Snow mountains, ancient towns, and Tibetan culture—Yunnan has it all in one trip.
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Air-conditioned Coach
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3 Stars Hotels
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Breakfast & Lunch
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English, Chinese
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Easy to Moderate
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2-15
Editor's comment
I never expected Yunnan to be this diverse—it felt like five trips packed into one. One day I was painting tie-dye in Dali, the next I was standing under snow peaks at Jade Dragon Mountain, and by the end, I was dancing by a Tibetan bonfire in Shangri-La. This wasn’t just travel—it was an adventure for both the eyes and the soul.
Trip Highlights of the Yunnan Tour
- 🌊 Erhai Lake & Villages – Swing by flower fields, explore ancient towns, and sail to hidden islands
- 🏯 Dali & Lijiang Old Towns – Cobbled streets, wooden houses, fortune-tellers, and live street music.
- 🎨 Tie-Dye Workshop – Create your own Bai-style art to take home.
- 🏔️ Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Cable car ride to breathtaking alpine views and turquoise Blue Moon Valley.
- 🎶 Naxi & Tibetan Culture – Join blessing rituals, sip handmade rice wine, and enjoy folk music and dance.
- 🌄 Tiger Leaping Gorge – Stand in awe at one of the world’s deepest and most dramatic canyons.
- 🌲 Pudacuo National Park – High-altitude forests, glassy lakes, and rare wildlife sightings.
- 🔥 Tibetan Banquet & Bonfire – Feast on local dishes, dance around the fire, and celebrate with locals.
- 🕍 Songzanlin Monastery – Golden rooftops and chanting monks at Yunnan’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
- 🐎 Napa Lake Grasslands – Ride horses across wide-open meadows dotted with yaks and prayer flags.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After having a good time in Yunnan, take the high-speed train back to Kunming, bringing your unforgettable Yunnan journey to a perfect close.
Your guide will transfer you to the airport, marking the end of your memorable journey. Safe travels and see you next time!
What’s Included
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Hotel accommodations
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
- Entrance fees to tourist sites
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic airfares or train fares
- China Visa fee
- Travel and medical insurance
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
Yunnan is unique for its variety — Kunming has spring weather all year, Dali offers lakes and ancient towns, Lijiang charms with its UNESCO Old Town, and Shangri-La shows Tibetan culture and snow peaks.
Yunnan is great to visit all year. Summer (June–August) is especially popular because it stays cool while most of China is hot.
No, Yunnan is mild year-round. Mountain areas like Shangri-La can be chilly, but cities like Kunming and Dali feel like spring most of the time.
Pack layers — T-shirts for daytime and a light jacket for cool mornings or nights, especially in Lijiang and Shangri-La.
Yunnan is very safe for travelers, with friendly locals and low crime rates in tourist areas.
No, cash isn’t necessary — Alipay and WeChat Pay work almost everywhere, even for small purchases.
It’s easy to travel by high-speed train or bus between Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, or join a guided tour.
Yunnan is known for Crossing-the-Bridge rice noodles, wild mushroom hot pot, and fresh herbs that give every dish a unique flavor.
Dali offers a relaxed, bohemian vibe with lakeside views, while Lijiang is known for its lively old town and Naxi culture. If time allows, visiting both gives a fuller Yunnan experience.
Yes, it’s worth it for Tibetan monasteries, highland scenery, and the feeling of stepping into a fairy-tale mountain world.
Most people don’t need oxygen in Lijiang, but at high-altitude spots like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, it’s available if needed.
Overall Trip Rating:
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By Alex & Natalie July 10, 2025 Great for FamiliesWe 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-TimersFor 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 BeautyBlue Moon Valley is insanely pretty. Unreal colors!
![A tranquil scene at Blue Moon Valley, Yunnan, China, with a calm lake and wide-open valley.]()
![Yellow autumn leaves in front of the clear blue water at Blue Moon Valley, Yunnan, China.]()
![Indigo blue lake at Blue Moon Valley, Yunnan, China, with snow-capped mountains in the distance.]()
![The crystal-clear waters of Blue Moon Valley, Yunnan, China, glowing with a vibrant blue hue.]()
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By Emily April 30, 2025 Fell in Love with YunnanThis 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!
![The colorful flagpole in Shangri-La, Yunnan, China, where different colors represent various elements.]()
![Hada scarves tied to trees in Shangri-La, Yunnan, China, symbolizing purity and goodwill.]()
![The world's largest prayer wheel in Shangri-La, Yunnan, China, used for Tibetan Buddhist rituals.]()
![Colorful prayer flags in Shangri-La, Yunnan, China, symbolizing good luck and blessings.]()
