Best of Yunnan - Private - 10 Days

Upon arriving in Kunming, our local guide will be there to greet you at the airport and assist with your transfer to the hotel.

We begin the morning with a leisurely tour of Green Lake, a tranquil public park ideal for relaxation. You have the option to hire a paddle boat for a serene experience on the lake. Following this, we head to the bustling Flower and Bird Market, renowned as the largest and most vibrant market in Kunming. Here, you can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and perhaps discover unique local handicrafts and flora.

For lunch, we indulge in local specialities, including the well-loved Yunnan Rice Noodles, providing an authentic taste of the region.

Afterwards, we embark on a two-hour journey to the Stone Forest, a breathtaking natural wonder famed as the "First Wonder of the World." This spectacular karst landscape offers fascinating rock formations that captivate the imagination.

We return to Kunming city for the night. In the evening, you might consider attending the Yunnan Impression Show - Dynamic Yunnan, a highly recommended performance celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.

After breakfast, we'll embark on a half-day tour to West Hill and Dragon Gate, situated on the west bank of Dianchi Lake. We'll travel by cable car and use a sightseeing vehicle within the scenic area, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Dianchi Lake from the mountain.

Following lunch, we'll transfer to a D-train for a 2.5-hour journey to Dali. This train ride offers a chance to admire the diverse landscapes of Yunnan.

Today, we will embark on a leisurely tour of the Three Pagodas, a remarkable example of China's ancient Buddhist architecture. These elegant and balanced structures are a highlight of any Dali visit. If you're feeling adventurous, consider hiking to the top for stunning views of Dali Old Town and Erhai Lake.

Next, we will enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the picturesque shores of Erhai Lake, taking in the scenic beauty. After a satisfying lunch, we will visit Zhoucheng, where you can admire typical Bai architecture and try your hand at tie-dyeing, a traditional craft of the Bai people.

In the evening, return to your hotel and enjoy some free time exploring the charming streets of Dali Ancient Town.

After breakfast, we’ll head to Cangshan Mountain for an afternoon of exploration. You'll take a cable car to the Jade Belt Road, a scenic path perfect for a hike where you can visit a Taoist temple and discover rare plant species.

Following a local lunch, we’ll visit the Bai's traditional houses in Xizhou, a town celebrated for its rich Bai minority culture. Afterwards, you’ll return to the hotel for some relaxation. In your free time, you might choose to cycle around the picturesque Erhai Lake.

Begin your day with a leisurely morning before checking out. We’ll transfer to the train station for a two-hour journey to Lijiang. Upon arrival, our local guide will assist you with checking in to your hotel after lunch.

This afternoon, enjoy your free time exploring Lijiang Ancient Town, renowned for its harmonious blend with the surrounding landscape and its historical significance as a vital commercial hub. We’ll provide you with a map of Lijiang Old Town. For an engaging experience, consider visiting Sifang Street in the evening, and head to Lion Mountain for a panoramic view of the town.

Begin your day with a drive to the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. We’ll take the cable car to Glacier Park, situated at an impressive 4,506 metres above sea level, offering a close encounter with the mountain’s snow-capped splendour.

For lunch, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant in the nearby village of Baisha. After lunch, we’ll explore Yufeng Temple, renowned for its unique architectural blend of Han Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, and the indigenous Naxi Dongba Religion.

Next, discover the Baisha Mural, an important site in Naxi culture and the former capital of the Naxi Kingdom. Here, you'll gain insight into the rich heritage of the region.

Returning to Lijiang, we will make a brief stop at Black Dragon Pond Park. Here, you can capture stunning photos of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the still waters of the pond. We then drive back to your hotel. You will have free time to relax and unwind at your leisure in Lijiang.

Depart for Shangri-La, famously known as the 'lost horizon'. En route, we'll stop at the impressive Tiger Leaping Gorge, a 25km canyon on the Yangtze River and one of the world's deepest. Our hike begins at the upper section, taking approximately 30 minutes to reach the viewing deck. After lunch, we continue to Shangri-La.

Upon arrival, we'll check into the hotel before exploring Dukezong Ancient Town. This is the largest and best-preserved Tibetan city in China among its 147 Tibetan counties and home to the largest ancient Tibetan community. We will join a local artist to learn the art of Tang-ga painting, a distinctive Tibetan art form reflecting the region’s rich history and culture.

In the evening, you have the option to return to Dukezong Ancient Town to experience the vibrant bonfire night at Moonlight Square. You can join in the local dance party or visit a night bar.

Begin your journey by visiting the Sumtsaling Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhism monastery in Yunnan Province. Nestled on a mountain slope 5 kilometres from the town of Shangri-La, it stretches over 30 hectares and reflects the region's spiritual heritage.

Next, we'll visit a local family's home, where we'll join them for lunch. You may alternatively choose a nearby restaurant to try traditional Tibetan cuisine.

In the afternoon, we'll embark on an in-depth exploration of Potatso National Park, the first national park in mainland China. Here, you'll encounter a diverse landscape of lakes, forests, marshes, valleys, and alpine meadows. Footpaths connect all major attractions, allowing you to immerse yourself in this beautiful natural environment.

Spend your day at leisure before we transfer you directly to the airport for your departure flight to Kunming. Take this opportunity to explore at your own pace, whether it's a last-minute shopping spree or enjoying a quiet moment at a local cafe.