9 Days Private Tour from Kunming to Shangri La with Breakfast

Duration9 days

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesChinese, English

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Embark on an immersive 9-day journey through West Yunnan's most storied landscapes, from the surreal limestone spires of Shilin to the timeless shores of Erhai Lake. Join the Sani and Yi people for a traditional bonfire party and the iconic Chuxiong Long Street Banquet. Wander the perfectly preserved market town of Shaxi, the last surviving stop on the ancient Tea-Horse Road, and watch Bai artisans practice traditional indigo tie-dyeing in Zhoucheng. Marvel at the roaring waters of Tiger Leaping Gorge, stand in awe before the majestic Songzanlin Monastery, and drift through the pristine alpine lakes of Pudacuo National Park. From Lijiang's snow-capped peaks to Dali's ancient city walls, this journey through Yunnan's most treasured corners promises memories to last a lifetime.

Options

9 Days Private Tour from Kunming to Shangri La with Breakfast

Single Room Upgrade

Single Room Upgrade
Pickup included

What's included

Accommodation - Ctrip 4-Diamond hotels, twin/double sharing (2 persons per room)
Licensed English/Mandarin-speaking tour guide service
Air-conditioned vehicle
Breakfast
First-gate entrance tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary

Lunch and Dinner not included
Second-entrance tickets, shuttle bus/cable car fees within scenic areas (approx. CNY 300/person) are not included and must be paid on-site.
Personal expenses, gratuities, and international/domestic flights
Single supplement (for travelers requiring single occupancy)

What to expect

Day 1: Kunming - Chuxiong

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park
3h · Admission ticket included

Begin your journey to the Shilin Stone Forest, a UNESCO Global Geopark in China’s Yunnan Province, where towering karst pillars rise dramatically from the earth like a natural labyrinth. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional villages of the Sani Yi people—a branch of the Yi ethnic group—and immerse yourself in their timeless culture and warm hospitality.
Yiren Ancient Town
2h

step into the Yiren Ancient Town in Chuxiong to experience the iconic Yi minority culture. You will join the grand, open-air Long Street Banquet, where hundreds of dining tables are lined up in a single row. Savor authentic ethnic delicacies and fine Yi wine at twilight. Afterwards, immerse yourself in a vibrant bonfire party. Dance hand-in-hand with local Yi hosts around the roaring fire, celebrating the night with traditional songs and music to perfectly kick off your Yunnan journey

Dinner is at your own expense. You have the option to experience the traditional Yi Long Street Banquet (approx. 50-80 RMB per person, paid on-site) or choose other local restaurants based on your preference. The festive bonfire party afterwards is open and free for all travelers to enjoy.

Day 2: Chuxiong - Dali

Erhai Lake
2h

Visit the award-winning Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor, specifically the famous S-Bend. The smooth, flat cycling paths blend seamlessly with pristine wetlands. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk or rent a bicycle to ride along the shores. Feel the cool breeze, admire the shimmering blue waters of Erhai Lake, and catch the majestic reflections of the Cangshan Mountains. The duration of this visit can be fully customized and flexible according to your personal preference.
Zhoucheng Village
1h · Admission ticket included

Head to Zhoucheng Village, the largest traditional Bai ethnic handicraft village in Yunnan, renowned for its ancient tie-dyeing heritage. Here, you will step into a local workshop to watch and experience the traditional tie-dyeing process firsthand. Witness the magical transformation of natural indigo and white cotton patterns in your hands, and learn the rich cultural stories behind this centuries-old intangible cultural heritage.
2h

Explore Xizhou Ancient Town, a historical trading hub with over a thousand years of heritage. Wander through its well-preserved streets and marvel at the iconic "Three Rooms and a Screening Wall" (Sanfang Yizhaobi) architectural style of the traditional Bai residential courtyards. Don't miss the chance to taste Xizhou Baba (a crispy local pancake). The exploration time here is fully flexible and can be adjusted entirely based on your own pace and interest.

