Option A – Sightseeing Tour
7-Day Yunnan Sightseeing Tour: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang & Shangri-La
Tour Style: Sightseeing Tour
Day 1: Kunming – Stone Forest – Western Hills
Driving: approximately 3 hours
Your Yunnan adventure begins in Kunming. Upon arrival in the morning, your private guide and driver will meet you and drive approximately 1.5 hours to the spectacular Stone Forest (Shilin).
Explore this remarkable karst landscape, where towering limestone pillars rise in a maze of natural formations. You will also learn about the famous local legend of Ashima, an important story associated with the Sani people and the Stone Forest.
In the afternoon, return to Kunming and visit the Western Hills (Xishan). Ride up the mountain to enjoy panoramic views over Kunming and Dianchi Lake. Along the mountain paths, you can also discover traditional pavilions, stone inscriptions and calligraphy that reflect the region’s cultural heritage.
Overnight in Kunming.
Day 2: Kunming – Dali
Bullet train: approximately 2 hours
This morning, take a comfortable bullet train from Kunming to Dali. The journey itself is enjoyable, with views of mountains, valleys and the Yunnan Plateau along the way.
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin your Dali tour with the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, the iconic landmark of Dali. Dating back more than 1,000 years, the three pagodas offer an insight into the long history of Buddhism in the Dali region. The site also provides beautiful views toward Erhai Lake and the Cangshan Mountains.
In the late afternoon, explore Dali Ancient Town. Stroll along its historic streets and discover traditional Bai-style houses, courtyards and local shops. You will have time to browse for handicrafts and souvenirs or sample some of the area’s delicious local food.
Overnight in Dali.
Day 3: Dali – Shuanglang – Shaxi – Lijiang
Driving: approximately 4 hours
In the morning, travel to Shuanglang Ancient Town, located on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake. This lakeside town is known for its beautiful views over Erhai and its distinctive waterfront architecture. Among its best-known landmarks are the Sun Palace and Moon Palace associated with artist Yang Liping.
Continue to Shaxi Ancient Town, located between Dali and Lijiang. Once an important stop along the ancient Tea Horse Road, Shaxi retains much of its traditional character, with stone-paved lanes, old courtyard houses and a peaceful village atmosphere.
Take a leisurely walk through the old town and perhaps enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at a local café. As you relax, imagine the caravans of horses and traders that once passed through Shaxi carrying goods along the historic trading routes.
In the late afternoon, continue to Lijiang and check in at a charming guesthouse in Shuhe Ancient Town, a quieter alternative to the busier areas of Lijiang Old Town.
Overnight in Shuhe.
Day 4: Lijiang – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Baisha – Lijiang Old Town
After breakfast, drive approximately 30 minutes to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Depending on weather conditions and your preference, take the cable car to either Yunshanping Meadow at around 3,240 meters or Yak Meadow at around 3,700 meters.
Both areas offer spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks and alpine landscapes. Please note that mountain views depend on weather and visibility.
In the afternoon, visit Baisha Village, one of the most historically important Naxi settlements in the Lijiang area. Its traditional buildings and quiet streets retain a more rustic character than Lijiang Old Town. Baisha is also known for its traditional Naxi embroidery and cultural heritage.
In the evening, explore Lijiang Old Town (Dayan Ancient Town). Evening is a particularly atmospheric time to walk through its maze of cobbled lanes and waterways. The historic town comes alive with restaurants, cafés, bars, guesthouses and small shops, creating a lively contrast with the quieter villages visited earlier in the day.
Overnight in Lijiang.
Day 5: Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La
Driving: approximately 4 hours
After breakfast, drive for about 2 hours to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the most dramatic landscapes in Yunnan.
Here, the Jinsha River, one of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, surges through a narrow gorge between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. Towering cliffs, rushing water and snow-covered peaks create an impressive natural landscape.
Take a walk or short hike along the gorge to experience its scenery more closely. The combination of steep mountain trails and powerful river views makes Tiger Leaping Gorge one of the highlights of a Yunnan journey.
In the late afternoon, continue for approximately 2 hours to Shangri-La. As you ascend onto the Tibetan Plateau, the scenery changes to highland valleys, grasslands, traditional villages and snow-capped mountains.
Overnight in Shangri-La.
Day 6: Shangri-La – Pudacuo National Park – Songzanlin Monastery – Dukezong
Today, explore the beautiful highland landscapes around Shangri-La.
In the morning, visit Pudacuo National Park, known for its alpine forests, meadows, lakes and mountain scenery. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the park and take in the natural beauty of the Tibetan Plateau.
