Three Pagodas Of Chongsheng Monastery
Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Lijiang Tiger Leaping Gorge
Shangri-La Ganden Songzanlin Monastery
8 Days Classic Tour of Yunnan
Discover Yunnan and its beautiful towns and scenery in this classic and amazing 8 days’ tour! This Classic Tour includes the major attractions of the captivating and diverse Province of Yunnan. Our tour combines ancient history with modern tourist attractions. We start in Kunming where you can stroll around the Green Lake, a charming area of tea houses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and beautiful local paintings. If you have enough time you can have a look at the interesting Kunming City Museum and other sites across the city.
Attend an original Pu’er Tea Ceremony: this tea is one of China’s most famous and finest teas. Learn about the interesting tea culture of China and the history of the old Tea Horse Road.
Not far away from Kunming is Shilin, (engl. Stone Forest). According to an old saying it is a pity not visiting it while you are in Kunming. Enjoy the beautiful views of the karst landscape and walk around between the high columns of bizarrely shaped pillars and boulders.
Dali is our next stop. Standing outside, the stunning Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Monastery, which is the symbol of Dali, you will quickly discover the beauty of the place. Walk through quaint Dali Old Town, climb the City Wall or go shopping in numerous little stores. Explore the lively Dali street culture and walk down to quiet Er’hai Lake to make a boat trip.
Of course, Lijiang mustn’t be missed on such a tour. A visit at the Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Museum is very informative when exploring the rich Naxi minority culture.
Not far north of Lijiang lays the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge of the world! Wedged by the Haba Snow- and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with heights of over 5500m the still young Yangtze River makes his roaring way through 34 rapids. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will have entered the cultural area of Tibet even though still in Yunnan. The mountainous landscape with barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys will give you a foretaste of the higher Himalayan regions of China. The Ganden Songzanlin Monastery is the largest of its kind in Yunnan.
Attend an original Pu’er Tea Ceremony: this tea is one of China’s most famous and finest teas. Learn about the interesting tea culture of China and the history of the old Tea Horse Road.
Not far away from Kunming is Shilin, (engl. Stone Forest). According to an old saying it is a pity not visiting it while you are in Kunming. Enjoy the beautiful views of the karst landscape and walk around between the high columns of bizarrely shaped pillars and boulders.
Dali is our next stop. Standing outside, the stunning Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Monastery, which is the symbol of Dali, you will quickly discover the beauty of the place. Walk through quaint Dali Old Town, climb the City Wall or go shopping in numerous little stores. Explore the lively Dali street culture and walk down to quiet Er’hai Lake to make a boat trip.
Of course, Lijiang mustn’t be missed on such a tour. A visit at the Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Museum is very informative when exploring the rich Naxi minority culture.
Not far north of Lijiang lays the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge of the world! Wedged by the Haba Snow- and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with heights of over 5500m the still young Yangtze River makes his roaring way through 34 rapids. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will have entered the cultural area of Tibet even though still in Yunnan. The mountainous landscape with barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys will give you a foretaste of the higher Himalayan regions of China. The Ganden Songzanlin Monastery is the largest of its kind in Yunnan.
from
$1000.00
Duration: 8 days
Tour Code: CE-YN-8D01
Departure Date: Every Day
Tour Attractions:Kunming, Stone Forest, Dali, Xizhou, Erhai Lake, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La
Feature：Natural Landscape
Tour Type: /Land tour + Private English speaking guide+Private Driver +Meals+hotel
Tour Code: CE-YN-8D01
Departure Date: Every Day
Tour Attractions:Kunming, Stone Forest, Dali, Xizhou, Erhai Lake, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La
Feature：Natural Landscape
Tour Type: /Land tour + Private English speaking guide+Private Driver +Meals+hotel
Day 1. Arrive in Kunming
Welcome to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province and the starting point of your journey through southwestern China.
Upon arrival at Kunming International Airport, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel by private vehicle. After checking in and taking some time to rest, you can explore Kunming at a relaxed pace, depending on your arrival time.
If time permits, take a leisurely walk around Green Lake Park, a pleasant area in the heart of Kunming known for its gardens, teahouses, cafés, and local atmosphere. It is a popular place to observe everyday life in the city.
You may also visit the Kunming City Museum, which provides an introduction to the history and development of Kunming and Yunnan. The museum also presents the city’s important role during World War II, when Kunming became an important transportation and military center in southwest China.
