Charms of Yunnan
Mountain Escapes & Ethnic Cultures
- Duration : 7N8D
- Tour code : ARIA—CN—2603
- Route : Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La
- Tour Type : Private
- Feature：Ethnic cultures, Ancient towns, Diversity
Short Description
Through this 8-day journey, we invite you to discover China’s breathtaking natural landscapes in Yunnan.
This Yunnan journey takes you to its most iconic destinations—Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La—blending breathtaking natural landscapes with rich cultural experiences. Explore wonders like the Stone Forest, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and Napahai Lake, while immersing yourself in the traditions of ethnic groups such as the Yi, Bai, Naxi, and Tibetan communities.
Note: During this journey, the altitude will gradually increase. Especially after arriving in Shangri-La, the elevation will rise to over 3,000 meters. Please prepare in advance for the altitude change. If you feel unwell at any time, please contact your guide promptly.
Highlights
| Day 1-2 Kunming | Stone Forest, Green Lake Park, Kunming Old Streets |
| Day 3-4 Dali | Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Dali Old Town, Xizhou Village, Lijiang Old Town |
| Day 5 Lijiang | Baisha Ancient Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain |
| Day 6-8 Shangri-La | Tiger Leaping Gorge, the First Bend of the Yangtze River, Dukezong Ancient Town, Napahai Lake, Songzanlin Monastery |
Day 1 Arrive in Kunming
Welcome to Kunming. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate year-round. The city sits at about 1,894 meters above sea level and combines natural scenery with rich cultural history.
The rest of the day is free for you to rest or take a short walk nearby.
Meals: / Accommodation: Kunming
Day 2 Kunming
Drive to the Stone Forest and explore its dramatic limestone formations shaped over millions of years.
After lunch, return to Kunming and visit Green Lake Park, where locals gather and relax.
End the day at Kunming Old Streets and Guanghua Street, filled with traditional buildings, food, and small historic shops. Explore the local flower and bird market and discover the colorful charm of Yunnan.
Meals: B Accommodation: Kunming
Day 3 Kunming—Dali
After breakfast, take a high-speed train to Dali.
Visit Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, one of the most iconic landmarks of the region with a history of over a thousand years.
Then enjoy a relaxed walk along Erhai Lake and its lakeside corridor. Continue to Dali Old Town, known for its white-walled houses, slow pace of life, and traditional Bai ethnic charm.
Meals: B Accommodation: Dali
Day 4 Dali—Lijiang
Drive to Lijiang, stopping at Xizhou Village on the way, a well-preserved Bai village known for traditional courtyard houses and local culture.
Arrive in Lijiang for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Lijiang Old Town and Sifang Square, where canals, cobblestone streets, and wooden buildings create a maze-like ancient town atmosphere.
Meals: B Accommodation: Lijiang
Day 5 Lijiang
Visit Baisha Ancient Town, famous for its rare Ming Dynasty murals that reflect early Naxi culture and religious art.
Continue to Yuhu Village, a quiet settlement at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, known for its stone houses and strong local traditions.
Meals: B Accommodation: Lijiang
Day 6 Lijiang—Shangri-La
Drive toward Tiger Leaping Gorge, where powerful river waters rush between towering cliffs.
Stop at The First Bend of the Yangtze River for panoramic views of the river’s dramatic turn.
Continue to Shangri-La and visit Dukezong Ancient Town. Walk up Guishan Hill to enjoy a panoramic view of prayer wheels and traditional Tibetan rooftops.
Meals: B Accommodation: Shangri-La
Day 7 Shangri-La
Hike around Napahai Lake, where grasslands, wetlands, and open skies create a peaceful highland landscape.
Visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, often called the “Little Potala Palace.”
Later, visit a local Tibetan family and experience daily life with butter tea and yak cheese.
Meals: B Accommodation: Shangri-La
Day 8 Shangri-La Departure
Today is the last day of your journey.
You will return from Shangri-La to Kunming, and then continue your onward journey back home.
When ready, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport. End of your trip.
Meals: B Accommodation: /
Detail About this Package
✔️ What’s included
✔️ Hotel Accommodation: based on twin share with western style breakfast
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Guide Service: excellent English-speaking tour guide service
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Vehicle Service: air-conditioning coach with experienced drivers
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Domestic Transportation: Internal Air/high-speed train (Economy Class)
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Entrance fees as per itinerary
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Internet Access：wifi in hotels
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24/7 On-Call Support
✖️ What’s excluded
✖️ International Airfare
✖️ Tips for guide and driver
✖️ Personal expenses
✖️ Entry Visa
✖️ Optional Activities
✖️ Payment processing fees
Add-on Options
| Add-on Name | Description |
| Lunch and Dinner | If you would like to explore more local cuisine, feel free to ask us—we will be happy to recommend the most authentic and distinctive local dishes. |
Hotels
Hotel can make reservations based on your needs.
You can choose your hotel; we offer
- Budget-friendly and clean 3-star hotels
- Comfortable and tidy 4-star hotels
- Luxurious local 5-star hotels
- High-end international 5-star hotels
Since This Is A Private Tour, All Itineraries Can Be Customized Based On Your Needs.
Please feel free to let us know if you have any question, we will be happy to answer.