12 Days Yunnan Golf Tour: Kunming to Shangri-La

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kunming Arrival

   Welcome to our 12-day Yunnan golf tour. Your driver will wait for you in advance according to your arrival time. After picking you up, he will send you to Spring City Golf & Lake Resort by a private car/van.

   Have your dinner at the rest. It offers restaurants featuring various distinctive cuisines, including local Yunnan dishes, Western food, barbecue, and Southeast Asian cuisine. Enjoy yourself.

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   Spring City Golf & Lake Resort
2. Day 2: Spring City Lake Course & Majestic Stone Forest
   World-Class Golfing and Kunming's Most Iconic Natural Wonder

   You can kick off your day after a good breakfast before hitting the Lake Course of Spring City Golf & Lake Resort. Ranked 5th in Asia and 77th in the World, this Robert Trent Jones Jr. masterpiece has won multiple awards, having been completed in 1998 with the elevation changes, excellent fairways and an amazing view of the lake. The course is designed to follow the hills, giving both a challenge and a sense of calmness. The soft winds and the wide-open views make the playing environment heavenly.

   

   After lunch, continue your journey to Shilin, Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its towering limestone formations and striking karst landscapes. Wander among the “stone peaks” that resemble ancient castles, mythical creatures... Your guide will also share local Sani legends that bring these formations to life. Tip: This visit involves a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

   Later in the day, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. Dinner won’t be included so you are free to sample authentic Yunnan cuisine according to your taste. We recommend trying the most famous one - Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles. Besides, rose flower cakes can be as a dessert after your meal.

   

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   Spring City Golf & Lake Resort
3. Day 3: Mountain Course Golfing & Jiuxiang Karst Caves
   Tee Off in The Mountains and Discover a Magnificent Underground World

   Today’s morning will be spent at Spring City’s Mountain Course. It is a signature design of Jack Nicklaus that is highly acclaimed for its strategic layout and incredible views of the highlands. Compared with the Lake Course, the Mountain Course sits at a higher elevation, meaning its fairways are tighter and thus challenging for players of every skill level. Perfect facilities, clean mountain air, and panoramic views offer every golfer a truly unique experience.

   In the late hours, we will visit the Jiuxiang Cave Scenic Area, which is one of the most spectacular karst landforms in China. Developed 600 million years ago, this place boasts over a hundred caves, making it the largest, most numerous and most unique cluster of cave landscapes in China. It has been labelled as the "Cave Museum" by geologists. Some of the most impressive caverns in Jiuxiang are the "Lion Hall", the world's largest underground square hall, which has a total area of 15,000 square meters, and accommodates tens of thousands of people to enjoy spectacular cultural events, and the "Bat Cave", which is distinguished by the sight of hanging stalactites.

   After the visit, return to your resort for a relaxing evening surrounded by fresh highland air. Tonight is free for you to unwind at your own pace.

   

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   Spring City Golf & Lake Resort
4. Day 4: Kunming Lakeview Golf & High-Speed Train to Dali
   Enjoy Your Final Round Before Traveling to Lakeside Dali

   After breakfast, we're off to Kunming Lakeview Golf Course. It's a top-notch course near Dianchi Lake, designed by Nelson & Haworth. The fairways are wide, the greens are rolling, and there are lots of bunkers that reward smart strategy. Being right by the lake means nice breezes and great views of the Western Hills - a chill way to wrap up your time golfing in Kunming, and is very memorable.

   After completing your game and lunch, take a comfortable high-speed train to Dali (2 hours). Upon arrival, check in to your local hotel and take some time to relax. This evening is free for your own exploration. Stroll along the lakeshore to admire the Erhai Lake sunset, where golden light reflects across calm water and fishing boats drift slowly in the distance.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Dali
5. Day 5: Canghai Golf & Bai Cultural Heritage
   Grand Golfing Experience and Dali’s Rich Bai Traditions

   Make the most of today, and after breakfast, Canghai Golf Club will be where you start. The only Dali golf course is located at the base of Cangshan Mountain with Erhai Lake east and is characterized by vast fairways and a breathtaking sight of lakes and mountains. In this golf club, any skill level golfer is going to feel satisfied. Morning rounds of golf would be a real enjoyment with the help of a cool breeze and the freshest air coming from Erhai Lake.

