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A 12-day in-depth journey covering the most iconic highlights of Yunnan Province: the spring city scenery of Kunming, the "Wind, Flower, Snow and Moon" landscape of Dali with Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain, the ancient town charm and snow mountain grandeur of Lijiang, and the mysterious Tibetan culture and highland scenery of Shangri-La. Experience the unique karst geology, diverse ethnic customs, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and plateau wetlands in one seamless route, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of southwest China.
D1 Arrival in Kunming & Transfer to Dali|Accommodation: Dali
Arrive in Kunming from Singapore via international flight. Meet your local guide at the airport, transfer to Kunming Railway Station for the high-speed train to Dali. Upon arrival in Dali, check into your hotel and enjoy free time to rest and refresh after the long journey.
D2 Dali Classic Lakeside Sightseeing|Accommodation: Dali
Morning: 【Shuanglang Ancient Town】 – a quiet and picturesque lakeside town on the east bank of Erhai Lake, featuring well-preserved Bai ethnic architecture, cozy lake-view cafes and boutique resorts, offering a perfect glimpse of the laid-back lakeside lifestyle of Dali; 【Wase Little Putuo】 – a tiny and charming island in Erhai Lake, famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset views, and seasonal flocks of red-billed gulls. Afternoon: 【Dali Santorini】 – an internet-famous scenic spot with white and blue Mediterranean-style buildings, perfect for taking travel photos and enjoying afternoon tea or coffee at your own expense; 【Xingsheng Bridge】 – an iconic cable-stayed bridge in Dali, offering panoramic views of Erhai Lake and the surrounding mountain scenery.
Morning: 【Cangshan National Geopark】 – a majestic mountain range overlooking Dali and Erhai Lake, famous for its alpine scenery, ancient temples, and unique karst landforms. Take the Gantong Cableway to explore the mountain, with hiking trails through lush forests and stunning viewpoints. Afternoon: 【Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas】 – a well-preserved Buddhist temple complex from the Tang Dynasty, and one of the most iconic landmarks of Dali. The three elegant pagodas stand against the backdrop of Cangshan Mountain, showcasing the exquisite ancient Buddhist architecture of Yunnan; 【Erhai Ecological Corridor (Panxi Village Section)】 – a scenic lakeside path with well-maintained cycling lanes, perfect for riding bicycles and taking travel photos. (Electric bikes or scenic battery cars are available at your own expense)
D4 Dali Ancient Town & Xizhou Ancient Town Tour|Accommodation: Eryuan
Morning: 【Dali Ancient City】 – a well-preserved ancient city with a history of over 1,200 years, featuring cobblestone streets, traditional Bai ethnic courtyard houses, and iconic landmarks such as the South Gate and Wuhua Tower. Wander through the old streets to experience the rich history and ethnic culture of Dali. Afternoon: 【Xizhou Ancient Town】 – a historic Bai ethnic town with a history of over 1,000 years, famous for its well-preserved traditional Bai architecture, local delicacies such as Xizhou Baba pastry, and the traditional Bai tie-dye craft.
D5 Dali West Lake & Shaxi Ancient Town → Transfer to Lijiang|Accommodation: Lijiang
Morning: 【Dali West Lake】 – a beautiful freshwater lake in Eryuan County, surrounded by lush mountains and traditional villages. The lake is famous for its clear water, abundant wildlife, and peaceful rural scenery, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Afternoon: 【Shaxi Ancient Town】 – a well-preserved ancient town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, featuring a history of over 2,400 years. Visit the iconic Sideng Street, Xingjiao Temple, Yujin Bridge, and Pioneer Bookstore, and check in at the famous Youfeng Courtyard from the hit TV drama Meet Yourself, where you can enjoy a relaxing coffee break at your own expense. Evening: Take a comfortable coach transfer to Lijiang, and check into your hotel upon arrival.
D6 Lijiang Ancient Town & Black Dragon Pool Park Tour|Accommodation: Lijiang
Morning: 【Lijiang Ancient Town】 (World Cultural Heritage) – a well-preserved ancient Naxi town with a history of over 800 years, featuring cobblestone streets, wooden houses, winding canals, and iconic landmarks such as the Big Water Wheel, Sifang Square, Mufu Mansion, and the historic Bar Street. Wander through the old town to experience the unique Naxi ethnic culture and the laid-back lifestyle of Lijiang. Afternoon: 【Black Dragon Pool Park】 – a classic scenic park in Lijiang, famous for its crystal-clear lake, traditional Chinese architecture, and the iconic view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the lake. The park is also home to the Dongba Culture Museum, where you can learn about the ancient Naxi Dongba script and culture.
