Yunnan’s Soulful Expedition: 8-Day Ancient Cities & Majestic Peaks Journey

Upon your arrival in Kunming by flight, our dedicated team will be there to greet you with personalized airport transfer services. From the moment you land,you will enjoy the ease and comfort of having our professional staff assist you with hotel check-in, ensuring a seamless and pleasant start to your trip.

Morning
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the ​Stone Forest Scenic Area , a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its surreal karst landscapes formed over 270 million years. Marvel at iconic formations like ​”Sword Peak Pond”, ​”Twin Birds Feeding”, and ​”Ashima Stone” —a cultural symbol of the local Yi people’s legendary heroine. Stroll through ​”Small Stone Forest” for photo ops amid labyrinthine rock pillars and serene lakes like ​Shilin Lake, where reflections of jagged peaks create a mirror-like wonder.

Lunch
Savor a ​Floral Banquet , a Yunnan culinary highlight featuring edible flowers like roses and chrysanthemums, blending vibrant colors with delicate flavors.

Afternoon
Head to ​Kunming Old Street , a 900-year-old quarter where history meets bohemian charm. Wander cobblestone lanes lined with Ming-Qing architecture, browse boutique shops for ethnic crafts, and snap photos at the iconic ​”Wine Cup Buildings”. Don’t miss local snacks like Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles or Rose Pastries at hidden cafes.

Evening
Return to your hotel at leisure, reflecting on a day of geological marvels and timeless cultural encounters.

Key Tips for Foreign Visitors
​-Stone Forest: Wear sturdy shoes for uneven terrain.
​-Old Street: Evening lantern-lit strolls enhance the nostalgic vibe.
-This itinerary balances natural grandeur and cultural immersion, tailored for an engaging yet manageable exploration.

Morning
Start your day at your own pace. After breakfast, transfer to Kunming Railway Station for a ​2-hour scenic bullet train ride to Dali. Relax in comfort as you glide through Yunnan’s picturesque landscapes.

Midday
Upon arrival, embark on an exclusive ​private yacht cruise on ​Erhai Lake, one of China’s largest alpine lakes. Glide across crystal-clear waters framed by the Cangshan Mountains, passing traditional fishing boats and serene islands. The yacht’s VIP amenities (sun deck, panoramic windows) ensure a luxurious way to soak in Erhai’s pristine beauty.

Afternoon
Head to ​Dali’s S-Shaped Bay, a viral Instagram hotspot along the ​Erhai Ecological Corridor. Rent a bicycle to explore the winding coastline, where turquoise waters meet whitewashed Bai-style villages. Capture postcard-perfect shots of the iconic “S” curve, or unwind at a waterfront café sipping local coffee with views of fishing sails dotting the horizon.

Evening
Immerse yourself in Bai culture at ​Taihecheng, a cultural park hosting the ​”Horse Caravan” dinner show. Savor authentic Bai dishes like Dali(hotpot fish) while watching acrobatic stunts, folk dances, and reenactments of ancient tea-horse caravan legends. The interactive performance blends martial arts, music, and storytelling for a vibrant cultural finale.

Night
Retire to your lakeside hotel, where the gentle lapping of Erhai’s waves lulls you into relaxation.

Key Tips for Foreign Visitors
​-Private Yacht: Opt for sunset cruises for golden-hour photography; eco-friendly tours prioritize lake conservation.
​-S-Shaped Bay: Arrive early to avoid crowds; rent a ethnic-style outfit (10-20 RMB) for photos.
​-Cultural Show: Engage with performers during the “toasting ritual” for a memorable cultural exchange.
-This itinerary balances relaxation, natural wonders, and immersive folklore, crafted to showcase Dali’s bohemian vibe and timeless charm.

Morning
After breakfast, step into Dali Ancient Town – a 1,100-year-old UNESCO-listed gem blending Nanzhao Kingdom heritage with bohemian vibes. Wander cobblestone lanes framed by Qing-era architecture, where ​Foreigner Street (Huguo Road) buzzes with fusion cafés, artisan boutiques, and bars frequented by globetrotters seeking “Oriental charm meets cosmopolitan flair”.

