How to Plan Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La-XishuangBanna Tours

A trip to Yunnan is not complete unless it reaches four renowned cities: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-la. If you want to extend your tour, we recommend a Yunnan travel that includes Xishuangbanna. Yunnan Classic Tours with Xishuangbanna usually theme on rain forest adventure, minority discovery and tea culture tours. It will be a good choice after you see the scenery and experience the culture of Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La, to have another very different experience and view in Xishuangbanna, not only different from the weather of it , but also the scenery and culture there. Xishuangbanna is just like a small Thailand for the similar religious culture. It is in tropical zone. You will experience and see another kind of Yunnan for its large forest coverage, diversity of plants,and exotic ethnic culture.Tiger Leaping Gorge between Lijiang and Shangrila

Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La-XishuangBanna Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kunming

  • Morning/Afternoon

    • Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport and be transferred to your centrally located hotel.

  • Afternoon

    • Enjoy free time to relax or take a stroll to Cuihu Park (翠湖公园), where you can appreciate the reflection of blue skies and willows in the lake, experiencing the relaxed vibe of the “City of Eternal Spring.”

    • Alternatively, visit Jinma Biji Fang (金马碧鸡坊) to experience the local historical atmosphere.

  • Evening

    • Sample local snacks such as Guoqiao Mixian (过桥米线) and Xianhua Bing (鲜花饼) near your hotel before settling in for the night.

Day 2 – Kunming – Stone Forest Day Trip

  • Morning

    • After breakfast, depart by tour bus for the world-renowned karst formation, Shilin Scenic Area (石林风景区) (approximately 2 hours’ drive). Explore the maze of unusual stone pillars and caves; an electric car ride (approx. 25 RMB per person) is available within the park.

  • Lunch

    • Enjoy a local lunch (for example, an authentic Yi ethnic meal) either inside the scenic area or at a nearby restaurant.

  • Afternoon

    • On the return journey, visit Dianchi Dam (滇池大坝) to admire the vast highland lake and then consider a short visit to Yunnan Nationalities Village (云南民族村) to learn about the traditions of various ethnic groups.

  • Evening

    • Return to Kunming, have dinner featuring local specialties (such as Qigong Chicken (汽锅鸡) or local hotpot), then check back into your hotel.

Day 3 – Kunming to Dali

  • Morning

    • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and take a high-speed train (or long-distance bus) to Dali (approximately 2–3 hours), enjoying scenic views of the Yunnan plateau along the way.

  • Lunch

    • Upon arrival, check into a hotel near Erhai Lake in Dali (for example, a boutique guesthouse or upscale hotel) and have lunch in Dali Ancient Town.

  • Afternoon

    • Explore Dali Ancient Town (大理古城) by wandering its narrow alleys, sampling local snacks, and visiting the bustling area known as “Foreigner Street.”

    • Visit the iconic Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas (崇圣寺三塔), a symbol of Dali’s rich history.

  • Evening

    • Enjoy dinner featuring authentic Bai cuisine, then wander through the ancient town under the evening lights before retiring to your hotel.

Day 4 – Dali Deep Dive

  • Morning

    • After breakfast, rent a bicycle or arrange a private car to cycle around Erhai Lake (洱海) at sunrise, taking in the breathtaking reflections of the lake and the backdrop of Cangshan Mountain (苍山).

    • Alternatively, take a boat cruise on Erhai Lake to capture the romantic “wind, flowers, snow, and moon” scenery.

  • Lunch

    • Have lunch at a lakeside farmhouse, trying specialties like local rice-cooked fish or other Bai dishes.

  • Afternoon

    • Visit Cangshan (苍山) by cable car or on foot to enjoy panoramic views of Dali and Erhai.

    • Optionally, visit Xizhou Ancient Town (喜洲古镇) to experience traditional Bai culture and local crafts such as tie-dye.

  • Evening

    • Return to Dali Ancient Town for dinner and, if interested, attend a Bai cultural performance such as the “Three-Taste Tea Ceremony.”

Day 5 – Dali to Lijiang

  • Morning

    • Enjoy breakfast and depart from Dali to Lijiang by car (approximately 2 hours).

  • Lunch

    • Arrive in Lijiang and check into your hotel within or near Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城). Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the old town.

  • Afternoon

    • Spend the afternoon exploring Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城) on foot – admire the cobbled streets, traditional Naxi architecture, and visit landmarks such as the Sifang Street (四方街) and Mu’s Mansion (木府).

    • Consider a short visit to Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇), a quieter, well-preserved settlement that offers excellent photo opportunities.

  • Evening

    • Dine in the old town, sampling specialties like chicken bean jelly or local grilled fish, then enjoy the vibrant night market atmosphere before returning to your hotel.

