8 Days Yunnan Kid-friendly Family Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kunming Arrival
   Explore on Your Own

   Welcome to our 8-day family trip to Yunnan. Upon your arrival in Kunming, your private driver will pick you up at the airport or train station and send you and your child(ren) to a centrally located hotel. The remaining time is for you to explore Kunming at your own pace and get a first impression of the Spring City.

   We recommend that you and your family take a stroll in Dianchi Lake. It is a highland pearl, with four seasons like spring. Appreciate the lake and mountain scenery, and overlook the beautiful silhouette of the "Sleeping Beauty" in Xishan. Your children may be interested in taking a cruise around the lake. Amidst the shimmering waves, seagulls dance gracefully, and kids will surely rejoice and cheer. In the evening, try some Yunnan specialties, such as Steam Pot Chicken and Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Kunming
2. Day 2: Kunming Wildlife Park
   Meet Rare Animals, Enjoy Hands-on Learning, Feed Seagulls at Cuihu

   Good morning, your tour guide will meet you after your breakfast, then you will be going to visit the Yunnan Wildlife Park, located in the suburbs, where your kids can enjoy a unique experience of close contact with rare animals. The park is divided into many characteristic areas - rare animal area, African tribe, cute pet playground, etc. Children can observe rare animals such as giant pandas, Sichuan snub nosed monkeys, peacocks up close, and participate in interactive experiences such as feeding deer and alpacas.

   In addition, the park also provides animal science popularization classes, allowing kids to learn ecological knowledge and enhance environmental awareness through play. This is not only a great place for families to play, but an ideal destination to get close to nature and integrate education with entertainment.

   After that, we drive back to the city to visit Cuihu (Green Lake) Park, which is known as the "emerald" of Spring City. The lake water here is clear, and the scenery varies throughout the four seasons. On sunny days, it shimmers with ripples, while on rainy days, it is full of poetic charm. If you happen to come here in winter, you can encounter thousands of red billed gulls. Children can feed bread and experience the joy of nature. After the tour, you will be sent back to the hotel to rest.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Kunming
3. Day 3: Kunming to Dali by Bullet Train
   Enjoy Family Fun at a Mountain Theme Park

   After breakfast today, you will take the high-speed train to Dali. During this 2-hour scenic journey, children will love this high-speed journey very much. After arriving in Dali, the local guide will pick you up and take you to a restaurant located by the Erhai Lake for lunch. There is a playground next to the restaurant, so your children can play after their meal.

   This afternoon we head to Luji Theme Park, nestled on Yunxiang Mountain between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake at an elevation of 2,100 meters. The view here is wide, overlooking the panoramic Dali city. Centered around gravity-powered mountain carts, the park is perfect for family outings. If your children are over 1.3 meters tall, they can drive independently and experience the excitement and fun of gravity gliding.

   Indise the park set cafes and viewing platforms, and on the second floor restaurant you can enjoy the spectacular sunset view. Additionally, at the cultural experience center midway up the mountain, kids can try their hand at carving traditional block prints.

   After a day of fun, we will escort you to a hotel in the center of Dali for check-in. We will arrange suitable parent-child rooms based on your family size.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Dali
4. Day 4: Dali to Xizhou Village
   Cycle Erhai Lake, Explore Xizhou Village, Enjoy Bai Culture with Family Activities

   Today you will experience cycling or leisurely strolling around picturesque Erhai Lake. Ride along the ecological corridor with a gentle breeze on your face as sunlight dances across the shimmering waters. Rest areas and snack stalls line the route.

   Continue to Xizhou Ancient Town, a quintessential Bai ethnic village. Here children can participate in handicraft activities like woodblock printing, adding fun to the journey. Don't miss sampling Xizhou Baba, a baked pastry snack known for its fragrant, crispy, fluffy, and sweet (or salty) flavor.

   

   For lunch, savor a wild mushroom hotpot featuring fresh local ingredients. Remember to heed your guide's advice (cook thoroughly before eating - curious why? Your guide will explain)!

   In the afternoon, continue exploring Xizhou's scenery. Your family will experience a scenic train ride through rice paddies (approximately 20 minutes). Under sunny skies and white clouds, the rice fields appear exceptionally lush and vibrant. Immerse yourselves in this relaxing family moment!

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   4-Star Hotel in Xizhou
5. Day 5: Xizhou to Lijiang
   Ride Horses near Lashi Lake and Relax in Peaceful Shuhe Town

   After breakfast, we bid farewell to Xizhou. Then drive to Lijiang, arriving about two hours later. After settling into our hotel in Lijiang Old Town, head to a horse ranch near Lashi Lake. This picturesque little lake is surrounded by lush vegetation, and every lakeside village has its own ranch. Your children can ride Yunnan's unique miniature horses, retrace the ancient Tea Horse Road, and experience the life of the caravans from centuries past.

