6 Days Kunming – Dali – Lijiang – Shangri-La Group Tour
Yunnan province enjoys the breath-taking landscape and unique ethnic culture. The six-day group tour will take you to discover the natural beauty of Yunnan such as Stone Forest, Erhai Lake, Shangri-La; explore the ethnic groups such as Yi, Bai, Naxi, Tibetan; and also visit the must-see attractions to learn more about the local history and culture.
Highlights:
- Discover the natural beauty of Yunnan: Stone Forest, Erhai Lake, Shangri-La, etc.
- Explore the ethnic groups in Yunnan: Yi, Bai, Naxi, Tibetan, etc.
- Visit the must-see attractions to learn more about the local history and culture.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Kunming – Dali
- Day 2: Dali
- Day 3: Dali – Lijiang
- Day 4: Lijiang
- Day 5: Lijiang – Shangri-La
- Day 6: Shangri-La Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Kunming – Dali
Sightseeing and Activities: Stone Forest, Birds and Flowers Market, the Green Lake Park
Accommodation: overnight train
Meals:
Gather at the iconic Jinma Biji Square in Kunming. The square is a symbol of Kunming, with the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archways standing majestically, representing the traditional culture and historical significance of the city.
Afterward, head to the Stone Forest Scenic Area. Here, you will be greeted by a wonderland of karst landforms. The unique stone formations, some reaching towards the sky like giant swords, and others resembling various animals and figures, have been shaped over millions of years by natural forces. Explore the deep underground caves, where stalactites and stalagmites create a magical and mysterious atmosphere.
Return to Kunming city and visit the Flower and Bird Market. This bustling market is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking unique souvenirs. Colorful flowers from all over Yunnan fill the air with their fragrance, and a wide variety of exotic birds chirp and flutter in their cages. You can also find traditional handicrafts, antiques, and local snacks here.
Then, take a leisurely stroll around Green Lake. The lake is surrounded by lush trees and is a popular gathering place for locals. In winter, it becomes a haven for red – billed gulls that migrate from Siberia, creating a lively and harmonious scene as people feed the gulls.
Board a high – speed train to Dali. Upon arrival in Dali, our local guide will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for a good night’s rest.
Day 2 Dali
Sightseeing and Activities: Xizhou morning market, Zhoucheng Village, Erhai Lake cruise, Three Pagodas
Accommodation: Taiheju Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Start the day by exploring Dali Ancient City. Walk along the Yangren Street, which is lined with numerous cafes, bars, and handicraft shops, exuding a unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures. Admire the ancient city walls and the magnificent city gate towers, which have withstood the test of time and still stand as a testament to Dali’s glorious past.
Next, visit the Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas. These three pagodas, standing in a row, are one of the most famous landmarks in Dali. The main pagoda, Qianxun Pagoda, is a 16 – storey octagonal brick pagoda, reaching a height of over 60 meters. The other two smaller pagodas flank it, creating a harmonious and solemn architectural group. The temple complex around the pagodas is also rich in Buddhist culture and historical artifacts.
Proceed to Xizhou Ancient Town. Here, you will be captivated by the traditional Bai ethnic group architecture. The houses are characterized by their elaborate facades, with beautiful carvings, paintings, and inscriptions. Each house follows the typical Bai – style layout of “three – sided houses with a screen wall” or “four – sided houses with five courtyards”.
Participate in a traditional Bai ethnic group tea – tasting ceremony, where you will be served the famous “Three – Course Tea” – a cup of bitter tea, a cup of sweet tea, and a cup of aftertaste tea, symbolizing the different stages of life.
Then, head to the Erhai Ecological Corridor. Cycling along this corridor, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Erhai Lake. The clear blue water of the lake shimmers in the sunlight, and the surrounding mountains create a beautiful backdrop. You can stop at various viewing points to take pictures and soak in the natural beauty.
Day 3 Dali – Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities: Dali Old Town, Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang Old Town, Baisha Old Town
Accommodation: Baisha Holiday Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Take a scenic drive to Lijiang. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes of Yunnan’s countryside.
Once in Lijiang, visit the Black Dragon Pool. The pool is surrounded by ancient trees and traditional Chinese – style pavilions. The clear water of the pool reflects the snow – capped Yulong Snow Mountain in the distance, creating a mirror – like and picturesque scene. Adjacent to the pool is the Dongba Culture Museum, where you can learn about the unique Dongba culture of the Naxi ethnic group. The museum houses a large collection of Dongba scriptures, which are written in a unique pictographic script, as well as traditional handicrafts, musical instruments, and clothing of the Naxi people.