Midday
Head to ​Xizhou Ancient Town, a poetic haven where emerald rice fields ripple under the Cangshan Mountains. Capture Instagram-worthy shots at the iconic ​Yellow House (Xi Lin Yuan) or sip coffee amid golden rapeseed blossoms (seasonal). Don’t miss the flaky Xizhou Baba (sweet/savory pastry) at local bakeries.

Afternoon
Immerse in Bai culture at ​Zhoucheng Village, the birthplace of China’s intangible heritage – ​tie-dye art. At ​Puzhen Tie-Dye Museum, craft your own indigo masterpiece using ancient techniques: twist fabric with threads, dip into vats of fermented banlangen (indigo plant), and unveil nature’s magic as patterns emerge. Pro tip: Visit family workshops for affordable, authentic experiences.

Evening
Transfer to ​Lijiang Ancient Town, a maze of UNESCO-protected canals and Naxi-style wooden houses. Stroll the ​Old Town Square, where jade-green streams mirror red lanterns, or climb ​Lion Hill for panoramic views. Wind down at a riverside teahouse with Yak Butter Tea as the moonlit streets hum with folk melodies.

Key Tips for Foreign Visitors
​-Dali Ancient Town: Climb ​Wuhua Tower at sunset for golden-hour vistas over red-tiled rooftops.
​-Zhoucheng: Wear dark clothing to avoid dye stains; book workshops in advance during peak seasons.
​-Lijiang: Nighttime lantern-lit alleys offer magical photo ops; avoid crowded midday hours.
-This itinerary weaves cultural immersion, hands-on artistry, and timeless landscapes into a compact yet enriching day across Yunnan’s iconic destinations.

Morning
After breakfast, explore ​Shuhe Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living relic of the ancient ​Tea Horse Road. Wander freely through cobblestone lanes lined with Ming-Qing architecture, where indigo-dyed fabrics flutter in the breeze and horse-caravan echoes linger. Don’t miss ​Jiuding Dragon Pond—a crystal-clear spring framed by willow trees and Naxi shrines—for serene morning reflections.

Midday
Journey to ​Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred 5,596m peak revered by the Naxi people. Ascend via the ​Glacier Park Cableway (2,914m long, 1,150m elevation gain), one of China’s highest-altitude cableways. Witness dramatic ecological shifts from lush forests to snow-capped granite as you soar to ​Glacier Park at 4,680m. Included: Oxygen bottle & thermal jacket.
Note: If the cableway is unavailable, explore ​Yunping Meadow (2,950m) or ​Yak Meadow (3,600m) with a price adjustment.

Afternoon
Experience ​Impression Lijiang, an open-air spectacle directed by Zhang Yimou. Over 500 non-professional performers from 16 ethnic villages reenact Naxi legends against the snow-capped mountain backdrop. The finale features a ​Naxi shamanic blessing ritual—cross your hands over your forehead and make a wish under the “closest sky to heaven”.

Next, descend to ​Blue Moon Valley, where glacial meltwater carves turquoise pools through limestone cliffs. Ride the eco-friendly electric car to hidden viewpoints like ​White Water Terrace and ​Jade Dragon Mirror Lake. Pro tip: Visit before noon for mirror-like reflections of jagged peaks.

Evening
Return to your hotel, reflecting on a day blending alpine grandeur, cultural storytelling, and geological wonders.

Key Tips for Foreign Visitors:

​Altitude Precautions: Sip water frequently and avoid strenuous activity at Glacier Park.
​Photography: Capture Blue Moon Valley’s mirrored waters at ​Mirror Lake or ​Jade Dragon Mirror Lake for postcard-perfect shots.
​Cultural Etiquette: Remove hats during the Impression Lijiang blessing ceremony.
This itinerary balances adrenaline-pumping alpine adventures with immersive cultural encounters, crafted for an unforgettable Yunnan experience.

Morning
Depart early from Lijiang to ​Shangri-La (approx. 4-5 hours). En route, stop at ​Tiger Leaping Gorge—one of the world’s top 10 canyons. Marvel at the roaring Jinsha River thundering through a 3900m-deep chasm between Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains. Legend says a tiger once leaped across the gorge via a central rock, hence its name. Walk along cliffside trails to witness nature’s raw power.

