Yunnan Province is the most diverse province in all China. The combination of its extraordinary mix of peoples and its various landscapes made Yunnan the trendiest destination in China. You will enjoy the superlative sights and get a glimpse into China’s hugely varied mix of humanity.
Join in this 7-day trip, and let’s go to Dali, Shangri-La and Lijiang! Start your in-depth exploration of natural scenery and different lifestyles of various minority groups in Yunnan. Let’s check out the magnificent ancient towns, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Cangshan Mountain & Erhai Lake, considered by many to be the most beautiful snow covered mountain in the world, get insight into Tibetan culture… and more!!!
*Note: We find that there is a huge difference in the prices of flight tickets. If you depart from Shanghai, the flight tickets will be much more expensive in Dali than Kunming. And when you return back, the direct flights to Shanghai in Lijiang are less than in Kunming.
Shanghai / Your preferred location
After arriving in Kunming airport, we will take a bullet train to Dali. Then your tour leader and driver will pick you up and drive to your hotel.
Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Dali
Enjoy your city tour in Dali. First take a visit to the famous Chongsheng Three Pagodas. Then continue to explore Cangshan Mountain that made up of 17 peaks, among which, Malong Peak is the highest one that reach the height up to 4122m. You will catch a cable way to go up. You will enjoy a soft hike on Yudai Road(Flat Road). On the mountain top, you can enjoy the fantastic view of Erhai Lake.
In the evening, you can take a stroll in Dali Ancient Town.
Meals: Lunch
Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Dali
After breakfast,let’s head over to Xizhou Village, which is one of the Bai ethnic minority villages and has historic prominence with a cluster of over 100 protected buildings. In the morning, you will walk around local morning Market to learn about local life and appreciate minority’s handicraft works.
After lunch, you will hike to Haishe Wetland Park which is one of the most famous parks in Erhai Lake and take a boat to get more beautiful view of Erhai Lake
Meals: Lunch
Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Dali
Start your day trip with visiting Tiger Leaping Gorge. It is one of the longest, deepest and narrowest gorges in the world. The drive from Lijiang is about 90 minutes and you can enjoy an hour of hiking by the gorge.
After visiting Tiger Leaping Gorge, you will discover Dukezong Ancient Town – the largest and best-preserved Tibetan population in China and also a very important station along the Tea-Horse Road. Besides, walking up to the top of Guishan Hill to appreciate the typical Tibetan style view – Prayer Wheel.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Shangri-La
Drive to visit Songzanlin Monastery, which is famed as “Small Potala Palace”. It was built along hillside, looking like an old castle, showing the brilliant construction technology of Tibetan. Visit a local Tibetan Family, enjoy the home-made buttered Tea and Yak Cheese.
After lunch, pay a visit to Pudacuo national park and Shudu Lake.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Shangri-La
In the early morning, let’s drive to Yulong(Jade Dragon) Snow Mountain, which is the biggest snow mountain at the Northern Hemisphere with altitude over 4,000 meters. You will reach Ganhaizi Meadow firstly. Then take a sightseeing bus to have a visit through the Baishuihe River.
In the afternoon, you will explore the Old Town of Lijiang.
Meals: Lunch
Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Lijiang
After breakfast, you will take a bullet train to Kunming. Then your tour guide and driver will drop you off in Kunming Airport.