Top Yunnan Itineraries for 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10+ Days

If you are thinking of traveling to China this year, and you don’t know where to start with your tour, or what to visit, we are here for you. We have the top Yunnan itineraries for you that you can choose from 5, 6 or 7, 8 and 9 days. We also can help you if you are looking for 10+ days to stay in Yunnan. 

How many days are enough in Yunnan?

Many travelers are asking this question. It is important to know how many days are enough to visit every main attraction in Yunnan.

5–6 days is suitable for a highlight trip covering 2–3 core destinations, such as Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shanghai-la, with enough time to enjoy ancient towns, Erhai Lake, or the Stone Forest without feeling rushed. Or choose a regional trip like Xishuangbanna.

7–10 days is ideal for first-time visitors who want a well-rounded experience of natural beauty, ethnic culture, and historic towns. This allows you to include all the four core destinations or some core destinations combined with Yuanyang rice terraces at a comfortable pace.

10+ days gives you time to explore deeper and slower, including off-the-beaten-path areas like Lugu Lake, Yuanyang Rice terraces, or Xishuangbanna the tropic rainforest, or combine the hiking into the trip or visit some remote ethnic villages.

How Long to Stay in Each major Yunnan Destination

Core Destinations in Yunnan for First-Time Visitors

These are the essential stops for most Yunnan itineraries:

• Kunming (capital city/gateway city of Yunnan) – 1–2 days
  Explore the Stone Forest, Green Lake Park, flower market and west hill etc. 
• Dali (ancient towns and Erhai Lake) – 2–3 days
  Visit Dali Old Town, bike or cruise around Erhai Lake, and experience Bai minority culture in Xizhou and Zhoucheng by visiting market and workshop
• Lijiang (old town and snow-capped mountains) – 2–3 days
  Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Lijiang old town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Naxi cultural sites. As well as the excursion trip to Tiger leaping gorges.
• Shangri-La (Tibetan culture and plateau scenery) – 2–4 days
  Discover Dukezong Ancient Town, Songzanlin Monastery, and nearby Pudacuo National Park. Consider 1-2 Day excursions to Mount Meili or Balagezong Grand Canyon.

Recommendation: Spend at least 8 days to comfortably cover these core destinations.

Other Travel Destinations in Yunnan

If you have more time or want to explore lesser-known places, consider:

• Xishuangbanna (tropical scenery and rainforest culture) – 2–3 days
  Perfect for jungle experiences, visiting Dai minority villages, and enjoying warm weather year-round.
• Yuanyang (UNESCO rice terraces, Hani village & lively markets) – 2-3 days
  The best time to visit is November to April for water-filled terraces. Golden harvest is from mid September to mid November. Combine with Jianshui for a full southern Yunnan cultural experience.
• Jianshui (ancient Chinese architecture) – 1–2 days
  A quiet historical town with well preserved traditional courtyards, a major Confucius temple, and tofu culture.
• Tengchong (volcanic landscapes and hot springs) – 2–3 days
  Known for its geothermal activity, natural spas, and historical Heshun Ancient Town.
• Nujiang Grand Canyon (remote canyons and minority villages) – 3–4+ days
  Explore one of China’s most remote areas, home to Lisu people and dramatic river valleys.
• Lugu Lake (alpine scenery and Mosuo culture) – 2–3 days
  A beautiful lake straddling Yunnan and Sichuan, known for matriarchal Mosuo society and tranquil hiking trails.
• Dongchuan Red Land (colorful landscapes for photography) – 1–2 days
  Famous for its striking red soil and rainbow-like terraced fields, especially vibrant in spring and autumn.
• Pu’er (Tea Culture & minority villages) – 2-3 days
  A great place to get to know Chinese Pu’er tea, visit Tea Plantations and minority villages.

5 Days Yunnan Itinerary

This is some of the option for 5-day Yunnan itineraries:

Day	Location	Activities	What People Like
Day 1	Kunming	Arrive in Kunming, then drive to visit Stone Forest and rest time to explore Kunming.	For a traditional Yunnan dish you must try Crossing-the-bridge noodles and Steam pot chicken, among the other delicious dishes.
Day 2	Dali	High speed train to Dali (2.5 hours), Dali tour to visit Dali Old Town, boat trip on Erhai lake, and Bai villages & market in Xizhou or Zhoucheng	Boat trip on Erhai Lake, charming Bai villages, local markets, and the laid-back vibe of Dali Old Town.
Day 3	Lijiang	Drive (or train) to Lijiang, afternoon visit Lijiang Ancient Town	Wandering the cobblestone alleys of Lijiang Ancient Town, rich in culture.
Day 4	Lijiang	Day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and visit Naxi village and family.	Spectacular views from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, learning about Naxi traditions through a village and family visit.
Day 5	Lijiang	Departure from Lijiang	Easy departure options and lingering in one of China’s most beautiful old towns.

