stone Forest. Recognized by UNESCO, this isn’t just a scenic spot; it’s a breathtaking natural masterpiece carved by time. Over millions of years, wind and water have sculpted these limestone towers into a maze of narrow passages and soaring pillars.

   We’ll explore both the Great and Lesser Stone Forest areas, where you’ll be surrounded by slender formations in soft bluish-gray hues - some shooting up more than 40 meters high. Wandering through the Lesser Stone Forest, your guide will share with you the legends of the local Sani people. You won’t want to miss the famous “Ashima” formation, said to be a girl turned to stone.

   After returning to Kunming in the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing walk through Green Lake Park (locals call it Cuihu Park). Here, Kunming residents everyday gather to play music, dance, and practice tai chi. Take your time here. Soak in the gentle rhythm of daily life and enjoy the park’s natural beauty (lotus flowers in summer; flocks of seagulls in winter).

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Kunming
3. Day 3: Kunming to Shangri-La by Flight
   Experience Tibetan Style and Plateau Natural Scenery

   In the morning, you will board a plane (duration 1 hour) which will take you to the highland town of “Shangri-La” located in northwest Yunnan. After getting refreshed, you may also get used to the high altitude (mean: 3400 meters). Some tourists may feel the effect of high altitude and it is therefore recommended that the anti altitude sickness medicines be prepared beforehand according to your health condition.

   The first stop you are going to visit today is Songzanlin Monastery, known as the “Little Potala Palace.” As Yunnan Province's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, it clings to the mountainside like an ancient fortress. Housing a large collection of Tibetan art, it's also called the "Tibetan Art Museum". Not only can you admirethe magnificent architecture, but you can also appreciate Buddha statues, palm-leaf manuscripts, thangka paintings, and more.

   

   In the afternoon, go on a journey to Pudacuo National Park. The park, which consists of Bita Lake and Shudu Lake, has possible attractions namely alpine meadows, ancient forests, wetlands, and steep canyons.

   The “Pearl of the Plateau” Bita Lake resembles a conch shell, surrounded by primeval coniferous forests of fir trees. It provides habitat for protected species like black-necked cranes. Each May, the unique natural phenomenon of “azaleas intoxicating fish” is a highlight here. Shudu Lake mirrors the world around it because of its quite clear waters. The most beautiful view would be shown in autumn, when the surrounding forests blaze with golden hues. Photographers should not miss this time of year.

   In the late afternoon, experience authentic Tibetan culture. Your guide will lead you to a local Tibetan family’s home. Learn about traditional lifestyles and sip freshly prepared yak butter tea. After all visit, have a good rest in your Shangri-La hotel.

   

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   3-Star Hotel in Shangri-La
4. Day 4: Drive from Shangri-La to Lijiang
   Dramatic Gorge Hiking and Ancient Town Walking

   After breakfast, drive south for two hours to reach the First Bend of the Yangtze River. China's longest river surges through the mountains, unexpectedly making a sharp 100-degree turn at Shasongbi Village, forming a distinct V shape. This is the spectacular sight we witness today. Your guide will explain the development of local civilizations.

   Continue to the Tiger Leaping Gorge among the planet’s most profound river gorges. You will trek the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge segment, where turbulent river currents pound cliffs and tight paths provide exciting vantage points of the Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains. The hike is energizing, picturesque and ideal, for snapping striking images of the canyon’s force.

   Tip: For those with limited mobility, escalators are available for ascending and descending the canyon at an additional cost.

   

   In the afternoon, drive to Lijiang Old Town. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang Ancient Town features distinctive Naxi-style architecture. Stroll leisurely through the narrow alleys, listening to the gentle flow of water, and choose a cozy cafe to savor the slow pace of life. You'll stay at a comfortable hotel within the old town, conveniently located for evening exploration on your own.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
5. Day 5: Lijiang Ancient Town Tour
   Old Towns with Naxi Culture & Timeless Heritage

   Your Lijiang journey today starts at Shuhe Ancient Town, among the Naxi settlements and an important point, on the historic Tea Horse Road. This place offers a quieter setting compared to Lijiang Old Town. Classic wooden homes display handmade crafts and locals in small squares for everyday routines providing a deep dive into the long-standing Naxi heritage.

   Proceed to Baisha Village for its wall paintings. Have your lunch there. After eating appreciate the Baisha murals, initially produced in the Ming Dynasty and continued into the early Qing Dynasty for roughly 300 years. There are fifty-five pieces still preserved today. The murals are shaped by Han, Tibetan, Naxi and various ethnic influences combining aspects of Buddhism, Taoism and the Dongba faith featuring subjects such, as natural scenery and everyday life. After the visit, have free time to explore the village at your leisure: tranquil farmland vistas, the crisp wind chimes, and the simple, harmonious daily life of the Naxi people.

