Overview
Discover a different side of China, far from business and bustling cities. Explore a rugged, mountainous region that remains largely unknown to many. Journey along the ancient 1,000-year-old Tea Horse Road and visit historic trading posts like the ancient Dali Kingdom and Xizhou, where wealthy merchants have lived for centuries. Walk in the footsteps of Victorian explorers in Lijiang Old Town, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Highlights
Two ancient towns, two distinct cultures
Dali is home to the Bai minority, Lijiang to the Naxi minority. Each offers a distinctly different architecture, food, and rhythm of life.
Stone Forest — 270 million years of karst
A UNESCO World Heritage site. Limestone pillars shaped by wind and water have created a forest-like maze.
Gradual altitude, comfortable pacing
Kunming (1,900m) → Dali (1,970m) → Lijiang (2,400m).
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Cable Car
Take a cable car up to Spruce Meadow to see high-altitude meadows. Alternatively, choose option 2 to Glacier Park or option 3 to Yak Meadow.
Local crafts
Explore local intangible heritage as you learn about Bai tie-dye in Zhoucheng or sample a three-course tea ceremony in Xizhou.
Itinerary
Pick-up time: depending on your time of arrival
Begin your Yunnan trip to the diverse landscapes of China’s most spectacular province in the provincial capital of Kunming.
One of our English-speaking tour guides and a professional driver will transfer you directly to your hotel, giving you plenty of time to recover from a long flight.
Meals
–
Transportation
Car
Altitude
1900m
Traveltime
Kunming Changshui Airport – Kunming centre: 1hrs
Kunming Train Station – Kunming centre: 15 minutes
Additional information
- Wear comfortable shoes if you’d like to enjoy a stroll around the city.
9:00
Start your morning with a tranquil stroll through Green Lake Park, an urban oasis where locals gather to dance, sing, and practice tai chi. The willow-lined paths and pavilions bridging the water create a serene atmosphere, offering a perfect glimpse into the city’s leisurely pace of life.
11:00 Kunming – Stone Forest
Venture out to the magnificent Stone Forest (Shilin), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Prepare to be amazed by a breathtaking landscape of towering limestone pillars that have been sculpted by wind and water over 270 million years, creating a labyrinthine forest of stone that feels like another world.
16:00 Kunming – Dali (high-speed train)
Board a high-speed train for a scenic journey to Dali
19:00 Dali
Upon arrival, you will step back in time as you enter Dali Ancient Town. Settled at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains, this historic town was once the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms. Wander through its cobblestone streets, admire the traditional Bai minority architecture with its elegant, grey-tiled roofs and ornate marble decorations, and soak up the vibrant, bohemian atmosphere as the town lights up for the evening.
Pick-up time:
Around 09:00
Drop-off time:
17:00 – 18:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
1900 m – 2100 m
Traveltime
Kunming – Stone Forest 2 hrs (90 km)
Kunming – Dali 2 hrs (330 km)
09:00
In the morning, we stop off at the ancient market town of Xizhou, just 19 kilometres north of Dali Old Town. Here we will visit the morning market, where locals dressed in traditional minority clothing sell and buy local fruits, freshly cut meat, piles of fragrant spices, livestock and anything else you can think of.
You can visit a traditional Three-course tea ceremony and an exquisite example of a traditional Bai-style courtyard home.
12:00 Zhoucheng Village
Zhoucheng Village is the largest Bai village in the region and famous for its tie-dyeing traditions. Stroll through the village streets and witness local artisans crafting batik fabrics and mastering intricate tie-dye techniques.
You’ll have the chance to visit a workshop where you can observe the entire tie-dye process, from dyeing to drying.
15:00 Erhai Lake bike ride or walk
The highlight of the afternoon is a leisurely bike ride or walk along the Ecological Corridor of Erhai Lake – a car-free parkland with panoramic views of the lake and Cangshan Mountain. From the cafes and restaurants along the bike lane you can enjoy a peaceful and majestic perspective on the region’s stunning natural beauty.
Pick-up time
Around 09:00
Drop-off time
16:00 – 17:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
2100 m
Traveltime
Dali Ancient Town – Xizhou 45 mins (20km)
Xizhou – Zhoucheng 20 mins (6.5km)
Zhoucheng – Erhai 30 mins (17 km)
Additional information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery
09:00
After breakfast, you will depart Dali for the next leg of your adventure: the ancient city of Lijiang.
11:30
Upon arrival, your first stop is the picturesque Black Dragon Pool Park located at the foot of the Elephant Hill. This park is famed for its classic Chinese garden landscape, where you can capture the iconic photograph of the elegant Snow Dragon Bridge perfectly framing the distant, snow-capped peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the tranquil pond.
12:30
A few kilometers form the park is the Dongba Museum, a fascinating institution dedicated to the culture of the Naxi people. Here, you can learn about the world’s last living hieroglyphic writing system, the Dongba script, and explore exhibits on Naxi rituals, music, and history.
13:30
After lunch, you will check in hotel first and have a rest.