6 Days Yunnan Itinerary

This itinerary is ideal for those seeking a mix of cultural immersion and high-altitude adventures, it will bring you to visit some of the core destinations in Yunnan like Kunming, Lijiang and Shangri-la. Begin in Kunming with the Stone Forest, then move to Lijiang to explore its ancient town and the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The adventure continues with a visit to the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge before culminating in Shangri-la, where you’ll discover Tibetan culture at Songzanlin Monastery and enjoy the serenity of Pudacuo National Park.

Here is example of a itinerary: 

Day	Location	Activities	What People Like
Day 1	Kunming	Arrive in Kunming, check in your hotel, a day trip to Stone Forest	Visiting Kunmig in May, to see the blossom of Jacaranda trees
Day 2	Lijiang	High speed train to Lijiang, afternoon visit Lijiang Ancient Town.	Strolling through Lijiang Ancient Town, with its charming canals, cobbled streets, and vibrant local life.
Day 3	Jade Dragon Snow Mountain	A day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and visit Naxi village and family.	Experiencing snowy mountain scenery, Naxi culture, and panoramic views via cable car and local visits.
Day 4	Tiger Leaping Gorge/Shangri- La	Drive to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, then continue to Shangrila and explore Shangrila old town.	Admiring the dramatic cliffs and rushing waters of Tiger Leaping Gorge; relaxing in Shangri-la’s peaceful Tibetan town.
Day 5	Shangri- La	Day trip to Pudacuo National Park and visit a local Tibetan family.	Walking through Pudacuo National Park, spotting wildlife and lakes; visiting a Tibetan family for cultural insight.
Day 6	Departure from Shangri- LA	Morning visit Songzanlin Monastery, then depart from Shangri-la.	Amazing scenery and breathtaking views

7 Days in Yunnan

This 7 days Yunnan journey offers a captivating immersion into the diverse beauty and rich heritage of Southern Yunnan, where you will visit the stunning Yuanyang Rice Terraces.

Most travelers choose this 7 days tour option out of the many Yunnan itineraries because of the visit of the rice terraces. Here is one example: 

Day	Location	Activities	What People Like
Day 1	Kunming	Arrive in Kunming, meet guide, transfer to hotel, explore city	Kunming has eternal spring, pleasant weather, and city full of flowers
Day 2	Jianshui	Visit Stone Forest, drive to Jianshui, visit Confucius Temple, explore Jianshui old town	Visiting the Jianshui Confucius Temple, one of the largest and oldest in China most of the travelers appreciate the peaceful vibe and classical Chinese architecture
Day 3	Jianshui to Yuanyang	Visit Zhu Family Garden and Tuanshan Village, drive to Yuanyang, at sunset be at Tiger Mouth Village	Zhu Garden’s architecture, amazing sunset photography at rice terraces
Day 4	Yuanyang Sightseeing	Sunrise at Duoyishu, Shengcun Market, Jingkou Hani Village, Bada Scenic Area	Sunrise views, traditional clothes, rice terrace walks, sunset at Bada is magical
Day 5	Yuanyang to Kunming	Visit Azheke and Huangcaoling market, explore Hani villages, then return to Kunming	Expansive terrace landscapes, local culture, scenic drive
Day 6	Kunming City Tour	Flowers and Birds Market, Golden Temple, West Hill & Dragon Gate, you can also see the Dynamic Yunnan Show	The Golden Temple architecture is one of a kind
Day 7	Departure	Transfer to airport/train station, or you can take another China tour

Explore Yunnan in 8 Days tour

This 8 Day Yunnan Highlights itinerary that takes you to visit four core destinations in Yunnan that include Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shanghai-la. It is one of the most popular itineraries in our travel agency. 

Below you can see an example of the 8-day Yunnan Itinerary, and what people like the most on this tour. 

