The 11-day Heart of Yunnan Tour is a memorable choice among China tours, moving through one of the country's most diverse and rewarding provinces, where spectacular mountain landscapes, ancient towns, and vibrant ethnic cultures make for a journey that's difficult to match anywhere else in the country.
From the historic streets of Lijiang to the Tibetan-inspired landscapes of Shangri-La, the route follows part of the legendary Tea Horse Road to the beautifully preserved town of Shaxi. Dali comes next, renowned for its traditional Bai culture, the scenic shores of Erhai Lake, and the majestic Cangshan Mountains, before the tour wraps up in Kunming with a visit to the remarkable Stone Forest – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Throughout the journey, some of Yunnan's most iconic sights come into view: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Potatso National Park, Songzanlin Monastery, and the ancient towns of Shuhe and Dali. Equally memorable are the people – the Naxi, Tibetan, and Bai communities whose traditions, architecture, and way of life have shaped Yunnan's distinct cultural identity over centuries.
Few itineraries in China pack this much variety into eleven days. For travellers after an immersive mix of natural beauty, living history, and authentic local encounters, the 11-day Heart of Yunnan Tour is hard to look past.
Tour itinerary:
Arrive in Lijiang, where you will be met by our driver and transferred to the hotel. Check-in to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Begin your exploration of Lijiang with a visit to Black Dragon Pond, a scenic park renowned for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful reflections of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Surrounded by ancient pavilions, traditional architecture and peaceful gardens, it is one of the city's most picturesque landmarks.
Continue to the Dongba Museum, where you will discover the unique culture of the Naxi people, including the remarkable Dongba pictographic script, religious traditions and cultural heritage.
Next, explore Shuhe Ancient Town, a well-preserved settlement on the historic Tea Horse Road, known for its cobbled streets, canals and traditional Naxi courtyard houses.
Later, visit Baisha Ancient Town to admire the famous Baisha Murals, a remarkable collection of Ming Dynasty frescoes reflecting the artistic influences of several religious and cultural traditions.
The day's final stop is Jade Water Village, located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Surrounded by forests and natural springs, the village offers insight into traditional Naxi culture and beliefs.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Continue to the Dongba Museum, where you will discover the unique culture of the Naxi people, including the remarkable Dongba pictographic script, religious traditions and cultural heritage.
Next, explore Shuhe Ancient Town, a well-preserved settlement on the historic Tea Horse Road, known for its cobbled streets, canals and traditional Naxi courtyard houses.
Later, visit Baisha Ancient Town to admire the famous Baisha Murals, a remarkable collection of Ming Dynasty frescoes reflecting the artistic influences of several religious and cultural traditions.
The day's final stop is Jade Water Village, located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Surrounded by forests and natural springs, the village offers insight into traditional Naxi culture and beliefs.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
This morning, travel to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (40 km, 1 hour), one of Yunnan's most spectacular natural landmarks.
Take the Glacier Park Cableway to high elevations, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain's snow-covered peaks, glaciers and alpine scenery.
Continue with the renowned Impression Lijiang open-air performance, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Zhang Yimou. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the show celebrates the traditions, music and daily life of the region's ethnic communities. Later, visit the picturesque Blue Moon Valley, famous for its striking turquoise lakes fed by glacial meltwater. Surrounded by forests and snow-capped peaks, the valley is one of the most photographed natural attractions in Yunnan.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Take the Glacier Park Cableway to high elevations, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain's snow-covered peaks, glaciers and alpine scenery.
Continue with the renowned Impression Lijiang open-air performance, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Zhang Yimou. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the show celebrates the traditions, music and daily life of the region's ethnic communities. Later, visit the picturesque Blue Moon Valley, famous for its striking turquoise lakes fed by glacial meltwater. Surrounded by forests and snow-capped peaks, the valley is one of the most photographed natural attractions in Yunnan.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
After breakfast, drive to Shangri-La (180 km, 3.5–4 h). On the way, stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world's deepest and most spectacular river canyons. Carved by the Jinsha River between the towering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, the gorge is renowned for its dramatic scenery, steep cliffs and powerful rushing waters.
Continue to Shangri-La, a gateway to the Tibetan cultural region of northwestern Yunnan. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 6–7 hours
Continue to Shangri-La, a gateway to the Tibetan cultural region of northwestern Yunnan. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 6–7 hours
Today's sightseeing begins at Potatso National Park (24 km, 30 m) (formerly known as Pudacuo National Park), China's first national park established in accordance with International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) standards. Surrounded by pristine forests, alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes, the park showcases the remarkable natural beauty of northwestern Yunnan.
Continue to Songzanlin Temple, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan. Often referred to as the "Little Potala Palace", this impressive temple is renowned for its golden roofs, richly decorated prayer halls and its important role in Tibetan Buddhism.
Later, visit Napa Lake, a seasonal wetland and nature reserve on the Tibetan Plateau. Depending on the season, the landscape changes from a tranquil lake to vast grasslands, creating beautiful scenery framed by distant mountains.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Continue to Songzanlin Temple, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan. Often referred to as the "Little Potala Palace", this impressive temple is renowned for its golden roofs, richly decorated prayer halls and its important role in Tibetan Buddhism.
Later, visit Napa Lake, a seasonal wetland and nature reserve on the Tibetan Plateau. Depending on the season, the landscape changes from a tranquil lake to vast grasslands, creating beautiful scenery framed by distant mountains.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Today, travel to Balagezong Scenic Area, one of the hidden natural treasures of northwestern Yunnan. Nestled in the mountains near Shangri-La, the park is renowned for its spectacular snow-capped peaks, deep canyons, pristine forests and traditional Tibetan villages.
