Enjoy Yunnan | 8-Day Tour of Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La

Welcome to Kunming, the "Spring City." Our guide will meet you at the arrival hall of the airport/train station and escort you to your hotel for check-in and rest. If you arrive early and would like to explore the surroundings, you can also ask the guide for professional travel advice. How to Get There 1. By Air: Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) has many direct international routes, such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the United States, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, etc., as well as many direct domestic routes, such as Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Xi'an, Hong Kong, etc. 2. By Train: Kunming has two train 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, Hong Kong, etc.

This morning, we will drive 78 kilometers (about 1.5 hours) to visit the [Stone Forest Scenic Area], known as the 'God's Bonsai.' The Stone Forest Scenic Area, also known as Yunnan Stone Forest, is famous for its stunning karst landscape and has the high praise of being the essence of the world's karst landscapes. You can take a sightseeing bus to tour the Major Stone Forest and Minor Stone Forest in sequence, admire and learn about various unique karst landscape features up close, and listen to moving legends about the Stone Forest. After the tour, return to downtown Kunming and visit [Yuantong Temple]. Yuantong Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Kunming, with a history of over 1,200 years. It is also the only temple in China that accommodates Han Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism simultaneously, and 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 waters on all sides, emerald bamboo in all seasons, and emerald willows in summer and autumn, and has the reputation of being the Jade of the City. It is the leisure center for Kunming locals, with many citizens walking, enjoying the scenery, dancing, and exercising here every day, making it the best place to experience the atmosphere of Kunming life.

This morning, we will take you to the railway station to board the high-speed train from Kunming to Dali (about 2 hours). After arriving at 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 [Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple]. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple consist of one large pagoda, two small pagodas, and the large-scale Chongsheng Temple behind them. The three pagodas were first built during the Nanzhao Kingdom period, more than a thousand years ago, and are typical 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 Buddhist Capital, where you can learn about and experience Buddhist culture. In addition, do not 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 is located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, with blue lake water, and is famous worldwide for the beauty of its mountains and waters. You can cycle along the west shore of Erhai Lake and immersively enjoy the beauty of the lake and mountain scenery along the way and the simple Bai-style dwellings. In the evening, you can freely explore [Dali Ancient Town], either stroll along the bluestone-paved roads of the ancient town and experience the [Ancient City Gate Tower], [Wuhua Tower], and [Foreigner Street], which remain prosperous after a thousand years of change, or go to Renmin Road in the ancient town to experience the lively and bustling market life of the local Bai people, and fully enjoy this comfortable and relaxing time.

This morning you will visit [Xizhou Ancient Town], browse the lively local market, deeply experience the lifestyle of the locals, stroll along the ancient town's paths to visit various residences, learn about Bai architecture aesthetics, and experience the Bai Three-Course Tea ceremony to feel the local folk culture. Afterwards 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 craftsmen, learn to make tie-dye works. Then drive to Lijiang (about 140 kilometers, about 2 hours' drive) and arrive at [Lijiang Ancient Town]. Nestled beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang Ancient Town 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 the day you can explore the ancient town on your own and soak up the relaxed local atmosphere. Recommended free-time activities Black Dragon Pool Park: Located north of Lijiang Ancient Town, you can enjoy the beautiful surrounding scenery of mountains and waters and the magnificent view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected on the water's surface.

This morning you will visit the famous [Jade Dragon Snow Mountain]. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a sacred mountain of the Naxi people, named for its resemblance to a jade dragon in winter. You can take a cable car and, accompanied by the magnificent scenery along the way, ascend to Spruce Meadow 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 enjoying the view, take the cable car down and transfer to a sightseeing bus to [Blue Moon Valley]. Blue Moon Valley has 4 lakes and 1 river in total, among which Jade Liquid Lake and White Water River are the most worth seeing. Whenever the sun is bright, the water of Jade Liquid Lake is clear and blue, like a precious mirror, while White Water River is named for appearing entirely white 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 showing the traditional lifestyle of the local Naxi people. Afterward, 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 of the Baisha Murals were created during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Their greatest feature is that on a single mural you can see images of Han Buddhism, Taoism, and Lamaism and other different sects, which is very rare. Finally, return to Lijiang, where you will have the chance to explore the beautiful [Lijiang Old 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 also be lively activities where local residents dance around a bonfire.

After breakfast, depart from Lijiang and drive to Shangri-La, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. First, you will arrive at the 【First Bend of the Yangtze River】, where you can admire the rare V-shaped turn formed by the majestic Yangtze River being blocked by the mountain terrain, and climb up to the viewing platform to overlook the spectacular panorama of the more than 100-degree great bend. Afterwards, continue onward to the 【Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge】. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking sight of the roaring Jinsha River surging downward, and you may also descend along the plank road/elevator (additional charge required) to experience the turbulent river and the powerful force of nature up close. 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, the monastery adopts a unique five-story Tibetan carved architectural style and gathers the essence of Tibetan plastic arts, and is also known as a "Tibetan Art Museum." Here you can appreciate Tibetan Buddhist culture and also climb to the top of the mountain to enjoy a panoramic view of Songzanlin Monastery and Lamuyangcuo Lake. In the afternoon, you will drive to China's first national park - [Potatso National Park]. Potatso National Park has various natural landscapes such as forests, grasslands, lakes, and relics. After entering the scenic area, you will transfer to an eco-bus and first go to see Shudu Lake. Shudu Lake is the largest lake in the park and is famous for its beautiful lake and mountain scenery. You can stroll along the lakeside plank road and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Then take the eco-bus to Bita Lake. Bita Lake is famous for its pagoda-shaped small hills and clear, tranquil lake water. Around the lake are many tall trees, and their reflections in the water form a series of beautiful pictures. After the tour, on the way back to Shangri-La, you can also visit a local [Tibetan family], taste butter tea, and chat with Tibetan people. After arriving in Shangri-La, you can visit [Dukezong Ancient Town], which has a history of more than 1,300 years. Dukezong Ancient Town is the best-preserved and largest Tibetan dwelling complex in China and an important town on the Tea Horse Road. Here you can see various Tibetan-style dwellings, temples, pagodas, and more, learn about Tibetan culture, and also climb Guishan to turn the world's largest prayer wheel together with local people to pray for yourself or your relatives and friends, or find a favorable position to overlook the entire ancient town. Optional evening activity: Around 7 p.m., you can go to Sifang Square to watch local people dance traditional Tibetan dances; around 9 p.m., the entire ancient town lights up, a good time to enjoy the night view of the ancient town.

After breakfast, this journey comes to an end. Our guide or driver will transfer you to the airport or train station for your next destination. If you wish to extend this trip and explore more attractions, such as the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Xishuangbanna, etc., you may 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 wish to take an international flight back 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.