Day	Location	Activities	What People Like
Day 1	Kunming	Arrival at airport/train station, transfer to hotel. Free time to explore the city or rest.	Easy arrival, relaxed start, walkable city
Day 2	Kunming	Visit Stone Forest (UNESCO), Yuantong Temple, Green Lake Park. Optional evening show “Dynamic Yunnan”.	Unique landscapes, cultural heritage, colorful ethnic dance show
Day 3	Dali	Bullet train to Dali. Visit Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas, Dali Old Town. Optional boat/cycling around lake.	Beautiful lake views, Tang-style architecture, charming ancient town
Day 4	Drive to Lijiang	Visit Xizhou Bai Minority Compound, local market, and tie-dye in Zhoucheng. When I arrive in Lijiang, visit Square Street in Lijiang Old Town.	Ethnic culture, shopping, food, traditional crafts
Day 5	Lijiang	Explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (cable car), Baisha Village & murals, visit local family, Black Dragon Pool Park.	Snow-capped peaks, ancient villages, local traditions, photography spots
Day 6	Shangri-la (via Tiger Leaping Gorge)	Drive to Shangri-la. Stop at Stone Drum Town & First Bend of Yangtze River, hike/view Tiger Leaping Gorge. Arriving in Shangri-la.	Gorge adventure, dramatic river bend, Tibetan-style town
Day 7	Shangri-la	Visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, Shudu & Bita Lakes (Pudacuo National Park), Tibetan family visit (yak butter tea), climb Guishan Hill & spin world’s largest prayer wheel.	Tibetan Buddhism, pristine lakes, warm local interactions, cultural immersion
Day 8	Departure from Shangri-La	Free time. Transfer to the airport or train station. Options: high-speed train to Lijiang/Kunming or flight to Chengdu, Lhasa, etc	Smooth departure options, flexible travel connections

If you are interested in a 8 day Yunnan tour itinerary that including a trek, then our 8 day trip to Kunming, Lijiang, Tiger leaping gorge Trek would be a great choice, which will take you to experience the dramatic scenery of one of the world’s deepest gorges, renowned for its panoramic views and rich biodiversity.

If you’re a flower enthusiast or a passionate photographer, springtime in Yunnan is a truly magical time to visit. Our 8-day Yunnan Photography Tour to Yuanyang and Luoping is designed to capture the region’s most breathtaking seasonal landscapes, from golden canola fields in Luoping to the mirror-like rice terraces in Yuanyang.

9 Days Yunnan Tour

This 9-day Yunnan journey blends nature, culture, and stunning landscapes. Starting in Kunming, you’ll visit highlights like the Bamboo Temple, Stone Forest, and the vibrant Dynamic Yunnan show. From there, head to Dongchuan Red Land which is famous for its colorful fields, especially beautiful from May to June and September to November.

Continue to Lijiang for its ancient town charm, Naxi culture, and the breathtaking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Scenic drives take you past the First Bend of the Yangtze and Tiger Leaping Gorge on the way to Shangri-La, where you’ll explore Sumtseling Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, and enjoy local Tibetan hospitality.

If you’re looking to experience Yunnan’s top sights and dive deeper into its rich culture and landscapes, this itinerary is a great choice with options to extend your trip if you wish.

Day	Location	Activities	What People Like
Day 1	Kunming	Arriving at Kunming/check in hotel, rest, and explore the city	People love Kunming because of the pleasant weather and all year blossom flowers
Day 2	Kunming	Visit Bamboo Temple, Stone Forest, optional Dynamic Yunnan Show	Most of the travelers like the Lifelike arhat sculptures, karst rock formations and cultural performances
Day 3	Drive to Dongchuan	Drive to Dongchuan, visit Red Land and Luoxiagou Valley, enjoy sunset	The views of the majestic Dongchuan Red Land and Luoxiagou Valley with the terrace in various shapes and colors
Day 4	Dongchuan to Lijiang	Catch sunrise at Red Land, return to Kunming, bullet train to Lijiang	Sunrise views over Dongchuan’s vibrant fields is a must
Day 5	Lijiang Sightseeing	Visit Black Dragon Pool, Square Street, Dongba Museum, explore old town	Snow mountain views, traditional stone bridges, Naxi culture
Day 6	Lijiang Sightseeing	Jade Dragon Snow Mountain cable car ride, Baisha Village, Baisha Murals, Naxi family visit	Snowy peaks, religious art murals, ethnic heritage
Day 7	Lijiang → Shangri-La	Drive via Stone Drum Town and First Bend of Yangtze River, visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, arrive Shangri-la	Scenic river bend, dramatic gorge, ancient Tibetan town charm
Day 8	Shangri-la Day tour	Visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, Bitahai & Shudu Lakes, Tibetan family, Guishan Hill	We think that everyone feel in love with the Monastery architecture, pristine lakes, cultural interaction and panoramic views at Shangri- La
Day 9	Departure	Transfer to airport, optional travel extension	Customized travel options, farewell from Shangri-la

If you’re a trekking enthusiast seeking remote beauty and cultural depth in Yunnan, our  9 days Yunnan Yubeng Village Hiking Tour is perfect for you. Journey deep into the sacred Meili Snow Mountain range to discover Yubeng, a hidden Tibetan village accessible only by foot. Spend several days hiking to breathtaking sites like the Sacred Waterfall, Ice Lake, and more, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, alpine forests, and rich Tibetan heritage.

10 Days in Yunnan for true experience

For those travelers that are seeking a deeper, more immersive journey, this 10-day Yunnan itinerary showcases the rich diversity of Yunnan’s cultures and landscapes. Starting in Kunming, the provincial capital, you’ll explore local temples, parks, and the dramatic Stone Forest before heading to Dali, famous for their ancient towns, Erhai Lake, Bai architecture, and Naxi heritage.

