11-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La & Xishuangbanna Tour

Upon arrival in Kunming by plane, travelers are greeted with a special welcome—a bouquet of highland flowers. A luxury executive car will transport you to your hotel, where professional staff will handle check-in and provide attentive service. Spending your first night in Yunnan nestled in the soft, spacious bed of an international five-star hotel is the perfect start. Today, we have arranged[Free Time]...stroll around Kunming's Old Street and visit the Jinma-Biji Square to experience Kunming's leisurely lifestyle, where it feels like spring all year round.

[Friendly Reminder] 1. This itinerary is a packaged tour that combines travelers from across the country. On the first day, our staff will meet guests arriving on various flights from across the country at Kunming Airport and escort them to the hotel. After checking in, please get plenty of rest to build up your stamina. This is especially important for guests visiting the high-altitude region for the first time—please avoid strenuous exercise and excessive alcohol consumption. During free time, guests are responsible for arranging their own meals. 2. When registering, please provide the mobile phone number you will be using during the tour so that the tour guide can contact you via text message. We will make every effort to meet you as soon as possible at the airport exit.

After enjoying a hearty Chinese and Western-style breakfast buffet at the hotel, we’ll drive to the Shilin Scenic Area (90 kilometers from Kunming to Shilin, a 90-minute drive). [Stone Forest Scenic Area](Tour duration: 120 minutes, including the Shilin electric cart ride at 25 yuan per person.) Formed 270 million years ago, it is the essence of the world’s karst landscapes and is hailed as ”the world’s number one natural wonder,” renowned for its grandeur, uniqueness, peril, beauty, seclusion, mystery, and vastness. Here, the stones speak the language of our love. The national 5A-level designation is a testament to its excellence.[Stone Forest]This young woman possesses memories spanning hundreds of millions of years, yet her little-known, whimsical personality is her greatest secret. Countless wondrous rocks, breathtaking landscapes, caves, mountains, and waterfalls—all have inspired poets and scholars to put pen to paper. Every mile holds a story; the beautiful love tales passed down among the green mountains and lush hills, along with the regular performances of three-stringed music and dance, are also the reasons for this land’s gentleness. If you’re willing to listen, I’d be happy to tell you all about it. Please don’t think that’s all there is to it! In the Stone Forest, we can also enjoy these unique experiences: listen to the mysterious echoes at Echo Rock; explore the “Breathing Wind Cave”; play the Stone Bell that echoes the voice of your heart; walk along the “Conscience Stone” to test your conscience; search for the “Thousand-Year Tortoise Stone,” said to grant a century of life; and take a photo with the authentic calligraphy of Long Yun…

After lunch, we’ll drive to Dali (420 kilometers from Shilin to Dali, approximately a 400-minute drive). The drive is quite long, but a knowledgeable and entertaining tour guide will accompany you throughout the journey. Upon arrival in Dali, we’ll enjoy dinner. After checking in, you’re free to explore on your own.[Dali Old Town]The Old Town of Dali, long renowned as a "land of literature and culture," features a unified architectural style, well-proportioned buildings, and a simple, rustic urban landscape. Streams flow along every street, and flowers are cultivated in every household. The city still preserves a large number of buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties as well as the Republic of China era, with historic structures such as temples, academies, and churches dotted throughout—including the Chiang Kai-shek Shrine, the ruins of General Du Wenxiu’s mansion, and the Catholic Church. The exotic “Foreigner Street” is the perfect spot to listen to street musicians while sipping a beer, while Dali’s North Gate is ideal for taking photos and checking in. No matter which street or alley you wander down, you’re sure to discover the artistic spirit that resonates with “Han Paper”—so feel free to explore and check in wherever you like.

[Friendly Reminder] 1. Since the drive is quite long, you may want to bring some snacks in case you get hungry. 2. We recommend that guests prone to motion sickness bring appropriate medication just in case. 3. The historic towns of Dali and Lijiang are lined with shops offering a wide variety of goods of varying quality; please choose carefully. In the bars within the historic towns, playing music and singing are prohibited after 11:00 p.m. We ask that all guests comply with local regulations to avoid any unpleasant incidents.

