Yunnan Highlights | 6-Day Tour of Kunming, Dali and Lijiang

Welcome to Kunming, the "Spring City." Our guide will meet you at the airport/train station reception and escort you to the hotel for check-in and rest. If it's still early and you want to explore the surroundings, you can also ask the guide for professional travel advice. How to get here: 1. By plane: Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) has many direct international flights, such as from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the United States, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, etc., as well as many direct domestic flights, such as from Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Xi'an, Hong Kong, etc. 2. By train: Kunming has two railway stations, Kunming Railway Station and Kunming South Railway Station. You can take trains or high-speed trains to Kunming from various Chinese cities, such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Guilin, Guiyang, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, etc.

This morning, we will drive 78 kilometers (about 1.5 hours) to visit the [Stone Forest Scenic Area], known as the "Bonsai of God." 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 landscapes. You can take the sightseeing bus to visit the Greater Stone Forest and Lesser Stone Forest in turn, admire and learn about various unique karst landscape features up close, and also 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, and is the only temple in China that accommodates Han 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, green bamboo in all seasons, and green willows in summer and autumn. It enjoys the reputation of being the jade in the city and is the 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 the atmosphere of Kunming life.

This morning, we will transfer you to the railway station to take the high-speed train from Kunming to Dali (about 2 hours' ride). Upon arrival at the Dali Railway Station, our local guide and driver will meet 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 a typical example of Tang Dynasty architectural style, serving both to ward off evil and for viewing. Chongsheng Temple was once the royal temple of the Nanzhao and Dali periods and enjoys 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. Erhai Lake lies at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, with deep blue waters, and is 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 lakes and mountains along the way and the quaint Bai-style dwellings. In the evening, you can freely explore [Dali Ancient Town], or stroll along the bluestone-paved paths of the ancient town to experience the [Ancient City Gate Tower], [Wuhua Tower], and [Foreigner Street], which remain bustling after a thousand years of history, or head to Renmin Road in the ancient town to experience the lively market life of the local Bai people, and fully enjoy this comfortable and relaxing time.

This morning, you will visit Xizhou Old Town, browse the lively local market, and deeply experience the local way of life. Afterward, you can stroll along the old 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 head 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 (approximately 140 kilometers, about 2 hours by car) and arrive at Lijiang Old Town. Nestled beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history of over 800 years and was once an important town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. For the rest of the day, you can explore the old town on your own and soak in the relaxed local atmosphere. Recommended Free-Time Activity Black Dragon Pool Park: Located to the north of Lijiang Old Town, you can enjoy the picturesque scenery and the spectacular reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on the water.

This morning you will visit the famous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the sacred mountain of the Naxi people, 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 primeval spruce forest is the best spot to view Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. After sightseeing, take the cable car down and transfer to a sightseeing bus to 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, Yuye Lake's water is clear and blue, like a precious mirror, while Baishui River appears white overall because the water flows over white stones, hence its name. Optional activity (at your own expense): If you are interested in Lijiang's culture, you can go to Ganhaizi in the afternoon to watch the large outdoor performance "Impression Lijiang." The performance is mainly song and dance, 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 time-honored Baisha Murals. Most Baisha Murals were created during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Their most distinctive feature is that in a single mural, you can see images from Han Buddhism, Taoism, and Lamaism, which is very rare. Finally, return to Lijiang, and you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful Lijiang Ancient Town again. It is recommended to walk to Sifang Street, where there are many shops selling Naxi handicrafts and local specialties, as well as lively bars. If the weather is good, in the evening there will be lively activities with local residents dancing around a bonfire.

After breakfast, we will conclude this wonderful 6-day Yunnan Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang journey. 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 popular Yunnan destinations such as Shangri-La, Xishuangbanna, and more, you can also contact our customer service to arrange it for you.