Transportation
Air-conditioned Coach
Accomodation
3 Stars Hotels
Meals
Breakfast & Lunch
Language
English, Chinese
Fitness level
Easy to Moderate
Group Size
2-15
Destinations
Yunnan

Editor's comment

Let me tell you something about Yunnan that no guidebook will: this place doesn’t just show you scenery—it restores your soul. I came here on a one-way ticket two years ago, and these landscapes quietly stitched me back together.

Start in Dali, where Erhai Lake seems to breathe. Shuanglang’s flower swings and quiet cafés taught me to slow down. Jinsuo Island—just five minutes by boat but a world away—proved that the best escapes come in small packages. That “Santorini” spot at Ideal Land is cute for photos, but the real magic is in Xizhou’s old Bai courtyards, where time moves at the pace of tea steeping.

The tie-dye workshop? Folding fabric with Bai grandmothers in their sunny courtyards became a kind of therapy. Their hands, creased like mountain ridges, know patterns deeper than indigo.

Lijiang will charm you with cobbled lanes, but save your awe for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cable car lifts you through clouds to Spruce Meadow, and the valley below glows turquoise in Blue Moon Valley—it’s not Photoshop, I promise.

Finally, Shangri-La. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, golden roofs at Songzanlin Monastery shine against the sky, and yaks graze peacefully at Napa Lake. That Tibetan banquet? More than a meal—it’s a celebration of music, dance, and local life that makes you want to clap along.

Trip Highlights of the Yunnan Tour

Stroll through Dali’s charming Ancient Town and lakeside villages like Shuanglang and Jinsuo Island
Learn traditional tie-dye techniques in Xizhou Ancient Town
Take in breathtaking views at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley
Explore Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of Naxi culture
Witness the roaring Jinsha River at Tiger Leaping Gorge
Discover the Tibetan culture of Shangri-La at Songzanlin Monastery and Dukezong Ancient Town
Enjoy family-friendly hands-on experiences: Dongba pictograph DIY, local cooking, and bonfire dancing

Day‑by‑Day Yunnan Tour Itinerary

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Day 1: Kunming Arrival
Arrive in Kunming and relax into Yunnan’s mountain charm.

Day 2: Kunming → Dali by High-Speed Train
Explore Shuanglang village, Jinsuo Island, and the Santorini-style Ideal Land.

Day 3: Dali Day Tour
Visit Dali Ancient Town, Panxi S-Bend, and Xizhou Ancient Town with a hands-on tie-dye workshop.

Day 4: Lijiang Highlights
Take a cable car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and visit Blue Moon Valley and Yushui Naxi village.

Day 5: Lijiang → Shangri-La
Explore Lijiang Old Town and hike the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Day 6: Shangri-La
Visit Pudacuo National Park, Songzanlin Monastery, Dukezong Ancient Town, and enjoy a Tibetan banquet with bonfire night.

Day 7: Return to Kunming & Departure
Train back to Kunming and transfer to the airport.

Day 1 :

Yunnan Arrival

Welcome to Yunnan, a land of stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage! Upon arrival in Kunming, your guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Enjoy a peaceful evening to rest or take a leisurely walk nearby, soaking in the fresh mountain air and unique charm.

Day 2 AM :

Transfer to Dali

Departing from Kunming, you will take a smooth and scenic high-speed train to Dali, a city known for its tranquil lake views and ancient charm. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride through Yunnan’s stunning landscapes.

Close-up of Chongsheng Three Pagodas with Cangshan Mountains in the background in Dali, Yunan

Front view of Chongsheng Three Pagodas with misty Cangshan Mountains behind in Dali, Yunnan

Day 2 PM :

Shuanglang & Jinsuo Island & Ideal Land

Shuanglang (双廊 shuāng láng): Best Views of Erhai Lake
A must-visit village for Erhai scenery. Wander lakeside paths, swing in flower fields, and enjoy quiet cafés with unbeatable views.

Jinsuo Island（金梭岛 jīn suō dǎo）: A Hidden Escape on Erhai
Take a 5-minute boat ride to this tiny island escape. Peaceful, uncrowded, and full of local charm—it feels like entering a secret world.

Ideal Land（理想邦 lǐ xiǎng bāng）: Santorini Vibes in Dali
With white buildings and blue domes by the lake, this spot brings a touch of Greece to Yunnan. Great for photos and lakeside strolls.

Small boats docked by Erhai Lake on a sunny day near Shuanglang Town in Dali, Yunnan

Clear day view of Erhai Lake near Shuanglang Ancient Town in Dali, Yunnan

Sunset view over Erhai Lake near Shuanglang Ancient Town in Dali, Yunnan

Dusk scenery of Erhai Lake near Shuanglang in Dali with calm waters and fading light

Close-up of modern white architecture in Ideal Land creative park, Dali, Yunnan

Close-up of rooftop design of modern architecture in Ideal Land, Dali, Yunnan

Day 3 AM :

Dali Old Town & Panxi S-bend

Dali Ancient Town（大理古城 dà lǐ gǔ chéng）: A Lively Blend of History and Creativity
Packed with energy, this ancient town is full of street artists, musicians, painters, and even fortune-tellers offering astrology readings. Explore shops, snacks, and stories at every corner.

