Details
Arrival in Kunming, Airport Transfer, Hotel Check-in
Guests from all over the country will fly to Kunming. Upon arrival, you will be met by our professional transfer team and escorted to your hotel for check-in.
After settling in, you may explore Kunming on your own and sample local street food. In many of the city’s old neighborhoods, you can discover some of the most authentic Yunnan flavors.
Kunming is a charming city waiting to be explored. Welcome to Kunming!
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Kunming
Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
Kunming Changshui International Airport
Western Hills Scenic Area, Chama Flower Street, Dianchi Lake Seagulls, Long Street Banquet, Chuxiong
After breakfast, depart at 09:00 for the Western Hills Scenic Area, the only national-level tourist resort in Yunnan. Located more than 10 kilometers west of Kunming, it is often praised as the finest scenic spot in central Yunnan. Standing at an elevation of about 2,350 meters, the area offers superb views over Dianchi Lake and the full panorama of Kunming.
The famous Dragon Gate of Western Hills is carved into the steepest cliff face of the mountain. Entirely hand-cut by ancient craftsmen, it is an impressive feat of engineering. The carved figures of the Wenqu Star and Kui Star Pavilion are especially striking. From here, you can enjoy the best views of Dianchi Lake and Kunming. As the saying goes, “Once you reach Dragon Gate, your status rises.”
At the foot of Western Hills lies Chama Flower Street, a lively pedestrian area filled with Republican-era style, local Yunnan cuisine, and handcrafted items. Here you can sit quietly by the lake and mountain scenery of Dianchi Lake, or enjoy Yunnan-style snacks amid the bustling atmosphere.
Afterward, drive to Dianchi Lake to admire the beautiful lake scenery and interact with the seagulls that arrive here every winter. The lake is known as the “Pearl of the Plateau,” and Western Hills across the water is often called the “Sleeping Beauty Mountain.”
Important note: The Dianchi Lake Seagulls area at Haigeng Dam is only arranged from November 1 to March 15 each year. Outside this period, it will not be scheduled due to seasonal conditions. Dianchi Lake is a complimentary attraction; if it is not visited, there will be no substitution and no refund.
Later, take a bus to Chuxiong. In the evening, enjoy the Yi ethnic Long Street Banquet, which begins with a welcoming fire ceremony and tells the legendary stories of the Yi people. If you do not know how to dance the Left-Foot Dance, the Yi young men and women will teach you.
Tip: If the banquet is too crowded and affects dining quality, the meal arrangement may be adjusted temporarily to ensure a better experience.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel; lunch on your own; dinner: Long Street Banquet
Accommodation: Chuxiong
Western Hills Scenic Area
Chama Flower Street
Dianchi Lake Seagulls
Long Street Banquet
Chuxiong, Erhai Cruise, Dali Ancient City, Nanzhao Xicheng
After breakfast, depart at 09:00 for Dali. Enjoy an Erhai Lake Cruise and experience the beautiful scenery of Cangshan and Erhai. Sunshine sparkles across the lake, and Erhai looks like a giant jade set beneath Cangshan Mountain. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy 360-degree views of Erhai Lake.
Next, visit the historic Dali Ancient City. The old town is laid out in a chessboard pattern, with five main streets running north to south and eight lanes running east to west. It preserves many buildings from the Ming, Qing, and Republican periods, along with temples, academies, and churches. Walk along the old walls and streets to discover the heritage of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom.
During free time, you may visit the South Gate, Wuhua Tower, and Honglongjing, and taste local delicacies such as yogurt, baked milk fan, stuffed tofu, rice noodles with cold chicken, papaya water, and preserved plums.
Then continue to Nanzhao Xicheng, where you can experience a hands-on intangible cultural heritage workshop. Here you will find traditional Bai-style architecture such as three courtyards and one screen wall, four courtyards and five skylights, six courtyards and harmonious spring, and the horse-turning corner tower. This is one of the most elegant residential complexes in the Xizhou area, and each detail reflects the Bai people’s long-standing lifestyle and aesthetics. A heritage inheritor will personally guide you through the handcraft experience.
You may choose one of the following activities: tie-dye handkerchief making, Jima making, or embroidery.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel; lunch: included; dinner: included
Accommodation: Dali
Erhai Lake Cruise
Dali Ancient City
Xinhua Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Spruce Meadow, Blue Moon Valley, Night Tour of Lijiang Old Town
After breakfast at 08:00, drive to Xinhua Town, a scenic area at the AAAA level. This town is home to Yi, Hui, Lisu, Miao, Han, and other ethnic groups. Each group has its own customs and traditions, including colorful ethnic weddings, the amusing “bride pinching” activity, naming customs, old trading traditions such as exchanging grain for pears, and a unique local ethnic culture.
