Arranging a Yunnan travel route is the first problem many tourists face. Yunnan is a large province with long distances between scenic spots, and landscapes vary greatly across regions. You need reasonable planning to experience the highlights of Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La and Lugu Lake within limited time. The following two routes cover these major attractions, adopt a 2-15 person small group mode with 24-hour travel butlers, and are served by experienced tour guides and drivers. Departure is at 9 a.m., no early morning rush, with a comfortable and unhurried pace. After reading the following content, tourists can choose a suitable route according to their own needs.
Yunnan Travel Route 1: Kunming-Dali-Lijiang Pure Enjoyment Group Tour
Trip Duration: 6 Days
Departure Location: Kunming
Brief Itinerary: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang
This route travels west from Kunming, passes through Chuxiong and Dali, and arrives in Lijiang. It selects major scenic areas, with a four-diamond hotel for the first night and three-diamond hotels for the rest. It includes Dali intangible cultural heritage experiences (Erhai Lake cruise, fire sacrifice ceremony, Bai handicraft experience).
Route Features
- 2-15 person small group, departure at 9 a.m.
- 24-hour travel butler service throughout the trip.
- Service provided by experienced tour guides and drivers.
- Includes local delicacies of Kunming, Dali and Lijiang.
Day 1: Arrive in Kunming
Tourists from all over China fly to Kunming Changshui International Airport. After arrival, they will be picked up by a professional team and check into the hotel. Tourists can explore the urban area of Kunming on their own. Kunming is 1,900 meters above sea level with a mild climate, making it a suitable first stop for high-altitude travel.
Erhai Lake and Shuanglang Ancient Town in Dali
Day 2: Xishan Mountain – Chama Flower Street – Chuxiong Long Street Banquet
Depart for Xishan Scenic Area at 9:00 a.m. after breakfast (scenic area transport: 60 CNY at own expense).
Core Information:
- Xishan Mountain is 2,350 meters above sea level, known as “the Finest Scenery in Central Yunnan”.
- Longmen is carved on cliffs by ancient craftsmen.
- Overlook Dianchi Lake and the full view of Kunming from Longmen.
Chama Flower Street at the foot of Xishan Mountain features architecture of the Republic of China period, selling Yunnan-flavored snacks and handicrafts. Then head to Dianchi Lake Haigeng Dam to view Dianchi Lake and overlook Xishan Mountain. Note: The seagull viewing period is from November 1 to March 15 of the following year; this activity is not arranged on other dates. Dianchi Lake is a complimentary scenic spot, no refund for non-visits.
Then travel to Chuxiong to attend the Yi Ethnic Group Long Street Banquet. Starting with the fire sacrifice ceremony welcome, Yi people will lead tourists to join the Left Foot Dance. If the number of participants in the Long Street Banquet is too large to affect dining quality, the travel agency will adjust the dining arrangement temporarily.
Day 3: Chuxiong – Erhai Lake Cruise – Dali Ancient City – Nanzhao Xicheng
Depart for Dali at 9:00 a.m. after breakfast. Main activities:
- Take an Erhai Lake cruise to enjoy the scenery of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake in 360 degrees.
- Visit Dali Ancient City. The ancient city has a chessboard layout, preserving architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties and the Republic of China period. You can visit South Gate, Wuhua Building, Honglongjing, and taste local snacks such as old yogurt, roasted milk fan, wrapped tofu, and cold chicken rice noodles.
- Go to Nanzhao Xicheng to experience Dali intangible cultural heritage handicraft making, guided by inheritors of intangible cultural heritage. Tourists can choose one from tie-dye square scarf making, Jia Ma woodblock printing making, and embroidery making.
Day 4: Xinhua Town – Yulong Snow Mountain Yunshanping – Blue Moon Valley – Lijiang Ancient City
Depart at 8:00 a.m. Activities of the day:
- Xinhua Town: a national AAAA-level scenic spot, inhabited by Yi, Hui, Lisu, Miao, Han and other ethnic groups, where you can watch ethnic customs such as “Pinching the Bride”.
- Yulong Snow Mountain Yunshanping Cableway: view alpine meadows and spruce forests. If the cableway is unavailable due to wind season, maintenance or no tickets, the travel agency will refund the actual fee. Children over 1.4 meters tall need to buy tickets in advance.
- Blue Moon Valley (scenic area transport: 60 CNY at own expense): formed by snow mountain meltwater, the water is blue on sunny days, and the valley is crescent-shaped.
Afterwards, tourists go to Lijiang Ancient City on their own. The ancient city has small bridges, flowing water and bluestone roads, where you can taste snacks such as fried jelly, Lijiang Baba, preserved fruits, and Naxi rice cakes. Lijiang Ancient City is an open scenic spot; tourists return to the hotel on their own after the tour.
Day 5: Shuhe Ancient Town – Return to Kunming
Depart for Shuhe Ancient Town at 9:00 a.m. after hotel breakfast. Located northwest of Lijiang Ancient City, this ancient town was once an important post station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. The ancient town is backed by mountains and surrounded by water, with scattered houses and flowing streams. After lunch, drive back to Kunming and check into the hotel.