Panxi S-Bend（磻溪S弯 pán xī S wān）: Erhai’s Iconic Photo Spot
This S-shaped road by Erhai Lake is one of Dali’s top photo locations. Its smooth curve, set between the lake and rice fields, is perfect for drone shots and stunning lake views.

Sunny street scene in Dali Old Town with local shops and cafes, Dali, Yunnan

Day 3 PM :

Xizhou Old Town & Tie-Dye Workshop

Xizhou Ancient Town（喜洲古镇 xǐ zhōu gǔ zhèn）: Old Bai Charm Lives On
Stroll past traditional Bai-style mansions and quiet courtyards. Less crowded than Dali Old Town, but just as rich in history and culture.

Tie-Dye Workshop（扎染 zhā rǎn）: Make Your Own Art
Learn Bai tie-dye from a local artisan. Fold, twist, dye—and take home your handmade souvenir. A fun, hands-on way to connect with tradition.

Golden wheat fields in Xizhou Ancient Town under clear skies, Daili, Yunnan

Green wheat fields in Xizhou Ancient Town, Dali, Yunnan

Traditional Bai-style architecture in Xizhou Ancient Town, Dali, Yunnan

Street in Xizhou Ancient Town with tie-dye workshop storefronts, Dali, Yunnan

Smiling tourist showing off self-made tie-dye artwork in Yunnan

Handmade tie-dye textile displayed after drying in Yunnan

Hands wringing dyed fabric during traditional tie-dye process in Yunnan

Day 4 AM :

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（玉龙雪山 yù lóng xuě shān）: Touch the Sky
Take the Spruce Meadow Cable Car up the mountain for stunning views. Then visit Blue Moon Valley—turquoise water, white stones, like stepping into a postcard.

Tranquil waters of Black Dragon Pool surrounded by pavilions in Lijiang, Yunnan

View of Black Dragon Pool with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background, Lijiang, Yunnan

Waterfall cascading into Blue Moon Valley at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang, Yunnan

Autumn scene at Blue Moon Valley with clear blue lake and golden trees at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang, Yunnan

Cypress trees in Spruce Meadow at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang, Yunnan

Day 4 PM :

Yushui Village Experience

Yushui Village Experience（玉水寨 yù shuǐ zhài）: Dive into Naxi Culture
Join a blessing ritual, try Dongba pictograph DIY, and visit a local Naxi village. Taste handmade rice wine at an ancient distillery, watch Dongba papermaking, and enjoy traditional Naxi music or folk shows.

A man practicing Dongba script writing in a Naxi ethnic village in Lijiang,Yunnan

Group of Naxi people performing traditional song and dance in Lijiang,Yunnan

Elderly Naxi man in traditional clothing during a cultural gathering in Lijiang,Yunnan

Naxi women in traditional dress dancing in a cultural performance in Lijiang,Yunnan

Day 4 Eve :

Lijiang Old Town

Lijiang Old Town（丽江古城 lì jiāng gǔ chéng）: Timeless Cobbled Charm
Wander stone-paved lanes, pass ancient wooden houses, and watch Naxi locals sing, sell crafts, or play traditional music in open courtyards.

Sunny street in Yunnan Lijiang Old Town with blooming flowers and a small stream

Corner of a traditional street in Lijiang Old Town, Yunnan

Flower-lined street in Yunnan Lijiang Old Town with traditional houses on both sides

Alley in Yunnan Lijiang Old Town with distant view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Day 5 AM :

Tiger Leaping Gorge & Pudacuo National Park

Tiger Leaping Gorge（虎跳峡 hǔ tiào xiá）: A Hiker’s Dream
Stand on one of the world’s deepest gorges. Feel the roar of the Jinsha River as it crashes past steep cliffs and narrow bends.

Pudacuo National Park（普达措国家森林公园 pǔ dá cuò guó jiā sēn lín gōng yuán）: Wild Tibetan Beauty
Walk forest trails, see mirror-like alpine lakes, and spot rare wildlife in this peaceful, high-altitude nature reserve.

