Yunnan Nature & Culture
Kunming · Dali · Lijiang · Shangri-La — China's Last Frontier
Tour Overview
Yunnan is China's most biodiverse province — a stunning tapestry of snow-capped mountains, ethnic minority villages, terraced rice fields, and turquoise lakes. This journey takes you deep into the 'Land South of the Clouds' for an experience unlike anything else in China.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1Arrive KunmingArrival · Green Lake Park · Yunnan cuisine dinner↓
Arrive in Kunming, the 'Spring City', famous for its year-round mild climate. Transfer to your hotel near Green Lake Park. Evening stroll along Wenlin Street.
2Stone ForestStone Forest (UNESCO) · Sani minority performance · Kunming city walk↓
Day trip to the remarkable Stone Forest (Shilin) — 270 million years of geological wonder. Over 400 sq km of towering limestone formations rising like petrified trees from the karst plateau.
3Kunming → DaliTrain to Dali · Old Town walk · San Ta Pagodas↓
High-speed train to Dali — a laid-back town of cobblestone streets, Bai minority architecture, and Er Hai Lake. Afternoon: arrive and explore the old town.
4Er Hai Lake CyclingEr Hai Lake cycling · Bai village visit · Cangshan views↓
Cycle the scenic lakeside road around Er Hai Lake with views of the Cangshan Mountains. Visit a traditional Bai village for a local homestay lunch experience.
5Dali → LijiangTransfer to Lijiang · Lijiang Old Town · Mu Family Mansion↓
Travel north to Lijiang — one of China's most beautiful towns. Afternoon to explore the ancient cobblestone streets, wooden houses, and gurgling water channels of the UNESCO-listed old town.
6Yulong Snow MountainYulong Snow Mountain cable car · Glacier at 4,506m · Impression Lijiang show↓
Morning cable car to the Yulong Snow Mountain glacier plateau at 4,506m. Breathtaking views and thin-air adventure. Afternoon: Impression Lijiang outdoor show by Zhang Yimou (optional).
7Tiger Leaping GorgeTiger Leaping Gorge hike (high trail) · Jade Dragon views · Gorge guesthouse overnight↓
One of the world's great gorge hikes — trek the high trail above the Jinsha River, which drops 3,900m in 17km. Overnight at a guesthouse on the gorge edge.
8Gorge → Shangri-LaGorge lower trail · Drive to Shangri-La · Songzanlin Monastery↓
Complete the lower gorge trail to the road, then drive to Shangri-La (3,160m elevation) — visit the Songzanlin Tibetan Monastery, the largest in Yunnan.
9Shangri-La & Napa LakeNapa Lake wetlands · Dukezong Old Town · Giant Prayer Wheel↓
Morning at Bita Lake Nature Reserve — Napa Lake wetlands, yak grazing, and Tibetan prayer flags. Afternoon: explore Dukezong old town and the world's largest prayer wheel.
10Depart from Shangri-La / KunmingAirport transfer · Departure↓
Transfer to airport for departure. Option to extend to Meili Snow Mountain (2 days extra) for the sunrise spectacle — ask us about add-ons!
✅ What's Included
- 9 nights accommodation (mix 4-star hotel + boutique guesthouses)
- Daily breakfast + meals as listed
- All ground transportation
- Private English-speaking guide
- All entrance tickets and cable cars
- Tiger Leaping Gorge guide
- 24/7 support
❌ Not Included
- Flights to Kunming / from Shangri-La
- Chinese visa
- Travel insurance
- Impression Lijiang show ticket (~$30)
- Personal expenses
Tour Pricing (USD)
* Prices based on double-occupancy hotels. Solo supplement applies. Contact us for custom group pricing.
Book This TourRequest a Quote