7-Day Yunnan Tour: (Kunming)-Dali-Lijiang-Kunming

Why Choose This Tour

A perfect combination of nature, history, ethnic culture and authentic local experiences — from Dali’s ancient town charm and Erhai Lake scenery, to Shaxi’s primitive Tea Horse Road heritage, and Lijiang’s snow mountain and Naxi village culture. Adopting convenient high-speed rail for intercity travel to avoid tiring long-distance drives, this journey offers travelers a deeper discovery of the diverse, untouched beauty of Yunnan with a relaxed and comfortable travel pace.

Tour Highlights

• Authentic Ancient Towns & Primitive Villages

Travel through Yunnan’s most original settlements, including Dali Ancient Town, peaceful Shaxi Tea Horse Ancient Town, lively Lijiang Ancient Town and the primitive stone Yuhu Village, discovering real local lifestyles far from tourist crowds.

• Rich Hands-On Ethnic Experiences

Immerse in genuine Bai and Naxi culture with diverse intangible craft experiences, including Jia Ma woodblock printing, Dongba papermaking and handmade bean curd crafting, plus lively bonfire parties and optional village hiking or horse riding.

• Breathtaking Natural Scenery

Stay in the scenic Shuanglang lakeside town to enjoy panoramic views of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Experience relaxing lakeside cycling and stunning golden sunsets over Yuji Island and Moon Palace, and discover the iconic turquoise Blue Moon Valley and spectacular high-altitude glacier scenery of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain via the glacier cable car.

• Charming Urban Floral Culture

Visit Asia’s famous Dounan Flower Market to experience Yunnan’s vibrant floral city culture. The itinerary perfectly blends ancient town heritage, minority customs and diverse natural landscapes across Dali and Lijiang.

• Complete Snow Mountain Experience & Ethnic Show

Enjoy a full-day in-depth exploration of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Watch the grand outdoor show Impression Lijiang to appreciate Yunnan’s diverse ethnic cultures. Ample free time allows independent exploration of local streets, night markets and Lijiang Ancient Town nightlife with optional bonfire parties.

• Authentic Local Ethnic Cuisine

Taste featured Yunnan flavors throughout the trip, including Bai ethnic food, classic Yunnan steam pot chicken and Naxi specialty platters.

• Effortless Itinerary with High-Speed Rail Transfer Adopt comfortable high-speed rail for inter-city travel instead of long-distance road rides. Effectively reduce tiring long drives and travel fatigue, bringing you a relaxed, time-saving and smooth travel experience throughout the journey.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Dali

Upon arrival at Dali Airport / Dali High-Speed Rail Station: Private transfer service to your hotel is included in the package.

Optional Free Time Activity: Self-explore Dali Ancient Town & Foreigner Street

Stroll cobblestone lanes, browse local handicraft shops, cafes and bars along Foreigner Street at your own leisure.

Optional Upgrade: Kunming Airport Transfer + High-Speed Train to Dali

Rate: USD 80 per person Inclusions: Second-class high-speed rail ticket from Kunming to Dali + private driver service Requirement: Please book flights arriving at Kunming Airport before 17:00 for smooth connection. Service flow: Meet driver at Kunming Airport → Transfer to Kunming High-Speed Railway Station → Take high-speed train to Dali (approx. 2 hours 15 minutes).

Day 2 | Dali – Shaxi Ancient Town

Morning visit local Dali morning market, then tour Chongsheng Three Pagodas Temple, Dali’s symbol and precious Buddhist heritage site(exterior view only). Drive 1.5 hours to Shaxi, an original quiet Ancient Tea Horse Road village. Experience traditional Jia Ma woodblock printing.

Meals: Lunch – Bai Ethnic Cuisine

Overnight: Shaxi Ancient Town

Day 3 | Shaxi – Shuanglang

Wake up early to enjoy misty morning scenery of Shaxi. Drive 2 hours to Shuanglang by Erhai Lake. Visit Moon Palace and Yuji Island. Ride bicycles along the lakeside, admire panoramic views of Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain, and witness stunning Erhai sunset.

Meals: Lunch – Yunnan Steam Pot Chicken Set

Overnight: Shuanglang

Day 4 | Shuanglang – Lijiang | Authentic Naxi Village Experience

Enjoy a scenic coastal drive along Erhai Lake to Lijiang (approx. 3.5 hours). Visit Yuhu Village, a primitive Naxi village at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Experiences:Traditional handmade bean curd crafting, Dongba handmade papermaking, and a gentle hike to Stone Village with panoramic snow mountain views.

Optional:Horse riding or hiking around the stone village experience

Meals: Lunch – Naxi Local Specialty Platter

Overnight: Lijiang

Day 5 | Lijiang – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Full Day

Full-day excursion to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take the Glacier Park Cable Car up to the high-altitude glacier zone, visit Blue Moon Valley with electric shuttle service. Watch the grand outdoor show Impression Lijiang.

Free time to self explore Lijiang Ancient Town independently at night, wander Bar Street and join bonfire party at Square Street (optional). 

Meals: Lunch – Mountain Nutritious Pack / Highland Local Buffet

Overnight: Lijiang

Day 6 | Lijiang – High-Speed Train to Kunming

Take high-speed train (around 4 hours) back to Kunming.

Private driver transfer you to Kunming hotel or city center.

Meals: not included 

Overnight: Kunming

Optional Upgrade: Kunming Airport/train station pick up + half day city tour with driver and English tour guide service + transfer to hotel

Rate: USD120 per person

Tour guide will accompany you to visit Haigeng Dam (ideal for watching red-billed gulls in winter) and Dounan Flower Market.

Day 7 | Kunming – Departure

After breakfast, private transfer to Kunming Airport for your outbound flight.

Meals: Breakfast included