Day 3: Dali - Lijiang

1h

Drive from Dali to Lijiang, journeying through the serene Ta'an Township and the breathtaking Ruhanping Alpine Pasture. Situated high above the clouds, this vast meadow offers rolling green hills and panoramic mountain vistas. Take a refreshing stroll through this peaceful landscape and experience the immense openness of Yunnan's high-altitude highlands.
Zhiyun Temple
1h

Visit Zhiyun Temple, a tranquil Tibetan Buddhist monastery hidden amidst towering pines and ancient cypresses. Unlike crowded tourist spots, this sacred site offers a rare, peaceful sanctuary. Wander through the serene courtyards, admire the traditional architecture, and feel the deep spiritual essence of the local region.
Old Town of Lijiang - China
2h

begin an enchanting night tour of the UNESCO-listed Lijiang Old Town. As twilight falls, thousands of traditional lanterns illuminate the ancient cobblestone streets, canals, and traditional Naxi architecture. Immerse yourself in the lively night market, vibrant local culture, and warm atmosphere.

Day 4: Lijiang

Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain
1h · Admission ticket included

Take a scenic cable car ride up to Spruce Meadow (Yunshanping), a stunning alpine meadow nestled on the side of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Walk into a massive high-altitude grassland surrounded by towering, pristine spruce trees, with the majestic, snow-capped peaks rising grandly in the background. It offers a serene and picture-perfect nature experience.
Lijiang Impressions Show
1h · Admission ticket included

Watch the spectacular "Impression Lijiang" live-performance show, directed by the world-renowned director Zhang Yimou. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, this grand outdoor epic features around 500 local non-professional actors from Naxi, Tibetan, and Yi ethnic groups, delivering a powerful and soul-stirring cultural performance.
Blue Moon Valley
30m · Admission ticket included

Your journey continues to the Blue Moon Valley at the foot of the mountain. Here, meltwater from the glaciers forms terraced pools of stunning, crystal-clear turquoise. Surrounded by white marble cliffs and lush forests, the valley looks like a sapphire set in a silver crown.
Baisha Ancient Town
1h · Admission ticket included

Explore Baisha Ancient Town, the historical cradle of the Naxi people. Wander through its peaceful alleys and visit the sacred temples to marvel at the precious Baisha Murals dating back to the Ming Dynasty. These rare artworks showcase an exquisite blend of Han Chinese, Tibetan, and Naxi artistic styles and religious insights.
Yuhu Village And Joseph Rock's Residence
1h

Visit Yuhu Village, a unique and ancient settlement famous for its historic stone architecture. Located at the foot of the snow mountain, the houses, walls, and roads here are all meticulously built with unpolished, raw glacial stones. Walk along the cobbled paths to feel the rustic charm, timeless resilience, and authentic local life of this legendary stone village.

Day 5: Lijiang - Shangri-La

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia)
1h · Admission ticket included

Depart in the morning and head to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most dramatic gorges in the world. Here, the roaring Jinsha River forcefully carves its way between the towering Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains. Stand on the viewing platforms to witness the thunderous waves crashing against the colossal rocks, experiencing the immense power and breathtaking grandeur of nature.
30m

Continue your journey north and stop at the historic Helong Bridge, a significant landmark where the Red Army crossed the river during the Long March. Marvel at this rustic, ancient iron chain bridge that grandly spans across the river. Standing here, you will be enveloped by a profound sense of history and get a glimpse into the regional heritage of the area.
Dukezong Ancient Town
2h

Arrive in Shangri-La by evening and explore Dukezong Old Town, one of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan settlements along the ancient Tea Horse Road. As twilight falls, wander past traditional Tibetan wooden houses illuminated by the warm glow of butter lamps. Visit the world's largest prayer wheel, spin it for blessings, and immerse yourself in the enchanting highland night.