Then continue to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area in Lijiang. Take the Spruce Meadow Cableway to enjoy the alpine meadow scenery of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The ancient forests are lush and green, and the mountain peaks appear in many dramatic forms. As you walk through the primeval forest, you will see tall and straight spruce trees stretching into the distance.
Important note: If the cableway is suspended due to weather, maintenance, ticket shortages, crowd control, or other uncontrollable factors, the cableway fee will be refunded according to the actual policy of the cableway company. For children taller than 1.4 meters, supplement tickets may be required in advance during peak season.
Later, visit Blue Moon Valley, where melted snow from the mountain flows down the cliffs, gathering into streams and clear rivers. On sunny days, the water appears blue, and the valley looks like a crescent-shaped blue moon at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Afterward, head to Lijiang Old Town on your own. With its small bridges, flowing water, stone-paved lanes, and traditional houses, the old town offers a beautiful journey through time. Besides walking through the alleys, you can also try local snacks such as fried rice jelly, Lijiang-style pancakes, preserved fruits, and Naxi rice cakes.
Note: Lijiang Old Town is an open scenic site. After the visit, guests return to the hotel on their own.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel; lunch: boxed meal; dinner: not included
Accommodation: Lijiang
Xinhua Town
Blue Moon Valley
Lijiang Old Town
Lijiang, Shuhe Ancient Town, Hotel Check-in
After breakfast at the hotel, depart at 09:00 for Shuhe Ancient Town, an old town full of historical charm and authentic Naxi culture. It is located northwest of Lijiang Old Town and was once an important stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. The town lies beside the mountains and water, with a layout similar to Dayan Old Town. Its houses, streams, and surroundings create a peaceful and beautiful setting.
After lunch, enjoy free time and then check in to your hotel in Lijiang.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel; lunch: included; dinner: not included
Accommodation: Lijiang
Shuhe Ancient Town
Shuhe Ancient Town
First Bend of the Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Pudacuo National Forest Park, Tibetan Tusi Banquet
After breakfast, depart for Shangri-La. En route, pass the First Bend of the Yangtze River. Continue to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the most dramatic gorges in China. The gorge is famous for its steep cliffs, roaring waters, and breathtaking scenery. The power of the river and the rugged rock formations create an awe-inspiring landscape.
After lunch, visit Pudacuo National Forest Park, a pristine wonderland with clear lakes, blue skies, dense forests, birdsong, and flowers. The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons. You may enjoy views of Shudu Lake and the primeval forest.
In the evening, enjoy a Tibetan-style cultural performance and dinner at the Tibetan Tusi Banquet. Taste yak hotpot, barley noodles, and butter tea while watching traditional ethnic performances.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel; lunch: included; dinner: Tusi Banquet
Accommodation: Shangri-La
First Bend of the Yangtze River
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Pudacuo National Forest Park
Pudacuo National Forest Park
Shambhala Kalachakra Mandala, Tibetan Culture Center, Dukezong Ancient Town, Return to Lijiang, Bullet Train to Kunming
After breakfast, visit the Shambhala Kalachakra Mandala, a magnificent building completed after more than ten years of construction. It combines modern and Tibetan architectural styles and offers a comprehensive presentation of Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhism.
Next, visit the Tibetan Culture Center to learn about the culture of the eight major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Then continue to Dukezong Ancient Town, where you can turn the world’s largest prayer wheel and pray for your family.
After lunch, return to Lijiang and take the bullet train back to Kunming. If available, the route may be upgraded from Zhongdian back to Kunming by train. Check in to your hotel upon arrival.
