Highlights
What you will see
There is much to delight in this tour of natural landscapes, lakes, mountains, rivers and minority cultures along the old South Silk Road.
Itinerary
Day by day
Kunming
Arrive in Kunming. Meet your guide at the airport or train station and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Kunming at your own pace.
- TicketsNone
- MealsNone
- GuideAirport pick‑up guide
- NotesArrival transfer arranged around your schedule.
Kunming – Shilin (Stone Forest) – Kunming
Start your journey today by visiting Green Lake Park, a tranquil beauty in the city center of Kunming. Stroll through the tree-lined causeways, ancient stone bridges and the classic pavilions, you will see locals enjoying their morning exercises with the blend of Taichi, jogging, dancing, and singing. The park shows Kunming exactly as it is - slow-paced life, spring all year around, a relaxed and peaceful retreat.
A 1.5-hour drive along the freeway will bring you to the fascinating Stone Forest, where you can marvel at the phenomena of the broad expanse of karst limestone pillars in fantastic shapes that resemble a forest when viewed from a distance. Formed by the movement of the earth 270 million years ago and exposure to wind and running water, these extraordinary formations are of considerable interest to geologists, while the forest is home to the Yi minority renowned for their diligence, embroidery and dancing.
On the way back to Kunming city, make a stopover at Dounan Flower Market to stroll through a sea of the flower and appreciate the colourful blooms. The charming Asia’s largest flower market is not only a vital agricultural and commercial hub with a daily turnover as high as 5.5 million yuan, but also a popular ‘romantic’ destination for the tourists visiting Kunming.
Relax for the evening and reflect on your day after returning to the hotel.
- TicketsStone Forest
- MealsBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- GuideFull‑day escort by a English-speaking local guide
- NotesThe Stone Forest is a 1.5-hour drive from Kunming.
Kunming – Dali
You will be taken to the railway station to catch the bullet train to Dali, where the local guide will meet you and start the exploration of Dali.
It begins with a leisurely bike ride along the car-free lakeside road of Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor, a loop trail around Erhai Lake. (Optional sightseeing electric cars are available for your comfort, if you’d prefer not to ride a bike.) Be amazed by the scenery of Cangshan and Erhai Lake while cycling past the wetlands, local villages and wildflower meadows.
Afterwards, transfer to Chongsheng Temple to visit the landmark Three Pagodas: one big pagoda with a height of 69.13 meters in the middle, protected by two smaller ones on each side, in a perfect triangle. The Buddhist pagodas were erected in the Nanzhao period (738 - 902 AD). Many significant cultural relics and Buddha statues of great value in Buddhism gathered over the eras are now on display.
Last stop of the day is Dali Ancient Town, the heart of trade, politics, and culture of Yunnan province during Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD) and Song Dynasty (960 - 1279 AD). Now it is a vibrant tourist center where you can roam the streets to experience both historical cultural ambiance of the ancient town and vigorous vibe of modern life. Bustling Foreigner Street is worth exploring. At the end of the day, you will check in the pre-booked hotel in Dali.
- TicketsThe Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
- MealsBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- GuideKunming drop‑off, Dali pick‑up, full‑day guide
- NotesErhai Lake cycling or electric cart (own expense); Bullet train fare Kunming–Dali.
Dali – Lijiang
In the morning, your guide and driver will take you to Xizhou Town, home of the ethnic Bai minority. Soak up the bustling atmosphere of the clamorous Xizhou morning market where a wide range of commodities, including freshwater catch, diversified daily necessities, and interesting local specialties are for sale. You are likely to see women dressed in traditional Bai minority costumes amongst the sellers. A visit to a typical Bai minority residential complex in Xizhou Town constructed by successful local businessmen in different historical periods gives a deeper insight into the minority culture. The classical layout of the Yan Family Compound reflects Xizhou’s prosperous past. Relax and enjoy the signature cultural performance of “Three-Course Tea” Ceremony, practiced by local Bai people to honor distinguished guests.
Next point of interest is Zhoucheng, renowned for its fine tie-dying fabrics. It is the largest town of the Bai minority, where folk customs and primitive lifestyle have been well preserved.<br>
Afterwards, drive to Lijiang where picturesque scenery awaits at Black Dragon Pond Park. Here temples, towers, pavilions and stone tablets from past ages reflect mirror-like in the pond against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Gain an understanding of the local Nakhi minority culture at the Dongba Culture Museum, where more than 12,000 cultural relics are on display.
Lastly walk up to the Lion Hill to visit the five storey high Wangu Pavilion, featuring traditional architecture in the elaborate arches, roof beams, veranda, tiled roofs and sculptures representing the 23 ethnic groups in the region. Near 10,000 dragon carvings grace the walls. A panoramic view of the whole ancient town seen from the top of the pavilion is wonderful at sunset. You will be transferred to the pre-booked hotel in Lijiang after the tour.
- TicketsYan Family Compound, Black Dragon Pond Park, Dongba Culture Museum, Wangu Pavilion
- MealsBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- GuideFull‑day escort by a English-speaking local guide
- NotesXizhou Three‑Course Tea performance; Zhoucheng tie‑dyeing experience (optional, at your own expense)
Lijiang
After the breakfast, you will be driven to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the holy mountain in Nakhi culture, renowned for its spectacular setting of peaks, plateaus, glaciers, frozen waterfalls and forests. Travel by shuttle bus to reach an area where you will be entertained by the great show, Impression Lijiang, directed by Zhangyimou, the famous and talented director of the 2008 Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies. The show is performed at the outdoor theater against the backdrop of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, by about 400 locals of 10 ethnic groups and 100 horses. Unsophisticated local people reproduce the traditional culture of Nakhi with sincerity, offering tourists a memorable experience of an ancient culture and civilization.
