8 Days Classic Yunnan Tour with Photo Opportunities

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kunming Arrival, Kunming Nature Tour
   Enjoy the Scenery of Dianchi Lake and Feel the Lively Ethnic Culture

   Welcome to Kunming, also known as the “Spring City”. Upon arrival, the local guide and driver will transfer you to the downtown hotel for check-in.

   Move to the Western Hills, famous for its magnificent views of the Dianchi Lake. Take a cable car to the top of the hills to admire the panoramic views of Dianchi Lake and the cityscape of Kunming. Also visit the Dragon Gate to observe the ancient caves, temples and exquisite stone sculptures.

   

   Later experience the rich and colorful ethnic culture of Yunnan at Yunnan Minority Village. Wander through the traditional houses and admire the ethnic architectures. Watch the wonderful singing and dancing performance.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: Overnight in Kunming

2. Day 2: Kunming Highlights Tour
   Experience the Natural and Cultural Charms of Kunming

   After breakfast, continue your Kunming tour. Drive 90 kilometers from Kunming to Stone Forest, a UNESCO-listed site. Wander along paths and bridges to observe rocks in various shapes and sizes. Admire the Dashilin consisting of dense stone peaks. Explore the scenery of the Xiaoshilin consisting of stone pillars with ponds and lawns. Witness the stone peaks reflected in the lake, creating a wonderful picture with the surrounding trees.

   

   In the afternoon, return to Kunming and proceed to Yuantong Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Kunming with a history of more than 1,200 years. With its beautiful scenery, this is a Buddhist holy place combining gardens and Buddhist temples. Observe precious Buddhist relics such as statues, murals, and scriptures. Learn about the cultural heritage of Buddhism while admiring the majestic temples.

   The next stop is Green Lake Park, located in the center of the city. The park is famous for its lotus flowers, which bloom on the wide lake in summer, creating a picturesque scene. In winter, witness a large number of seagulls flying from Siberia to Kunming. Stand in the pavilions to enjoy the clear lake, lush trees, and old buildings with glazed tiles.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Overnight in Kunming

   

3. Day 3: Kunming to Dali Tour by High-speed Tour
   Admire Stunning Lake Views and Experience the Vibrant Local Life

   After breakfast, take the high-speed train to Dali and start your Dali exploration tour. Upon arrival, visit the Three Pagodas, one of the landmarks in Dali. This historical site consists of a large pagoda and two small pagodas, blending the architectural features of the Tang and Song dynasties. Learn about the rich Chinese Buddhist culture while visiting these exquisite Buddhist architectures.

   

   Later, take a boat ride on the serene Erhai Lake and enjoy the picturesque scenery created by the distant Cangshan Mountain and sparkling lake. You can take photos of the various and stunning landscapes in all seasons.

   Finally, wander through Dali Ancient Town, which retains the traditional architecture and culture of the Bai people. There are many ancient Bai architectures, including ancient city buildings, ancient academies and ancient temples. Explore the local stores, taste delicious Yunnan cuisine and buy exquisite handicrafts.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Overnight in Dali

   

4. Day 4: Dali Xizhou Ancient Town Tour, Lijiang Arrival
   Explore the Colorful Minority Cultures

   In the morning, come to Morning Market in Xizhou, which is a great place to immerse in the lively and colorful life of the local people. You can buy diverse local goods, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handicrafts. Taste some local delicacies, such as Xizhou Baba, a kind of pancake with different fillings.

   After the visit, move to Xizhou Ancient Town, a historical Bai settlement. Here observe the traditional and exquisite dwellings of the Bai people. These houses are decorated with wood carvings, stone carvings, marbles and paintings, reflecting the superior handcraft skills of the Bai people. Stroll through the ancient town and enjoy the national intangible cultural heritages such as Bai tie-dyeing and Bai folk painting.

   

   Drive to Lijiang, a charming ancient city. Upon arrival, proceed to Lijiang Ancient Town, a World Heritage-listed site. Wander through the Lijiang Ancient Town, admire the exquisite ancient architecture, observe the great ethnic handicrafts, and learn about the colorful minority cultures. Take vivid photos of the lively old town and the snow mountains in the distance.

   Climb up Lion Hill for a panoramic view of the ancient town and capture the magnificent surrounding scenery. Also visit the Wangu Tower, the landmark of Lijiang. The tower is made of wood and bricks in a typical Naxi style, demonstrating the historical heritage of the Naxi people.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Overnight in Lijiang

5. Day 5: Lijiang Exploration Tour
   Admire Traditional Ethnic Houses and Ethnic Arts

   After breakfast, continue your tour in Lijiang. The first stop is Yuhu Village, nestled at the base of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The local dwellings are mostly built of stones, with Naxi architectural features. Walk along the stone path to admire the clear lake and the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.

   

   Next head to Baisha Village, which is famous for its rich Naxi culture and distinctive architectural style. You can witness the Baisha Mural Paintings, showing the religious culture and social life of the ancient Naxi people.

   Drive to Shuhe Ancient Town, a UNESCO site with over 1,000 years of history. Wander through the streets and admire the wooden buildings of the Naxi people and a variety of stores. Besides, watch traditional Naxi folk performances at the square to experience the vibrant life of the locals.

   

   In the afternoon, visit the Black Dragon Pool Park, Wander around the banks of the pool and capture the reflections of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the clear water. Also appreciate the ancient architectural complexes of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which display a rich historical and cultural heritage of Lijiang.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Overnight in Lijiang

6. Day 6: Lijiang to Shangri-La Tour by Private Car
   Marvel at the Amazing Natural Wonders

   In the morning, drive to Shangri-La. On the way, make a brief stop at the magnificent First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the Yangtze takes a sharp turn and forms a V-shaped bend. Climb up to the viewpoint and take pictures of the spectacular views, the rolling hills, lush forests, and fancy Danxia landform.

   

   Arrival at the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Walk along the trestle and admire the wonderful canyon views from different locations. In the canyon, take pictures of the surging river, towering cliffs and beautiful snow mountains. Also observe the 13-meter-high Tiger Leaping Rock, a large boulder in the middle of the river.

   Then, continue driving to the hotel in Shangri-La for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Overnight in Shangri-La

   

7. Day 7: Shangri-La Discovery Tour
   Unique Tibetan Culture and Beautiful Landscapes

   After breakfast, start today’s Shangri-La highlight tour. First visit Songzanlin Temple, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. The architectural complex is modeled on the design of the Potala Palace in Tibet. Admire the majestic temples and colorful exquisite Buddha statues. Also observe precious Buddhist artifacts such as Buddha statues, thangkas, and scriptures.

   

   After that, take a walk around Bitahai Lake and the Shudu Lake. Capture the vivid scenery that consists of dense forests, meadows and snow mountains around the lakes. Enjoy the fresh air and immerse yourself in the serene views of the lakes. You may also see yaks, horses and various birds along the way.

   Visit a local Tibetan family to learn about Tibetan culture and customs. Finally, travel to the Dukezong Old Town, one of the largest Tibetan residential complexes in China. Wander through the ancient city to take pictures of the ancient Tibetan architecture and religious attractions, such as Tibetan murals and Guishan Temple.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Overnight in Shangri-La

   

8. Day 8: Shangri-La Departure

   Your 8-day nature and culture tour of Yunnan ends here. You will be transferred to the airport or train station to your next destination.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A