Tailormade Journeys

Into Yunnan's Mountain Kingdoms

9Days 8Nights  •  From Kunming to Shangri-La
4.9Experienced by 278 travelers
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$1569per person
invoicePrice varies according to customization
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Overview

This Yunnan journey introduces a softer, more varied side of China through old towns, minority cultures, highland scenery, lakes, mountains, and Tibetan-influenced landscapes. The route moves from Kunming to Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, with optional time at Tiger Leaping Gorge. It is ideal for travelers who want China beyond the large eastern cities and ancient capital circuit.

HIGHLIGHTS

starFollow a scenic route from Kunming to the Tibetan highlands of Shangri-La.
starExperience Dali's lakeside charm, Lijiang's old lanes, and Tiger Leaping Gorge's mountain drama.
starDiscover Bai, Naxi, and Tibetan cultures across southwest China's most atmospheric landscapes.

TRAVEL STYLE & SERVICE

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Tailor-Made Itinerary
Adjusted based on your dates, interests, pace, and preferred destinations.
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Flexible Daily Schedule
Sightseeing order, free time, and activity balance can be modified.
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Hotel Options Available
Hotels can be selected or upgraded by location, style, room type, and budget.
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Flexible Transportation Options
You may choose private car service, high-speed rail, or a combination of both depending on your travel style and itinerary design.
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Guide Service on Request
Guides can be arranged for selected days or throughout the full journey.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Accommodation
Selected 4-star hotels or similar category based on itinerary standards.
Transportation Arrangements
Private vehicle service, transfers, and selected high-speed rail journeys as outlined in the itinerary.
Guide Service (Selected Days)
English-speaking guide service on selected days where specified.
Entrance Tickets & Experiences
Tickets and activities included in the itinerary are pre-arranged.
Travel Planning & Support
Itinerary planning, booking coordination, and local travel support.

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

Hotel Upgrades & Special Requests
Room upgrades, special room types, or premium hotel selections based on your preferences.
Additional Private Guide Service
Extra English-speaking guide service for full-day or extended support during your trip.
Extra Transportation Services
Additional private car service, long-distance transfers, or customized travel arrangements beyond the itinerary.
Dining & Restaurant Reservations
Restaurant bookings including local specialties, fine dining, or curated culinary experiences.
Cultural & Local Experiences
Tea ceremonies, cooking classes, calligraphy workshops, and other immersive cultural activities.

Your Itinerary

A focused Yunnan route combining dramatic landscapes, ancient towns, and local culture across Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang. Designed with a relaxed pace, the journey balances iconic sights with time to experience the region's natural beauty and everyday life.

DAY 1KUNMING

Kunming, China

Arrival in the Spring City

Arrive in Kunming and transfer to the hotel. Depending on timing, enjoy a gentle neighborhood walk or rest after the flight.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Kunming
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Kunming
  • Green Lake Park optional
DAY 2KUNMING

Kunming, China

Stone forests and local rhythms

Visit the Stone Forest or explore Kunming's parks, markets, and temples depending on preferred pace. The day introduces Yunnan's landscape and cultural diversity.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Kunming
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Stone Forest
  • Green Lake Park
  • Yuantong Temple optional
DAY 3KUNMING · DALI

Dali, China

Toward lakes, old streets, and Bai culture

Travel to Dali by high-speed train. Explore Dali Old Town and begin to experience the slower rhythm of western Yunnan.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Boutique hotel 4* in Dali
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Dali Old Town
  • Erhai Lake
  • Cangshan backdrop
DAY 4DALI

Dali, China

Lake villages and mountain views

Spend the day around Erhai Lake, Bai villages, local markets, and optional Cangshan views. The pace is relaxed and scenic.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Boutique hotel 4* in Dali
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Erhai Lake
  • Xizhou Village
  • Cangshan Mountain optional
DAY 5DALI · LIJIANG

Lijiang, China

Ancient lanes beneath snow mountains

Travel to Lijiang and settle into the old town area. Explore canals, lanes, and viewpoints with time to understand Naxi culture.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Boutique hotel 4* in Lijiang
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Lijiang Old Town
  • Black Dragon Pool
  • Naxi culture
DAY 6LIJIANG

Lijiang, China

Snow mountains and village life

Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or choose a softer program around Baisha and Shuhe villages. The day can be tailored around altitude comfort and weather.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Boutique hotel 4* in Lijiang
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
  • Baisha Village
  • Shuhe Old Town
DAY 7LIJIANG · TIGER LEAPING GORGE · SHANGRI-LA

Shangri-La, China

Gorges, highland roads, and Tibetan edges

Travel toward Shangri-La, with a stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge when suitable. The scenery becomes more dramatic as the route climbs into Tibetan-influenced highlands.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Shangri-La
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Tiger Leaping Gorge
  • Yangtze River bend
  • Shangri-La
DAY 8SHANGRI-LA

Shangri-La, China

Monasteries and highland culture

Explore Shangri-La's old town, Songzanlin Monastery, and surrounding highland landscapes. The day focuses on Tibetan Buddhist culture and slower acclimatized touring.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Shangri-La
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Songzanlin Monastery
  • Dukezong Old Town
  • Napa Lake optional
DAY 9SHANGRI-LA

Shangri-La, China

Flexible highland day or departure

Use the day for a relaxed highland excursion, extra rest, or departure depending on flight schedule. Longer versions can add more hiking or village time.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Not included unless continuing
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Shangri-La Airport
  • Napa Lake
  • Highland villages

Where you'll Stay

All accommodations can be adjusted to your preferences and budget. The following are provided for your reference.

Recommendations

OPARTMENT The Far Eastern Hotel

Shanghai,China

Recommendations

ANYU Hotel - Dali Ancient Town

Dali,Yunnan,China

Recommendations

Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xian

Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

Optional experiences.

These experiences could make your trip even more rewarding.

Experiences

Morning exercise in an imperial courtyard

Beijing, China

Experiences

Join local residents for evening square dancing

Shanghai, China

Experiences

Gyantse Nyangchu Manor House

Dali,China

Ask Our Journey advisor

Jason

Jason

Journey Advisor
We'll respond within 1 hour

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