China tours & tailor-made travel
9 daysKunming
Travel from Kunming’s highland gateway to the shores of Erhai Lake, the old roads of Shaxi and Lijiang’s Naxi heritage. Continue through Jade Dragon Snow Mountain into the Tibetan valleys of Shangri-La, where monasteries, grasslands and mountain light create a different rhythm of life. This journey reveals Southwest China through its lakes, ancient towns and living mountain cultures.
Highlights
Written by the planner who runs this trip. Days marked with meals and where you sleep, so you can see what is actually arranged.
Meeting point · Kunming airport or railway station pickup on arrival. Exact meeting details will be confirmed before travel.
Arrive in Kunming and meet your driver or tour representative for a transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest or explore independently.
Enjoy a free day in Kunming or choose a full-day visit to the Stone Forest Scenic Area. Alternatively, take a city walk to explore Kunming’s neighborhoods and local atmosphere.
Travel by high-speed train from Kunming to Dali, where your driver will meet you at the railway station. After transferring to Dali Old Town, enjoy time to explore its historic streets or choose an optional photographer-led session at Ideal Panorama or a seasonal mushroom-picking experience.
Spend the day around Erhai Lake and choose how you would like to experience its lakeside scenery and local culture. Options include cycling, a Bai tie-dye experience or a reservation at a lakeside restaurant.
Travel from Dali to Lijiang via Shaxi Ancient Town, with time to explore its historic streets and old-town atmosphere. After arriving in Lijiang Old Town, you may explore the local bars and nighttime street life at your own pace.
Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley and Shuhe Ancient Town to experience Lijiang’s highland landscapes and heritage. You may add one of the mountain cableway options or the Impression Lijiang performance, subject to schedules and availability.
Travel from Lijiang via Baishuitai and Pudacuo National Park before arriving in Shangri-La. Continue to Dukezong Ancient Town and explore its historic streets after checking in.
Visit Songzanlin Monastery and continue to Napa Lake to experience Shangri-La’s religious heritage and open grassland scenery. Optional activities include a Tibetan clothing and photography experience or horseback riding at Napa Lake.
Enjoy breakfast before your transfer to the Shangri-La railway station for your onward journey. Departure assistance and pickup timing will follow the arrangements confirmed for your train.
The practical things worth knowing before you commit.
The journey travels from Kunming to Dali, then through Lijiang and onward to Shangri-La. It ends with a transfer to the Shangri-La railway station.
The itinerary introduces local food and teahouse culture in Kunming and Dali, with opportunities to experience Bai, Naxi, Tibetan and other local traditions along the route.
The listed options are Glacier Park Cableway, Spruce Meadow Cableway and Yak Meadow Cableway. The suitable option depends on your preference, operating conditions and availability; confirm your selection in advance.
No. Mushroom-picking is a seasonal experience and depends on the season and local conditions.
A Thangka experience is not listed in this itinerary. Optional cultural activities should be confirmed by name and format before booking.
Yes. Both are listed as optional experiences in Shangri-La. Their availability, arrangements and any additional fees should be confirmed before booking.
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