   It will be a delightful experience heading to Fengyangyi Village, an ancient Bai village nestled beneath Cangshan Mountain, after lunch. Here it would be possible to sense that the time is standing still. The alleys are quiet, and the traditional Bai ethnic quadrangle courtyards, with their blue and white murals and intricate wood carvings, are on both sides. Your guide will show you some of the Bai rituals and ancient practices that are still the defining characteristics of this village and its life today.

   

   Next on your itinerary is Dali Old Town, which used to be a significant place on the ancient Tea Horse Road. It was the political, economic, and cultural hub of Yunnan Province for over 500 years during the Tang and Song dynasties. You can spend 2 hours just wandering the cobblestone streets that are full of cafes, handicraft shops, and Bai architecture. Tonight you will dine at your own cost. One of the suggestions is Yunnan mushroom hot pot plus smoked fish, a no-fish-no-pasta local favorite known for its crunchy texture and rich flavor derived from spices.

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   4-Star Hotel in Dali
6. Day 6: Erhai Cruise, Local Towns & Sunset
   Explore Lakeside Villages and Embrace Beautiful Sunset Moments

   After breakfast, follow your guide to get on a boat for a scenic Erhai Lake cruise, absolutely one of Dali’s most popular experiences. Across crystal-blue waters and capture the amazing views of Cangshan Mountain, Bai fishing villages, and “floating gardens” that define the lake’s charm.

   Continue to Xizhou Ancient Town, 18 kilometers north of Dali Ancient Town. Here are very well-preserved Bai ethnic residences. The historic streets and ancient merchant residences offer you a glimpse into the town's prosperous past. Next, visit Shuanglang Town on the beautiful northeastern shore of Erhai Lake. Many art studios make this little town filled with artistic atmosphere. You can also see lots of seaside viewpoints, perfect for photography, such as “Python Running into the Sea” and “Turtle and Snake Facing Each Other”.

   

   In the late afternoon, arrive at the Sun Palace (the private villa of renowned Chinese dancer Yang Liping, surrounded on three sides by Erhai Lake) to enjoy an unforgettable sunset. Golden light glistens on the water's surface and reflects off the surrounding mountains. After the sunset, drive 2.5 hours to Lijiang. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest for the evening.

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
7. Day 7: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golfing & Lijiang Old Town
   Play Golf Beneath Snow-Capped Peaks

   Meet your tour guide in Lijiang and then go to the Yulong Snow Mountain International Golf Club, one of the highest golf courses in the world at an altitude of 3,100 meters. This golf course designed by Nelson Haworth takes up 2,000 mu and has an 18-hole standard course with a total fairway length of 8,548 yards (which has earned a Guinness World Record for the longest golf fairway). Head into the thin mountain air, which can be quite a challenge, but at the same time the amazing snow-covered peak views are a fantastic background for every swing.

   After the play, enjoy the beauty of Blue Moon Valley, named for its milky-blue glacial waters that flow through terraced limestone pools. Surrounded by snow mountains and lush forests, the valley is one of Lijiang’s most photogenic destinations. Take a walk along its turquoise streams and enjoy the refreshing air.

   Last, go down the mountain and have a guided walk in Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around ancient waterways, wooden homes, and experience rich Naxi culture. As evening falls, the town will be lit by lanterns and lively music.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
8. Day 8: Lijiang Relaxing Day
   Baisha Ancient Town & Historic Landmarks

   After breakfast today, you will explore the earliest settlement of the Naxi people in Baisha Ancient Town. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, this place was the political, economic and cultural center of Lijiang. On both sides of the stone alley are Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings and ancient camphor trees. The Baisha Murals are the most famous things here. Their bright colors and complex patterns allow tourists to further understand the diverse culture of Lijiang.

   Next, return to the ancient town of Lijiang to visit the Mu Palace, which was once the residence and official residence of the leaders of the Naxi Mu chieftains. This architectural complex is similar to a smaller version of the Forbidden City in Beijing, featuring elegant wooden pavilions, grand gates, spacious courtyards, and a view overlooking Lijiang Old Town. Your guide will share with you the story of the influential Mu family.

