6 Days Yunnan Kunming Dali Lijiang Tour
Tour Overview
Yunnan, known as the South of Colorful Clouds, is a vast and beautiful plateau dotted with numerous natural wonders, such as stone forests, snow-capped mountains, and emerald lakes. Besides, Yunnan is the province with the largest variety of ethnic groups in China, of which more than 90% are ethnic minorities.
This 6-day Yunnan tour will take you into this magical paradise to explore the best of Kunming, Dali and Lijiang tourist cities at your own pace. You’ll marvel at the natural beauty of the black Stone Forest, the Erhai Lake, and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. And, you have the opportunity to learn more about the traditional customs of the local Naxi and Bai minorities. Learn batik techniques, ride along the seashore and explore the thousand-year-old ancient towns..
Travel destinations: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang
Suitable for: Natural Lovers, Photographers, Cultural Enthusiasts
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Be immersed in a sea of black stone forests at lesser-visited Naigu Stone Forest.
- Experience traditional customs of Yi minority group by playing Yi guitar.
- Walk on the cobbled streets of Dali Ancient City, admire Bai architecture, and learn tie-dyeing techniques.
- Ascend Lion Rock in Lijiang for a breathtaking birdās-eye view of the surrounding landscape.
- Take the cable car to the Glacier Park of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to appreciate awe-inspiring vistas up close.
- Learn ancient Naxi characters and savor the melodies of traditional Naxi music.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in KunmingExploring Green Lake Park's Seasonal Beauty on Your Own
Welcome to our 6-day Yunnan Kunming Dali Lijiang tour! Kunming, known as the City of Eternal Spring, is the starting city for your trip in Yunnan. Upon your arrival at the airport, your private local driver will greet you at the exit of the Arrival Hall by holding a welcome sign. And then, he/she escorts you to your comfortable hotel to check in and freshen up. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Suggested Activity: Explore Green Lake Park, one of the most beautiful city parks in Kunming. Taking a leisurely stroll here, you can admire the large tulips in spring, the beautiful lotus flowers in summer, and witness thousands of red-billed gulls flying in from the north competing for food in winter. Perhaps, you will also find locals dancing, playing musical instruments and practicing Tai Chi.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: in Kunming
Lotus Flowers in Green Lake Park - Day 2: Kunming to Dali Tour by High-speed TrainExplore Unique Stone Landscapes and Engage with Local Yi Culture
After breakfast, your Kunming tourĀ begins at Naigu Stone Forest, just 8km (5 miles) away from the famous Stone Forest. It is a black stone forest with peculiar formations, consisting of East Zone, West Zone, Baiyun Lake (White Cloud Lake) and Baiyun Cave. Climbing to the summit, visitors can capture a sea of black stones, which is quite spectacular. Unlike the more famous Stone Forest, Naigu has fewer tourists and is more tranquil.
Baiyun Lake is not far from the entrance, with very clear water and two small islands. Baiyun Cave is located in the middle of the whole scenic area. The peculiar thing is that people often hear the sound of running water in the cave, but they can never find the water source.
Naigu Stone Forest After lunch, we will visit a Yi Ethnic Minority Village. Walking into the village, the local Yi people will welcome you with their unique hospitality. Here, you can learn about the traditional customs of this minority group. You will even have a chance to try playing the Yi guitar.
Later in the afternoon, we will escort you to Kunming High-Speed Railway Station for a comfortable bullet train ride to picturesque Dali.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Dali
- Day 3: Dali TourDiscover Dali Old Town's Rich History, Create Custom Tie-dyed Fabrics
Start early for today's exploration of Dali Old Town. Located at the foot of the scenic Cangshan Mountain, Dali Ancient City has a history of more than 2,000 years, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
Once an important political, cultural and commercial center, it has preserved many exquisite ancient Bai buildings and cultural heritages. Known as one of the most beautiful ancient cities in China, Dali Ancient City is a favorite tourist destination for both domestic and foreign tourists.
Dali Ancient Town After that, you will be arranged to visit a real Bai village. The Bai people are famous for their intricate and highly skilled tie-dyeing techniques. You will learn the art of tie-dyeing from a professional artisan. Add your own ideas to create a one-of-a-kind piece. Afterwards, you will savor delicious Bai home cookingĀ in a private Bai house.
In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to the Erhai LakeĀ for a bike ride along the tranquil shore and feel the gentle sea breeze.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Dali
- Day 4: Dali to Lijiang Tour by High-speed TrainCapture Scenic Beauty at Black Dragon Pool, Enjoy Panoramic Views from Lion Rock
After a sumptuous breakfast, we will bid farewell to Dali and drive about 2.5 hours to arrive at Black Dragon Pool Park, also known as Jade Spring Park, located at the foot of Elephant Mountain in Lijiang. With the backdrop of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Black Dragon Pool attracts many photographers with its five-hole bridge, the Moon Tower and the reflection of the snow mountain in the pool. Grab your camera and record this wonderful view.
Admire the Black Dragon Pool Next, drive to Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the famous towns on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. As you explore the ancient town, you'll encounter traditional Naxi courtyard houses and bustling bazaars. With an in-depth explanation from your private tour guide, you will get a real insight into the local way of life.
Later in the day, we will ascend to Lion Rock ParkĀ for a bird's eye view of the ancient town, bathed in the golden colors of the setting sun with the snow-capped mountains as a backdrop.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Lijiang
- Day 5: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain TourMarvel at the Magnificent Glacier & Explore Naxi Village and Culture
At around 8:30 am, your tour guide will pick you up from the hotel lobby and drive for an hour to Jade Dragon Snow MountainĀ for the magnificent snow view on this always-snow-capped mountain. It is the sacred mountain of the Naxi ethnic group, highlighting varied and beautiful natural scenery. One of the highest altitude cable cars will take you to Glacier ParkĀ to experience glacier and thrilling panoramic views. Afterwards, we will head to a local restaurant run by a Naxi family for lunch. You will enjoy authentic Naxi cuisine.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang In the afternoon, move to visit a traditional Naxi village. Follow the tour guide to visit a shaman's house. Here, you will learn about the mysterious Naxi culture and even discover some Naxi characters, an ancient pictographic script. In addition, you can also enjoy the traditional music performances of the Naxi ethnic group and learn about the profound historical and cultural heritage behind the music.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Lijiang
Naxi Characters - An ancient pictographic writing system - Day 6: Departure from Lijiang
Today isĀ your final day of thisĀ YunnanĀ tour package. You have the morning free to relax and explore Lijiang at your own pace.
Your private driver will then escort you to the airport or train station for your onward journey to your next destination.Ā Thank you for choosing China Xian Tour for your Yunnan trip. We are always here servingĀ you and hope to see you again!
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Tour Price ($=USD)
From $849 P.P, which is based on a private tour for 2 people. The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel.