After breakfast, take the[Private Yacht]Up-Close Encounter with Erhai Lake (120 minutes, with a 30-minute stop midway to prevent seasickness): Step aboard a private yacht with a light step—Cangshan, Erhai, Erhai, Erhai, Erhai. After lunch, the tour continues.[Flower Language Ranch](60 minutes). The climate here is ideal for a wide variety of flowers and plants to thrive, with dozens of species blooming in succession throughout the year, forming an endless sea of flowers. The summer blooms are so dazzling that visitors simply can’t resist capturing them on camera. The photo ops are absolutely stunning! From purple verbena to vibrant red roses, there’s always something unique to discover. Glass orbs, white buses, and all kinds of Instagram-worthy props are scattered throughout the main photo spots. Each season features a different themed sea of flowers for visitors to admire and photograph. If you love seas of flowers, you must come here to experience the beauty and fragrance of being surrounded by them. As the saying goes, “May the flowers be beautiful, the moon be full, and our love last forever.” On the shores of Erhai Lake, with its blue sky, white clouds, and clear waters, we’ve specially arranged all kinds of Instagram-worthy photo props for you to enjoy amidst the sea of flowers.

Instagram-worthy props: sea of flowers, glass orbs, angel wings, white table, white piano, floral archway, wisteria-covered walkway, wishing corridor, swing chairs, etc.

Visit the Yunnan Ethnic Handicrafts Experience Hall (150 minutes) to experience traditional folk crafts. After lunch, travel by bus toYulong Snow Mountain(From Dali to Yulong Snow Mountain: 212 kilometers, 216 minutes)[5A-Rated Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area](180 minutes, not including wait time; includes a complimentary Snow Mountain oxygen-infused down jacket). Known as the "Switzerland of the East," we took[Glacier Cable Car]Setting out from a meadow at an elevation of 3,000 meters, we’ll trek through towering forests of pine and fir before reaching a snow-capped glacier at 4,506 meters above sea level, where we’ll marvel at the breathtaking scenery bestowed by nature. Next, we’ll experience a truly soul-stirring feast for the senses.[Impressions of Lijiang]Located at an altitude of 3,050 meters, it is the world’s highest outdoor performance venue and currently the only “Impression Series” outdoor performance held during the day. Set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it draws on the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and the grandeur of nature. Using folk culture as its medium and employing a grand, expressive style, the performance brings the authenticity and awe of life close to every audience member. “Three gods above, white clouds and a red sun”—singing this song, the dark-skinned Naxi men of the Ma Bang clan slowly make their way along the ancient Tea-Horse Road across the red earth. This mysterious ancient trail, situated at an altitude of over 2,500 meters, has been traversed by the ancestors of this small ethnic group—numbering fewer than 300,000—for eight hundred years. Every movement they make, every cry they utter, remains vividly before your eyes and deeply etched in your ears. Though you may not understand the words they sing, the experience is so moving it brings tears to your eyes. You are fortunate to share in this moment, rediscovering a sense of gratitude and reverence for nature and life… (In the event of special circumstances preventing the use of the main cable car, we will refund the price difference on the spot and arrange for a transfer to the Yunshanping Cable Car, ensuring that our guests still enjoy the beautiful snow-capped mountain scenery.) [Lijiang Old Town]With no shortage of scenic views or delicious food, take advantage of the moonlight to wander through the streets and alleys and treat your taste buds!

[Friendly Reminder]

1. [Impressions of Lijiang] [Lijiang Thousand-Year Romance]: Due to show schedule constraints, if you are unable to attend a performance, the tour guide will adjust the order of the itinerary based on the circumstances of the day. We appreciate your understanding.

2. When visiting Yulong Snow Mountain, please be aware that the snow reflects intense sunlight, so take precautions against sunburn and snow blindness. We ask that all guests apply sunscreen, wear a sun hat, and take other necessary precautions, and please stay safe.

