5 Days Kunming and Lijiang Tour by High-Speed Train

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kunming Arrival
   Understand Ethnic Minority Cultures and Get a Panoramic View from Western Hills

   Upon your arrival in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, your tour guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, you will start your guided Kunming tour at the Yunnan Nationalities Museum, a window to see twenty-five ethnic groups in Kunming and experience their culture and traditions. Every ethnic group in Kunming selects representatives for the village, including Yi, Hani, Bai, Dai, Naxi, and others.

   Then, head to the Western Hill. Also known as Sleeping Beauty Mountain, it is home to several peaks, and the highest peak here stands about 2,507.5 meters above sea level, offering magnificent panoramic views of Kunming City and Dianchi Lake.

   The Dragon Gate is a highlight here. You will be amazed by intricate pavilions & sculptures carved into the cliffs. Enjoy beautiful panoramic city views of Kunming from the Dragon Gate.

   After the tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel for rest.

   Accommodation: in Kunming

   

2. Day 2: Kunming to Lijiang Tour by High-speed Train
   Appreciate the Surreal Stone Forest

   After breakfast, drive for 1.5 hours to Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Featuring the remarkable karst landforms, the Stone Forest greets you with various limestone shapes including columns, cones, pagodas, and mushrooms, etc. Marvel at the breathtaking scenery and capture some stunning photos with your camera.

   

   Afterward, you will visit the picturesque Green Lake Lake, one of Kunming's most beautiful city parks. Take a leisurely stroll here and perhaps, you will also find locals dancing or playing musical instruments. After the tour, you will be escorted to the Kunming Railway Station for a high-speed train to Lijiang.

   Accommodation: in Lijiang

3. Day 3: Lijiang to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Tour
   Immerse in the Snow-capped Mountains and Learn about Baisha Mural Paintings

   Start your Lijiang tour by visiting the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred snow mountain to the local Naxi people. Its 13 continuous snow-capped peaks offer visitors striking glacial wonders, alpine landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and lush forests peeking through the white snow.

   Upon arrival, you will be guided to take a cable car ride to reach Spruce Meadow, located at an elevation of over 3,000 meters. Enjoy alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, and colorful wildflowers, depending on the season.

   If you're interested, you can watch the Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show directed by Zhang Yimou (a very famous director in China). It is held in Ganhaizi Meadow about 3,100 meters above sea level. (additional cost).

   Then, visit the enchanting Blue Moon Valley where you will see pearl-like lakes scattering on the land and marvel at the great scenery here.

   

   Later in the afternoon, we will head to Baisha Village, especially known for its well-preserved Baisha Mural Paintings. The mural paintings are found in some temples of the Ming Dynasty and are primarily focused on Buddhist stories and local Naxi beliefs.

   Note: If you're interested in visiting Glacier Park, tell your travel consultant to adjust the itinerary accordingly. Different cableways offer different experiences at different prices, so you can discuss your preferences and make necessary arrangements in advance.

   Accommodation: in Lijiang

   

4. Day 4: Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour from Lijiang
   Be Guided to the World's Most Popular Hiking Trail

   In the morning, your Yunnan tour in Lijiang leads you to the First Bend of the Yangtze River. This spectacular natural phenomenon is on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. After the Yangtze River flows through many continuous mountain gorges, the Hengduan Mountains in Lijiang suddenly obstruct it and force the river to make a nearly 90-degree turn, creating such a striking natural wonder. Take in the magnificent views and capture memorable photos.

   From there, be transferred to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the most popular hiking trails in the world. You will hike the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge. During the hiking, you can encounter majestic snow mountains, the roaring Jinsha River, and deep gorges along the way.

   After exploring the gorge, drive back to Lijiang.

   Accommodation: in Lijiang

   

5. Day 5: Departure from Lijiang
   Walk in the Old Town of Lijiang and Enjoy Naxi Heritages

   After breakfast, take a stroll through Lijiang Ancient Town. Aka Dayan Ancient Town, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the famous towns on the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

   Wander the streets, lanes and bridges to discover traditional wooden courtyards, Naxi heritages, and small boutique shops. You can visit the Mufu Palace, an architectural marvel that showcases the finest elements of Naxi and Han Chinese design. Also, explore the bustling market square called Sifang Street.

   

   Today's Lijiang trip ends at the Dongba Culture Museum, which houses more than 12,000 artifacts that fully demonstrate the mysterious Dongba culture of the Naxi people.

   Finally, your guide will escort you to the airport or train station in Lijiang. Your 5-day Kunming and Lijiang tour ends here.

   Accommodation: N/A