Return to Shangri-La in the afternoon and visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery (Songzanlin Monastery), one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Yunnan. Its traditional Tibetan architecture and mountain setting make it an important cultural landmark in the region.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walk through Dukezong Ancient Town, exploring its traditional Tibetan houses, narrow lanes and historic atmosphere.
Overnight in Shangri-La.
Day 7: Shangri-La Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Your private driver will transfer you to Shangri-La Airport for your onward flight.
Your 7-day Yunnan sightseeing tour comes to an end.
Option B – Leisure Holiday
7-Day Yunnan Leisure Tour: Kunming, Dali, Shaxi & Lijiang
Tour Style: Leisure Holiday
Day 1: Kunming – Stone Forest
Driving: approximately 3 hours
Your Yunnan holiday begins in Kunming. Upon arrival in the morning, your private guide and driver will meet you and drive approximately 1.5 hours to the Stone Forest (Shilin).
Explore the spectacular karst landscape, where countless limestone pillars form a natural maze of dramatic shapes and pathways. During the visit, you will also hear the famous legend of Ashima, which is closely associated with the local Sani people and the Stone Forest.
In the late afternoon, return to Kunming and relax at your hotel.
Overnight in Kunming.
Day 2: Kunming – Dali – Shuanglang
Bullet train: approximately 2 hours
Take a morning bullet train from Kunming to Dali. Enjoy the changing scenery of mountains and highland landscapes as the train crosses Yunnan.
Upon arrival in Dali, meet your local guide and explore Dali Ancient Town. Take a leisurely walk along its historic streets, where traditional Bai-style houses and courtyards stand alongside cafés, restaurants and local shops.
Enjoy some free time to browse for souvenirs, sample local food or simply soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the old town.
In the afternoon, your driver will transfer you to Shuanglang Ancient Town on the shores of Erhai Lake. Check in at your lakeside resort and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Overnight in Shuanglang.
Day 3: Dali – Shuanglang Leisure Day
Today is a free day to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Erhai Lake.
Take your time over breakfast and enjoy the lake views from your hotel. You can stroll through the streets of Shuanglang, stop at a local café for tea or coffee, or rent a bicycle and explore the lakeside scenery at your own pace.
There is no fixed sightseeing schedule today, so simply enjoy Yunnan at a slower pace.
Overnight in Shuanglang.
Day 4: Shuanglang – Shaxi
Driving: approximately 2 hours
Today, travel approximately 2 hours to Shaxi Ancient Town, a beautifully preserved historic settlement along the ancient Tea Horse Road.
Shaxi is known for its quiet stone-paved streets, traditional courtyard houses and relaxed rural atmosphere. Compared with the larger tourist towns of Yunnan, it offers a slower and more peaceful experience.
Spend the day exploring the old streets, visiting traditional courtyards or relaxing in a local tea house with a cup of tea or coffee. The peaceful surroundings make it easy to imagine the horse caravans and traders who once passed through the town centuries ago.
Overnight in a traditional guesthouse in Shaxi.
Day 5: Shaxi – Lijiang – Baisha – Shuhe
After breakfast, drive approximately 2 hours to Lijiang.
On arrival, visit Baisha Village, one of the oldest settlements of the Naxi people. The village retains a traditional character, with old houses, quiet lanes and a strong connection with Naxi culture. You can also discover the area’s distinctive traditional embroidery.
In the afternoon, continue to Shuhe Ancient Town and check in at your charming guesthouse. Located away from the busiest parts of Lijiang, Shuhe offers a more peaceful setting for your stay.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Shuhe.
Day 6: Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Lijiang
Driving: approximately 4 hours
Today, take a day trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge, about 2 hours by road from Lijiang.
The Jinsha River rushes through the spectacular gorge between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. The combination of towering cliffs, snow-capped peaks and powerful rapids creates one of Yunnan’s most impressive natural landscapes.
Enjoy a walk or short hike along the gorge to experience the scenery at close range. The mountain trails and dramatic river views offer a memorable outdoor experience.
Return to Lijiang in the late afternoon.
In the evening, visit Lijiang Old Town (Dayan Ancient Town). Stroll through its network of cobbled lanes, waterways, shops, restaurants, cafés and bars. The old town is particularly lively after dark and offers a completely different atmosphere from the peaceful villages and mountain landscapes visited during the day.
Overnight in Lijiang.
Day 7: Lijiang Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Your private driver will transfer you to Lijiang Airport or the railway station according to your onward travel arrangements.
Your 7-day Yunnan leisure holiday comes to an end.