Day 6: Distribution Center – Airport Transfer
Visit the distribution center after breakfast, then arrange airport transfer according to the return flight time.
6-Day Yunnan Tour from Kunming to Dali, and Lijiang
Yunnan Travel Route 2：Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La-Lugu Lake In-depth Tour
Trip Duration: 8 Days
Departure Location: Kunming
Brief Itinerary: Kunming, Chuxiong, Dali, Lijiang, Lugu Lake
This route adds Shangri-La and Lugu Lake to the classic route, suitable for tourists with sufficient time who wish to visit more areas. It also adopts a 2-15 person small group mode with 24-hour travel butlers, departure at 9 a.m., four-diamond hotel for the first night, and includes Dali intangible cultural heritage experience (choose one of three).
Route Features
- Covers five destinations: Kunming, Chuxiong, Dali, Lijiang and Lugu Lake.
- Selects major scenic spots.
- Includes Mosuo Wedding Feast and bonfire party.
Liwubi Island in Lugu Lake
Day 1: Arrive in Kunming
Tourists fly to Kunming, are picked up and check into the hotel. They can explore Kunming on their own and taste street snacks.
Day 2: Xishan Mountain – Chama Flower Street – Dianchi Lake – Chuxiong Long Street Banquet
Depart for Xishan Scenic Area, Chama Flower Street and Dianchi Lake at 9:00 a.m. after breakfast (seagull season: November 1 to March 15 of the following year). Then drive to Chuxiong to attend the Yi Ethnic Group Long Street Banquet and Fire Sacrifice Ceremony Bonfire Party. If the number of participants in the Long Street Banquet is too large to affect dining quality, the travel agency will adjust the dining arrangement temporarily.
Day 3: Chuxiong – Erhai Lake Cruise – Dali Ancient City – Nanzhao Xicheng
The content is the same as Day 3 of Route 1: Erhai Lake cruise, Dali Ancient City, intangible cultural heritage handicraft experience (choose one of three).
Day 4: Xinhua Town – Yulong Snow Mountain Yunshanping – Blue Moon Valley – Lijiang Ancient City
The content is the same as Day 4 of Route 1.
Day 5: Shuhe Ancient Town – Free Activities – Lijiang
Depart for Shuhe Ancient Town at 9:00 a.m. Free activities after lunch, stay in Lijiang for the night.
Day 6: Lijiang – Lugu Lake Viewing Platform – Pig Trough Boat – Liwubi Island – Bonfire Party
Drive to Lugu Lake after breakfast. Lunch is served on the way due to the long journey. Arrangements of the day:
- Viewing Platform: the best spot to enjoy the full view of Lugu Lake.
- Take a traditional Mosuo pig trough boat to tour Lugu Lake and visit Liwubi Island.
- Drive around Lugu Lake and overlook Gemu Goddess Mountain.
- Dinner: taste Mosuo Wedding Feast, then join the bonfire party after dinner.
Day 7: Lugu Lake – Mosuo Cultural Home Visit – Lover’s Beach – Return to Kunming
After breakfast:
- Join Mosuo Cultural Home Visit: sit around the fire pit with Mosuo elders and learn about matriarchal clan culture.
- Go to Lover’s Beach: clear shallow lake water with a trestle extending into the lake.
After lunch, drive back to Kunming and check into the hotel.
Day 8: Distribution Center – Airport Transfer
Visit the distribution center after breakfast (not arranged for return flights before 12:00), then arrange airport transfer according to the flight time.
Discover Yunnan in 8 Days: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang & Lugu Lake Adventure
Practical Tips for Yunnan Travel
- Visa and Entry: The 144-hour transit visa exemption in Yunnan, China has been expanded to 9 cities and prefectures including Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-La and Xishuangbanna. Citizens of 54 countries such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom holding valid international travel documents and confirmed departure tickets with seats within 144 hours can apply for transit visa exemption. In addition, China has implemented policies such as unilateral visa exemption, 240-hour transit visa exemption, and 144-hour visa exemption for ASEAN tourist groups entering Xishuangbanna.
- Best Travel Time: The climate is most pleasant from March to May and September to November. Lijiang, Shangri-La and Lugu Lake are ideal summer resorts from June to August.
- Altitude Sickness: Kunming is about 1,900 meters above sea level, with generally no obvious reactions. Lijiang is about 2,400 meters above sea level; a small number of tourists may feel slight shortness of breath. Shangri-La is about 3,300 meters above sea level; traveling directly from low-altitude areas may cause symptoms such as headache and insomnia. It is recommended to stay in Lijiang for two days before going to Shangri-La. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise. Rhodiola rosea should be taken one week in advance. Tourists with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases should choose high-altitude routes carefully.
- Clothing and Equipment: Yunnan has a large temperature difference between day and night and strong sunshine. Bring warm coats, sun hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, rain gear, sports shoes, cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine and insect repellent cream.
