4 Days Classic Kunming and Dali Tour by High-speed Train

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in Kunming, Kunming City Tour
   Discover Breathtaking Views from Western Hills, Immerse in Yunnan Ethnic Cultures

   Hello, welcome to our 4-day Yunnan tour from Kunming! Your guide and driver will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. After your long flight, you can relax at your hotel.

   In the afternoon, start your Kunming tour at the Western Hills, which is a beautiful area on the west bank of the Dianchi Lake. This place boasts the natural beauty of forests, caves, and temples, as well as the panoramic view of Dianchi Lake and Kunming city. You can also take a cable car or a chairlift (optional, at your own expense) to reach the Dragon Gate, where you can see sculptures & grottoes carved on the cliff.

   

   After the tour, you will take an exploration of the Yunnan Nationalities Museum. Here, you can glimpse the culture, history, and art of the 26 ethnic groups in Yunnan province. Learn about their customs, costumes, festivals, architecture, and handicrafts through your guide's excellent explanations.

   Last, transfer you back to your hotel.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Kunming

2. Day 2: Kunming to Dali Tour by High-speed Train
   Explore the Karst Stone Forest and Unwind at Scenic Green Lake Park

   After breakfast, we drive for around 1 hour to a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Stone Forest. Recognized as the “First Wonder of the World,” Stone Forest is a beautiful World GeoPark that combines various types of karst landforms.  Follow your tour guide to walk along the paths to explore the different areas and learn how they were formed.

   

   After that, drive back to Kunming downtown and visit Green Lake Park. Covering 21 hectares, this is a beautiful park in Kunming city center where visitors can see blooming lotus flowers in summer and seagulls in winter. The ancient tower building there is attractive, with flowers cascading from top to bottom. You may join the locals in some leisure activities, such as singing, dancing, and playing chess.

   

   After the tour in Kunming, you will be escorted to the railway station to catch the high-speed train to Dali. The train ride will take about two hours and you can enjoy the scenery along the way.

   Upon arrival, meet your driver in Dali, and he will transfer you to check in at the hotel in Dali Ancient Town.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Dali

3. Day 3: Dali Highlights Tour
   Admire Ancient Pagodas, Enjoy Erhai Lake's Beauty, Glimpse the History of Dali Ancient Town

   After breakfast, meet your Dali tour guide and begin your Yunnan tour at the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. This distinctive landmark of Dali consists of one large pagoda flanked by two smaller ones, in an equilateral triangle layout. The large pagoda is one of the tallest pagodas in Yunnan, showing the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty, and the two smaller ones show a Song Dynasty style.

   

   Then, head to Erhai Lake, the second largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, and one of the seven biggest freshwater lakes in China. You can explore the lake in different ways, such as riding a bicycle, hiking along the shore or taking a boat cruise (optional, at your own expense).

   

   After the Erhai Lake tour, you will visit Dali Ancient Town, one of the most-heard ancient towns in Yunnan. Walking into Dali Ancient Town, you'll see its steep history breathing in every corner, including the ancient city wall, historical landmark buildings, and ancient street layout. The town, with a history of over 1,300 years, still retains its traditional Bai ethnic style.

   Optional experience (at your own expense): Learn to make flower cake, a traditional snack of the Bai people. The flower cake is made of rice flour, honey, and edible flowers, such as roses and jasmine.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Dali

4. Day 4: Ancient Town Tour in Dali, Departure
   Explore Bai Culture and Experience Traditional Crafts

   Be guided to explore Xizhou Ancient Town in the morning, which is blessed with picturesque views of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake and charming pastoral scenery around. It is home to over 15,000 Bai courtyards from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, earning it the title "Museum of Bai Residential Architecture". Its ancient streets and markets offer a tranquil experience of rural life in Dali.

   You will visit the local morning market and see the daily life of the locals. Three-Course Tea, a traditional Bai ceremony is a special experience during today's Dali tour.  After that, go to visit the Yan Family Compound, a well-preserved mansion featuring the architecture and culture of the Bai people.

   

   Then, head to Zhoucheng Ancient Town, the largest and best-preserved Bai village in Dali. The town is famous for its tie-dye art. Appreciate the colorful and exquisite tie-dye products and learn about the history and process of this ancient craft. Optional activity: if interested, you can learn to make tie-dye with the help of a skillful craftsman.

   After all the visits, you will be escorted to the airport or train station for departure. Wish you a safe journey. Your 4-day Kunming Dali tour ends here.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch