Photographing Yunnan | Kunming Dongchuan Red Land Dali Lijiang Shangri-La Photography 10-Day Tour

Welcome to Kunming, the "Spring City." Our guide will meet you at the airport/train station reception area and take you to the hotel for check-in and rest. If there is still time and you want to look around the surrounding area, you can also ask the guide for professional travel advice. Arrival options 1. By air: Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) has many direct international routes, such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the United States, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Nepal, as well as many direct domestic routes, such as Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Hong Kong. 2. By train: Kunming has two railway stations, namely Kunming Railway Station and Kunming South Railway Station. You can take a train or high-speed rail to Kunming from various cities in China, such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Guilin, Guiyang, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

This morning, we will drive 78 km (about 1.5 hours) to visit the [Stone Forest Scenic Area], known as "God's Bonsai." The Stone Forest Scenic Area, also known as Yunnan Stone Forest, is famous for its stunning karst landscape and is highly praised as the essence of the world's karst landforms. You can take a sightseeing bus to visit the Major Stone Forest and Minor Stone Forest in sequence, admire and learn about various unique karst landscapes up close, and listen to moving legends about the Stone Forest. After the visit, return to downtown Kunming and visit [Yuantong Temple]. Yuantong Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Kunming, with a history of more than 1,200 years. It is also the only temple in China that accommodates Chinese Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism at the same time. It is well known in southwestern China and Southeast Asia, with flourishing incense offerings. Finally, you can also walk about 700 meters from Yuantong Temple to visit [Green Lake Park]. Green Lake Park is named for its emerald water on all sides, emerald bamboo in all seasons, and emerald willows in summer and autumn. It is known as the "jade in the city" and is a leisure center for local Kunming residents. Every day, many citizens walk, enjoy the scenery, dance, and exercise here, making it the best place to experience Kunming's lifestyle atmosphere.

This morning, you will head to the Western Hills for sightseeing. The Western Hills are located by the shores of Dianchi Lake. From the summit, you can overlook the beautiful panoramic view of Dianchi Lake, making it an excellent travel destination for leisurely hiking and enjoying natural beauty. On the Western Hills, there is also Yunnan's largest and most exquisite Taoist grottoes, the Longmen Grottoes, available for visiting. These grottoes are embedded in the thousand-fathom cliffs, resembling a magnificent work co-created by nature and humans, and each grotto has its unique history and stories. Tip: A half-day tour of the Western Hills generally includes round-trip sightseeing bus, one one-way cable car, and one one-way electric vehicle within the scenic area. After touring the Western Hills, you will drive 138 kilometers (about 3 hours) to visit the Dongchuan Red Land, known as "God's Palette" and "Photographer's Paradise." The Dongchuan Red Land appears red due to its iron oxide-rich soil, and the colors are even more vibrant after rain. Moreover, in different seasons, times, and lighting, you can enjoy different brilliant sceneries. Additionally, you can gain an in-depth understanding of the local unique farming culture and communicate with locals about the growing seasons and planting methods of crops. Suggested tour order for today: Yuepu'ao - 107 Fork Road - Hongtu Daguang - Laolongshu - Millennium Divine Fir - Luoxiagou (sunset view) - Yuepu'ao - Luosiwan - Wafangliangzi. Today's Highlights 1. Enjoy the stunning sunset at Luoxiagou 2. After sunset, enjoy the brilliant evening glow at Yuepu'ao/Luosiwan/Wafangliangzi 3. Taste local specialty foods such as roasted potatoes, Dongchuan noodles, Dongchuan mutton, yak hot pot, and honey buckwheat pancakes.

Early this morning, you will get up early to enjoy the most breathtaking and magnificent sunrise scenery of the Dongchuan Red Land, and take beautiful sunrise photos at Damakan. Suggested tour order for today: Damakan (red soil, cooking smoke, sunrise) - Qicai Po (like a rainbow spilled onto the earth) - Jinxiu Garden (colorful) - 107 Fork Road - Hongtu Daguan (vast red land), then return to Kunming. Dongchuan Red Land photography tips 1). In March, enjoy buckwheat flowers, potato flowers, or snow scenery: red and white buckwheat flowers and potato flowers bloom in the fields, with brilliant colors and charming scenery, and sometimes it may even snow, allowing you to enjoy terraced field snow scenery. 2). In late spring from May to June, the colors are the most vivid: during this period, golden wheat, green potato seedlings, and red land form a brightly colored oil painting. 3). From September to November, the colors are the richest: after the summer harvest, the turned soil reveals a more striking red, and together with golden buckwheat, white winter rapeseed flowers, and green potato seedlings, the scenery becomes even richer and more charming. 4). The influence of different light, time, and weather on the scenery: the light is best in the early morning and evening, making it easier to capture colorful scenery; on the third day after rain, the red land becomes even more dazzling under the moisture of the rain; besides sunrise and sunset scenery, you can also enjoy different beautiful views at other times.

This morning, we will take you to the railway station to board the high-speed train from Kunming to Dali (journey time about 2 hours). Upon arrival at Dali Railway Station, our local guide and driver will greet you at the exit and begin your Dali tour. First, you will visit Dali's landmark attraction, the [Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple]. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple consist of one large pagoda, two small pagodas, and the grand Chongsheng Temple behind them. The Three Pagodas were first built during the Nanzhao Kingdom period, over a thousand years ago, and are typical of Tang Dynasty architectural style, serving both to ward off evil and for viewing pleasure, while Chongsheng Temple was once the royal temple of the Nanzhao and Dali periods, enjoying the reputation of the Capital of Buddhism, where you can learn about and experience Buddhist culture. In addition, don't forget to take beautiful travel photos at the Reflection Pool in front of the Three Pagodas. After lunch, head to [Erhai Lake], known as the Pearl of the Plateau, located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, with deep blue waters famous worldwide for its beauty of mountains and water. You can cycle along the west shore of Erhai Lake, immersing yourself in the beauty of the lake and mountain scenery along the way and the quaint Bai ethnic dwellings. In the evening, you are free to explore [Dali Ancient Town], or stroll along the bluestone-paved streets of the ancient town, experiencing the [Ancient City Gate Tower], [Wuhua Tower], and [Foreigner's Street], which remain bustling after a thousand years of history, or head to Renmin Road in the ancient town to experience the lively and bustling market life of the local Bai people, enjoying this comfortable and relaxing time to the fullest.

This morning you will visit [Xizhou Ancient Town], browse the lively local market, and deeply experience the local way of life. Afterward, you can stroll along the ancient town's paths to visit various residences, learn about Bai architectural aesthetics, and experience the Bai Three-Course Tea ceremony to feel the local folk culture. Afterward, you will go to [Zhoucheng Village], known as the hometown of tie-dyeing. Zhoucheng Village is a Bai village famous for its excellent tie-dyeing techniques. Here you can admire various exquisite handicrafts and, under the guidance of artisans, learn to make tie-dye works. Then drive to Lijiang (about 140 km, about 2 hours) and arrive at [Lijiang Ancient Town]. Lijiang Ancient Town nestles beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It is a World Cultural Heritage site with a history of more than 800 years and was once an important town on the Tea Horse Road. For the rest of today, you can explore the ancient town on your own and experience the relaxed local atmosphere. Recommendations for free time Black Dragon Pool Park: Located north of Lijiang Ancient Town, you can enjoy the beautiful surrounding scenery and the magnificent view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected on the water.

