Yunnan Crossroads

🕑 10 Days

📍 Kunming, Lijiang & Dali

🕑 10 Days

📍 Kunming, Lijiang & Dali

Yunnan province is home to some of China’s most diverse landscapes and ethnic cultures. This journey invites you to explore ancient towns, colorful markets, and scenic highland valleys shaped by centuries of multicultural life.

About This Tour

Travel from Kunming, the “Spring City,” to Dali, nestled between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake.

In between, stop in Lijiang—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and immerse yourself in the traditions of the Naxi and Bai people.

This tour is perfect for culturally curious travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace and stunning views.

Highlights

Learning Bai minority traditions in local homes and villages
Wandering Lijiang’s cobbled alleys framed by snow-capped mountains
Tasting Yunnan’s vibrant cuisine, known for flowers, mushrooms, and fresh herbs
Sailing across Erhai Lake and enjoying peaceful moments in Bai villages
Watching sunset over ancient pagodas and waking up to mountain views

Photos

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming

Morning: Arrive in Kunming, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” and check in to your hotel.
Afternoon: Take a relaxing walk through Green Lake Park, where locals play music and practice tai chi.
Evening: Stroll Kunming Old Street for traditional snacks like steam-pot chicken and flower cakes.

Day 2: The Stone Forest

Morning: Take a day trip to the Stone Forest (Shilin)—a surreal landscape of towering limestone pillars (approx. 1.5 hr drive).
Afternoon: Return to Kunming and visit the Yunnan Nationalities Village to explore traditional homes of minority groups.
Evening: Optional: enjoy a Yunnan-style hot pot dinner or attend a local dance performance.

Day 3: Travel to Lijiang

Morning: Take a high-speed train or flight to Lijiang (approx. 3–4 hours by train).
Afternoon: Settle into your guesthouse in Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO site full of canals and cobblestone lanes.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Naxi dinner and take an evening stroll through lantern-lit streets.

Day 4: Lijiang Old Town & Dongba Culture

Morning: Visit the Dongba Culture Museum to learn about the writing and religion of the Naxi people.
Afternoon: Explore Black Dragon Pool and enjoy views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.
Evening: Optional: Attend a Naxi music concert, featuring centuries-old instruments and songs.

Day 5: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Excursion

Morning: Take a scenic trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where you can ride a cable car to a high alpine meadow.
Afternoon: Visit Baisha Village, the original Naxi settlement, and see ancient frescoes.
Evening: Return to Lijiang and dine in one of the Old Town’s stylish courtyard restaurants.

Day 6: Market Day or Local Village Visit

Morning: Visit a lively local market outside of town or take a slow morning with tea on a terrace.
Afternoon: Optional: Join a local cooking class or walk through nearby villages to observe rural life.
Evening: Relax in a courtyard café or enjoy a slow dinner under the stars.

Day 7: Travel to Dali

Morning: Depart Lijiang and drive to Dali (approx. 2.5–3 hours), passing through beautiful countryside.
Afternoon: Check into your lakeside hotel and explore the charming Dali Old Town.
Evening: Try Dali-style cuisine and explore the old town’s mix of bohemian bars and quiet tea houses.

Day 8: Erhai Lake & Bai Villages

Morning: Take a boat cruise on Erhai Lake, stopping at nearby Bai minority villages.
Afternoon: Learn about Bai architecture and customs in places like Xizhou or Zhoucheng.
Evening: Optional: Join a tie-dye workshop, or watch sunset over the lake with a glass of plum wine.

Day 9: Three Pagodas & Cangshan Hike

Morning: Visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, set against a mountain backdrop.
Afternoon: Hike or take a cable car into the Cangshan Mountains for panoramic views of the lake and valley.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner with lake views or browse Dali’s artisanal shops.

Day 10: Departure from Dali

Morning: Have a final cup of Yunnan coffee or visit a local morning market.
Afternoon: Transfer to the Dali train station or airport for your onward journey.
Evening: Depart with memories of ancient towns, mountain views, and peaceful lakeside life.

What's Included

Private chauffeur service to and from the airport at the start and end of the trip.
All transfers by car, train, or plane with booking assistance.
Admission fees and activities as indicated in the itinerary.
English/Spanish-speaking guide.
Assistance with hotel reservations throughout the trip.
Local SIM card with data or support for eSIM.

How to Book Your Adventure

Save your Spot

Once you’re happy with the itinerary, simply confirm your booking and make the payment to reserve your adventure.

Enjoy your Journey

From your arrival to your last stop, we’re here to make sure every part of your adventure runs smoothly.

Let’s Talk

Send us a message. We’ll get to know your travel style, interests, timeline, and budget.

Tailored Planning

We design a custom itinerary that matches your interests—whether you’re into nature, food, culture, or a bit of everything.