Sculpture of a leaping tiger at Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan Shangri-La, facing the deep canyon ahead

View of Tiger Leaping Gorge with river flowing between steep cliffs in Shangri-La, Yunnan

"Close-up of rushing water in Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La, Yunnan

Aerial view of roaring Jinsha River with tiger statue at Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La, Yunnan

Goat on the edge of a cliff, Tiger Leaping Gorge in Shangri-La, Yunnan

Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park in Shangri-La, yunnan

Horse grazing by Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park, Shangri-La, Yunnan

Shudu lake scenic view with grass in middle of water in Pudacuo national park in Shangri-La, yunnan

Mountain stream and landscape view of Pudacuo national park in Shangri-La, yunnan

Horses grazing in Pudacuo National Park, Shangri-La, Yunnan

Aerial view of Pudacuo National Park in Shangri-la, Yunnan

Autumn landscape of Pudacuo National Park, Shangri-La, Yunnan

Panoramic view of mountains and lake in Pudacuo National Park in Shangri-La, yunnan

Sunny day at Pudacuo National Park with clear lake water and lush green trees in Shangri-La, yunnan

Day 5 PM :

Tibetan Tusi Banquet & Bonfire Night

Tibetan Tusi Banquet & Bonfire Night: Feast, Fire, and Folk Culture

Enjoy a hearty Tibetan banquet while watching live folk music and dance. After dinner, join locals around a roaring bonfire—sing, dance, and feel the warmth of Tibetan hospitality.

Day 5 Eve :

Dukezong Ancient Town

Dukezong Ancient Town（独克宗古城 dú kè zōng gǔ chéng）: A Tibetan Time Capsule
Climb winding lanes to the world’s largest prayer wheel. By dusk, golden roofs glow and prayer flags flutter. If you’re lucky, join locals and travelers for a joyful Southeast Asian-style water splashing festival—fun, wet, and unforgettable.

Street view of Dukezong Ancient Town with traditional Tibetan architecture and shops

Close-up of golden rooftop decorations of Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La, yunnan

Guishan Temple inside Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri-La, a Tibetan-style Buddhist temple

Center of Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri-La, yunnan

Tourist walking a dog through the peaceful streets of Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri-La, yunnan

Day 6 AM :

Songzanlin Monastery

Songzanlin Monastery（松赞林寺 sōng zàn lín sì）: The Mini Potala of Yunnan
Explore Yunnan’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Marvel at golden rooftops, giant Buddha statues, and the soft chants of resident monks.

Panoramic view of Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La on a sunny day with clear mountain backdrop

Close-up of Songzanlin Monastery's golden rooftops and architecture seen from afar on a sunny day

Main entrance gate and stone steps leading to Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La,yunnan

Solemn interior of Songzanlin Monastery with traditional Tibetan decorations and quiet atmosphere

Interior details of Songzanlin Monastery including candle holders, murals, and Tibetan decorations

Monk in red robes walking past the gate of Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La，yunnan

The main prayer hall at Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La, yunnam

Colorful Tibetan prayer flags fluttering in the wind at the gate of Songzanlin Monastery

people dancing and singing at the entrance of Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La, Yunnan

Monks gathering at the entrance of Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La, Yunnan

Day 6 PM :

Napa Lake

Napa Lake（纳帕海 nà pà hǎi）: Where Sky Meets Grassland
Ride horses along wide open fields where yaks graze and clouds reflect in shallow wetlands. A peaceful escape near Shangri-La.

Horse drinking water near Napa Lake in Shangri-La, surrounded by natural grasslands

Scenic panoramic view of Napa Lake wetlands from above in Shangri-La, Yunnan

Day 6 Eve :

Return to Kunming

After having a good time in Yunnan, take the high-speed train back to Kunming, bringing your unforgettable Yunnan journey to a perfect close.

China high speed train model CRH2C and CHR3C at Changsha station

Inside a high-speed train carriage in China

View from above of luoyanglongmen station, High-speed train of China railway from Luoyang in Beijing, China

Day 7 :

Yunnan Departure

Your guide will transfer you to the airport, marking the end of your memorable journey. Safe travels and see you next time!

Overall Trip Rating:

Total Reviews 4

Average Rating

5.0

Based on 4 travel reviews

5 Excellent

4 Very Good

3 Average

2 Poor

1 Terrible

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By Alex & Natalie July 10, 2025 Great for Families
We traveled with our two kids, and this tour worked perfectly for us. The activities were varied, not too tiring, and the guide was very patient with the children. They especially loved riding the cable car and making their own tie-dye souvenirs.
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By Kathryn O'Rourke July 4, 2025 Perfect Yunnan Intro for First-Timers
For a first-time visitor to Yunnan, this itinerary was ideal. It gave us a little bit of everything—nature, culture, history, and local life. I left with great memories and a strong desire to come back again.
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By Michael June 22, 2025 Stunning Natural Beauty
Blue Moon Valley is insanely pretty. Unreal colors!

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By Emily April 30, 2025 Fell in Love with Yunnan
This was my first time in Yunnan, and now I’m in love. The mountains, lakes, minority cultures, and food were all incredible. I wish we had more time in Shangri-La, but that just means I’ll have to come back!

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