Karst · Bai Culture · Ancient Town · Snow Mountain
Classic Yunnan: Kunming, Dali & Lijiang · 7 days / 6 nights
A balanced Yunnan journey through the Stone Forest, Bai culture, Shaxi, Lijiang and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain without compressing Shangri-La into seven days.
Route & overnight stays
Highlights
- Kunming and the Stone Forest karst landscape
- Erhai scenery and Xizhou Ancient Town
- Bai tie-dye or family cultural experience
- Shaxi Ancient Town between Dali and Lijiang
- Lijiang, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley and Naxi culture
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrive in Kunming
Welcome to Kunming, the "Spring City". Your driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel downtown. The rest of the day is free — wander Jinma Biji Square, browse the flower and bird market, or enjoy your first taste of Yunnan cuisine.
Stone Forest · travel to Dali
Drive out to the Stone Forest, a UNESCO-listed landscape of towering grey limestone pinnacles wrapped in Sani Yi legend. In the afternoon, take the high-speed train to Dali and check in for the evening.
Erhai, Xizhou & Dali
Walk or cycle along Erhai Lake with the Cangshan mountains as a backdrop. Explore Xizhou Ancient Town's Bai courtyard houses, try traditional tie-dye, and finish in Dali Ancient Town with its old walls and night market.
Dali · Shaxi · Lijiang
Travel from Dali to Shaxi, a beautifully preserved market town on the old Tea Horse Road with an old stage and lanes. Continue to Lijiang in the late afternoon and check in.
Lijiang local life
Explore Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO maze of cobbled lanes, canals and Naxi courtyards, and visit Black Dragon Pool for the classic view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. In the afternoon head to Shuhe or Baisha Ancient Town.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Ride the cable car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for snow-capped views, then walk the boardwalks of Blue Moon Valley's strikingly blue lakes. Continue to Yuhu Village for a Naxi cultural visit before returning to Lijiang.
Depart Lijiang
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Lijiang airport or railway station for your onward journey. Your Classic Yunnan tour ends here — we hope to welcome you back again soon.
3, 4 and 5-star hotels
3-star
Comfortable tourist class
Clean, well-located hotels close to transport and dining, with private bathroom, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and daily breakfast. The sensible-value option for budget-led groups.
4-star
Well-located superior class
Larger rooms, fuller facilities (restaurant, gym, business services) and a stronger breakfast buffet. The standard most travelers choose, and the tier we recommend for this tour.
5-star
International deluxe class
International-brand or leading local deluxe hotels with premium locations and top-level service. Best suited to special occasions and travelers expecting a top-end stay.
Included in the price
- ✓ Private air-conditioned vehicle or coach with licensed driver
- ✓ English-speaking licensed local guide on sightseeing days
- ✓ Accommodation with daily breakfast at the selected standard
- ✓ Entrance fees and activities stated in the confirmed itinerary
- ✓ Airport or railway station transfers stated in the program
- ✓ Travel insurance (subject to final quotation)
- ✓ China-side operational coordination throughout the trip
Not included
- – International flights to and from China
- – China visa fees
- – Domestic flights or high-speed train tickets unless stated
- – Meals not listed in the confirmed itinerary
- – Personal expenses, optional activities and gratuities
- – Services required because of flight disruption or other events outside the confirmed program
Booking notes
- Solo travelers are welcome to inquire. For 2 or more travelers, the tour operates privately by default.
Customize your trip
Adjust the balance of Dali and Lijiang, add deeper village experiences or extend separately to Shangri-La. We do not force Shangri-La into this seven-day version because altitude and transfer time would compress Dali and Lijiang.