8-Day Yunnan Private Tour: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang & Shangri-La

Arrive in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province and known as the “Spring City” for its mild climate. Your private guide and driver will meet you at the airport or railway station and transfer you to your hotel.

After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax. If you arrive early, you may take a gentle walk around Green Lake Park or enjoy your first taste of Yunnan cuisine.

Visit the Stone Forest, one of Yunnan’s most famous natural landmarks and a UNESCO-listed karst landscape. Walk among towering limestone formations that resemble a forest made of stone.

Your guide will explain the area’s geology and local Sani minority legends, helping you understand both the natural and cultural significance of the site.

Return to Kunming in the afternoon. If time allows, visit Green Lake Park, a local flower and bird market, or another city highlight based on your interests.

Take a high-speed train or private transfer from Kunming to Dali, a historic town set between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. Later, explore Dali Old Town at a relaxed pace, walking through old streets, city gates, local shops, and courtyards that reflect Bai minority culture.

In the evening, you may enjoy free time in the old town.

Spend the day exploring the Dali area. Visit Erhai Lake, known for its wide water views, mountain backdrop, and peaceful lakeside villages.

Continue to a Bai minority village or traditional residence to learn about local architecture, customs, and daily life. Depending on your interests, you may visit Xizhou Old Town, local markets, tie-dye workshops, or lakeside viewpoints.

Return to Dali Old Town for a relaxed evening.

Travel from Dali to Lijiang, a UNESCO-listed old town famous for Naxi culture, canals, stone lanes, wooden houses, and mountain views.

After arrival, check in to your hotel and explore Lijiang Old Town with your guide. Walk through traditional streets, visit local squares, and learn about the Naxi people and their unique Dongba culture.

Enjoy free time in the evening to explore the old town’s cafes, shops, and night atmosphere.

Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Yunnan. Depending on weather and ticket availability, take a cable car to a scenic area for views of snow peaks, forests, meadows, and highland landscapes.

Continue to Blue Moon Valley, known for its turquoise water and mountain backdrop.

Later, visit Baisha Village, an older Naxi settlement with traditional architecture, local crafts, and historic murals. It offers a quieter cultural experience compared with central Lijiang Old Town.

Travel from Lijiang to Shangri-La through scenic mountain roads and highland landscapes. Along the way, you may stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge or other viewpoints depending on timing and road conditions.

Upon arrival in Shangri-La, check in to your hotel and begin exploring the Tibetan-style old town area. Walk around Dukezong Ancient Town and see prayer wheels, local shops, and Tibetan-style architecture.

The pace will be adjusted to help you adapt to the higher altitude.

Visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Walk through prayer halls, courtyards, and viewpoints while your guide explains local Buddhist culture and the monastery’s role in the region.

Depending on your departure schedule, you may also visit Napa Lake, a local market, or another nearby scenic area.

After the visit, your private driver will transfer you to the airport or railway station for departure.