Day 6: Shangri-La

Songzanlin Monastery
2h · Admission ticket included

Visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, famously known as the "Little Potala Palace". Built along the mountain slope, this magnificent complex features golden roofs and grand halls. Marvel at the giant prayer flags fluttering in the wind at the front square and listen to the peaceful sounds of chanting echoing through the valley.
Potatso National Park
4h · Admission ticket included

Visit Pudacuo National Park, one of China's very first national parks. This pristine sanctuary showcases a beautiful canvas of dense primeval forests, lush alpine meadows, and two spectacular highland lakes: Shudu Lake and Bita Lake. Walk along the wooden boardwalks to see Tibetan herders leisurely grazing their livestock, experiencing a perfect harmony between untouched nature and local culture.

Day 7: Shangri-La - Shaxi

Shibaoshan Town
2h · Admission ticket included

Drive south after breakfast to explore Shibaoshan (Stone Treasure Mountain), home to a magnificent grotto complex hailed as the "Treasure of Southern China". Marvel at Baoxiang Temple, Shizhong Temple, and Haiyun Temple, which are uniquely carved directly into the steep cliffs. Admire the exquisitely detailed Buddhist stone sculptures dating back to the Tang and Song Dynasties, which have silently stood watch here for over a thousand years.
Xingjiao Temple, Shaxi
3h

Enter Shaxi Ancient Town, the only surviving ancient market town along the historic Tea Horse Road. Listed as a protected site by the World Monuments Fund in 2002, this pristine town features the iconic Ancient Stage, Xingjiao Temple, Sideng Street, and Yujin Bridge. The exploration time here is fully flexible according to your interest. Take a peaceful stroll under the golden sunset and let the heartwarming tranquility of Shaxi enchant you.

Day 8: Shaxi-Dali

1h 30m

Drive in the morning light to Wuwei Temple on Lingjiu Mountain, a thousand-year-old ancient monastery. Historically, this tranquil temple served as a sacred royal place of worship for the kings of the Dali Kingdom. Surrounded by ancient trees and peaceful mountain air, experience a deep sense of serenity, spiritual mindfulness, and timeless history away from the crowds.
Dali Ancient City
2h

Dali Ancient Town, a historical city with over 2,000 years of rich cultural heritage. Spend a relaxing afternoon wandering freely at your own pace. The duration of this visit can be fully customized according to your preferences. Enjoy aromatic coffee on Foreigner Street, admire local Bai tie-dye crafts, and soak in the harmonious blend of diverse cultures.

Day 9: Dali-Kunming

Green Lake (Cui Hu)
2h

Return to Kunming and visit Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park) in the afternoon. Known as the "Jade of Kunming", this lush urban park is a vibrant hub of local life. Stroll along willow-draped pathways, admire scenic lotus ponds, and watch local residents practicing Tai Chi, singing, and enjoying traditional music, offering an authentic glimpse into the peaceful rhythm of the "Spring City".
Flowers and Birds Market of Kunming
2h

Wander through Kunming Old Street, the most well-preserved historical quarter in the city. Walk on ancient cobblestone paths flanked by traditional Dian-style architecture, classic teahouses, and bustling local shops. The exploration time here is fully flexible according to your schedule. Treat your tastebuds to authentic Yunnan snacks and immerse yourself in the genuine, nostalgic charm of Kunming before your departure

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Exit through the West Exit. Your driver/guide will be waiting with a sign showing your name.

Meeting point

Exit through the South Exit. Your driver/guide will be waiting with a sign showing your name.

Meeting point

Exit through the Arrivals Hall. Your driver/guide will be waiting near the exit, holding a sign with your name.

End point

Exit through the West Exit. Your driver/guide will be waiting with a sign showing your name.

End point

Exit through the South Exit. Your driver/guide will be waiting with a sign showing your name.

End point

Exit through the Arrivals Hall. Your driver/guide will be waiting near the exit, holding a sign with your name.

Pickup details

We offer complimentary pickup from Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG), Kunming Railway Station, Kunming South Railway Station, or any hotel within Kunming downtown. For airport/station arrival, our driver or guide will wait for you at the arrival hall exit holding a welcome sign with your name. For hotel pickup, please wait in the lobby 10 minutes prior to your scheduled time. Your guide/driver's contact and vehicle license plate number will be sent to you via WeChat, WhatsApp, or Email 1-2 days before departure.

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.