The 7-Day Yunnan Highlights Tour traces a route through some of the most distinctive landscapes in southwest China. From ancient temples and alpine lakes to highland monasteries and canyons, this journey offers a varied view of the province’s natural and cultural heritage – culminating in the fabled land of Shangri-La.
The tour begins in Kunming, the provincial capital. On the second day, you will visit the Stone Forest, a striking karst formation shaped into a labyrinth of towering stone pillars, followed by Yuantong Temple, one of Yunnan’s oldest and most significant Buddhist sites. The journey then continues by high-speed train to Dali, where you will explore the traditional Bai village of Xizhou and the quiet shores of Erhai Lake.
Next, you will travel to Lijiang, a town known for its well-preserved architecture and mountain backdrop. Here, the programme includes visits to Black Dragon Pool and local sites, with additional excursions to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Yufeng Temple. The tour concludes in Shangri-La, where the Tibetan cultural influence becomes more prominent. Highlights include Songzanlin Monastery and Tiger Leaping Gorge, a deep river canyon framed by snow-capped peaks.
This itinerary is intended for those who want to experience the layered geography, religious heritage, and ethnic diversity of Yunnan Province. Full programme details are available for review.
Tour itinerary:
Arrive in Kunming, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Free time for the rest of the day.
Today we drive to visit the Stone Forest (80 km, 1.5 hours), a remarkable group of limestone formations located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County. The towering rocks rise sharply from the ground like stalagmites, many resembling petrified trees and creating the impression of a forest made of stone.
After that, we transfer to Yuantong Temple, the largest and most active Buddhist temple in Kunming, with a history of more than 1,200 years. Located on the southern side of Yuantong Hill, it is an important pilgrimage site visited by worshippers from across China. Overnight in Kunming.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6–7 hours
After breakfast, we are transferred to the train station to take the high-speed train Kunming–Dali D8664 (340 km, 2.5 hours) with second-class seats. Upon arrival, we visit Xizhou Village (40 km, 1 hour). Xizhou is widely known for its well-preserved Bai minority culture, with traditional houses and old streets that still reflect its former prosperity. We take a short visit to the Bai ethnic houses in Xizhou, whose distinctive architectural style sets the town apart from other places in China.
After that, we enjoy a walk along Erhai Lake, which was formed by geological fault subsidence and is often referred to as the “pearl of the plateau” for its scenic beauty. We then return to the hotel and enjoy free time in Dali Ancient Town. Once an important stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, also known as the Southwest Silk Road, the town is rich in historic sites and traditional culture.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
After breakfast, we drive to Lijiang City (190 km, 3 hours), a popular travel destination in Yunnan Province, known for its fresh air, clear streams, snow-capped mountains, and well-preserved natural surroundings shaped by local communities. We visit Black Dragon Pool within the city and then continue to the Naxi Museum, where you can learn about Dongba culture.
Enjoy free time in Lijiang Ancient Town and stay overnight in Lijiang.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3–4 hours
Today we drive to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, taking the Yunshanping cable car (40 km, 1 hour). Viewed from Lijiang Old Town, located about 25 kilometres to the south, the snow-covered and mist-shrouded peaks resemble a jade dragon lying among the clouds, which gives the mountain its name.
We then drive to Yufeng Temple (26 km, 30 minutes), one of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) Buddhist monasteries in the Lijiang area. After visiting the temple, we continue to Baisha Village to experience the peaceful daily life of the Naxi people.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4–5 hours
In the morning, we drive to Shangri-La (185 km, 3 hours), often referred to as the “lost horizon”. En route, we visit Tiger Leaping Gorge and enjoy a short hike there. Located on the Jinsha River between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in China. Stretching approximately 17 km in length, it is also one of the most famous hiking areas in the world.
Upon arrival in Shangri-La, we visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. Built in the architectural style of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, it represents Tibetan culture and houses Buddhist statues and numerous valuable cultural treasures. We then pay a family visit to a local home, where, with the help of our guide, you will learn about a local family’s history and daily life. Overnight in Shangri-La (Deqin County).
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5–6 hours
Half-day tour to Pudacuo National Park (60 km, 1 hour), which preserves a well-protected ecosystem of pristine forests. The park’s main highlights include Lake Bita (or Bitahai) and Lake Shudu. In Tibetan, “Bita” means “a place with dense oak forests”, while “Bitahai” translates as “a quiet lake”. Lake Bitahai is surrounded by mountains covered with ancient pines, oaks, and rhododendrons, and lies like an emerald at the heart of the landscape. Lake Shudu is encircled by forests of fir, spruce, and silver birch and is home to a variety of wildlife, including squirrels, golden cats, and pheasants.
After the visit, transfer to Diqing Shangri-La Airport for your onward journey. End of the 7-Day Shangri-La Exploring Tour.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3–4 hours
Price includes:
- Entrance fees as per the itinerary;
- 5 nights of accommodation with daily breakfast at the hotels listed;
- English-speaking guide at each location;
- Private transfers by comfortable air-conditioned vehicles: 4-seat car for 1–2 pax, 7–9-seat car for 3–4 pax, 12–14-seat car for 5–6 pax, 17–19-seat bus for 7–9 pax.
Price doesn't include:
- Personal expenses;
- Tips for local guides and drivers;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- Lunches and dinners (the guide will suggest restaurants; guests may choose dishes with the guide’s assistance and pay directly);
- Any services not mentioned above.
Prices, per person
Accommodation
Comfort: Golden Hospitality Hotel
Premium: InterContinental Hotel