D7 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Full-day Tour|Accommodation: Lijiang
Morning: 【Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Yunshanping】 – a beautiful alpine meadow on the eastern slope of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, at an altitude of 3,240 meters. Take the cable car to the meadow, where you can enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, lush forests, and blooming alpine flowers in season. Afternoon: 【Blue Moon Valley】 – a breathtaking glacial valley at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, famous for its turquoise glacial lakes, clear streams, and pure mountain scenery. The valley is often referred to as the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Yunnan", perfect for taking travel photos and enjoying the natural beauty; 【Impression Lijiang Live Performance】 – a large-scale outdoor live performance directed by the famous Chinese director Zhang Yimou, showcasing the unique culture and traditions of the Naxi, Yi and other ethnic minorities of Lijiang, performed by over 500 local non-professional actors against the stunning backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
D8 Lijiang → Shangri-La via Tiger Leaping Gorge & Pudacuo National Park|Accommodation: Shangri-La
Morning: Depart from Lijiang and head towards Shangri-La, with a stop at 【Tiger Leaping Gorge】 – one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons in the world, located on the Jinsha River. The canyon is famous for its dramatic cliffs, raging rapids, and stunning mountain scenery, with the iconic Tiger Leaping Stone in the middle of the river. Afternoon: 【Pudacuo National Park】 (World Natural Heritage) – the first national park in China, featuring a stunning landscape of highland lakes, lush forests, alpine meadows, and abundant wildlife. Visit the two core scenic areas: Shudu Lake, a beautiful alpine lake with forest hiking trails, and Bita Lake, famous for its "Cuckoo Fish Drunk" natural phenomenon and scenic boardwalk around the lake. Evening: Arrive in Shangri-La, check into your hotel, and enjoy a special Tibetan Chieftain Banquet for dinner at your own expense, experiencing the unique Tibetan food and culture.
D9 Shangri-La Tibetan Culture & Highland Scenery Tour|Accommodation: Shangri-La
Morning: 【Songzanlin Monastery】 – the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province, known as the "Little Potala Palace" of the Tibetan area in Yunnan. The monastery features magnificent golden-roofed halls, exquisite thangka paintings, and a long history of over 300 years, offering a deep insight into the Tibetan Buddhist culture and the daily life of the monks. Afternoon: 【Dukezong Ancient Town】 – a well-preserved ancient Tibetan town with a history of over 1,300 years, featuring traditional Tibetan architecture, cobblestone streets, and the world's largest prayer wheel at Guishan Park, which you can turn to pray for good fortune; 【Napa Lake Grassland】 – a beautiful seasonal highland lake and wetland, surrounded by lush grasslands, highland barley fields, and Tibetan villages. You can wear traditional Tibetan ethnic costumes and ride horses on the grassland at your own expense, experiencing the authentic Tibetan nomadic lifestyle.
D10 Shangri-La → Kunming & Kunming Old Street Night Tour|Accommodation: Kunming
Morning: After breakfast, take the high-speed train from Shangri-La back to Kunming, enjoying the stunning highland scenery along the way. Evening: 【Kunming Old Street】 – a well-preserved historic street in the center of Kunming, featuring traditional Yunnanese architecture, old shops, local snacks, and a vibrant night market. Wander through the street to experience the local life and history of Kunming, the "Spring City" of China.
D11 Kunming Free Day|Accommodation: Kunming
Enjoy a full day of free time in Kunming, where you can arrange your own schedule to explore the city at your own pace. You can choose to visit local attractions, go shopping, try authentic Yunnanese cuisine, or simply relax and enjoy the pleasant spring climate of Kunming.
D12 Departure from Kunming
Morning: Enjoy hotel breakfast, pack your luggage and check out of the hotel. Transfer to Kunming Changshui Airport as per your international flight schedule. End of the pleasant 12-day Yunnan classic tour.