8-Day Classic Yunnan Minority Tour to Kunming, Dali, Lijiang & Shangri-La

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kunming Arrival

   Welcome to Kunming, the ‘Spring City’! Your private guide will meet you and take you to your hotel for check in. You are free to spend the rest of the day as you wish.

   Recommended Activity: Go to Dianchi Lake, known as the ‘Pearl of the Plateau’. Not only can you admire the beautiful scenery of the lake and the surrounding mountains, but you also bring some breadcrumbs to feed the red-billed gulls in winter that come here to stay.

   

   Vehicle

   4-Star Hotel in Kunming
2. Day 2: Kunming Exploration
   Explore natural wonders and the hustle and bustle of everyday life

   Begin your journey to the Stone Forest. As you enter the scenic area, you will be greeted by a forest of bizarre limestone pillars formed hundreds of millions of years ago. Wander through the labyrinthine paths in search of the rock peak shaped like a young girl, and listen to your guide tell the love legend of ‘Ashima’, a girl from an ethnic minority group.

   Return to the city centre to visit Cuihu Park, which offers beautiful scenery year-round. From February to March, nearly 200,000 tulip plants bloom in the park; in summer, the ponds here are covered with graceful lotus flowers; and in winter (November to February), tens of thousands of red-billed gulls come here to overwinter, creating a truly spectacular sight.

   

   Then visit Asia’s largest fresh flower market to admire the colourful lilies, roses and hydrangeas.

   Useful Tips: As the Stone Forest covers a large area and you will need to walk on uneven stone paths and steps, it is strongly recommended that you wear comfortable trainers to avoid foot fatigue or slipping.

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Hotel in Kunming
3. Day 3: Kunming to Dali by High-speed Train
   Wander through historic sites and relax in the ancient city

   Take the high-speed rail to Dali, and you’ll arrive in just 2 hours.

   Photography enthusiasts should not miss the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a landmark of Dali. Capture stunning views at the nearby Reflection Park – the water's surface, as clear as a mirror, reflects the symmetrical pagodas

   From the highest point of Wanghai Tower, take in a magnificent panoramic view of the Three Pagodas, Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain.

   Afterwards, take a boat trip on Erhai Lake and gaze out at the Bai ethnic villages along the shore. The shimmering lake surface reflects the rolling peaks of Cangshan Mountain, whilst flocks of seagulls occasionally accompany the boat as it glides along. You might feed them with some steamed buns.

   

   As evening falls, take a stroll through Dali Old Town, where the blue-stone cobbled streets are illuminated by warm yellow lights. The aroma of ‘Roasted Dairy Fan’ wafts from the small shops lining the streets. Browse through the tie-dye or silver jewellery shops and soak up the relaxed, leisurely pace of this ancient town after sunset.

   High Speed Train, Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Hotel in Dali
4. Day 4: Dali to Lijiang by Private Vehicle
   Experience intangible cultural heritage and local customs

   Compared to Dali Old Town, Xizhou Ancient Town has a more harmonious atmosphere, with vast expanses of wheat fields (the green waves of spring and the golden hues of autumn are seasonal spectacles) and rustic, traditional Bai ethnic architecture.

   

   Try the ‘Three-Course Tea’: the first cup has a clean, bitter taste; the second, with the addition of brown sugar and milk curd, becomes sweet and fragrant; and the final cup, mixed with honey and Sichuan pepper, offers a lingering sweetness with a hint of spice.

   

   Visit a local Bai ethnic group’s tie-dye workshop in Zhoucheng Village to watch artisans use needles and thread to stitch various patterns onto white cloth before immersing it in the dye vat. Once unwrapped, blue-and-white patterns of butterflies and flowers emerge clearly.

   After the tour, drive to Lijiang Old Town and check into a hotel within the town.

   As night falls, follow the cheerful sounds of Naxi music to Sifang Street, where a bonfire has already been lit. Tourists and locals naturally join hands and dance simple steps around the flames.

   More Recommended Activities:

   In Zhoucheng Village, try your hand at tie-dyeing. Under the guidance of a master craftsman, stitch patterns onto white cloth with needle and thread, then immerse the fabric in an indigo dye vat. Untie the knots to reveal your very own blue-and-white pattern.

   

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
5. Day 5: Lijiang's Essence
   Admire snow-capped mountain scenery and the Baisha Murals

   Begin with an exploration of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, rising to an altitude of over 4,000 metres. First, head to Ganhaizi, where you can see yaks grazing leisurely across the vast meadows.

