10-Day Epic Yunnan SUV Road Trip

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming & Free Leisure Time in the City

1. Kunming
   15h
   Upon your arrival in Kunming, our pickup service will bring you to downtown Kunming. After checking into your hotel, take a short rest to acclimatize to the high-altitude environment; our team will assist you with setting up internet access and downloading essential apps such as WeChat. Depending on your arrival time, take a walk through central pedestrian areas and experience the city's local atmosphere. Suggested places include Nanping Street and the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archways.

Day 2: Permit Application & Safety Training

1. Kunming
   1 day
   The tour team will assist travelers with purchasing travel accident insurance and completing the procedures for a temporary driving permit. Travelers should bring their passports, driving licenses and other required documents.
   A tour leader will then provide road-safety training covering traffic regulations, convoy rules, precautions for driving at high altitude and emergency procedures. After the training, vehicles will be assigned and travelers will take a test drive to become familiar with vehicle performance and controls.
   If time permits, travelers may also visit Dianchi Lake Park for a lakeside walk and views of Yunnan’s largest freshwater lake.

Day 3: Drive from Kunming to Lijiang

1. Old Town of Lijiang - China
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Leave Kunming and drive northbound for around 300 km to Lijiang along the Hangrui and Huashang Expressways. This winding route cuts through highland mountain ranges and deep valleys with steadily climbing elevation. The landscape shifts from vast flat plateaus and farmlands to rolling foothills, mountain basins and quaint ethnic minority hamlets. In the evening, you’ll have free time to wander UNESCO-listed Lijiang Ancient Town. Stroll its cobblestone lanes and iconic sites including Sifang Street and the Giant Waterwheel. Soak in the glow of lit ancient alleyways and immerse yourself in authentic Naxi ethnic culture.

Day 4: Drive from Lijiang to Shangri-La

1. Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Visit one of Yunnan’s most famous snow mountains and take the major cableway to an elevation of approximately 4,506 meters. Subject to weather and physical condition, travelers may continue on foot to the viewing platform at approximately 4,680 meters for panoramic mountain views.
2. Blue Moon Valley
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Walk beside the vivid blue lakes formed by snowmelt from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Enjoy views of the turquoise water, surrounding forests and snow-covered peaks, with time for photography.
3. Old Town of Lijiang - China
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Return to Lijiang Old Town in the evening to explore its streets, local shops and nightlife. Travelers may also try local snacks during their free time.

Day 5: Drive from Lijiang to Shangri-La

1. Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia)
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Visit one of the world’s deepest river gorges and see the Jinsha River rushing between steep mountain slopes. Travelers can walk through the scenic area, view the dramatic gorge landscape and take photographs from designated viewpoints.
2. Haba Snow Mountain
   15m
   Stop at a roadside viewpoint near Tiger Leaping Gorge for distant views of Haba Snow Mountain, which rises to approximately 5,396 meters.
3. Dukezong Ancient Town
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Explore the Tibetan-style streets and traditional architecture of Dukezong Ancient Town. Travelers can walk through the old town, visit Guishan Park and enjoy panoramic views, especially during the late afternoon and evening.
4. Guishan Park
   30m · Admission ticket included
   See the approximately 21-meter-high Giant Prayer Wheel and join other visitors in turning it clockwise as part of a traditional blessing ritual.

Day 6: Shangri-La Sightseeing

1. Songzanlin Monastery
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Visit Yunnan’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, known for its golden rooftops, traditional religious architecture and highland setting. Travelers will walk through the monastery complex while learning about Tibetan Buddhist culture and local customs.
2. 5h · Admission ticket included
   Pudacuo NaExplore a high-altitude national park featuring alpine lakes, primeval forests, wetlands and open meadows. Depending on the operating route, travelers may walk along the Shudu Lake boardwalk and visit areas near Bita Lake and Militang alpine pasture.tional Park

Day 7: Drive from Shangri-La to Dali

1. Erhai Lake
   2m · Admission ticket included
   Enjoy lakeside views of Erhai Lake, Yunnan’s second-largest highland freshwater lake. Depending on the final route, travelers may visit Longkan Wharf, Caicun Wharf or part of the ecological corridor for sightseeing and photography.
2. Dali Ancient City
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Walk through Dali Ancient City and experience Bai culture and the town’s relaxed atmosphere. Travelers can see landmarks such as Wenxian Tower, Wuhua Tower, the South Gate and Foreigner Street and try local snacks during their free time.

Day 8: Cangshan Mountain and Film City

1. Cangshan Mountain
   4m · Admission ticket included
   Take cable cars both up and down Cangshan Mountain. Admire layered mountain vistas and sweeping panoramic outlooks of Erhai Lake throughout your trip.
2. 2h · Admission ticket included
   Following lunch, explore Tianlong Babu Film City, a filming complex themed after the classic Chinese novel and hit TV series Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. Wander reconstructed palaces, royal mansions and authentic architectural backdrops recreating the ancient Dali Kingdom, Liao Dynasty and Western Xia realm.
3. Dali Ancient City
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Return to Dali Ancient City in the evening to explore the illuminated streets, local shops and nightlife and sample local snacks.

Day 9: Return Drive from Dali to Kunming

1. Kunming
   24m
   After returning to Kunming and checking in, travelers will have free time to rest, shop or explore the city center. In the evening, they will attend a farewell dinner and may experience Kunming’s nightlife.

Day 10: Departure from Kunming

1. 3h
   Enjoy breakfast according to your flight schedule. A private transfer will take you from your hotel in downtown Kunming to Kunming Changshui International Airport. International travelers are advised to arrive at the airport approximately three hours before departure.

Pickup details

Our tour representative will greet you at the specified arrival exit of Kunming Changshui International Airport, holding a name board printed with your full name. Complimentary 24-hour airport pickup is provided, and we will adjust the transfer schedule to match your actual flight landing time. Please plan your arrival for Day 1 to prevent disruptions to the rest of your trip. No self-driving will take place on this day; private transport including sedans, business vans or minibuses will be arranged based on your group size.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• 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