Have free time to explore the Lijiang Ancient City. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, lined with traditional wooden houses. The city is full of small shops selling handicrafts, local snacks, and traditional Naxi clothing. The ancient city is also known for its unique water system, with small canals flowing through the city, adding to its charm.
In the evening, meet at the Big Water Wheel, an iconic landmark in Lijiang Ancient City. Then, transfer to Baisha Ancient Town and check into the hotel.
Day 4 Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities:Baisha Murals, Yuhu Village and Former Residence of Joseph Rock, Mufu Palace, Wangu Tower
Accommodation: Baisha Holiday Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Explore Baisha Ancient Town, one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ethnic group. The town is relatively less commercialized compared to Lijiang Ancient City, preserving its original simplicity and tranquility. Visit the Baisha Murals, which are a collection of ancient religious murals painted on the walls of local temples. These murals are a unique blend of Han, Tibetan, and Naxi artistic styles, with vivid colors and detailed depictions of Buddhist, Taoist, and Dongba religious themes.
Then, head to Yuhu Village. Visit the former residence of Joseph Rock, an American explorer and botanist who lived in Yunnan for many years. His house is a simple wooden structure, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. You can learn about his life and his contributions to the exploration and study of Yunnan’s culture and natural resources.
Spend the afternoon in Shuhe Ancient Town. Walk along the meandering paths, cross the small stone bridges over the flowing streams, and visit the local temples and traditional houses. The town has a more laid – back atmosphere, and you can enjoy a cup of coffee in a local cafe, soak up the sun, and truly relax.
Day 5 Lijiang – Shangri-La
Sightseeing and Activities: the First Bend of Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Ancient Town, Guishan Hill
Accommodation: Sheng Qu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Depart for Qiaotou Town. Along the way, you can get a distant view of the First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the Yangtze River makes a sudden 180 – degree turn, creating a magnificent natural spectacle.
Arrive at Tiger Leaping Gorge. This is one of the deepest gorges in China. First, visit the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, where you can stand on the viewing platforms and watch the mighty Jinsha River rush through the narrow gorge, with the water roaring and the waves crashing against the rocks. Then, for the more adventurous, you can take a short hike to the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, experiencing the raw power of nature up close.
Continue the journey to Shangri – La. Upon arrival, explore the Dukezong Ancient City. The city is built in a Tibetan – style, with its unique layout and architecture. Walk along the stone – paved streets, visit the local Tibetan handicraft shops, and taste traditional Tibetan cuisine.
Climb up to Guishan Park, where you can find a giant prayer wheel. This prayer wheel is one of the largest in the world, and it requires several people to turn it. As you turn the prayer wheel, it is said that your wishes will be fulfilled. From the top of the park, you can overlook the entire Shangri – La city, with its red – roofed houses, green mountains in the background, and the setting sun casting a warm glow over the city.
Transfer to the hotel.
Day 6 Shangri-La
Sightseeing and Activities: Songzanlin Monastery, Napahai Lake, local family visit
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit the Songzanlin Monastery, also known as the “Little Potala Palace” in Yunnan. This is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. The monastery is built on a mountainside, with its grand buildings and golden roofs shining in the sunlight. Inside the monastery, you can see beautiful Buddhist statues, colorful thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings), and experience the solemn atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism.
Then, head to a local Tibetan village. Interact with the friendly Tibetan people, learn about their traditional way of life, such as how they make yak – butter tea, and participate in some simple Tibetan cultural activities.
Proceed to Napahai. This is a seasonal alpine lake and grassland. In summer, the grassland is lush and green, dotted with colorful wildflowers, and horses graze freely. In winter, it becomes a haven for migratory birds. Walk along the lakeside, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
After that, return to Shangri – La city, and the tour comes to an end.
Note:
Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
Price Included:
- Admission fees for all of the attractions listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Accommodations: hotels based on twin occupancy as specified(Except day tours);
- English-speaking tour guide;
- Sharing vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with experienced driver;
- Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper;
- A bottle of mineral water everyday;
- Travel Agents Liability Insurance.
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Any domestic airfares;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Single room supplement(USD 80);
- Airport pick-up and drop-off service;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- All optional programs;
- Surcharge for national holiday;
- Tips to guides and drivers. (For driver: RMB150/day/group; for guide: RMB200/day/group)
