8 Day Tour of Kunming Dali Lijiang and Shangri La

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming

1. Yunnan Military Academy Museum
   2h
   Visitors can engage in an in-depth historical and cultural experience, which includes viewing the "Century-Old Military School, Cradle of Commanders" themed exhibition for about 45 minutes, watching the changing of the guard ceremony, and taking a walk around the inner drill ground to experience the life and study routine of the academy's students from that era.

Day 2: Exploring Natural Wonders and Cultural Experiences

1. Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park
   3h · Admission ticket included
   The Stone Forest, formed over 300 million years, is known as the "Number One Wonder under Heaven." Within its 350 sq km, it's filled with unusual rocks, lakes, waterfalls, and more, offering picturesque scenery. From Wangfeng Pavilion, one can view attractions like "Flying Stone" and encounter the spirit of "Ashima."
2. Kunming
   1h
   The Dianchi Lake Dam in Kunming is located in Xishan District. With a total length of over 2.4 kilometers, it is an excellent place to admire the shimmering water of Dianchi Lake and the green silhouette of the Western Hills. In winter and spring, black-headed gulls gather here. On ordinary days, it is also a popular spot for citizens to relax and tourists to check in.
3. Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture
   3h
   Taking a bus to Chuxiong and immerse yourself in the local customs by entering the Yi ethnic village. Experience the meticulously planned local flavor feast known as the "Long Street Banquet": savor the distinctive Yi cuisine, with its strong-flavored hot pots, succulent pork, buckwheat cakes that are incredibly refreshing and lingering on the palate. Enjoy the mellow local liquor of the Yi people, accompanied by bold and hearty toast songs that showcase the generosity of the Yi people.

Day 3: Island Escapade and Cultural Delight

1. Dali
   1h
   Take a VIP yacht to Jinsuo Island to enjoy the natural wonders and cultural performances of the Dragon Palace Scenic Area, a royal summer retreat in Dali, showcasing the serene life and rich Bai culture.
2. 2h
   This ancient village was formed before the Yuan Dynasty, and the 1900-meter ancient Tea Horse Road that passes through the village dates back even further, having been established during the Han Dynasty and taking shape during the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom periods. The Fengyangyi Tea Horse Road is located midway on the Dafen Road between Xiaguan and Dali, and is part of the Dali section of the Yunnan-Tibet Tea Horse Road.
3. Dali
   2h
   After that, go to the [Flower Sea Travel Photography Base - Ethnic Costume Travel Photography] to check in at the popular internet-famous photo spot. The clouds in Dali float slowly, the flowers stay in bloom for a long time, and even the afterglow of the setting sun is filled with infinite reverie. Break away from the busy urban life and enjoy the perfect combination of plants, flowers, and horticulture, as well as the most leisurely time in Dali. It will make you instantly travel through time and experience the beauty that has endured for thousands of years.

Day 4: Discovering Ancient Towns and Natural Wonders

1. Dali Ancient
   40m
   After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, visit the Dali Ancient Town, quietly wandering through the city walls filled with stories, strolling through the streets and alleys of the ancient town, listening to the wind brush against the mossy green tiles. For thousands of years, this place has been a hub of commerce and trade, quietly showcasing the charm of time.
2. Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Take the Glacier Park Cable Car (oxygen and cold-resistant clothing provided) to fully enjoy the scenery of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, ascend the snow peak, cross the seasons and clouds, and overlook the changing landscapes of the four seasons. There's also the ever-changing clouds you around. Overlook the snow-covered mountains from a high vantage point, feel the awe-inspiring momentum of the Jade Dragon rushing into the river. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has an elevation of 5596 meters, covered in clouds and snow all year round, with a majestic presence. Ascend the snow peak to enjoy the diverse snow scenery and express the ambition of overlooking all other mountains; the ten-thousand-year-old glaciers are right in front of you, and the beautiful Hengduan Mountains of Yunnan are in full view.
3. Blue Moon Valley
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Then proceed to the "Fairy's Left Fields," known as the Little Jiuzhaigou, Blue Moon Valley. Then proceed to the "Fairy's Left Fields," known as the Little Jiuzhaigou, Blue Moon Valley
4. Lijiang Impressions Show
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Enjoy the large-scale live performance "Impression Lijiang - Snow Mountain Chapter" to experience a truly soul-stirring live performance feast. The first part, "Snow Mountain Chapter," is a dialogue with the mountain, experiencing the close relationship between life and nature; the second part is a dialogue with life through people climbing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and visiting Lijiang Ancient Town; the third part, "Ancient Town Chapter," is a dialogue with ancestors, discovering that throughout history, there has always been a sacred kingdom deep in people's hearts.