Continue to Lijiang ancient city with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for glacier views and a visit to a traditional Naxi village, then travel through the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge to reach Shangri-La, where Tibetan monasteries, pristine lakes, and family visits await. The journey continues north to the sacred Mount Meili region, with a scenic stop at the Jinsha River Grand Canyon. Hike the Mingyong Glacier and enjoy sunrise over dramatic peaks before returning to Shangri-La for your departure.

This overland adventure through northwest Yunnan blends cultural encounters with natural beauty—featuring Tibetan hospitality, ethnic minority traditions, remote mountain landscapes, and spiritual landmarks. It’s an unforgettable exploration of Yunnan’s cultural heart and wild soul.

Day	Location	Activities	What People Like
Day 1	Kunming	Arriving in Kunming. Pick-up by guide and transfer to hotel. Freely explore Kunming city.	Mild weather, relaxing start, walkable city tour to flower market, green lake etc.
Day 2	Kunming	Visit Qiongzhu Temple (Buddhist statues), then Stone Forest with lakes, caves, waterfalls. Return to Kunming	Ancient sculpture, lush scenery, unique karst formations
Day 3	Dali	Bullet train to Dali. Visit Erhai Lake Park, Three Pagodas, Dali Old Town.	Scenic lake views, pagoda architecture, ethnic Bai culture
Day 4	Lijiang	Drive to Lijiang, stop to visit Bai villages & market in Xizhou and Zhoucheng, afternoon visit Lijiang Ancient Town	Hands-on ethnic culture, relaxing in ancient town
Day 5	Lijiang (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain)	Day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and visit Naxi village and family.	Glacier peaks, Naxi culture, great photography spots
Day 6	Lijiang to Shangri-la	Drive to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, then continue to Shangrila and explore Shangrila old town.	Dramatic gorge views, scenic rivers, peaceful Tibetan atmosphere
Day 7	Shangri-la Sightseeing	Morning visit Songzanlin Monastery, then Pudacuo National Park and a local Tibetan family visit.	Spiritual landmarks, pristine lakes, Tibetan hospitality
Day 8	Shangri-la to Mt. Meili	Drive to visit Mount Meili with a stop at Jinsha River Grand Canyon. Enjoy the sunset.	Rare Buddhist art, sacred mountain views, quiet remote experience
Day 9	Mount Meili to Shangri-la	Morning head to visit Mingyong Glacier where you can also take several hours hiking. Return to Shangri-la in the afternoon.	Sunrise & glacier hike, birdlife & grasslands, rewarding adventure
Day 10	Departure	Departure from Shangri-la.	Flexible travel options, easy exit, possibility to continue exploring China

Other 10+ Days for Yunnan Itineraries 

We also have other 10+ day Yunnan itineraries available, for instance, our 12 days Classic Yunnan Tour with Yuanyang Rice Terrace takes you not only the breathtaking rice terraces in southern Yunnan, but also to Shaxi old town, a historical stop on the ancient Tea horse road that offers a glimpse into authentic local life. 

Our 12 Day Yunnan Highland Cultural Tour: Lijiang, Lugu Lake & Shangri-La introduces you to the diverse highland cultures and landscapes of northwest Yunnan, from Naxi heritage in Lijiang and Mosuo traditions at Lugu Lake to Tibetan monasteries, snow-capped Meili, remote villages, and scenic valleys.

Yunnan is also a major gateway for overland travel to Tibet, especially via the scenic Yunnan–Tibet Highway. Our 15 days Yunnan Tibet tour to Kathmandu lets you explore Yunnan’s beauty before continuing your journey across the Tibetan Plateau and into Nepal.

Alternatively, the 8 days Chengdu, Yading Nature Reserve, Mount Meili, Lijiang overland tour offers an stunning overland route from Chengdu to Yunnan via the stunning Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, often called the “last Shangri-La” for its untouched alpine landscapes.

You can also include Yunnan as a part of a broader grand China tour to experience its unique blend of nature and minority cultures. Our 15 days China Tour from Beijing to Shanghai, via Chengdu, Yunnan & Guilin, is perfect for travelers seeking variety and depth in one journey.

We hope these Yunnan itineraries guide will help you choose easily the kind of adventure you’re looking for. Depending on your free time for traveling, you can choose between 5 days or two full weeks of amazing adventure in Yunnan. No matter how long you stay, you’ll go home with unforgettable memories. If you’re not sure where to begin or want help customizing your own route, we’re here to help you plan your perfect Yunnan trip!
For practical travel tips on the best time to visit, how to get there, and more, check out our comprehensive Yunnan Travel Guide.