8-Day Classic Yunnan Tour to Kunming, Dali, Lijiang

Welcome to Yunnan! Your private tour guide and driver will meet you at the airport or train station and take you to the hotel for check-in. Your hotel located in the city center is convenient for you to explore the surrounding area on your own.

Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Kunming

After breakfast, your private tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and drive about two hours to Kunming Stone Forest. Stone Forest Scenic is known for its classic karst landforms, including Greater Stone Forest, Lesser Stone Forest, and Naigu Stone Forest. Stone peaks, stone columns, stalactites, stalagmites, and other stone forms are spectacular. Immerse yourself in the unique Yi ethnic culture and customs.

After lunch, you will return to downtown Kunming and visit Cui Lake, also called Green Lake Park. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour in Green Lake Park and get a flavor of Kunming's local life. Head to Jingxing Bird and Flower Market. Stroll through the colorful stalls and witness the lively daily life of local people.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kunming

After breakfast, you will be transferred to high-speed rail station and take the high-speed train. After about 2 hours, you will arrive in Dali and meet your private tour guide.

Your first stop is Three Pagodas. The Three Pagodas of the Chongsheng Temple is built to promote Buddhism with a history of thousands of years. Continue traveling to Erhai Lake, praised as "Pearl of Plateau". Enjoy a boat ride to Jinsuo Island (Golden Shuttle Island) in the southeast of Erhai Lake. There are approximately 200 Bai ethnic families and 1000 people living on Jinsuo Island. You will have a chance to learn about local folk culture.

Visit Dali Ancient City which preserves exquisite Bai ethnic ancient buildings and cultural heritage. Stroll through Dali Ancient City and learn about Bai culture and architecture. Stay at a hotel in the old city and get some rest.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Dali

In the morning, you will rent a bike and cycle around Erhai Lake. Enjoy the amazing natural and cultural landscape along the quiet and blue Erhai Lake. Weave your way through busy local markets, Bai minority villages, and beautiful farmlands. Feel the breeze on your face and pause to take pictures of natural beauty.

In the afternoon, travel to a Bai minority village － Xizhou Village. You can appreciate well-preserved Bai architecture and learn about the essence of Bai culture. Head to the homes of local residents and get a taste of local life. Appreciate their exquisite costumes which are mainly white clothes and accessories. Visit Yan Family Compound where you can explore Bai-style wooden courtyard. Taste Three Courses of Tea served by hospitable Bai people.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Dali

In the morning, you will travel to the biggest and original Bai village － Zhoucheng Village. Visit a tie-dye workshop and try Bai ethnic tie-dying. You can create unique tie dye products and buy some souvenirs with Bai minority culture elements.

After lunch, you will transfer to Lijiang and begin your Yunnan tour in Lijiang.

Head to Lijiang Old Town, located on Lijiang plain at an altitude of 2400 meters. As the hometown of Naxi, Lijiang Old Town is famous for its well-preserved Naxi architecture and Naxi culture. Visit Mufu Palace (the palace of Mu family of Naxi) and admire the ancient architecture of Ming and Qing dynasties. Climb up Lion Hill and enjoy a panoramic view of Lijiang Old Town. Stroll along Sifang Street (Square Street) and pick up fine ethnic handicrafts as gifts for your family or friends.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Lijiang

Accompanied by your private tour guide, you will embark on a day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain). Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the largest snow mountain in the Northern Hemisphere with an altitude of over 4,000 (13,123 feet) meters. You will get to Ganhaizi Meadow and take the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain cable car to enjoy a sightseeing tour of White Water River. Then continue the cable car ride to Glacier Park at an elevation of 4,680 (15,354 feet) meters. Glacier Park boasts charming forests, grass, and spectacular snow-capped peaks. Take the battery car to Blue Moon Valley where you can appreciate stunning plateau lake and crystal blue water.

After lunch, you will return to Ganhaizi Meadow and enjoy Impression Lijiang directed by Zhang Yimou. As an outdoor performance, it takes the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the backdrop.

Head to Black Dragon Pool, also called Jade Spring Park. Black Dragon Pool is located at the foot of Xiangshan Mountain in Lijiang. With the views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the reflection of the Snow Mountain, Five-hole Bridge, and the Moon Tower, Black Dragon Pool has attracted many photography enthusiasts.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Lijiang

Begin your today's Lijiang tour with Baisha Village, the old capital of the ancient Naxi Kingdom. Baisha Village is located at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain with a history of over 300 years. Baisha Murals is a must-see of Baisha Village. The Murals in Baisha Village describe the local folklore and daily life and perfectly blend Tibetan, Chinese, and Naxi cultures.

In the afternoon, you will travel to Yuhu Village which is regarded as the number one village at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain. Feel the hospitality of Naxi people in a Naxi family. The Naxi people dressed in traditional Naxi costumes will introduce you to Naxi script (Dongba script), Naxi culture, and ancient relics. If you want, you can learn how to make soybean milk and beancurd jelly.

Visit a Naxi dongba wizard and explore their ancient customs and culture. Head to a shaman's house and learn about Naxi script. Immerse yourself in old Naxi music and colorful ethnic culture.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Lijiang

Your 8-day Yunnan tour package ends today. You are free to relax or explore Lijiang in the morning. Later, your driver will take you to the train station or airport for departure.

Meals: B
Accommodation: N/A