Scenic Yunnan Discovery: Kunming, Dali & Lijiang

Itinerary

• Day 1: Hello, Yunnan!

  Welcome to Yunnan, the land south of the clouds!

  When you land in Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan, your local guide and driver will greet you and take you to your hotel. Settle down and refill your energy for the upcoming discoveries!

  • Kunming

• Day 2: Essence of Kunming: Stone Forest and Birds Market

  Start your Kunming tour with a visit to Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its drastic karst landform. Leaving downtown Kunming behind, you'll arrive at the Stone Forest after around one and a half hours on the road. Strolling through the dense forest formed by karst peaks and pillars, you'll be awed by their grotesque shapes - some taking the form of wildlife, some resembling a giant mushroom, all of which are nature's splendid works of art.

  Later, return to Kunming for the Birds and Flowers Market. As you stroll through this bustling hub of activity taking in the vibrant colors of the flowers and plants and the crisp chirping of the birds, your guide will let you know all about the locals' lifestyle and long tradition of raising birds.

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  • Kunming

• Day 3: Train to Dali, Explore Dali On Two Wheels

  This morning, a two-hour journey by high-speed train takes you to Dali, a city where vibrant ethnic culture meets breathtaking natural scenery. Upon arrival, meet your local guide at the exit and head to the hotel for check-in.

  Join your knowledgeable guide for a fun-filled exploration on two wheels in the afternoon. Starting from Dali Old Town, you'll cycle along well-paved roads to Sha Village located by the Erhai Lake, with visits to the Chongsheng Three Pagodas and Xizhou Town. Learn about the history of the Three Pagodas, which can be dated back to the 9^th century, and admire the Bai ethnic minority's beautiful residences with delicate designs while in Xizhou. This is a private tour and you'll enjoy the flexibility of stopping en-route whenever you'd like to rest or capture the stunning views with your camera!

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  • Dali

• Day 4: Road Trip to Lijiang, Lijiang Old Town Discovery

  Travel to the shores of Erhai Lake today. As you stroll along the Erhai Ecological Corridor, picture-perfect scenery of blossoming seasonal flowers against the backdrop of peaceful blue waters and towering mountain ranges unfolds before your eyes, leaving you mesmerized by its beauty.

  Later, set out on a 3-hour drive to Lijiang. Enjoy the lovely scenery from the comfort of a private car and head to the hotel for check-in upon arrival.

  This afternoon, explore Lijiang Old Town with your local guide. With residences blending Naxi, Bai, and Tibetan styles flanking zigzagging cobblestone streets, this ancient city offers you the chance to delve into local ethnic minorities' cultures and traditions. You'll also climb up to the top of Lion Hill for an unobstructed panorama featuring the imposing peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.

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  • Lijiang

• Day 5: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Excursion With Baisha Murals

  Conquer the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain today! Traveling by cable car, you'll reach the upper station at 4506 meters. Depending on your physical condition, you have the option to walk the well-paved walkways to the observation deck at a height of 4860 meters. From there, soak up breathtaking views of the formidable peaks and glaciers - you'll be stunned by nature's mighty power.

  Afterward, admire the Baisha Murals, a gem of Chinese mural paintings and amongst the best-preserved in Lijiang depicting scenes from Buddhism and Taoism scriptures. Travel back to downtown Lijiang for Dongba Culture Museum located near Black Dragon Lake. Gain insight into Naxi people's lifestyle and religious beliefs during different periods in history by browsing through the extensive exhibits.

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  • Lijiang

• Day 6: Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Experience

  Set out on an exciting hiking trip to the Tiger Leaping Gorge! Carving 23 km (14 miles) through mountainous terrain with a depth of over 3,900 meters, it's widely regarded as one of the world's deepest gorges, featuring breathtaking scenery at every turn of the hiking trail.

  After a two-hour road trip from Lijiang, you'll arrive at the starting point of your hike, the Tea and Horse Guest House. From there, you'll hike along the gorge with your experienced local guide by your side ready to offer assistance. This 9-kilometer hike usually takes three to four hours to complete, with jaw-dropping views of majestic mountain peaks, precipitous cliffs, and the roaring Jinsha River racing into the distance. When you arrive at Tina's House, the car will be waiting for you, ready to take you back to Lijiang for a restful night.

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  • Lijiang

• Day 7: Say Goodbye to Yunnan!

  Your Yunnan exploration ends today.

  Soak up the laid-back vibe of Lijiang some more before leaving for the airport. With memories of a remarkable trip, board the flight taking you home.

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