40 – 60 Days Yunnan Tour Itinerary

Creating a comprehensive 40-60 days itinerary for exploring Yunnan allows for a deep dive into its diverse landscapes, cultures, and attractions. Here’s a detailed plan covering the major regions and highlights of Yunnan:

Week 1-2: Kunming and Surroundings

• Day 1-3: Kunming
  • Explore Stone Forest (Shilin), Yuantong Temple, and Green Lake Park.
• Day 4-7: Dongchuan Red Land
  • Enjoy photography of the vibrant red earth landscapes and visit local villages.

Week 3-4: Southeastern Yunnan

• Day 8-10: Jianshui
  • Discover Jianshui Ancient Town, Zhu Family Garden, and Double Dragon Bridge.
• Day 11-14: Yuanyang
  • Visit Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Duoyishu Scenic Area, and local Hani villages.

Week 5-6: Central Yunnan

• Day 15-18: Dali
  • Explore Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple.
• Day 19-21: Lijiang
  • Discover Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Black Dragon Pool.

Week 7-8: Northwestern Yunnan

• Day 22-24: Shangri-La (Zhongdian)
  • Visit Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, and Napa Lake.
• Day 25-27: Deqin
  • Explore Meili Snow Mountain (Kawa Karpo) and Feilai Temple.

Week 9-10: Western Yunnan

• Day 28-30: Baoshan
  • Visit Gaoligong Mountain Nature Reserve and explore local Lisu villages.
• Day 31-32: Tengchong
  • Discover Tengchong Volcano Park, Beihai Wetland, and Hot Sea.

Week 11-12: Southern Yunnan

• Day 33-35: Xishuangbanna
  • Explore Jinghong City, Wild Elephant Valley, Dai Minority villages, and Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden.
• Day 36-38: Pu’er
  • Visit Puer Tea plantations, Nanmenguan Ancient Tea Horse Road, and Simao Old Town.

Week 13-14: Eastern Yunnan

• Day 39-40: Zhaotong
  • Visit Zhaotong Old Town, Daqing Mountain, and Jiulong Waterfalls.
• Day 41-42: Wenshan
  • Explore Red River Valley, Puzhehei Scenic Area, and Xiangshui Lake.

Week 15-16: Northern Yunnan

• Day 43-45: Chuxiong
  • Discover Chuxiong Museum, Lufeng Dinosaur Valley, and Qiongjiu Old Town.
• Day 46-48: Qujing
  • Visit Jiulong Waterfalls, Luoping Rapeseed Fields, and Malong Cave.

Week 17-18: Further Exploration

• Day 49-52: Nujiang
  • Explore Nujiang Grand Canyon, Bingzhongluo Tibetan Village, and Gaoligong Mountain.
• Day 53-56: Dali to Lijiang Overland
  • Travel overland from Dali to Lijiang, stopping at Shaxi Ancient Town and Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Week 19-20: Return to Kunming

• Day 57-60: Kunming
  • Reflect on your journey, visit local markets, and explore any missed attractions.

Logistics and Recommendations

• Transportation: Utilize domestic flights, high-speed trains, and long-distance buses for inter-city travel.
• Accommodation: Book hotels, guesthouses, and local homestays in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Local Cuisine: Sample diverse Yunnan cuisine, known for its flavors influenced by various ethnic groups.
• Outdoor Activities: Plan for hiking, photography tours, and cultural experiences aligned with local festivals and events.

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of urban exploration, cultural immersion, and natural wonders across Yunnan, ensuring a memorable and enriching travel experience. Adjust the schedule based on personal interests, seasonal considerations, and travel preferences.