A cable car will take you to the Spruce Plateau, a vast lawn hidden by a primitive spruce forest, shrouded in lingering mists. Savor this fairyland of stunning natural beauty of spruces, plateaus, pines, and clouds and the fascinating views of the surrounding snow-capped mountain ranges. From a distance, Snow Mountain appears like a giant white dragon nestled in the clouds, which is how it was given its name. Continue your tour by visiting Blue Moon Valley, renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise rivers and lakes. Stroll in this hidden ‘sapphire’ and capture the beauty of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Arriving at Baisha Village, there is much to admire in the distinctive cultural characteristics, precious historical artifacts and especially the unique Baisha Murals. Different religions appear in the same wall painting, including Buddhism, Taoism and even Lamaism, indicative of an important cultural relic in the study of Chinese history of arts and religion.
Wrapping up the day with a relaxed trip to the tranquil Shuhe Ancient Town, where you can gain an appreciation of Nakhi culture by strolling the streets, visiting ancient buildings. Enter distinctive stores, seek ethnic handicrafts, and observe traditional ethnic customs and relax in a local café as you observe locals going about their daily activities.
You will then be returned to the hotel in Lijiang for a cozy evening.
- TicketsJade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Murals
- MealsBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- GuideFull‑day escort by a English-speaking local guide
- NotesJade Dragon Snow Mountain cable car; Impression Lijiang show (advance booking required)
Lijiang – Shangri-La
This morning, drive towards Shangri-La, stopping off at a series of attractions along the way. The First Bend of Yangtze River is where the headwaters of the Yangtze River take a sharp ninety degree turn towards northeast slowing its pace. In a broader area, the river flows quietly through the picturesque scenery framed with overlapping peaks, terraced fields and local villages.
Continue exploring at Tiger Leaping Gorge, formed by the convergence of steep vertical ridges on opposite banks rising more than 3900 meters, forcing the flowing waters of the Jinsha River into a narrow gap, causing thunderous whirlpools and dangerous rushing waters. From well-paved pathways you can observe, hear and feel the spectacle of fast waters rushing and slamming into large rocks, or you can stand up close on the viewing deck to gaze at the torrents roaring between mountains.
A 2.5-hour drive will take you to the legendary Shangri-la, a city full of Tibetan culture. Visit the ancient town of Dukezong, the historical center of Shangri-La, where you will admire the traditional wooden architecture, stroll through the cobblestone alleys, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
After today’s exploration, you will be transferred to the pre-booked hotel in Shangri-la for a relaxing evening.
- TicketsTiger Leaping Gorge
- MealsBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- GuideFull‑day escort by a English-speaking local guide
- NotesThe drive from Lijiang to Shangri-La takes approximately 3–4 hours.
Shangri-La
Start today’s journey by visiting to Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. The monastery was established in the 17th century during the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama and now 700 monks and lamas assemble for important functions in what is commonly known as Little Potala Palace - for the scale of the buildings and lavish gilding on buildings and artefacts. Here you can see eight gold-plated Sakyamuni Buddhas, Palm-leaf Manuscript, colorful gold painted Thangkas, incense burners made of, or gilded with gold and silver during the reigns of the Fifth and Seventh Dalai Lamas. At this acclaimed “Tibetan art museum” you can learn about arts that have created the structure, architecture, painting and other artefacts.
There will also be an opportunity to gain an insight into the culture when a visit to a local Tibetan family to see how they live their daily lives.
Proceed to Potatso National Park, a nature reserve covering 1300 sq. km on an altitude between 3,500 and 4,100 meters above the sea level. Virgin forests of spruce, pine and meadow dotted by wild flowers and tranquil lakes have been conserved, to protect 20% of the country’s plant species found there and the many endangered animal and bird species. Wandering around the grassland and passing picturesque Shudu Lake and Bita Lake, you may chance upon black-necked cranes, beautiful orchids and yew trees.
Retiring for the evening at the hotel in Shangri-la after the all-day excursion.
- TicketsGanden Sumtseling Monastery, Potatso National Park
- MealsBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- GuideFull‑day escort by a English-speaking local guide
- NotesTibetan family visit (cultural experience)
Depart from Shangri-La
Your guide will meet you at the hotel for transfer to the airport according to your departing flight schedule. Your memorable tour concludes.
- TicketsNone
- MealsBreakfast
- GuideAirport drop‑off guide
- NotesDeparture transfer arranged around your schedule.
Accommodation
Comfortable stays along the route
Comfortable stays are arranged in Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La with breakfast included.
A convenient city hotel for your arrival and first night.
A relaxed stay near the old town or Erhai Lake area.
A comfortable base for the old town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
A well-located hotel for easy access to the Tibetan cultural sites.
Inclusions / Exclusions
What is usually included
Included
- Admission fees for sightseeing spots and activities specified
- Activities specified in the itinerary
- Excellent professional English-speaking guide
- Ground transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver as specified
- 4-star or 5-star hotel accommodation with breakfast based on double or twin occupancy
- Boat ride on Erhai Lake
- Bullet train ticket of Kunming and Dali
- Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour
- Government taxes and fees
Not included
- International or domestic flights to Kunming and from Shangri-La
- China visa
- Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of a personal nature
- Lunches and dinners
- Travel insurance
Important information
Before you book
This is a private tour for your own group and can be scheduled around your dates.
Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Prices are based on twin occupancy.
Holiday travel can affect pricing and availability.