As evening falls, you will lose yourself in the enchanting, maze-like alleyways of Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Follow the gentle sound of flowing canals, cross over centuries-old stone bridges, and discover a vibrant town filled with charming shops, cozy cafes, and the warm, welcoming spirit of the Naxi people.
Pick-up time
Around 09:00
Drop-off time
17:00 – 18:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
2100 m
Traveltime
Dali – Lijiang 2.5 hrs (170 km)
Additional information
- Best explored on foot due to cobblestone streets and limited vehicle access
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery
08:00
Start your day with an early rise, embarking on an exhilarating journey to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
09:00
First, take a cable car up to Spruce Meadow, a perfect spot for a leisurely walk where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the landscape.
11:30
Afterwards, visit Blue Moon Valley, a breathtaking destination at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, known for its turquoise rivers and lakes. Stroll along scenic paths and enjoy the stunning views of the snow-capped peaks reflected in the crystal-clear waters.
13:50
After that, indulge in the Impression Lijiang show,choreographed by the famous film director Zhang Yimou and performed with the mountain itself as a backdrop.
15:30
Following this majestic adventure, head to quaint Baisha Village, where you’ll be captivated by the intricate Baisha murals, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Naxi minority.
Rounding off your day, make a pitstop at the picturesque Shuhe Old Town before returning to your hotel, allowing you to soak in the charm and tranquility of this ancient settlement.
Pick-up time
Around 09:00
Drop-off time
17:00 – 18:00
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
2400 m
Traveltime
Lijiang Ancient Town → Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 1 hrs (29 km)
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain → Baisha Village 30 mins (25 km)
Baisha Village → Shuhe Ancient Town 20 mins (5 km)
Additional information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: surfaces can be uneven and slightly slippery
- Bring an extra layer of clothing for the visits to higher altitudes
According to your flight time
Pick-up from your hotel and drive to Lijiang airport. We hope you had a great time during your Yunnan trip and hope to welcome you again!
Pick-up time
According to your flight schedule
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
2400 m
Traveltime
Lijiang Ancient Town- Lijiang Airport 30 mins (30 km)
Accomodation
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Inclusions & Exclusions
- 5 nights of economy, comfort, superior or luxury accommodation, shared room with breakfast
- Transportation: gas, tolls, parking fees and any additional pick-ups and drop-offs
- High-speed train tickets from Kunming to Dali (2nd class seats)
- Local experienced English-speaking tour guides
- Meals as listed in the itinerary: 5 breakfasts
- 2 half-liter bottles of drinking water per person per day
- Entrance tickets to the attractions listed
- Supplement for the meals for the tour guide and driver
- 24/7 English-speaking customer service
- Government taxes
- Chinese visa
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed in the program (lunch, dinner)
- Dynamic Yunnan Show discount tickets (please mention which category you prefer if you are interested: VVIP = USD 100, VIP = USD 77, Luxury = USD 59, Standard = USD 44, Budget = USD 33)
- Additional days caused by unexpected nature disasters, for instance, land slides or flooding.
- Single room supplement if the guest requests a private room in the hotel (If you prefer a private room or if there is no one else in your group to share with, a single room supplement will apply.
- Possible surcharges for upgrades from standard twin-bed rooms to double-bed rooms
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips for drivers and guides (highly appreciated but not requested)
- Anything not listed in inclusions
Frequently asked questions
The whole year is suitable for traveling in Yunnan. Different seasons offer different scenic views.
Yes, there are three cable car options at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain:
Yak Meadow Cable Car (牦牛坪) – a quieter option with valley views, less crowded.
Glacier Park Cable Car (大索道) – reaches the glacier at 4,506m. The most popular but hardest to book. Must reserve in advance via the official WeChat mini-program.
Spruce Meadow Cable Car (云杉坪) – goes to 3,240m. An easy option with meadow views, good for families.
Important information
- Single Supplement. The price listed is for two people sharing one room. If you require a private room or if there is no one else in the group to share a room with, a single room supplement will apply. The single supplement fee is outlined in our price list.
- Driver and guide working hours. The daily working time for driver and tour guide during this tour is maximum 10 hours per day. Overtime working hours will be charged extra.
- Tipping drivers and tour guides is custom in China. We recommend giving 50-80 RMB (7 – 10 USD) per day to the driver and 80-130 RMB (10 – 15 USD) per day to your tour guide.
- Weather. During the summer months (June to September) Yunnan has a rainy season. It won’t be raining 24/7, but we recommend bringing a small umbrella that fits in a backpack.
- Accommodation. The hotels in the itinerary are the recommended hotels, if they are fully booked during your travel period, we will book alternative hotels in the same price/quality range. We book different hotels on request too, but a surcharge might be needed.
- Children & Accommodation. Please note that except for luxury hotels, in many hotels family rooms only have space for one child, but it could be possible to book an extra mattress in some hotels. Please contact us for more information when travelling with a family.
- Meals. Lunches at authentic, quality local restaurants are not included. Your guide can recommend quality authentic places for you. If you have preferences or dietary requirements such as vegetarian, halal, kosher, vegan or gluten-free, please tell your tour guide in advance. Your tour guide will normally not order spicy food or meat/fish with bones unless asked for.
