8 Days Best Yunnan Tour from Malaysia

Take Malaysia-Yunnan Tour from Kuala Lumpur to Kunming, take the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kunming, maybe you take  Kuala Lumpur to Kunming speed train in the future. You will discover the diverse Yunnan province and the coloful ethnic minorities. For this 8 Days Kunming Dali Lijiang Shangri-La High Speed Train Tour, you will visit the highlights of Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La. This is also a minority discovery tour, because you will find minority diversity during your trip, the minorities such as Yis, Bais, Naxis and Tibetan. Moreover, the Tiger Leaping Gorge will be the most impressive part of your trip, you could be shocked by the ruggedness and magnificence of Tiger Leaping Gorge and the mountains around when you are there. This part can not be missed.

Introduction

Embark on an exciting journey from Kuala Lumpur to Kunming with the Malaysia-Yunnan Tour, starting with a flight that may soon include a high-speed train option. During this 8-day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La tour, you’ll explore the rich diversity of Yunnan province and its vibrant ethnic minorities, including the Yis, Bais, Naxis, and Tibetans. As you visit the key highlights of these enchanting locations, you’ll experience a deep cultural immersion that showcases the region’s unique heritage. One of the most unforgettable moments of your trip will undoubtedly be at the Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the stunning rugged landscape and towering mountains leave a lasting impression. This breathtaking site is truly a must-see and shouldn’t be missed.

Highlights:

  • Explore Kunming: The City of Eternal Spring
    • Visit the renowned Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique limestone formations.
    • Discover the vibrant Green Lake Park and the bustling local markets.
  • Experience Dali’s Ancient Charm
    • Stroll through the picturesque streets of Dali Ancient Town, with its traditional architecture and stunning views of Erhai Lake.
    • Take a cable car ride up Cangshan Mountain for breathtaking panoramic landscapes.
  • Cultural Insights in Lijiang
    • Wander the cobblestone streets of Lijiang Old Town, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about the local Naxi culture.
    • Attend an enchanting Naxi music performance to experience traditional live music.
  • Adventure in Shangri-La
    • Discover the stunning landscapes of Shangri-La and visit the iconic Songzanlin Monastery.
    • Explore the beautiful Pudacuo National Park, with its pristine lakes and rich biodiversity.
  • Indulge in Yunnan Cuisine
    • Savor the local delicacies at diverse food markets and enjoy authentic Yunnan dishes, including mushroom hot pot and cross-bridge rice noodles.
  • Visit Local Ethnic Villages
    • Engage with the indigenous cultures of Yunnan by visiting local villages and participating in cultural exchanges with ethnic minorities.
  • Breathtaking Natural Wonders
    • Marvel at the breathtaking scenery of the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, offering stunning hiking opportunities.
  • Memorable Souvenir Shopping
    • Enjoy shopping for unique handicrafts and souvenirs, such as intricate batik textiles, jade jewelry, and traditional artwork.

Brief Itinerary

  • Day 1: Kunming Arrival
  • Day 2: Kunming
  • Day 3: Kunming-Dali
  • Day 4: Dali-Lijiang
  • Day 5: Lijiang
  • Day 6: Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri-La
  • Day 7: Shangri-La
  • Day 8: Shangri-La Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Kunming
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:None

  • Begin Your Adventure in Yunnan
    • Your exploration of the diverse and enchanting province of Yunnan starts in its capital, Kunming. Once you arrive at Kunming International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your local guide who will assist you in transferring to your hotel.

Day 2 Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:the Stone Forest, the Green Lake, Flowers and Birds Market
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:Breakfast

  • Visit the Iconic Stone Forest
    • Travel 86 kilometers to reach the remarkable Stone Forest. According to a popular local saying, “If you haven’t seen the Stone Forest during your visit to Kunming, you have truly missed out.” Indeed, the Stone Forest stands as one of Yunnan’s most significant attractions.
    • After enjoying a delicious lunch, return to Kunming to explore the serene Green Lake, followed by a leisurely 20-minute stroll to the vibrant Flowers and Birds Market in the heart of the city.

Day 3 Kunming-Dali High Speed Train

Sightseeing and Activities:Three Pagodas,  Dali Old Town, Foreigner’s Street, Ancient City Wall
Accommodation:Dali
Meals:Breakfast and Lunch

Reflection Park of Three Pagodas in Dali City

  • Early Morning Journey to Dali
    • Start your day with an early wake-up call.
    • Afterward, transfer to the train station for your high-speed train ride from Kunming to Dali.
  • Arrival and Touring the Three Pagodas
    • Once you arrive at Dali train station, you’ll meet your local guide. Your first exploration will be the iconic Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery, which boasts an impressive history of over 1,800 years.
    • Positioned at the foothills of Cangshan Mountain and overlooking
    • Erhai Lake, the Three Pagodas consist of three ancient, independent structures arranged in a symmetrical triangle.
  • Exploring the Ecological Corridor of Dali
    • After visiting the pagodas, you’ll experience the remarkable ecological corridor of Dali, immersing yourself in the region’s natural beauty and vibrant ecosystem.
  • Evening Stroll through Dali Old Town

Day 4 Dali-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Xizhou Town, Zhoucheng Village, Lijiang Old Town
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:Breakfast