Important note: During holidays or due to uncontrollable factors, if the bullet train service is disrupted, the transfer will be adjusted to vehicle transport, with the price difference offset accordingly.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel; lunch: included; dinner: not included
Accommodation: Kunming
Shambhala Kalachakra Mandala
Dukezong Ancient Town
Tourist Distribution Center, Airport Transfer
After breakfast, visit the Tourist Distribution Center. This stop is not arranged for flights departing before 12:00. Afterwards, transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
Please pack your luggage and documents in advance to avoid leaving anything behind and to ensure a smooth transfer.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel; lunch: not included; dinner: not included
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 2026-04-05 | $ 388 | Book now |
| 2026-04-15 | $ 388 | Book now | |
| 2026-04-20 | $ 388 | Book now | |
| 2026-04-25 | $ 388 | Book now | |
| May | 2026-05-05 | $ 388 | Book now |
| 2026-05-15 | $ 388 | Book now | |
| 2026-05-20 | $ 388 | Book now | |
| 2026-05-25 | $ 388 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 8-Day Yunnan Tour from Kunming to Shangri-La | Dali, Lijiang & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Fee Description
Tour Inclusions
- Accommodation: One upgraded 4-star hotel night in Kunming at the beginning, plus 3-star hotels throughout the tour, and a 4-star hotel in Shangri-La. All rooms are standard twin rooms. If you need a double bed room or triple room, please inform us in advance. If no triple room is available, a standard room with an extra bed will be arranged depending on the actual hotel situation.
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 main meals, and 1 boxed meal. Breakfasts are provided by hotels. Main meals are priced at RMB 30 per person per meal.
- Entrance tickets: All first gate admission tickets to scenic spots listed in the itinerary are included.
- Transportation: Licensed air-conditioned tour vehicles with one seat per person.
- Guide service: Professional licensed guides with more than five years of experience.
- Insurance: Yunnan travel package insurance purchased by the travel agency.
Tour Exclusions
- Any extra costs caused by traffic delays, cancellations, or force majeure.
- English-speaking guides are not included; if you require a specialized guide, please consult customer service.
- Travel accident insurance and air insurance, which are recommended for guests to purchase separately.
- Transportation and meals during free time.
- Single room supplements.
- Any personal losses or extra expenses caused by travelers’ own reasons, such as violations, personal fault, or illness.
- Any expenses outside the child quotation.
- Complimentary items marked as “gift” or “free” in the itinerary are covered by the travel agency and are not included in the tour price.
Reference Hotels
- Kunming: Rezen Hotel, Mingchun Garden Hotel, Chunchen Hotel, Zhiyuan Hotel, Jinyuan International Hotel, Vienna Hotel (Jinggu Branch), Huishang Hotel, Yuan Mingzhu Hotel, or similar
- Chuxiong: Yubo Hotel, Jiayue Hotel, Jinhaiwan Hotel, Junbo Hotel, Huasheng Business Hotel, Logistics Hotel, Yuelai Hotel, or similar
- Dali: Eryuan Hotel, Eryuan Shuntai, Eryuan Chengnan No. 1 Courtyard, Siji Rouguang, Shengwen Hotel, Jiali Hotel, Fangyuan Hotel, Jiyu Hotel, Meiyu Hotel, Xinrui Hotel, Borui Hotel, Shanzhenbao Hotel, Jifute Hotel, Boyue Hotel, Mushy Hotel, Gaoqiu Zhijia Jiahe Branch, Longyaoxiang Hotel, or similar
- Lijiang: Jiyu Hotel, Meiyu Hotel, Xinrui Hotel, Borui Hotel, Shanzhenbao Hotel, Jifute Hotel, Boyue Hotel, Mushy Hotel, Gaoqiu Zhijia Jiahe Branch, Longyaoxiang Hotel, or similar
- Shangri-La: Shujin Muyun, Moonlight International Hotel, Balagezong Grand Hotel, Yicheng Hotel, or similar
- Kunming: Longji Garden Hotel, Yameilijia Hotel, Dianfuyuan Hotel, Hengyi Grand Hotel, Jiaxin Mingzhu Hotel, Yuecheng Hotel, Yunheng Hotel, or similar
- Note: If a backup hotel cannot be arranged due to special circumstances, our agency reserves the right to arrange another hotel of the same category and standard.
Important Notes
- Yunnan is a highland region. Guests with heart disease, high blood pressure, pregnancy, or other conditions not suitable for high-altitude travel are advised not to choose this tour. If you feel dizzy, short of breath, or unwell during the trip, please inform your guide immediately.
- Please respect the customs and religious beliefs of local ethnic groups. The route includes long driving distances, so it is advisable to bring snacks and motion sickness medicine. When enjoying local cuisine, choose clean and hygienic restaurants. Keep your personal belongings safe in crowded scenic areas.
- Due to local policies and advance ticketing systems, some tickets and hotel bookings are non-refundable once issued. If a guest leaves the group midway, it will be regarded as a voluntary cancellation, and no refund will be given.
- Please also pay attention to the weather before departure. Yunnan has large day-night temperature differences, strong sunlight, and strong ultraviolet rays. Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, sun protection, and rain gear. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
