Classic Yunnan Tour: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-la

Begin your expedition in Kunming. Upon arrival at the airport, your guide and driver will be there to greet you and accompany you to your hotel.

Drive from Kunming for about 1.5 hours to the Stone Forest, a breathtaking nature wonder shaped over millions of years by erosion. Here, you'll find bizarre rocks in different sizes and shapes, some resembling an elderly man or a gallant horse, each bearing its evocative name.

Returning to the urban area and arriving at the Jingxing Flower and Bird Market, you will be greeted by a myriad of stalls and sheds. The dazzling array of peculiar knick-knacks captivates your eyes, while numerous Yunnan specialty snacks beckon you to linger and indulge.

Board a train from Kunming to Dali. Arrive in about two hours, check into your hotel, and wander in Dali Old Town on your own, skimming over newfangled gadgets and exotic local produce or savoring a cup of local drinks in an atmospheric bar.

In the morning, initiate your day with a visit to the bustling local market. Following this, take a leisurely bike ride along the picturesque Erhai Lake, passing through quaint villages.

Stop at Xizhou Town, where a multitude of Bai-style architecture has been meticulously preserved. Step into the Yan Family Courtyard and taste the three-course tea—an esteemed gesture of hospitality extended by the Bai people. Visit the nearly century-old Xi Embroidery Workshop and observe skilled embroiderers at work.

Following breakfast, delight in a picturesque journey to Lijiang. Along the way, take a break at the historic Shaxi, a millennium-old town witnessing the past prosperity of the ancient Tea Horse Road between Yunnan and Tibet.

Upon arrival at Lijiang, check into your accommodation and immerse yourself in the captivating allure of this ancient city. Visit the magnificent Mu's Mansion, the official residence of the Mu clan – a Naxi family who had ruled Lijiang for over five centuries. Then, ascend the Wangu Tower and behold a panoramic view of Lijiang's old town.

After breakfast, explore the less tourist Shuhe town a couple of miles away and continue to Baisha Village to admire the ancient mural surviving the cultural revolution in the mid-twentieth century.

Then, step into the Jade Lake Village at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and pay a visit to a traditional Naxi family. The gracious host in traditional Naxi attire will warmly welcome you, offer insights into Naxi words and culture, and treat you with Naxi delicacies.

Today, you will depart from Lijiang and arrive at Tiger Leaping Gorge in about 1.5 hours. As you descend along the steep steps, you can feel the rapid river rushing beneath the gorge, crashing against the shore with magnificent force.

Following that, proceed on the journey towards the otherworldly Shangri-La.

After breakfast, visit Dukezong Old Town, exploring the ancient streets lined by traditional Tibetan houses. Then, at Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, discover the routine life of monks, communicate with a revered Lama, and appreciate the mystical atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism.

Continue to Napa Lake, enjoying its natural beauty and visiting a Tibetan household. Welcomed by the unsophisticated host, engage in authentic interactions, learn about Tibetan customs, and savor butter tea, a traditional Tibetan beverage.

On your final day in Yunnan, take the convenience of a private transfer from your accommodation to the airport and embark on the new journey to your next destination.