- Food and Shopping: Dine in restaurants with good hygiene conditions. Local specialties including jewelry, jade, silverware and fruits are sold in scenic spots, hotels and restaurants along the way. Shop around and ask for invoices and certificates. Shopping is a personal behavior and has nothing to do with the travel agency.
- Respect Local Customs: Yunnan is a multi-ethnic inhabited area. Please respect the religious beliefs and living habits of all ethnic groups and do not leave the team without permission.
Yunnan Travel Transport and Cuisine Guide
Mastering transport methods and local cuisine in Yunnan will make your trip smoother.
Transport
- External Transport: Kunming Changshui International Airport is the main gateway, with routes covering all major cities in China. Direct flights to Lijiang Sanyi Airport, Dali Airport and Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport are available from many cities in China. The high-speed rail network is increasingly improved, with direct high-speed trains to Kunming from Chengdu, Guiyang, Guangzhou and other directions.
- Internal Transport: High-speed trains and bullet trains are the best ways to connect major cities such as Kunming, Dali and Lijiang, comfortable and punctual. The bullet train ride between Dali and Lijiang takes about 1.5 to 2 hours with frequent trips. For areas without railways such as Shangri-La and Lugu Lake, chartered cars or tour buses are the main means of transport. The bus ride from Lijiang to Shangri-La takes about 4 hours, and to Lugu Lake about 4 to 5 hours.
Recommended Cuisine
- Kunming: Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles is the most representative food of Yunnan. Time-honored brands such as Jianxin Garden are recommended. The soup base is simmered for eight hours with old hens and Xuanwei ham, served with various ingredients. Steam Pot Chicken is steamed in a Jianshui purple pottery steam pot without adding a drop of water, with tender chicken meat. Zhuanxin Farmers’ Market offers a taste of local street food, such as bean curd rice noodles with papaya water.
- Dali: Xizhou Crispy Pastry in Xizhou Ancient Town comes in sweet and savory flavors; the rose brown sugar filling from Deshenghe is worth trying. Roasted milk fan and rice cake are common street snacks, and Dali sour and spicy fish is appetizing.
- Lijiang: Cured Pork Rib Hot Pot is stewed with snow mountain spring water; Yujie in Xiangshan Market is well-known. Chickpea jelly is fried until golden on both sides, served with crushed peanuts and chili oil. Snacks such as fried jelly, Lijiang Baba, preserved fruits and Naxi rice cakes are available everywhere in the ancient city.
- Shangri-La: Yak Meat Hot Pot is a local specialty; butter tea and highland barley cakes are daily Tibetan food.
- Lugu Lake: Mosuo Wedding Feast includes traditional local dishes; pork fat and dried grilled fish have unique flavors.
Yunnan Travel Accommodation Selection Guide
There are various types of accommodation in Yunnan with a wide price range. References are provided by destination below.
- Kunming: The city center has convenient transport; it is recommended to stay near Green Lake Park or Nanping Street, with hotels ranging from economy to five-star. Hotels near the airport are suitable for transit overnight stays.
- Dali: Inns in the ancient city feature Bai ethnic architecture, suitable for experiencing local life. Sea-view rooms in Shuanglang Ancient Town on the east bank of Erhai Lake have a wide view and are more expensive than those in the ancient city. The area near Caicun Wharf has moderate cost performance.
- Lijiang: There are many inns in Dayan Ancient City, but it is inconvenient to drag luggage on bluestone roads; it is recommended to choose the periphery or South Gate area of the ancient city. Shuhe Ancient Town is quieter, and inn prices are generally lower than those in Dayan Ancient City. Star-rated hotels in the urban area have complete facilities.
- Shangri-La: Most inns around Dukezong Ancient City are in Tibetan style; confirm in advance if some inns have no heating in winter. There are chain hotels in the urban area with complete oxygen supply facilities.
- Lugu Lake: Daluo Village has early development and many accommodation options. Lige Peninsula has the best scenery but few rooms, so book in advance. Dazu Village is relatively quiet with lower prices.
Accommodation prices may double in peak seasons (summer vacation, National Day); it is recommended to book 2 to 3 months in advance.
Yunnan Travel Planning Advice
Yunnan is a large province, and it is impossible to cover all areas in one trip. Tourists should choose a suitable route according to their vacation length and interests. It is recommended to start planning the trip two months in advance, especially for peak season travel, book air tickets and hotels as early as possible. Sufficient time should be reserved for applying for a Tibet Travel Permit (for some high-altitude areas in Shangri-La) or special documents. Before departure, confirm that your passport is valid for more than six months and understand the latest changes in China’s visa and entry policies. If you do not want to handle ticketing, accommodation and other affairs by yourself, China Dragon Travel provides small group and chartered car services, and can handle relevant procedures throughout the process, including route design, hotel reservation, vehicle arrangement and tour guide services. Tourists can directly contact the travel agency for free travel evaluation and quotation. Please reread the practical tips section of this article before departure, and prepare necessary documents, clothing and common medicines. Wish you a safe, comfortable and unforgettable travel experience in Yunnan.
