Yunnan in 10 Days: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La & Lugu Lake
Unforgettable Tour Highlights
▶ Kunming’s Local Markets & Old Streets
Explore the vibrant Zhuanxin Market, Kunming Old Street, and the unique Wine Cup Tower – a perfect introduction to Yunnan’s capital.
▶ Dali’s Three Pagodas & Erhai Lake S-Bay
Visit the iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, experience Bai ethnic culture with the Three-Course Tea ceremony in Xizhou Ancient Town, and enjoy cycling with travel photography at Dali S-Bay.
▶ Lijiang’s Ancient Towns & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Stroll through Lijiang Ancient Town and Shuhe Ancient Town, ride the sightseeing train and cable car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and visit the turquoise Blue Moon Valley and Ganhaizi meadow.
▶ Tiger Leaping Gorge & Dukezong Ancient Town
Marvel at the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge (elevator not included) and wander through Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri-La.
▶ Tibetan Monastery & Napahai Lake
Visit Gandan Sumtseling Monastery, see the giant prayer flags, and enjoy a Tibetan costume experience at Napahai Lake (horseback riding optional).
▶ Lugu Lake & Mosuo Culture
Take a boat cruise on pristine Lugu Lake, explore Mosuo villages, experience an authentic “Walking Marriage” banquet, and join a bonfire ritual with Mosuo singers.
Itinerary Quick Look
| TIME | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| Day1 | Arrive in Kunming → Pickup → Hotel check-in |
| Day2 | Kunming → Dali: Zhuanxin Market, Kunming Old Street, Wine Cup Tower → Bus to Dali |
| Day3 | Dali: Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple → Xizhou Ancient Town & Three-Course Tea → Dali S-Bay cycling & travel photography |
| Day4 | Dali → Lijiang: Dali Ancient City → Bus to Lijiang → Black Dragon Pool |
| Day5 | Lijiang: Shuhe Ancient Town → Snow Mountain sightseeing train (one-way) → Jade Dragon Snow Mountain cable car → Blue Moon Valley (e-cart not included) → Ganhaizi |
| Day6 | Lijiang → Shangri-La: Tiger Leaping Gorge (elevator not included) → Dukezong Ancient Town → Overnight at Lugu Lake (note: location discrepancy) |
| Day7 | Shangri-La → Lijiang: Gandan Sumtseling Monastery → Giant prayer flags → Napahai Lake (Tibetan costume experience, horseback riding not included) → High-speed train back to Kunming → Overnight in Lijiang (note) |
| Day8 | Lijiang → Lugu Lake: Drive to Lugu Lake → Observation Deck → Mosuo “Walking Marriage” Banquet → Bonfire ritual |
| Day9 | Shangri-La → Kunming: Boat cruise on Lugu Lake → Village visit → Transfer to Lijiang → High-speed train to Kunming |
| Day10 | Kunming → Departure: Hotel breakfast → Transfer to airport/railway station |
Day 1: Arrive in Kunming
Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport or Kunming Railway Station. Your personal driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel . After check-in, free time to rest or explore nearby. Overnight in Kunming.
Day 2: Kunming → Dali
After breakfast, visit the Internet-famous Zhuanxin Market, a vibrant local wet market. Then walk along Kunming Old Street and see the unique Wine Cup Tower. In the afternoon, take a bus to Dali. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Overnight in Dali.
Day 3: Dali
After breakfast, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. Then head to Xizhou Ancient Town to experience the Bai ethnic Three-Course Tea ceremony. In the afternoon, go to Dali S-Bay (a scenic bend of Erhai Lake) for cycling and enjoy travel photography (included). Overnight in Dali.
Day 4: Dali → Lijiang
After breakfast, explore Dali Ancient City. Then take a bus to Lijiang. Upon arrival, visit Black Dragon Pool, a serene pond with reflections of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Overnight in Lijiang.
Day 5: Lijiang
After breakfast, visit Shuhe Ancient Town, a quieter old town. Then take the Snow Mountain sightseeing train (one-way ticket included) to the cable car station. Ride the cable car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Descend to Blue Moon Valley (electric cart not included, optional at 40 CNY/person) and admire its turquoise terraced pools. Finally, visit Ganhaizi, a high-altitude meadow. Overnight in Lijiang.
Day 6: Lijiang → Shangri-La
After breakfast, drive to Shangri-La. Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge (elevator not included, optional at 70 CNY/person) and enjoy the dramatic canyon views. Then explore Dukezong Ancient Town. Note: According to the original itinerary, overnight is at Lugu Lake – this is geographically inconsistent (approx. 6 hours apart). Please see note below. Overnight at Lugu Lake.
Day 7: Shangri-La → Lijiang
After breakfast, visit Gandan Sumtseling Monastery (the “Little Potala Palace”), then see the famous giant prayer flags. Continue to Napahai Lake for a Tibetan costume experience (horseback riding not included). Afterwards, take a high-speed train back to Kunming. Note: Original itinerary says overnight in Lijiang after taking train to Kunming – inconsistent. Overnight in Lijiang (as per original).
Day 8: Lijiang → Lugu Lake
After breakfast, drive to Lugu Lake. Stop at the Observation Deck for a panoramic view. In the evening, participate in a bonfire ritual with Mosuo singers. Overnight near Lugu Lake.
Day 9: Shangri-La → Kunming
After breakfast, take a boat cruise on Lugu Lake and explore the lakeside. Visit a local Mosuo village. Then transfer to Lijiang and take a high-speed train back to Kunming. Overnight in Kunming.
Day 10: Departure from Kunming
After breakfast, at the scheduled time, your driver will transfer you to Kunming Changshui International Airport or Kunming Railway Station for your departure. End of tour.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 9 nights in hotels as per itinerary |
| Meals | Breakfast included at hotels |
| Attraction Tickets | First-admission gate tickets to all scenic spots listed: Three Pagodas, Xizhou Three-Course Tea, Dali S-Bay cycling+photography, Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang Ancient Town, Shuhe Ancient Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain sightseeing train (one-way)+cable car, Blue Moon Valley (gate), Ganhaizi, Tiger Leaping Gorge (gate only), Dukezong Ancient Town, Gandan Sumtseling Monastery, Napahai Lake (Tibetan costume experience), Lugu Lake (gate+banquet+bonfire+boat cruise) |
| Transport | Private vehicle for airport/railway transfers and sightseeing as per group size; inter-city buses (Kunming→Dali, Dali→Lijiang) and high-speed trains (Shangri-La→Kunming, Lijiang→Kunming) as indicated |
| Tour Type | VIP small group – slow-paced, flexible, private. Zero shopping, zero hidden fees. |
| Driver Service | Private driver for all transfers; driver’s meals and accommodation allowance included |
| Guide | Please note: English-speaking tour guide is included in the package. |
Exclusions
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Lunch & Dinner | No lunches or dinners included (except hotel breakfasts) |
| English-speaking tour guide | Not included (driver only; can be arranged at extra cost) |
| Optional in-park transport & activities | Electric cart at Blue Moon Valley (40 CNY), elevator at Tiger Leaping Gorge (70 CNY), horseback riding at Napahai Lake |
| Personal expenses | Souvenirs, snacks, drinks, extra photography, etc. |
| Gratuities | Tips for driver (optional) |
Additional Notes
- Zero shopping, zero hidden fees – guaranteed.