   The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. Return to your hotel for a relaxing break, visit a local art gallery to appreciate contemporary Naxi artwork, or relax at a cozy cafe meanwhile enjoying mountain views and a leisurely ambiance.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
9. Day 9: Lijiang to Shangri-La
   Dramatic River and Canyon Landscapes

   The plan for the day is driving to Shangri-La. We will first drive to the First Bend of the Yangtze River in 1.5 hours. This is the place where the great river turns 180 degrees and the beautiful landscape created by good hills and small villages is just beyond. It's a perfect place for taking wide-angle pictures and understanding the geography that gave rise to ancient trade routes.

   Then hike will lead you to the world-famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is one of the deepest and most beautiful canyons of the planet. Today, you are mainly going to hike the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, where roaring rapids crash against massive boulders beneath steep cliffs. Good paths give the visitors opportunities being very close to the power of the Jinsha River and see the beautiful earth sculptures that the gorge has made.

   

   After the visit, continue driving for about two hours to reach Shangri-La. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a restful break. In the evening, feel free to explore Dukezong Ancient Town, with its stone alleys and lively square. You may also walk up Guishan Hill, home to the world’s largest prayer wheel and panoramic views over the old town.

   Tips:

   1. If you prefer a less strenuous option, an elevator ride in Tiger Leaping Gorge is available for an additional fee.
   2. For walking up the Guishan Hill requires physical strength. It is recommended that you wear a pair of comfortable shoes.
   3. Shangri-la is at an altitude of 3,300 meters, and a few tourists may experience altitude sickness. You can prepare anti-altitude sickness medicine in advance.

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   4-Star Guesthouse in Shangri-La
10. Day 10: Shangri-La’s Classic Attractions
    Discover Tibetan Spirituality and Pristine Alpine Scenery

    Songzanlin Monastery, the biggest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, is the first guided-visit attraction. People often call it the Little Potala Palace because of its golden roofs, prayer flags, and halls full of old writings and statues. As you walk around, the monastery's history, daily routines, and how important Buddhism is to the local Tibetan people will be introduced to you.

    After that, we're off to Pudacuo National Park, a protected area for highland plants and animals. We’ll check out two popular spots, Shudu Lake and Bita Lake. Shudu Lake has thick spruce forests and meadows where animals graze, and its boardwalks are great for taking pictures. Bita Lake is a calm alpine lake sitting high up at over 11,500 feet. It's famous for its clear waters and untouched beauty, as well as the story about flowers falling into the lake in spring.

    Tonight, we recommend trying a Tibetan dinner with tasty momo dumplings, filling yak meat meals, and butter tea.

    

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    4-Star Guesthouse in Shangri-La
11. Day 11: Shangri-La to Kunming by Flight, Golf at Sunshine Golf Club
    Enjoy a Relaxing Afternoon of Highland Golfing

    In the morning, we get back to Kunming by flight (1 hour). Upon arrival, your driver sends you to a 4-star downtown hotel for check-in. Take a short break.

    In the afternoon, play a round of golf at the Sunshine Golf Club, ten kilometers away from the center of Kunming city. This golf course is designed by the renowned American golf course design company - Robert Trent Jones Jr. It is an 18-hole international standard championship-level urban mountain and hilly course with a total fairway length of 7,217 yards. Here, not only the natural terrain and scenery are preserved, but also natural rocks, wildflowers, pine forests, fruit trees and lakes are used as the obstacle areas and landscapes of the fairway. While enjoying the changing scenery of the four seasons on the course, golfers can also have the pleasure of picking the fruits when they are ripe. After finishing your round, return to your hotel to relax.

    

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    4-Star Hotel in Kunming
12. Day 12: Kunming Departure

    On the end of this 12-day China golf tour in Yunnan, you still have time to enjoy a bit Kunming’s culture. If your flight departs later in the day, you could visit a local farmers' market, where locals shop for fresh produce, spices, flowers, and everyday essentials. It’s also a great place to buy some specialty products, such as dried mushrooms, flower cakes, or locally produced teas.

    If no time left for you, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and send you to the Kunming Changshui International Airport. Safe travels! Thank you for choosing China Xian Tour’s services - we look forward to welcoming you again on your next China tour!

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