7 days Yunnan Classic Tour: Kunming, Dali & Lijiang

Arrive in Kunming, the "City of Eternal Spring," known for its mild year-round climate. Your driver and guide will meet you at the airport or train station and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace.

After breakfast, head to the Stone Forest (Shilin), a UNESCO-listed karst landscape 90km east of the city. Towering limestone pillars, narrow stone pathways, and dramatic rock formations make this one of Yunnan's most iconic natural landmarks. Spend the morning exploring the Greater Stone Forest.
Return to Kunming and take a stroll around Green Lake Park (Cui Hu), a favourite gathering spot for locals. In winter, flocks of red-billed gulls migrate here from Siberia, adding to the lively atmosphere.
In the evening, consider the optional Dynamic Yunnan stage show or try Yunnan's signature dishes: Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles, wild mushroom hot pot, or a seasonal mushroom feast.

Transfer to the train station for the high-speed train to Dali (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin sightseeing.

Visit Erhai Lake, one of China's largest freshwater lakes, shaped like an ear and framed by the Cangshan Mountains. Continue to the Three Pagodas (Chongsheng Temple), Dali's most recognisable landmark, three independent pagodas standing in a triangular formation dating back over 1,000 years. End the day exploring Dali Old Town, with its traditional Bai architecture, lively market streets, and local residents in distinctive ethnic dress.

This morning, drive to Xizhou, a well-preserved Bai minority town. Explore the local morning market and visit the Yan Family Compound, a fine example of traditional Bai courtyard architecture. Continue to Zhoucheng, the largest Bai village in Dali, where you can watch the art of traditional tie-dye being made by hand in a local artisan's workshop.

In the afternoon, continue to Shaxi Ancient Town, the only surviving medieval market town on the ancient Tea Horse Road. Settle in and explore at your own pace. The town is best enjoyed slowly.

Spend the morning exploring Shaxi with your guide. At the heart of the old town, Sideng Square is a red sandstone plaza shaded by 200-year-old scholar trees, flanked by the Ming Dynasty Xingjiao Temple and the Ancient Opera Stage. A short walk east leads to Yujin Bridge, a Qing Dynasty stone arch where horse hoof marks worn into the slabs are a quiet reminder of its caravan past. One of the least commercialised ancient towns in Yunnan, Shaxi rewards those who take it slowly.

In the afternoon, drive to Lijiang (approx. 2 hours). Check into your hotel in or near Lijiang Old Town and spend the evening freely exploring Square Street (Sifang Street), the lively heart of the UNESCO-listed old town.

If your visit falls on a Friday, the morning starts with Shaxi's weekly market, held continuously since 1415. Villagers from surrounding ethnic communities arrive in traditional dress to sell goat cheese, wild mushrooms, spices, and local produce, one of the most authentic market experiences left in Yunnan.

After breakfast, drive to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take the cable car up to Glacier Park (4,506m) for close-up glacier and snow peak views. Bring a warm jacket and use the oxygen canister if necessary. Descend and explore Blue Moon Valley, where glacier meltwater fills a series of striking turquoise lakes. End the morning with the Impression Lijiang outdoor show.

In the afternoon, visit Baisha Village to see the Ming Dynasty murals, a rare fusion of Naxi, Tibetan, and Bai artistic styles. Continue to Yuhu Village for a Naxi family visit where ancient customs are still in practice today.

End the day at Black Dragon Pool Park, one of the best spots in Yunnan to photograph Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected across the water.

Note: Glacier Park sits at 4,506m — a significant altitude that can cause breathlessness or mild symptoms even in healthy travelers. If you prefer a lower alternative, Spruce Meadow (3,240m) offers a peaceful alpine forest walk, and Yak Meadow (3,700m) gives panoramic views of all 13 snow peaks. Share your preference when you plan your trip with our travel advisor.

Spend your final morning exploring Lijiang Old Town on your own before departure. Key sites worth visiting include Mu Fu (Wood Mansion), the former palace of the Naxi chieftain and the best place to understand Naxi history and culture; Wangu Tower, a hilltop pavilion with panoramic views over the old town's rooftops and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain; and Shuhe Ancient Town, a quieter and less commercialised neighbour to Lijiang, with cobblestone streets and traditional architecture.

Your driver will transfer you to Lijiang train station or airport at the appropriate time. End of tour.