YunnanDaliLijiang
Yunnan 6-Day Kunming, Dali & Lijiang Culture and Nature Journey
Travel through Kunming, Dali and Lijiang for a balanced introduction to Yunnan: plateau lakes, karst landscapes, Bai heritage, Tea Horse Road towns and the mountain scenery around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
6 days 5 nights
Route Highlights
- Dianchi Lake and Kunming’s plateau scenery offer a gentle introduction to Yunnan before the route moves west.
- Explore the Stone Forest, a major karst landscape and UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Experience Dali through its old town, Erhai lakeside corridor and Bai cultural setting rather than a simple photo-stop itinerary.
- Join a hands-on Bai tie-dye experience in Xizhou and take home a small piece made during the visit.
- Spend time in Shaxi, a quieter Tea Horse Road town with historic streets, bridges and a slower local rhythm.
- See the snow-mountain landscapes around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the blue-green waters of Blue Moon Valley, followed by time in Lijiang Old Town.
Itinerary
- 1
D1 Kunming | 24-hour airport pick-up and an easy introduction to the Spring City
- 2
D2 Kunming → Dianchi Lake → Stone Forest → Chuxiong
- 3
D3 Chuxiong → Dali Old Town → Erhai Ecological Corridor → Xizhou tie-dye experience
- 4
D4 Xizhou → Ideal State (Dali Santorini) → Shaxi Old Town → Romance of Lijiang show
- 5
D5 Lijiang → Jade Dragon Snow Mountain → Blue Moon Valley → Lijiang Old Town
- 6
D6 Free time in Lijiang → private airport transfer
Inclusions
- Five nights in comfortable star-standard hotels along the route.
- Private vehicle throughout with an experienced driver who also provides local travel assistance; no shared-vehicle arrangement.
- First-entry admission and listed in-scenic-area transport for the itinerary, including the Yunshanping cableway/Impression Lijiang package and the Erhai Ecological Corridor cycling experience where stated.
- 7×15-hour multilingual one-to-one online concierge support for itinerary, visa-document and on-trip questions.
- Inbound China travel accident insurance.
- Complimentary assistance with the formal travel documents required for a China visa application.
Exclusions
- Domestic or international flights to Kunming and from Lijiang, and related airline costs.
- Lunches and dinners; the local guide can recommend restaurants and regional food according to your preferences.
- A dedicated full-time English-, Japanese- or other foreign-language guide, and optional scenic-area experiences. If a higher-elevation Jade Dragon Snow Mountain cableway is requested, any fare difference is payable separately and subject to availability.
- Personal purchases and any optional activities not specifically listed as included.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
- Cancel 7 days or more before departure: full refund with no cancellation charge.
- Cancel 3–6 days before departure: 20% service charge.
- Cancel 1–2 days before departure: 40% cancellation charge for non-recoverable reservations.
- Cancel on the departure date: 60% cancellation charge for committed hotel, vehicle and other reservations.
- If extreme weather, natural disasters, attraction closures, traffic controls, policy changes or other force-majeure events prevent the trip from operating, services not yet incurred will be refunded in full; costs already incurred will be settled at actual cost.
Things to note when traveling to Yunnan Plateau
1. Documents and entry requirements
- Please keep your passport and valid China visa with you throughout the trip. They may be checked at hotels, scenic areas, or along the route.
- Some plateau and surrounding scenic areas in Yunnan may require simple identity registration. Your guide will assist with the process; no complicated self-service paperwork is required.
2. Plateau climate and clothing
- Yunnan has large day–night temperature differences. Snow mountains, lakeside areas, and mountain roads can be cool, so bring a windproof warm layer and comfortable walking or hiking shoes.
- UV exposure is strong on the plateau. Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light scarf are recommended year-round.
- Weather can change quickly, so a light rain jacket or compact umbrella is useful.
3. Health and altitude awareness
- This itinerary stays at moderate elevations for most travelers. On arrival, avoid running or moving too fast; a slower pace helps the body adjust.
- The climate is dry, so drink water regularly and consider bringing moisturizer and lip balm.
- If mild dizziness or shortness of breath occurs, slow down and rest. Your guide will be nearby to assist throughout the trip.
4. Local customs and cultural etiquette
- The route passes through Naxi, Mosuo, Tibetan, and other communities. Please respect local beliefs, daily customs, and religious etiquette.
- In temples, old villages, and local homes, avoid touching prayer wheels, prayer flags, or religious objects without permission, and keep your voice low.
- Before photographing local residents, homes, or religious buildings, please ask politely or signal for permission.
5. Sightseeing and safety
- For Tiger Leaping Gorge hikes and forest-park boardwalks, stay on marked paths, keep away from riverbanks and cliffs, and follow scenic-area safety rules.
- The trip uses a private vehicle. The pace can be adjusted within the day’s schedule according to the group’s interests and comfort level.
- Open flames are prohibited in snow mountain and forest areas. Please protect the natural environment, do not litter, and avoid damaging vegetation.
6. On-trip support
- Multilingual concierge support is available 7×15 hours during the trip for itinerary, visa-document, sightseeing, and communication questions.
- For international travelers who need language assistance, the concierge and guide will help with local communication to make the journey smoother.