Kunming sits on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau at an elevation of around 1,900 meters. Thanks to its mild climate, it is often known as the “City of Eternal Spring.”
Optional evening activity: If you are interested in Yunnan’s ethnic cultures, you may attend the Dynamic Yunnan dance performance. The production combines traditional music, costumes, singing, and dance inspired by the diverse ethnic cultures of Yunnan.
Stay overnight in Kunming.
Day 2. Kunming – Stone Forest – Dali
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel around 9:00 a.m. Before leaving Kunming, visit a local Pu’er Tea center to learn about one of Yunnan’s most famous tea traditions.
Discover how Pu’er tea is produced and learn about its role in Yunnan’s history and the ancient Tea Horse Road, the historic trade routes that connected Yunnan with Tibet and other parts of Asia. You can also sample different varieties of Pu’er tea and purchase some as a local souvenir.
Later, drive approximately 90 km to the Stone Forest, a journey of about 1.5 hours, mostly on the highway.
Enjoy a local Yunnan lunch before exploring the scenic area. Spend approximately 2–3 hours walking among the spectacular limestone formations, where towering stone pillars, narrow passages, and natural rock formations create a remarkable landscape.
The Stone Forest forms part of the South China Karst World Heritage site and is one of the most famous natural attractions in Yunnan. Your guide will introduce you to the area’s geology as well as the fascinating legend of Ashima, which is closely associated with the local Yi people.
After sightseeing, continue to Dali by overnight train or according to the current train schedule. Your guide will assist you with the transfer to the railway station.
Stay overnight in Dali.
Day 3. Dali
Upon arrival in Dali in the early morning, your local guide and driver will meet you at the railway station. Have breakfast before beginning your sightseeing.
Start with a visit to Chongsheng Temple and the Three Pagodas, one of the most recognizable landmarks of Dali. The three ancient pagodas reflect the area’s long history of Buddhism and offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Erhai Lake.
Afterward, check in to your hotel and take some time to rest.
In the afternoon, explore Dali Ancient Town. Walk along the historic streets, admire traditional Bai-style architecture, and see old courtyards, local shops, cafés, and restaurants.
You will have free time to explore the old town at your own pace, shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs, or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this historic city.
Dali lies between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake and has long been an important center of Bai culture. The region has a history stretching back more than a thousand years and was once the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms.
Stay overnight in Dali.
Day 4. Dali – Xizhou – Erhai Lake – Lijiang
Today, travel to Xizhou, a historic Bai village approximately 19 km north of Dali Ancient Town.
Visit the local morning market and experience traditional village life. Explore the well-preserved Bai-style courtyard houses and learn about the distinctive architecture and customs of the Bai people.
You will also have the opportunity to experience the traditional Three-Course Tea Ceremony, an important part of Bai hospitality and culture.
After exploring Xizhou, continue to Erhai Lake for a relaxing cruise toward Jinsuo Island, a traditional fishing community on the lake.
Enjoy views of the Cangshan Mountains, the Three Pagodas, and the surrounding lakeside landscape. Keep an eye out for birds flying over the water as you cruise across Erhai Lake.
After lunch, drive to Lijiang, approximately 170 km away and around 2.5 hours by road, mostly on the highway.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a free evening in Lijiang.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Day 5. Lijiang – Black Dragon Pool – Yuhu Village
Begin the day with a visit to Black Dragon Pool Park, one of the most scenic places in Lijiang. On a clear day, the traditional pavilions, calm pools, and surrounding mountains create beautiful views toward Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Continue to the Dongba Culture Museum to learn about the history and traditions of the Naxi people, including their distinctive Dongba culture and writing system.
Later, visit Yuhu Village, also known as Jade Lake Village, located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The village provides an opportunity to experience a quieter side of Lijiang and enjoy spectacular views of the snow-covered mountain.
You can also visit the former residence and museum dedicated to Joseph Rock, the American botanist, explorer, and writer who spent many years researching the plants, cultures, and landscapes of southwestern China.
For an optional cultural and outdoor experience, you can take a guided horse trek through the surrounding countryside. The ride follows mountain trails and passes traditional Naxi settlements, old trees, historic sites, and beautiful rural scenery.
Return to Lijiang after the excursion.