   Take a sightseeing bus to tour the White Water River. Next, a cable car will gently carry you up to Yunshanping, an alpine meadow surrounded by spruce trees.

   Against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains, watch a grand performance showcasing the local ethnic way of life - Impression Lijiang.

   The itinerary then leads you to Blue Moon Valley, where you'll see a stream flowing over a milky-white limestone riverbed, creating a unique, dreamlike blue-green hue.

   

   After taking in the natural scenery, enjoy a stroll through Baisha Ancient Town, where traditional Naxi courtyards line the streets. Be sure not to miss the ‘Baisha Murals’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; they depict stories from Buddhism, Taoism and other traditional religions, and their colours remain vivid even after hundreds of years.

   

   Travel Notes:

   If you wish to visit the Glacier Park (the highest point at an altitude of 4,680 metres), please tell your travel consultant in advance. Ticket prices vary depending on the cable car route. Cable car tickets for Glacier Park are very difficult to book, and queuing times are long; you may have to wait for 1–2 hours.

   Many people experience altitude sickness within the scenic area; please inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell. We will provide you with one portable oxygen cylinder; if this is not sufficient, please purchase additional ones in advance in the town centre, where prices are cheaper than within the scenic area.

   As dining options within the scenic area are limited, we recommend that you bring some snacks with you.

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
6. Day 6: Lijiang to Shangri-La by Private Vehicle
   Hike through canyons and experience Tibetan culture

   Today, drive from Lijiang to Shangri-La. On the way, stop at the ‘First Bend of the Yangtze’ viewing platform to look down upon the vast V-shaped bend formed by the Jinsha River at this point.

   After travelling for about an hour, arrive at Tiger Leaping Gorge. Hike along the ‘Upper Tiger Leaping’ section, following a path carved into the cliff face, with the roar of the Jinsha River surging through the narrow gorge ringing in our ears and churning white or yellow waves at our feet.

   After the hike, travel by car to Shangri-La and check into our accommodation.

   Stroll through the ancient town of Dukezong, which dates back over 1,300 years, lined on both sides by traditional Tibetan timber-and-earth buildings.

   Climb up to Guishan Park beside the ancient town and try spinning the world’s largest prayer wheel, joining the local people in offering devout prayers.

   

   Useful Tips:

   The Tiger Leaping Gorge scenic area provides a lift service; if you have difficulty walking or want to conserve your energy, you may choose to use it.

   Shangri-La has an average altitude of 3,300 metres; some people may experience altitude sickness, so you may take medication for this in advance, depending on your individual circumstances.

   Hotels in Shangri-La offer offer oxygen supply services; if you require this, we can arrange it for you in advance.

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Hotel in Shangri-La
7. Day 7: Shangri-La Highlights
   Visit ancient temples and sample butter tea

   Visit the Songzanlin Monastery, known as the ‘Little Potala Palace’. One of the best vantage points is the 214 Viewing Platform, from where you can take in a panoramic view of the tiered red walls and golden roofs. If you go at dawn, when a light mist hangs in the air, you’ll witness the morning light casting a soft glow over the golden roofs.

   

   Stroll along the footpaths of Pudacuo National Park to Shudu Lake, where the water lies as smooth as a mirror, clearly reflecting the surrounding spruce trees and distant mountains; from time to time, you may spot herds of yaks grazing leisurely on the meadows by the lakeshore.

   Continuing on, reach Bita Lake, a well-preserved alpine wetland with even deeper waters. Dense primeval forests line the shores; if you visit between May and June, you may also witness the unique natural spectacle of ‘Rhododendron-Intoxicated Fish’ in the lake.

   

   Before returning to the hotel, have a visit to a local Tibetan family to enjoy a cup of fragrant butter tea.

   Warm Tips:

   When entering the halls of Songzanlin Monastery, you must remove your hat and sunglasses; photography is prohibited.

   Pudacuo National Park ranges in altitude from 3,500 metres to 4,159 metres and is a typical high-altitude scenic area; please avoid running, shouting or strenuous exercise whilst visiting.

   If you experience symptoms such as dizziness or vomiting, please inform your guide immediately so that oxygen can be administered and arrangements made for you to descend to seek medical attention.

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Hotel in Shangri-La
8. Day 8: Shangri-La Departure

   Your tour of Yunnan will come to an end after breakfast. A private vehicle will take you to Shangri-La airport for your departure.

   Extend Your Trip: If you’d like to experience a tropical atmosphere, Xishuangbanna in Yunnan is a great place to visit. If you’re interested, please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can tailor a detailed itinerary for you.

   Vehicle

   B