Midday
Arrive at ​Potatso National Park, China’s first national park. Take eco-friendly buses to ​Shudu Lake (4100m altitude). Stroll 3.3km lakeside boardwalks through pristine forests, meadows, and wetlands. Spot wild boars, squirrels, and rare birds. Pro tip: Capture reflections of snow-capped peaks in the turquoise waters.

Evening
Experience authentic the tibetan culture at a ​folk banquet with yak hotpot, butter tea, and barley wine. Enjoy 120 minutes of traditional singing, dancing, and rituals.

Key Tips for Foreign Visitors:
​Altitude Precautions: Potatso’s elevation exceeds 4000m. Use provided oxygen if needed and avoid strenuous activity.
​Road Conditions: Mountain roads are winding; take motion sickness medication in advance.
​Cultural Etiquette: Respect local the tibetan customs (e.g., avoid littering).
​Weather: Temperatures drop sharply at night; pack thermal layers and windbreakers.

This day blends geological marvels, alpine ecosystems, and living the tibetan traditions—a microcosm of Yunnan’s wild beauty.

Dukezong Ancient Town,The Kalachakra Mandala,Lijiang/Dali (High-Speed Train),Kunming
Morning
Begin your final day in ​Dukezong Ancient Town, a UNESCO-listed “Moonlight City” steeped in the tibetan heritage. Ascend ​Guishan Park to the ​World’s Largest Prayer Wheel (21m tall, 60 tons), where visitors join hands to rotate this golden colossus clockwise three times, sending blessings to loved ones. Capture panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and terracotta-roofed houses from the hilltop.

Midday
Journey to the ​Shambhala Kalachakra Mandala Complex, a sacred site personally consecrated by the 11th Panchen Lama. Marvel at its centerpiece:

A ​21-meter-tall Kalachakra Buddha statue (20 tons), symbolizing the eternal cycle of time.
The world’s largest ​indoor 3D mandala (7.37m high), meticulously crafted from copper, gold, and seven tibetan sacred treasures (turquoise, coral, pearls, etc.).
The ​5th-floor Tangka Gallery, displaying 1,600+ intricate Buddhist scroll paintings.

Afternoon
Return to Lijiang/Dali for lunch before boarding a ​scenic bullet train to Kunming (approx. 2-3 hours). Reflect on your journey through the tibetan spirituality and Himalayan grandeur.

Key Tips for Foreign Visitors:
​-Cultural Etiquette: Remove hats and lower voices inside the mandala complex.
​-Photography: Capture the mandala’s golden details at the ​7th-floor viewing deck for optimal lighting.
​-Altitude Adjustment: Kunming sits at 1,900m; hydrate well after descending from Shangri-La (3,300m).
-This finale blends ancient rituals with metaphysical art, offering a captivating glimpse into Xizang’s spiritual cosmos.

Special Notes:
-In extreme cases where train tickets are unavailable or delayed due to ​force majeure (e.g., holidays, peak seasons, operational adjustments, traffic congestion, or quota limits), we will arrange alternative transportation via ​private coach/bus.
-The original train fare will be ​deducted from the bus fee to ensure no additional cost to you. We appreciate your understanding for such unavoidable adjustments.

Morning
After breakfast, dive into the vibrant ​Dounan Flower Market , Asia’s largest fresh-cut flower trading hub and a UNESCO-listed “Flower Kingdom”. Witness over 1,600 floral varieties – from velvety roses to exotic orchids – priced as low as ¥10/bouquet. For early-morning flights departing before 12:00 PM, note that the market’s peak trading hours (8:30 PM–2:00 AM) may require independent exploration if group timing conflicts.

Highlight Activities
​-Bargain Like a Pro: Engage in lively haggling with vendors (¥15-¥25 for tulips, ¥10-¥23 for carnations).
​DIY Floral Souvenirs: Craft your own indigo tie-dye scarf at Zhoucheng-inspired stalls.
​Auction Thrills: Observe high-speed flower auctions at the ​Kunming Flower Auction Center (3:00 PM daily).

Key Reminders
-Hotel check-out: 12:00 PM. Double-check passports/flight details.
-For missed market visits, explore airport’s floral boutiques or redeem free “Birthday Month” flower vouchers.
-This finale blends sensory feasts and cultural gems, ensuring your Yunnan journey blooms with lasting memories.

Itinerary sequence may be subject to temporary changes due to flight schedules, seasons, or unforeseen local circumstances.