6 Days Yunnan Travel Itinerary

Planning an 8-day tour of Yunnan allows you to explore some of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions of the province. Here’s a suggested itinerary that covers key destinations such as Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La:

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming

  • Morning: Arrive in Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Green Lake Park and the Yuantong Temple.
  • Evening: Explore the Jinma Biji Square and try some local street food.

Day 2: Kunming

  • Morning: Visit the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located about 90 km from Kunming.
  • Afternoon: Return to Kunming and visit the Kunming Flower and Bird Market.
  • Evening: Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Nanping Pedestrian Street.

Day 3: Kunming to Dali

  • Morning: Take a morning flight or high-speed train to Dali.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Dali Ancient Town, including the Foreigner Street and the Three Pagodas.
  • Evening: Enjoy the night view and local cuisine in Dali Old Town.

Day 4: Dali

  • Morning: Take a boat trip on Erhai Lake and visit the Xizhou Ancient Village to see the Bai minority culture and traditional Bai architecture.
  • Afternoon: Visit Shuanglang Village and enjoy the serene lake views.
  • Evening: Relax in a local cafe or tea house in Dali Old Town.

Day 5: Dali to Lijiang

  • Morning: Travel to Lijiang by bus or train.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan Old Town), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Mufu Palace and walk along the ancient streets.
  • Evening: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and traditional Naxi music performances.

Day 6: Lijiang

  • Morning: Visit the Black Dragon Pool Park and Dongba Culture Museum.
  • Afternoon: Take a trip to Shuhe Ancient Town or visit Baisha Village to see the ancient frescoes.
  • Evening: Experience a local Naxi cuisine dinner.

Day 7: Lijiang to Shangri-La

  • Morning: Travel to Shangri-La (also known as Zhongdian) by bus.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan.
  • Evening: Explore Dukezong Ancient Town and enjoy a Tibetan dinner.

Day 8: Shangri-La and Departure

  • Morning: Visit the Pudacuo National Park and see the stunning alpine landscapes and unique flora and fauna.
  • Afternoon: Return to Shangri-La and prepare for your departure.
  • Evening: Fly back to Kunming or directly to your next destination.

Tips:

  • Accommodation: Book your hotels in advance, especially in popular tourist areas.
  • Transport: Consider using a combination of flights, trains, and buses for efficient travel between cities.
  • Altitude: Shangri-La is at a high altitude, so take it easy on the first day to acclimate.
  • Local Cuisine: Try local specialties in each city, such as crossing-the-bridge noodles in Kunming, Bai cuisine in Dali, and Tibetan dishes in Shangri-La.
  • Guided Tours: Consider hiring local guides for a more in-depth experience, especially in culturally rich areas like Shangri-La and Lijiang.

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and historical exploration, ensuring a memorable trip to Yunnan.