8 Days Yunnan Golf Tour to Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Kunming

   Welcome to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Upon arrival, the local guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to the Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort. Known as “Golf Paradise in Asia”, the golf resort has hosted many international tournaments. After checking in, you can rest at the hotel or explore the resort on your own.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort

2. Day 2: Kunming Golf Experience, Stone Forest Tour
   Play Golf at Mountain Course, Explore the Strange Rocks

   After breakfast, start your first golf experience at the Mountain Course of Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort. This 18-hole course features challenging fairways and terraced putting greens. The well-designed holes and excellent facilities meet the needs of all levels of players. You can enjoy the fun golf game while admiring the stunning landscapes.

   

   In the afternoon, drive 40 minutes to Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage 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. The stone pillars of Naigu Stone Forest are towering, and shaped like a black forest. See the rocky peaks reflected in the lake, creating a beautiful picture with the surrounding trees.

   Also visit some of the local ethnic minority groups in Shilin County, such as the Yi. Explore the profound Yi culture and observe the colorful Yi embroidery. After that, you will be driven back to Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort for a rest.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort

   

3. Day 3: Kunming Golf Experience, Western Hills Tour
   Play Golf at the Lake Course, Enjoy the Magnificent Views of Dianchi Lake

   In the morning, continue your Kunming golf tour. Play golf at the Lake Course of Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, regarded as one of the most challenging courses by golfers. The 18-hole course is different from the mountain course with more water hazards, bunkers, and strategic layouts for an unforgettable experience.

   In the afternoon, head to Western Hills, located on the west bank of Dianchi Lake. Hike along the trail and enjoy the spectacular mountains and lush trees. Take a cable car to the top of the hills to admire the panoramic views of Dianchi Lake and Kunming City. Visit the Dragon Gate to see the spectacular Taoist grottoes and explore the Sanqing Pavilion to learn about the remarkable skills of ancient craftsmen.

   After the visit, return to the hotel at Kunming downtown.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Kunming Downtown

   

4. Day 4: Kunming to Lijiang Tour by High-speed Train
   Explore Naxi Ancient Architecture and Ethnic Culture

   Today, take the high-speed train to Lijiang, which takes about 4 hours. Along the way, you can admire the idyllic scenery and beautiful landscapes. Upon arrival, the local guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel at Lijiang Old Town.

   In the afternoon, explore the Lijiang Ancient Town, showing the local culture and ethnic customs. Here visit Mufu Palace, the landmark building in the ancient town. Enjoy the spectacular Naxi architecture and learn about the traditional Naxi culture.

   Wander along the Sifang Street Square, which is the center of the ancient town. There are various stores where you can buy souvenirs such as ethnic jewelry, tea, and silverware. And taste local street snacks or eat delicious Yunnan cuisine at restaurants.

   Optional activity: Climb the Wangu Pagoda, the high point of Lion Hill, and overlook the Lijiang Ancient Town and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.

   

   Later move to Dongba Culture Museum. The museum buildings are organized according to the development of Naxi dwellings. Observe various exhibitions about the Dongba culture, as well as rich Naxi cultural relics like scriptures, paintings, and ritual artifacts.

   Next to the museum is Black Dragon Pool Park. Wander around the banks of the pool and admire the reflections of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the clear water.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Lijiang Ancient Town

5. Day 5: Lijiang Golf Tour to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
   Play Golf on the Snow Mountain Course, Admire the Stunning Snow Mountain Views

   After breakfast, continue your Lijiang golf tour. Transfer to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This 18-hole course is different from the courses in Kunming, with higher elevation, stronger winds and greater slopes. The fairways here are 20 to 30 yards longer than the normal course, making it more challenging.

   In the afternoon, drive to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, famous for its magnificent natural landscape and abundant creatures. Take a cable car ride to reach Spruce Meadow, located at an elevation of over 3,000 meters. The site is rich in natural landscapes and ecological resources. Enjoy clear lakes, peaceful meadows, and beautiful scenery in different seasons. Also, marvel at the full view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and take wonderful pictures.

   

   On the way back, visit Blue Moon Valley, where the lake is blue and the valley is shaped like a crescent. Admire the fantastic picture of the crystal lake and the spectacular mountains surrounding it.

   After the visit, drive back to the hotel in Lijiang for a rest.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Lijiang

6. Day 6: Lijiang to Shangri-La Tour by Car
   Marvel at the Wonders of Nature

   In the morning, drive from Lijiang to the First Bend of Yangtze River. Climb up to the viewing platform and enjoy the spectacular view of the Yangtze River. Also see the rolling hills, lush forests, and fancy Danxia landform.

   

   Then move to Tiger Leaping Gorge, known for its diverse terrain and spectacular views. Hike the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge section to admire the roaring rivers and towering cliffs. And stand on the viewing platform to witness the famous Tiger Leaping Rock, a large boulder in the middle of the river.

   After that, continue to drive to Shangri-La, known as “Paradise on Earth”. Along the way, you can enjoy diverse landscapes of mountains and rivers.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shangri-La

   

7. Day 7: Shangri-La Exploration Tour
   Immerse in the Rich Tibetan Culture and Breathtaking Scenery

   Today, start your Shangri-La culture and nature tour. The first stop is Songzanlin Monastery, the treasure of Tibetan Buddhism in Yunnan. Admire the majestic temples and colorful Buddhist murals. Also observe precious Buddhist artifacts such as Buddha statues, thangkas, and scriptures.

   

   Next head to Pudacuo National Park, which boasts lakes, wetlands, forested meadows, and various wildlife. Admire the clear Shudu Lake, reflecting the surrounding green hills and trees and the blue sky. Stroll through the vast Militang Pasture to observe the colorful flowers and herds of yaks.

   Afterwards, visit a local Tibetan family. Taste their homemade food like butter tea, yak cheese, and barley wine. And interact with the Tibetan people to learn about their customs and taste authentic Tibetan cuisine.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shangri-La

8. Day 8: Dukezong Ancient Town Tour, Shangri-La Departure

   After breakfast, visit Dukezong Old Town, the largest Tibetan residential area in China. The ancient town has a long history and is known for its Tibetan culture and history. Wander through the ancient city, observe the ancient Tibetan architecture and experience the lively local life.

   Optional Activity (at your own expense): Learn to make a traditional Tibetan Thangka from a local master to create your own artistic masterpiece.

   The 8-day Yunnan golf tour is over here. You will be transferred to the airport or train station to your next destination.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A