Xizhou Ancient Town in Dali

  • Morning Exploration of Xizhou Town
    • In the morning, set out for Xizhou Town to immerse yourself in the beauty of Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards.
    • Enjoy the delightful experience of tasting their aromatic Three-Course Tea while discovering the unique aspects of their culture.
  • Visit Zhoucheng Village and Tie-Dye Workshop
    Next, transfer to Zhoucheng Village, where you’ll visit a Bai people’s tie-dye cloth workshop.
  • Here, you’ll have the opportunity to create and take home special souvenirs that reflect the distinctive Bai ethnic style.
  • Afternoon Journey to Lijiang
    • After lunch, embark on a drive to Lijiang. Once you arrive, take the time to unwind in Lijiang Old Town, a beautifully preserved ancient city rich in the culture of ethnic minorities. This town serves as the heart of the Lijiang Autonomous County, predominantly inhabited by the Naxi Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Province.
  • Discover Lijiang’s Stunning Landscape
    • Perched at an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level, Lijiang Old Town is surrounded by the lush Lion Mountain to the west, Elephant and Golden Row Mountains to the north, and expansive fertile fields to the southeast. The clear waters that flow through the town make it appear like a large jade ink slab, earning it the nickname “Town of Big Ink Slab” (Dayanzhen).

Day 5 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishuihe River,Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Spruce Meadow, Blue Moon Valley, Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show, Baisha Old Town, Baisha Murals
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:Breakfast and Lunch

  • Journey to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
  • Exploring the Scenic Wonders
    • Next, board a cable car to reach Spruce Meadow, where you can enjoy a leisurely hike through the forest for about 30 minutes. Following your time in the trees, hop onto a battery cart to make your way to the stunning Blue Moon Valley.
  • Cultural Experience in the Afternoon
    After a satisfying lunch, you’ll be treated to the Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show, directed by renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou. This captivating performance takes place in Ganhaizi Meadow, elevated 3,100 meters above sea level.
  • Discovering Baisha Old Town
    • Following the show, take some time to wander through Baisha Old Town, a captivating area that exhibits traditional Naxi architectural style.
    • Here, you’ll have the chance to see the Baisha Murals, which are approximately 600 years old and recognized as part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 1997.

Day 6 Lijiang-100KM-Tiger Leaping Gorge-100KM-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:the First Bend of Yangtze River, Iron Chain Bridge, Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Ancient Town, Guishan Hill
Accommodation:Shangri-La
Meals:Breakfast and Lunch

The-First-Bend-of-Yangtze-River-Lijiang-01

  • Scenic Drive to the First Bend of the Yangtze River
    • Leaving Lijiang, you will embark on a drive of approximately 60 kilometers to the First Bend of the Yangtze River, renowned for its stunning gorge scenery.
    • During your visit, explore the Iron Chain Bridge and the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument located in Shigu Old Town. The town, known as Stone Drum, earned its name from a large cylindrical marble tablet resembling a drum. The landscape along the route is breathtaking, lined with wheat fields and drying haystacks that fill the Lijiang Valley.
  • Discovering Tiger Leaping Gorge
    • Next, venture to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, recognized as the deepest gorge in the world. With its 34 rapids along the Yangtze River—referred to as Jinsha in this region due to the gold found in its waters—the gorge offers an awe-inspiring natural spectacle.
  • Immersion in Tibetan Culture
    • Continuing your journey, you will enter an area rich in Tibetan culture, characterized by valleys dotted with barley fields and roaming yaks. Take some time to explore Dukezong Ancient Town, a significant stop along the Ancient Tea-Horse Trade Caravan route connecting Yunnan with Tibet and India.
  • Panoramic Views from Guishan Hill
    • For a breathtaking perspective, hike up Guishan Hill, also known as Tortoise Hill. Here, you will find the world’s largest Prayer Wheel, along with a stunning panoramic view of Shangri-La County and Dukezong Ancient Town.

Day 7 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery,Tibetan Family, Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park
Accommodation:Shangri-La
Meals:Breakfast and Lunch

Songzanlin Monastery in Shangrila

  • Exploring the Songzanlin Monastery
    • Today, you will visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Often referred to as the “Little Potala Palace,” this monastery is renowned for its traditional architecture and enchanting ambiance, which evokes a sense of mystery and reverence.
  • Experience Tibetan Hospitality
    • Following your visit to the monastery, you’ll have the opportunity to meet a Tibetan family and enjoy a traditional Yak Butter lunch prepared by them, providing insight into their daily life and customs.
  • Discovering Shudu Lake
    • Next, you’ll travel to the serene Shudu Lake, nestled within Pudacuo National Park. This park is situated in one of the world’s most biodiverse areas. Although it occupies just 0.7 percent of China’s total land area, it boasts over 20 percent of the country’s plant species, roughly one-third of its mammal and bird species, and nearly 100 endangered species, making it a true natural treasure.

Day 8 Departure from Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Shangri-La
Accommodation:None
Meals:Breakfast

Today the tour guide and driver will take you to Shangri-La airport and then depature.

Recommended Hotels

Destination 5 Star 4 Star 3 Star Hostel
Kunming Softel Hotel Wenhui Hotel Jinhua Hotel T&T Story Hotel
Dali Hilton Dali Resort & Spa Shouyi Boutique Hotel Dali Taihe Boutique Inn Dali Fengxue Gucheng
Lijiang Pullman Hotel Wangfu Hotel Liwang Hotel Baisha Holiday Resort
Shangri-La Shangri-La Hotel Shangri-La Old Town Hotel Moon City Hotel Guzang Xiangbala Wu Fu Diannan Boutique Inn

Service Included:

  • Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary;
  • Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
  • Private English-speaking tour guide;
  • Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
  • Service charge & government taxes;
  • Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
  • High speed train tickets from Kunming to Dali (2nd class seats).

Service Excluded:

  • Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
  • Chinese visa fees;
  • Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
  • Single room supplement;
  • Tips to guides and drivers;
  • Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
  • Personal travel accident insurance;
  • All optional programs.