Day 6 – Lijiang: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Blue Moon Valley

  • Morning

    • After breakfast, take a vehicle to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山). Purchase tickets and board the cable car (large or Yunshanping small cable car, depending on availability). Note: Be prepared for high altitude – bring oxygen and warm clothing.

  • Lunch

    • Have a simple meal at a designated spot on the mountain (or carry your own picnic).

  • Afternoon

    • Descend and visit Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷), renowned for its mesmerizing blue waters and stunning views – a perfect spot for photography.

  • Evening

    • Return to Lijiang; enjoy dinner on your own, and if desired, attend an optional performance such as Lijiang Eternal Love Show (丽江千古情) (self-paid).

    • Overnight in Lijiang.

Day 7 – Lijiang to Shangri-La

  • Morning

    • Enjoy breakfast then depart Lijiang for Shangri-La by car (approximately 3–4 hours). The drive offers glimpses of dramatic gorges such as Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡).

  • Lunch

    • Arrive in Shangri-La, have lunch featuring local Tibetan dishes (for instance, butter tea and barley bread), and check into a hotel with Tibetan style.

  • Afternoon

    • Visit Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城) to explore traditional Tibetan architecture and observe local prayer wheels.

    • Then, visit Shangri-La Time Wheel Altar (香格里拉时轮坛城) to appreciate Tibetan Buddhist art and culture.

  • Evening

    • Enjoy a Tibetan-style dinner near your hotel and possibly watch a Tibetan folk dance performance before returning to your accommodation.

Day 8 – Shangri-La In-Depth

  • Morning

    • After breakfast, visit Songzanlin Monastery (松赞林寺), the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan (often called “Little Potala Palace”), to admire its splendid architecture and serene atmosphere.

  • Lunch

    • Have lunch near the monastery or in Shangri-La’s town center, sampling dishes like yak meat hotpot.

  • Afternoon

    • Explore Pudacuo National Park (普达措国家森林公园) – a pristine natural reserve with alpine lakes, ancient forests, and rich biodiversity. Choose to hike on foot or ride an eco-friendly shuttle to immerse yourself in the highland scenery.

    • If energy allows, you might also visit part of Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡) to feel the power of nature.

  • Evening

    • Return to your hotel and enjoy dinner at your leisure, reflecting on the serene and spiritual atmosphere of Shangri-La.

Day 9 – Shangri-La to Xishuangbanna

  • Morning

    • After breakfast, take either a transfer by car or a short domestic flight from Shangri-La to Xishuangbanna (approximately 1-hour flight).

  • Lunch

    • Upon arrival in Jinghong (the capital of Xishuangbanna), check into your hotel and have lunch at a local restaurant.

  • Afternoon

    • Visit Wild Elephant Valley (野象谷) to see wild Asian elephants and enjoy the tropical rainforest scenery.

    • Then, explore Dai Ethnic Park (傣族园) or the Tropical Flower and Plant Garden (热带花卉园) to experience the lush vegetation and vibrant Dai culture.

  • Evening

    • Enjoy dinner featuring Xishuangbanna specialties, such as Dai-style grilled dishes or tropical fruits, then wander through a local night market (for example, Gaocang Star Night Market (告庄星光夜市)) to soak up the lively atmosphere.

    • Overnight in Jinghong.

Day 10 – Xishuangbanna to Kunming & Departure

  • Morning

    • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then transfer back to Kunming by plane or train according to your schedule.

  • Lunch

    • Arrive in Kunming and, if time permits, visit a local market such as Dounan Flower Market (斗南花市) for souvenirs and local specialties.

  • Afternoon

    • Have a final lunch in Kunming before being transferred to Kunming Changshui International Airport for your departure.

  • Evening

    • Board your return flight and conclude your memorable Yunnan journey.

Additional Tips

  1. Booking: During peak periods (like the May 1st holiday), book your train/plane tickets and hotels well in advance.

  2. Altitude: In high-altitude areas such as Shangri-La and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, take precautions against altitude sickness (bring necessary medication and oxygen if needed).

  3. Clothing: Pack layers, including lightweight warm clothing and rain gear, as temperatures may vary greatly between day and night.

  4. Cultural Etiquette: When visiting temples or local ethnic communities, dress modestly and respect local customs.

  5. Flexibility: Some attractions are open-ended. Use your free time to explore further if you’re interested.

This itinerary provides a comprehensive journey through Yunnan, highlighting its diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and unique ethnic minority experiences. Adjustments can be made based on your specific interests and preferences.

Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Valley Nature Reserve-12
Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Valley Nature Reserve-12

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