Tour Highlights

1. Discover Yunnan’s Living Ethnic Cultures

Meet Yi, Bai, Naxi, Tibetan, and Mosuo communities through villages, local traditions, and authentic cultural encounters.

2. Experience Local Life Beyond the Landmarks

Join hands-on experiences including Yi embroidery, Dongba papermaking, traditional food-making, woodblock rubbing, and seasonal mushroom picking.

3. Follow the Cultural Journey from Villages to Highlands

Travel from Yi communities in Chuxiong and Bai traditions around Dali to Naxi villages in Lijiang, with optional extensions into Tibetan Shangri-La or Mosuo Lugu Lake.

4. Explore Authentic Southwest China

Discover local markets, ancient towns, mountain villages, sacred landscapes, and the unique lifestyles shaped by Yunnan’s diverse geography.

5. Choose Your Cultural Extension

Extend your journey to:

• Shangri-La: Tibetan Highlands & Buddhist Culture

• Lugu Lake: Mosuo Traditions & Lakeside Life

Itinerary

Day 1 | Kunming – Arrival & Flower Market Exploration

Upon arrival at Kunming Airport, private transfer to the hotel. Enjoy free time for self-exploration: Visit Dounan Flower Market, one of Asia’s largest fresh flower trading hubs, or explore Dianchi Lake and Haigeng Dam, where you can feed red-billed gulls during winter season.

Overnight: Kunming

Day 2 | Kunming – Chuxiong | Dinosaur Valley & Yi Ethnic Culture

Drive approximately 2 hours to Chuxiong. Explore Lufeng World Dinosaur Valley, a major prehistoric fossil site to discover dinosaur relics and evolutionary history. Continue to Yiren Ancient Town to experience authentic Yi ethnic traditions.

Optional experiences:DIY Yi embroidery, evening Yi Left Foot Dance Bonfire Party

Overnight: Chuxiong

Day 3 | Chuxiong – Dali | Seasonal Mushroom Picking & Dali Ancient Town

Join a unique seasonal wild mushroom picking experience with local villagers (May–November) to discover Yunnan’s famous mushroom culture and local culinary customs. Afterwards, drive to Dali and explore Dali Ancient Town and Foreigner Street at leisure, embracing the relaxed atmosphere of Bai ethnic culture.

Overnight: Dali

Day 4 | Dali – Shaxi Ancient Town | Tea Horse Road Heritage

Visit the iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Dali’s symbol and precious Buddhist heritage site(exterior view only). Proceed to Shaxi Ancient Town, a well-preserved and peaceful ancient town on the historic Tea Horse Road. Experience traditional woodblock rubbing and create your own cultural souvenir.

Overnight: Shaxi Ancient Town

Day 5 | Shaxi – Shuanglang | Erhai Lake Scenic Leisure

Admire the tranquil morning mist over Shaxi before driving to Shuanglang. Visit Yujidao Island, enjoy relaxing lakeside cycling, and capture the panoramic view of Cangshan Mountain & Erhai Lake. Witness the stunning Erhai Lake sunset in the peaceful lakeside town.

Overnight: Shuanglang

Day 6 | 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 experience

Overnight: Lijiang

Day 7 | Lijiang | Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Ethnic Show

Explore the legendary Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take the Glacier Cable Car to enjoy spectacular high-altitude alpine scenery. Visit Blue Moon Valley, famous for its crystal turquoise water. Watch the grand outdoor show Impression Lijiang, which showcases Yunnan’s diverse ethnic cultures.

Free time to self explore Lijiang Ancient Town independently at night, wander Bar Street and relax at local cafes on Square Street (optional).

Overnight: Lijiang

Day 8 | Departure from Lijiang

Private transfer to Lijiang Airport or high-speed railway station for your departure flight or onward journey.

Extension 1 | Shangri-La

Tibetan Highlands & Sacred Mountain Culture

D8｜Lijiang → Shangri‑La

• Morning: Depart Lijiang for Tiger Leaping Gorge (1.5hrs driving). Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge (1.5hrs sightseeing).

• Afternoon: Drive to Dukezong Ancient Town (2.5hrs driving). Visit Songzanlin Monastery, known as “Little Potala Palace” (1.5hrs sightseeing). Stroll through Dukezong Ancient Town in the evening, experience the giant prayer wheel and admire old‑town night views.

• Dinner: Authentic Tibetan‑style dinner

• Overnight：Shangri‑La

D9｜Shangri‑La → Lijiang

• Morning: Explore Potatso National Park

• Afternoon: Scenic drive around Napa Lake. Return to Lijiang (2.5hrs driving)

• Overnight：Lijiang

D10｜Lijiang / Departure

• After breakfast, private transfer to airport or high‑speed‑rail station for departure

Extension 2 | Lugu Lake

Mosuo Culture & Life Around the Sacred Lake

D8｜Lijiang → Lugu Lake

• Depart Lijiang for Lugu Lake (4hrs driving).

• Sightseeing at Lugu Lake Viewpoint, Lige Peninsula, Lover’s Beach. Witness sunset at Goddess Bay. In the evening, join Mosuo bonfire cultural performance.

• Overnight：Lugu Lake

D9｜Lugu Lake → Lijiang

• Early morning: Enjoy peaceful lake sunrise. Take traditional Pig‑Trough wooden boat tour to Liwubi Island. Visit Caohai Grassland & Walking‑Marriage Bridge to learn about the unique Mosuo matriarch culture.

• Afternoon: Return to Lijiang (4hrs driving)

• Overnight：Lijiang

D10｜Lijiang / Departure

• After breakfast, private transfer to airport or high‑speed‑rail station for departure