8-Day Yunnan Tour: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang & Shangri-La
Yunnan is China’s most diverse province — snow mountains, ancient towns, minority cultures and some of the country’s best coffee and tea. This 8-day private tour follows the classic route: Kunming to Dali to Lijiang to Shangri-La, at your own pace. One family, one group, no strangers.
Tour Highlights
- Stone Forest (Kunming) — a surreal forest of limestone pillars, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Dali Old Town — Bai minority culture, Erhai Lake views and Cangshan Mountain backdrop
- Lijiang Ancient City — a 800-year-old UNESCO town of canals, cobblestones and Naxi culture
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain — cable car to 4,506 m with glacier views (weather permitting)
- Shangri-La (Zhongdian) — Tibetan culture, Songzanlin Monastery and highland scenery
- Zero shopping stops — our written guarantee
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Kunming
Airport pickup and transfer to your 4-star hotel. Kunming is called the “Spring City” for its year-round mild climate. Overnight in Kunming.
Day 2 – Stone Forest
Full-day trip to the Stone Forest (90 minutes from Kunming). Walk the maze of limestone pillars, visit the Sani minority village, and see the iconic Ashima rock. Return to Kunming in the evening.
Day 3 – Kunming to Dali
Morning: high-speed rail to Dali (2 hours). Afternoon: Dali Old Town — stroll the ancient streets, visit the Three Pagodas, and enjoy Erhai Lake views from the city wall.
Day 4 – Erhai Lake & Xizhou
Morning: cruise or drive around Erhai Lake with stops at Xizhou village (famous for Bai architecture and tie-dye workshops). Afternoon: free time in Dali for coffee and people-watching.
Day 5 – Dali to Lijiang
Drive to Lijiang (2.5 hours, scenic route). Afternoon: Lijiang Ancient City — the Black Dragon Pool, the Old Town canals and the evening bars on Sifang Street.
Day 6 – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Full day at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: cable car to the glacier park (4,506 m), walk the boardwalk, then visit the Impression Lijiang show (optional) and Baisha village. Note: the summit area may close in bad weather — your guide will adjust.
Day 7 – Lijiang to Shangri-La
Drive along the famous mountain road to Shangri-La (3.5 hours). Afternoon: Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan, and the old town of Dukezong with its giant prayer wheel.
Day 8 – Departure from Shangri-La or return to Lijiang
Fly out from Shangri-La airport (direct flights to major cities) or return to Lijiang for your onward journey. We arrange the best connection for you.
What’s Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- English-speaking guide (licensed guide available on request)
- 4-star hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- All entrance tickets as per itinerary
- Zero shopping stops — guaranteed
Why Book with ShenYou?
We are a licensed Shenzhen-based travel agency specializing in private, family-friendly China tours. One family, one group — you never share a vehicle or guide with strangers. Every itinerary is customized around your dates, pace and interests.
Pricing
Prices start from USD 1,150 per person (2 people sharing, 4-star hotels). Final quote depends on group size, season and hotel choice. Message us on WhatsApp for a free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the high altitude in Shangri-La a concern?
Shangri-La sits at about 3,300 m. Most visitors are fine; we pace the itinerary and can add rest days if needed. Please inform us of any health conditions.
Is this route too rushed?
No — we travel at your pace. Each city gets 2 nights, and we can extend any stop.
What is the best time to visit Yunnan?
March to June and September to November offer the best weather. Summer is the rainy season in the mountains.
Is there any shopping stop?
Never. Zero shopping stops is our written guarantee.
Can we add Shangri-La to a longer China trip?
Yes — Yunnan pairs well with Chengdu, Guilin or Xi’an. Ask us for a combined multi-city itinerary.