Tour[National Treasure Museum](150 minutes): Experience the charm of ancient history; enjoy a Chinese lunch featuring Bai ethnic cuisine, followed by a visual feast combining sound, light, and film.[Lijiang Thousand-Year Romance](60 minutes) . “Lijiang Thousand-Year Romance” embodies the soul of Lijiang’s culture. Through the spectacular visuals of IMAX 3D, it brings to life Lijiang’s millennia-old history and legends, guiding audiences on a journey through snow-capped mountains, across vast, primeval lands, past the Mosuo flower-adorned houses on the shores of Lugu Lake, the ancient Tea-Horse Trail, where winds and rains rage; the ancient Gulu dance, with its graceful movements and songs; and the Gulu and Laisi, whose songs echo one another. Depending on the time, proceed to Shangri-La—check into the hotel—and rest.

[Friendly Reminder] Tourist attractions can get quite crowded, so please be mindful of your safety and keep a close eye on your personal belongings while sightseeing.

After breakfast, we took a bus to the sacred site of "Lost Horizon" in Shangri-La (Shangri-La means "a place close to paradise"), passing through[The First Bend of the Yangtze River]We stopped to take photos for about 15 minutes, then continued along the Yunnan-Tibet Highway, climbing higher and higher in elevation, heading toward the canyon known as the world’s deepest—[Tiger Leaping Gorge](Note: Duration: 90 minutes. The Huxia Grand Canyon is a world-famous canyon for cliff jumping and one of the deepest canyons in China, renowned worldwide for its "danger.") After lunch, we’ll pass through[Yi Ethnic Village]We'll stop to take photos for about 15 minutes, then continue by car to[Pudacuo National Forest Park](Friendly Reminder: The tour lasts approximately 180 minutes. Pudacuo National Park is a pristine, fairy-tale-like world free of any pollution, with crystal-clear lakes. Step into a forest-carpeted sanctuary and admire the beautiful lakes of the snow-capped plateau; explore the lush primeval forest and Shuidu Lake, a high-altitude lake. In the evening, enjoy a complimentary performance of the most distinctive Tibetan song and dance—[The Tsang Family's Tsangsi Banquet]Experience Tibetan culinary culture and enjoy authentic folk songs and dances to make your trip a joyful one. (Note: The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes barley wine, butter tea, barley, tsampa, cheese, and song and dance performances.) Afterward, check into your hotel to rest.

After breakfast at the hotel, head out to explore; head to[Shambhala Kalachakra Mandala AAAA]This is the monastery of the Panchen Lama, the highest-ranking living Buddha in Tibet (tour duration: approximately 90 minutes). Inside the monastery stands a resplendent statue inlaid with the seven treasures of Tibetan esoteric Buddhism (celestial beads, beeswax, turquoise, red coral, pearls, and agate). The Maba Kalachakra Mandala is an essential ritual object for practicing the Kalachakra Tantra; Kalachakra means “the wheel of time.” The monastery also houses a 21-meter-tall, 20-metric-ton statue of Kalachakra. Kalachakra represents the wheel of time, symbolizing omniscience and coexistence with all time—knowing the past, present, and future. Afterward, proceed directly to[Dukezong Ancient City]It was built according to the ideal kingdom of Shambhala described in Buddhist scriptures. It is China’s best-preserved and largest cluster of Tibetan dwellings, as well as one of China’s most charming ancient folk towns. It features the world’s largest prayer wheel and served as a key stop on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, once functioning as an important trading hub for trade between Yunnan and Tibet. The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, followed by lunch in Shangri-La. After lunch, take a bus back to Lijiang. Upon arrival in Lijiang, proceed to Xishuangbanna according to your flight schedule.

After several days of exploring mountains, rivers, and scenic views, we thoughtfully set aside a day for leisure and free time during our trip, allowing us to slow down and give our bodies and minds a well-deserved rest.
On this day, there’s no need to get up early to rush off or meet up at a set time—you truly have the day to yourself. You can sleep in until you wake up naturally and lazily enjoy your time at the hotel; or you can stroll through the alleys, grab a cup of coffee at your favorite street corner, and let yourself be surprised by the little unexpected delights that come your way on your journey.
A truly enjoyable trip isn’t about packing every day to the brim, but about knowing how to leave some breathing room at the right pace. Moderate rest and free exploration are precisely what make the scenery ahead even more worth looking forward to.
May you cherish your own special moments in this atmosphere of calm and ease, creating even more meaningful travel memories.