In the evening, you may explore Lijiang Old Town at your own pace.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Day 6. Lijiang – First Bend of the Yangtze River – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La
After breakfast, leave Lijiang and travel toward Shigu, where you can visit the First Bend of the Yangtze River.
Here, the Jinsha River makes a dramatic turn around the mountains before continuing northward. The viewpoint provides a fascinating introduction to the spectacular landscape of northwestern Yunnan.
Continue to Tiger Leaping Gorge, approximately 88 km farther north. The gorge is one of the most dramatic river valleys in Yunnan, with the Jinsha River rushing through a narrow valley between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain.
The gorge is known for its steep cliffs, powerful rapids, and spectacular mountain scenery. The surrounding villages are traditionally home to Naxi communities, adding an important cultural dimension to the natural landscape.
Depending on your interests, weather, and physical condition, you can take a short scenic walk or a longer hike in the gorge.
In the afternoon, continue toward Shangri-La, approximately 100 km from Tiger Leaping Gorge.
As you gain altitude, the landscape changes from the warmer valleys around Lijiang to highland grasslands, snow-capped mountains, Tibetan villages, and fields where yaks and other livestock can often be seen.
Arrive in Shangri-La and check in to your hotel.
Stay overnight in Shangri-La.
Day 7. Shangri-La
Today, explore the cultural and natural highlights of Shangri-La.
In the morning, visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, also known as Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Built in the traditional Tibetan architectural style, the monastery is an important center of Tibetan Buddhist culture in the region.
Explore the monastery complex and learn about Tibetan Buddhism, religious traditions, architecture, and local customs.
After lunch, visit a local Tibetan family to gain a closer understanding of everyday life on the Tibetan Plateau. Learn about traditional food, customs, housing, and local culture through direct interaction with the family.
Continue to Baiji Temple, located near Dukezong Ancient Town. The elevated location provides an excellent viewpoint over the town and surrounding highland landscape.
Later, enjoy a relaxing break at a highland resort or café overlooking Napa Lake. Take some time to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and appreciate the peaceful mountain scenery.
In the late afternoon and evening, explore Dukezong Ancient Town at your own pace. Walk through its traditional streets, admire Tibetan-style houses, and experience the atmosphere of this historic highland town.
Shangri-La lies at an elevation of more than 3,000 meters and is known for its spectacular combination of snow mountains, grasslands, lakes, gorges, and Tibetan culture.
Stay overnight in Shangri-La.
Day 8. Depart from Shangri-La
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and some free time in the morning, depending on your departure schedule.
Your private driver will transfer you to Shangri-La Airport or the railway/bus station for your onward journey.
Your 8-day Yunnan tour ends here. We hope you leave with wonderful memories of Yunnan’s spectacular landscapes, ancient towns, diverse ethnic cultures, and Tibetan highlands.
|
Tour Season / |
1 Pax |
2-3 pax |
4-5 Pax |
6-9 Pax |
|
All Year |
$ 2900.00 |
$1680.00 |
$1300.00 |
$1000.00 |
Price Including
- Centrally located hotels with breakfast (as per chosen category; based on twin-bed room for 2 pax);
- Authentic Chinese lunch as listed, 6 meals in total per person;
- Private transportation with skilled driver, including hotel pick-ups and drop offs; including gas, toll and parking fee
- Overnight train ticket from Kunming to Dali (Soft Sleeper category)
- Private English-speaking tour guide (locally employed)
- Entrance fees for the attractions listed in the program
- 2 bottles of drinking water per person per day
- Supplements for meals and accommodations for tour guide and driver
- 24/7 English-speaking customer services
- Government taxes
Price excluding
- Flight tickets
- China entry visa fee (China requires visa for most travelers)
- Meals not listed in the program
- Dynamic Yunnan Show discount tickets (please mention which category you prefer if of interest)
Ø VIP – USD 72
Ø Luxury – USD 54
Ø Standard – USD 39
Ø Budget – USD 27
Ø Luxury – USD 54
Ø Standard – USD 39
Ø Budget – USD 27
- Personal Travel Accident Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the driver and tour guide (highly appreciated but not requested)
- Surcharges for upgrades from standard twin-bed rooms to doubled-bed rooms
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Adult pricing applies to all travelers
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Not wheelchair accessible
A moderate amount of walking is involved
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Adult pricing applies to all travelers
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Not wheelchair accessible
A moderate amount of walking is involved