This morning, you will visit the famous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It is the sacred mountain of the Naxi people and is named for its resemblance to a jade dragon in winter. You can take a cable car, accompanied by magnificent scenery along the way, up to Yunshanping at an altitude of 3,240 meters. This vast meadow hidden in the primitive spruce forest is the best spot to view Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. After the sightseeing, take the cable car down and transfer to a sightseeing bus to visit Blue Moon Valley. Blue Moon Valley consists of 4 lakes and 1 river, among which Yuye Lake and Baishui River are the most worth seeing. On sunny days, the water of Yuye Lake is clear and blue, like a precious mirror, while Baishui River is named for its overall white appearance as the water flows over white stones. Optional activity: If you are interested in Lijiang's culture, you can go to Ganhaizi in the afternoon to watch the large open-air performance "Impression Lijiang." The performance is mainly singing and dancing, lasting about 1 hour, vividly showcasing the traditional lifestyle of the local Naxi people. Afterwards, leave Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and head to Baisha Ancient Town, once the ancient capital of the Naxi people, to admire the historic Baisha Murals. The Baisha Murals were mostly created during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Their greatest feature is that on a single mural, you can see Buddhist figures from Han Buddhism, Taoism, and Lamaism, among other different sects, which is very rare. Finally, return to Lijiang, where you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful Lijiang Old Town again. It is recommended to walk to Sifang Street, which has many shops selling Naxi handicrafts and local specialties, as well as lively bars. If the weather is good, in the evening, local residents will gather around a bonfire for lively dancing activities.

After breakfast, depart from Lijiang and drive to Shangri-La while touring the beautiful scenery along the way. First, you will come to the [First Bend of the Yangtze River], admire the rare V-shaped bend formed by the majestic Yangtze River due to the obstruction of the mountain terrain, and climb onto the viewing platform to overlook the spectacular panorama of the more than 100-degree great bend. After that, continue onward to [Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge]. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the roaring Jinsha River rushing down, and you can also go down along the plank road/elevator (additional charge required) to feel up close the surging river and the powerful force of nature. After the visit, continue to Shangri-La (about 108 km, about 2-2.5 hours by car). Upon arrival, go to the hotel to check in, and after that you can enjoy free time.

This morning, you will visit [Songzanlin Monastery], known as the Little Potala Palace. Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, built against the mountain, featuring a unique five-story Tibetan carved architecture that represents the pinnacle of Tibetan plastic arts, and is also known as the "Tibetan Art Museum." Here you can appreciate Tibetan Buddhist culture, and you can also climb to the top of the mountain to enjoy a panoramic view of Songzanlin Monastery and Lamuyangcuo Lake. In the afternoon, you will take a car to visit China's first national park - [Potatso National Park]. Potatso National Park features diverse natural landscapes including forests, grasslands, lakes, and relics. After entering the scenic area, you will transfer to an eco-friendly bus to first visit Shudu Lake. Shudu Lake is the largest lake in the park, famous for its beautiful lake and mountain scenery. You can stroll along the lakeside boardwalk, enjoying the surrounding scenery, then take the eco-friendly bus to Bita Lake. Bita Lake is famous for its pagoda-shaped hills and clear, tranquil waters, with many tall trees distributed around the lake, their reflections in the water forming stunning picturesque scenes. After the tour, on the way back to Shangri-La, you can also visit a local [Tibetan family], taste butter tea, and chat with the Tibetan people. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you can visit [Dukezong Ancient Town], which has a history of over 1,300 years. Dukezong Ancient Town is the best-preserved and largest Tibetan dwelling complex in China, and was also an important town on the Tea Horse Road. Here you can admire various Tibetan-style dwellings, temples, and pagodas, learn about Tibetan culture, and you can also climb Guishan Hill to spin the world's largest prayer wheel together with the locals, praying for yourself or your family and friends, or find a vantage point to overlook the entire ancient town. Optional evening activities: Around 7 PM, you can head to Sifang Square to watch locals perform traditional Tibetan dances; around 9 PM, the entire ancient town lights up, a great time to enjoy the night views of the ancient town.

After breakfast, this journey comes to an end. Our guide or driver will take you to the airport or train station for your next destination. If you would like to extend this trip and explore more attractions, such as the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Jianshui, Xishuangbanna, and more, you can also contact our customer service to arrange it for you. Travel advice: Diqing Shangri-La Airport (DIG) is a relatively small airport with domestic flights to Chengdu, Chongqing, Lhasa, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and other places. If you want to take an international flight home, it is recommended to take the high-speed train (about 5.5 hours) or a flight (about 1 hour) to Kunming International Airport, where more flights are available.