After breakfast, take a bus along China’s first tropical rainforest highway through the tropical rainforest to[Wild Elephant Valley Scenic Area]Tour (duration: approximately 120 minutes). This is a Chinese wildlife reserve for Asian elephants and the only place in China where you can safely observe wild Asian elephants up close. It features China’s longest elevated elephant-viewing walkway, the country’s only Asian elephant school, and the Asian Wildlife Center, home to culturally educated wild elephants. You can step onto the mysterious elevated walkway, breathe in the fresh air, take in the panoramic view of the tropical rainforest below, and wander through the rainforest in search of Asian elephants. After lunch, take a bus to[Primeval Forest Park]Tour (duration: approximately 120 minutes; includes electric cart ride at 60 per person), The Primeval Forest Park was established on the basis of 25,000 mu of tropical ravine rainforest and is also the best-preserved stretch of primeval forest. It blends the unique natural scenery of the primeval forest with charming ethnic customs, Here, listen to the tales of the primeval forest on the Jinhu Tour, admire the unique natural scenery of the primeval forest and the enchanting ethnic culture, and hear the love stories of the Jinhu Tropical Rainforest while taking in the beautiful scenery of the rainforest. For dinner, enjoy local specialty snacks or barbecue dishes at your leisure. Check into your hotel and take in the beautiful night views of Xishuangbanna at your own pace.

After breakfast, meet at the designated location and depart by bus for the 5A-rated scenic area—[Menglun Botanical Garden], (approx. 75 km, travel time: approx. 1 hour; electric scooter: 50 yuan per person, at own expense), visit Southeast Asia’s largest tropical botanical garden—the Garden of Famous People and Trees—to see the “King of Cycads,” the “Blood-Stopping Tree,” the “Dancing Grass,” and more; (tour duration: approx. 120 minutes). Lunch in Menglun Town. Afterward, travel by car to[Mengle Great Buddha Temple], (Drive time: about 1 hour; sightseeing time: at least 100 minutes; electric cart: 40 yuan per person, at your own expense). The temple was built on the original site of “Jingpiao Buddhist Temple,” the royal temple of the ancient Dai Kingdom. It centers on the life of Shakyamuni Buddha and temple activities, featuring attractions such as the Nine Dragons Bathing the Buddha, the Jingpiao Grand Hall, the Sacred Stone, the National Hall, and the Auspicious Great Buddha, among more than 500 Buddhist temples and over 200 pagodas. Mengle Grand Buddhist Temple is the largest of all the temples and holds the highest status; it is a sacred site in the hearts of the Dai people and has become a cultural center for Theravada Buddhism worldwide. Depending on the time of year, visitors can witness the spectacular sight of a thousand peacocks being released into the wild and participate in the Dai Water Splashing Festival to pray for blessings—believing that “getting drenched brings a lifetime of happiness.”

Afterward, I took the high-speed rail from Xishuangbanna back to Kunming and checked into my hotel in Kunming.

After breakfast, proceed to the transfer center according to your flight schedule. Arrangements will be made based on your return flight time.[Airport Transfer Service], you will[Back to My Cozy Home]. (From downtown Kunming to Changshui Airport: 41.9 kilometers, 43 minutes)
[Friendly Reminder] 1. Before checking out and returning home, please carefully pack all your belongings to ensure nothing is left behind, which could cause you unnecessary trouble. For guests returning on an evening flight, please coordinate your departure schedule with your tour guide in advance. We will arrange transportation for the return trip; you simply need to check out on time according to the schedule agreed upon with your tour guide (the exact transfer time will be determined based on flight details), and you are free to enjoy some leisure time before heading home. Please share your valuable feedback regarding our meticulous arrangements and any areas for improvement in our tour guide services. We thank all our guests for your support and understanding of our work. We hope to have the opportunity to serve you again. If you were satisfied with this trip to Yunnan, please don’t hesitate to recommend us to your family and friends. Thank you!