Explore the scenic area and admire its dramatic landscapes, where steep cliffs, winding mountain roads and secluded valleys create some of the region's most impressive natural scenery. Along the way, gain a deeper appreciation of the area's unique Tibetan culture and way of life.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Explore the scenic area and admire its dramatic landscapes, where steep cliffs, winding mountain roads and secluded valleys create some of the region's most impressive natural scenery. Along the way, gain a deeper appreciation of the area's unique Tibetan culture and way of life.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Leave Shangri-La this morning and drive to Shaxi Ancient Town (230 km, 4.5–5 h).
En route, visit Shibaoshan (Stone Treasure Mountain), renowned for its striking Danxia rock formations, ancient temples and significant Buddhist grottoes carved into the cliffs. The mountain has long been an important religious and cultural site in Yunnan. Continue to Shaxi Ancient Town, one of the best-preserved market towns along the historic Tea Horse Road. Explore its cobbled streets, traditional courtyard houses, old theatre stage and lively market square, where the atmosphere of the ancient caravan trade has been remarkably preserved.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
En route, visit Shibaoshan (Stone Treasure Mountain), renowned for its striking Danxia rock formations, ancient temples and significant Buddhist grottoes carved into the cliffs. The mountain has long been an important religious and cultural site in Yunnan. Continue to Shaxi Ancient Town, one of the best-preserved market towns along the historic Tea Horse Road. Explore its cobbled streets, traditional courtyard houses, old theatre stage and lively market square, where the atmosphere of the ancient caravan trade has been remarkably preserved.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
This morning, drive to Dali (140 km, 2.5–3 h). On the way, stop at Eryuan West Lake, a peaceful wetland area where a relaxing boat cruise offers beautiful views of quiet waterways, traditional villages and the surrounding countryside.
Continue to the Three Pagodas, one of Yunnan's most iconic landmarks. Dating back more than a thousand years, this remarkable Buddhist complex stands against the dramatic backdrop of the Cangshan Mountains and is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Chinese pagoda architecture.
Later, explore Dali Ancient Town, a well-preserved historic town known for its traditional Bai architecture, lively streets and vibrant local culture. Wander through its old lanes, browse local shops and enjoy the unique atmosphere of one of Yunnan's most charming destinations. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Continue to the Three Pagodas, one of Yunnan's most iconic landmarks. Dating back more than a thousand years, this remarkable Buddhist complex stands against the dramatic backdrop of the Cangshan Mountains and is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Chinese pagoda architecture.
Later, explore Dali Ancient Town, a well-preserved historic town known for its traditional Bai architecture, lively streets and vibrant local culture. Wander through its old lanes, browse local shops and enjoy the unique atmosphere of one of Yunnan's most charming destinations. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Begin the day at Xizhou Morning Market, where local farmers and vendors sell fresh produce, traditional snacks and regional specialities. The market offers an authentic glimpse into the daily life and culinary traditions of the Bai people.
Continue to Xizhou Ancient Town (40 km, 1 hour) and visit its beautifully preserved Bai courtyard houses, admired for their whitewashed walls, grey-tiled roofs and intricate wood carvings, which reflect the distinctive architectural style of the region.
Next, travel to Zhoucheng Village, the traditional center of Bai tie-dye craftsmanship. Learn about this centuries-old textile art and observe local artisans creating the intricate blue-and-white patterns for which the village is famous.
Later, enjoy time at Erhai Lake, one of Yunnan's largest freshwater lakes, surrounded by picturesque villages and the dramatic Cangshan Mountains.
Complete the day with a round-trip cable car ride to Gantong, where panoramic views of the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake reveal some of Dali's most spectacular scenery.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Continue to Xizhou Ancient Town (40 km, 1 hour) and visit its beautifully preserved Bai courtyard houses, admired for their whitewashed walls, grey-tiled roofs and intricate wood carvings, which reflect the distinctive architectural style of the region.
Next, travel to Zhoucheng Village, the traditional center of Bai tie-dye craftsmanship. Learn about this centuries-old textile art and observe local artisans creating the intricate blue-and-white patterns for which the village is famous.
Later, enjoy time at Erhai Lake, one of Yunnan's largest freshwater lakes, surrounded by picturesque villages and the dramatic Cangshan Mountains.
Complete the day with a round-trip cable car ride to Gantong, where panoramic views of the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake reveal some of Dali's most spectacular scenery.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Check out from the hotel and transfer to Dali Railway Station for your high-speed train to Kunming (330 km, 2–2.5 h).
Upon arrival, meet your guide and drive to the Stone Forest (Shilin) (110 km, 1h 30m), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's most remarkable karst landscapes. Explore the scenic area by battery shuttle car and on foot, discovering its spectacular limestone formations, which have been shaped by millions of years of geological activity into towering stone pillars, narrow passages and dramatic rock formations.
After the visit, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 5–6 hours
Upon arrival, meet your guide and drive to the Stone Forest (Shilin) (110 km, 1h 30m), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's most remarkable karst landscapes. Explore the scenic area by battery shuttle car and on foot, discovering its spectacular limestone formations, which have been shaped by millions of years of geological activity into towering stone pillars, narrow passages and dramatic rock formations.
After the visit, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 5–6 hours
Price includes:
- All transfers: 1-2 pax by Sedan type car, 3-7 pax on minivan/van, 8-16 pax by 20 seat bus;
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- English-speaking local guide;
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- Train tickets Dali-Kunming (1st class).
Price doesn't include:
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- China visa fees;
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Personal travel insurance;
- Tips to local guides and drivers.
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2026 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
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