Day 5: Cultural Shuhe and Leisure in Lijiang

1. Shuhe Ancient Town
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Shuhe Ancient Town doesn't have the bustling liveliness of Lijiang Ancient Town; it offers a unique tranquility compared to the crowded and lively atmosphere of Lijiang. Time seems to slow down here. Strolling through the streets, pausing now and then, the rich aroma wafting from the coffee shops, the rhythmic beats from the African drum stores—all these make you feel like you've returned to the essence of travel, perhaps the true meaning of journeying.

Day 6: Journey to the Scenic Wonders of the Yangtze and Shangri-La

1. Shangri-La County
   15m
   Going to the sacred land of Shangri-La, a place that symbolizes being close to heaven. On the way, stop at the First Bend of the Yangtze River for a 15-minute photo opportunity.
2. Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia)
   2h · Admission ticket included
   The canyon scenery of Tiger Leaping Gorge is precipitous and magnificent. The gorge is 23 kilometers long, with a drop of over 200 meters and 18 dangerous shoals. There is a Tiger Leaping Stone, which is 13 meters high. It is said that a fierce tiger once leaped between the two mountains by relying on this stone in the middle of the river. Besides, there is also the High Road Hiking Route, which is known as one of the "Top Ten Classic Hiking Routes in the World".
3. Shangri-La County
   3h
   Pudacuo National Forest Park is a fairy tale world without any pollution. The lakes are clear, the sky is azure blue, the sound of the forest waves is accompanied by the gurgling of water, and the chirping of birds blends with the fragrance of flowers. The scenery varies greatly throughout the four seasons of the year. Visit Bita Lake, stroll through the sea of flowers and grasslands, enter the pure land where the forest is like a carpet, and admire the beautiful lakes on the snowy plateau; enjoy the view of the dense primeval forest and the alpine lake, Dudu Lake.

Day 7: Heritage and Nature of Shangri-La and Return to Kunming

1. Dukezong Ancient Town
   15m · Admission ticket included
   Heading to Dukezong Ancient Town to visit the Turtle Hill Park, and together turn the world's largest prayer wheel to pray for your family.
2. Shangri-La County
   1h
   Then proceed to visit the Shangri-La Tancheng, which integrates modern architecture with Tibetan style. Designed with the concept of "round heaven and square earth," it embodies Tibetan Buddhist connotations and cultural influences, offering a panoramic view of Tibetan treasures, colorful Shangri-La, and snowy impressions. It showcases the diverse Tibetan culture from perspectives ranging from natural scenery to human life, historical origins to religious art, and is one of the most comprehensive places to introduce Tibetan and Tibetan Buddhist culture in the Tibetan areas. The essence and significance of the Tancheng are expectations for peace and tranquility in the real world. The exquisite Kalachakra Tancheng is an illusion of a pure land and an expectation for reality.
3. Shangri-La County
   1h
   Printing House Scenic Area is located in the picturesque Xiage Village, nestled among mountains and waters, displaying various static and dynamic cultures, including woodworking, horn craftsmanship, Thangka painting, Tibetan incense making, stone carving, Tibetan silverware and knife craftsmanship, and a Tibetan medicine and herb museum, with live demonstrations of these crafts, preserving and passing on the endangered Tibetan culture and folk arts.
4. 1h
   Napahai Nature Reserve is an ideal habitat for the rare and precious black-necked crane, a first-class protected animal in China. From September to March of the following year, the black-necked crane stays here for about half a year. Yila Grassland is the largest grassland on the Yunnan Plateau, where simple Tibetan herdsmen ride horses and drive herds of cattle and sheep, living a fairy-tale-like life.

Day 8: Farewell to Kunming and Return Journey

1. Kunming
   1h
   Proceeding to the Tourist Distribution Center, where you can carefully select your favorite Yunnan local souvenir.

Pickup details

we will pick you up from Kunming Changshui International Airport, at the international arrivals exit of the airport, we will have a pick-up sign with the Yaso logo.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Individuals with severe cardiovascular/pulmonary diseases, hypertension, anemia, or in post-operative recovery
• Pregnant women, seniors over 75 years old, or those with limited mobility (requires careful evaluation)
• Those highly sensitive to altitude sickness (consult a doctor in advance and prepare anti-altitude medication）