   

   Return to Lijiang and head up to Wangulou (Wangu Pavilion) on Lion Hill for sweeping views of Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and the surrounding valley. The panoramas are especially beautiful in the late afternoon light. After descending the hill, walk past the historic Mu’s Residence (Mufu Palace), once the political and cultural center of the Naxi kingdom. Its grand architecture and restored courtyards offer a glimpse into the legacy of the Mu family that shaped Lijiang’s history.

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
6. Day 6: Drive from Lijiang to Dali
   Dali Landmarks and Old Town Stroll

   You will visit Dali after breakfast, following a 3-hour drive. This city is cherished for its ancient Bai culture, lakeside charm, and mountain views. Upon arrival, be guided to visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, one of Yunnan’s most important cultural landmarks. These elegant brick pagodas, standing in perfect symmetry against the backdrop of Cangshan Mountain, can date back more than 1000 years. Walking through the temple grounds, learn how the pagodas have survived from earthquakes, wars, and centuries of history becoming an enduring symbol.

   Next, have a stroll through Dali Old Town. For over 500 years during the Tang and Song dynasties, Dali Ancient City served as the political, economic, and cultural center of Yunnan. See traditional Bai-style houses, stone gates, and pay a visit to little shops, cafes, and craft stalls. We will leave you free time to wander at your own pace. Do not miss a cup of coffee in a courtyard cafe. The famous Foreigner Street (洋人街) is also popular, where Western-style restaurants, bars, and English-speaking vendors reflect Dali’s long history as a crossroads for travelers from around the world. Stay overnight in a 4-star hotel within Dali Old Town.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Dali
7. Day 7: Dali’s Lake & Culture Experience
   Lake Boat Tour and Tie Dyeing Experience

   After breakfast, visit Erhai Lake, the second largest lake in Yunnan after Dianchi Lake. Erhai Lake was formed at the end of the Ice Age. After ten thousands of years of development, the entire lake area is now filled with various sites, where you can see fishing villages, ancient temples, and have the opportunity to glimpse the daily life of the local Bai ethnic group. We will take a boat tour to visit the largest island in Erhai Lake, Jinsuo Island. Surrounded by water on all sides, the island retains the complete traditional fishing village style of the Bai ethnic people and religious buildings such as the Guanyin Hall.

   

   Next, you will go to Zhoucheng to experience tie dyeing. This is an ancient handmade printing and dyeing technique in Chinese folk culture, which originated in the Central Plains region more than 1000 years ago and is now mainly preserved in Zhoucheng and other places in Dali City. You will also visit the courtyards of the Bai people here.

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   4-Star Hotel in Dali
8. Day 8: Drive from Dali to Tengchong
   Heshun Ancient Town Exploration

   Today you'll need to rise early, as we are going to be driving five hours to Tengchong (330 kilometers). Tengchong witnessed the rise and fall of the ancient Tea Horse Road and serves as a vital gateway from China to South and Southeast Asia. Along the way, we'll stop at the upper reaches of the Mekong River to visit several villages.

   Upon arrival in Tengchong, follow your guide to visit Heshun Ancient Town, where you'll find architectural elements blending Huizhou-style buildings with Western and South Asian influences. The town boasts over 100 century-old residences, 8 clan temples, 9 shrines, 9 stone bridges, and 9 memorial arches - all architectural masterpieces. It is hailed as a “living fossil” of ancient Chinese architecture. Over six centuries, Central Plains culture, Western influences, Nanzhao heritage, and frontier traditions have intertwined here, forging a distinctive caravan heritage. Tonight, have a good rest at a comfortable local hotel.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Heshun
9. Day 9: Drive from Dali to Tengchong
   History and Nature, Volcanic Hot Springs

   After breakfast, we continue exploring Heshun Ancient Town. Today's focus is the bustling morning market in the town square, where a vibrant array of goods is traded.

   Next, we visit the Yunnan-Burmese Anti-Japanese War Museum. Its collection of 7,000 artifacts — including vintage photographs, documentary films, and oil paintings — recreates China and Burma's resistance against Japanese aggression during World War II. After lunch, we go to the National Martyrs Cemetery, where the remains of anti-Japanese soldiers are interred.

   Beyond historical sites, Tengchong offers remarkable natural wonders. You will see China's only volcanic dammed waterfall — the 46-meter-high Dieshuihe Waterfalls. The Daying River plunges abruptly from a massive fault cliff, forming this spectacular cascade. Our Tengchong nature tour continues to the Volcanic Hot Sea Tourism Area, one of China's four major inland volcanic clusters. Here, clusters of geothermal hot springs emit abundant steam. Some springs bear intriguing names like Big Boiling Pot, Pregnant Well, and Toad's Mouth. Your guide will share their stories — Big Boiling Pot being the most famous, reaching temperatures up to 97°C (198°F). After the tour, we return to Heshun.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Heshun
10. Day 10: Tengchong Back to Kunming by Flight

    After breakfast, board a flight back to Kunming, approximately a one-hour journey. You will then depart on your connecting flight. Thank you for joining China Xian Tour's Yunnan adventure of 10 days. Have a safe journey!

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