   The parent-child time spent in the afternoon is in Shuhe Ancient Town, located in the northwest of the Old Town of Lijiang, which is one of the most peaceful stops on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. The bluestone road winds, the stream murmurs, and the Naxi white walled buildings are arranged in a staggered manner. Sifang Street is the center of this place, surrounded by various shops, and one can feel the prosperity of the past.

   

   By the Qinglong Bridge, children can play in the water and watch colorful fishes; Under the shade of ancient trees in Longquan Temple, families can enjoy a tea/coffee break. Generally speaking, there are fewer tourists than that in Lijiang Ancient Town, great for families to relax and experience culture. After the sightseeing, drive you back to your hotel.

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
6. Day 6: Lijiang Snow Mountain Exploration
   Explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Alpine Meadows, Blue Valley

   Your first visit today will be to Yuhu Village at the Yulong Snow Mountain's foot. One of the main attractions of this village is the stone architecture. It looks like a giant stone art museum since all the stone buildings, roads, and bridges are made of stone. The kids will be delighted to see this place. In case you are fortunate enough to be there at the right time, the view of the snow mountain mirrored in the crystal-clear lake will be breathtaking.

   

   The next thing on your travel itinerary is the picturesque and the most adventurous part of the Yunnan tour - Yulong Snow Mountain (highest point 5,596 meters), revered by the Naxi people as holy. Don't allow the altitude figure to scare you; since you are traveling with kids, we are going to take the lowest of the three cable cars which will take us to 3,240 meters. Still, your little ones can join in as long as they are more than 3 years old.

   After entering the beautiful place, the guide will initially lead your family to visit Ganhaizi, a very high meadow which is surrounded with snow-covered mountains and offers beautiful scenery all through the year. During spring, it is all green with a lot of wildflowers; summer gives the area a nice green look where cows and sheep are seen grazing taking their own sweet time; on the other hand, the autumn and winter seasons cover the area with a white silver blanket.

   Next, transfer to the cable car, reaching Yunshanping in just 3 minutes. Nestled deep within the heart of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, this area boasts vast stretches of pristine fir forests. On the open grasslands, children might spot yaks wandering freely. You may wish to bring along some simple snacks for a family picnic here.

   Afterwards, we descend the mountain and arrive at Blue Moon Valley, the most beautiful scenic spot within. As its name suggests, the lake water here is as clear as sapphire. Four lakes are connected in series - Yuye Lake is clear to the bottom, Jingtan Lake reflects the snow covered mountains, Blue Moon Lake is deep and blue, and Tingtao Lake waterfall cascades. Kids can stroll along the wooden boardwalk and observe fish swimming in the water.

   

   In addition to natural scenery, the area also has a unique cultural performance: Impression Lijiang. It is directed by a very famous Chinese director, Zhang Yimou, and uses snow peaks as a natural stage to showcase Naxi culture. The actors are mostly local farmers.

   Today's adventure is coming to an end here. Finally, you will be sent back to the hotel to rest well.

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
7. Day 7: Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge
   Hike the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, Enjoy Naxi Culture in Lijiang Old Town

   Today shall mark the end of the family expedition. The first thing in the morning, take a drive of approximately 2 hours from your accommodation to one of the world's deepest gorges - the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Tiger Leaping Gorge is situated on Lijiang and Shangri-La's boundary, characterized by the stunning scenery of the Jinsha River splitting Yulong Snow and Haba Snow mountains.

   As you have kids with you, today’s hike will be in the Upper section. The section offers low difficulty hiking with picturesque landscape. You will be able to see the snow-covered mountains, the gorge, the rushing river, and look for the unusual rock formations during the way. Your guide will tell how the gorge was formed.

   

   Your children will surely be fascinated by the legend of the "Tiger Leaping Rock." It is said that a mighty tiger once used this massive boulder to traverse between two snow mountains, hence its name. Standing 13 meters tall, the stone lies horizontally in the river's center, blocking the surging waters. From the viewing platform, your family can experience the majestic power of the Jinsha River up close.

   Important Notice: Some trails are slippery. We recommend wearing slip-resistant shoes.

   Once the journey has been completed, you will be going to Lijiang again for the Lijiang Ancient Town tour. This place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the Naxi culture. By walking through the city, you can see the old way of living, besides, the flowing water under the bridges, and the ancient Naxi buildings will mesmerize you. The kids will have a lot of fun playing near the big water wheel and the wind chime pavilion. Taste different local food items from the street vendors, such as yak meat skewer and yogurt. In the evening, there is a chance for your family to watch a Naxi singing and dancing bonfire performance if you are lucky.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
8. Day 8: Lijiang Departure

   After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up at your hotel at the agreed time and then escort your family to the airport. Hope you and your kids had a happy time with China Xian Tour. This is the end of your 8-day Yunnan family tour. See you next time!

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