Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: A blend of cultural immersion, scenic exploration, and relaxed sightseeing.
Service Level: Standard +
Physical Rating: Light activities, suitable for those who enjoy scenic walks and cultural exploration
Age Requirement: 12+ years
Trip Type: Private tour/ Small group
Visa Requirements: 144-hour visa-free transit available for travelers from the UK and most EU countries
Transport:Private vehicle and high-speed train for comfort and convenience throughout the trip
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Kunming – Gateway to Yunnan
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Kunming and transfer to your hotel.
- Morning Activity: Visit the Dianchi Lake Dam to observe the seagulls and enjoy the lakeside views.
- Afternoon Activity: Explore Xishan Longmen and enjoy panoramic views over Kunming.
- Evening: Visit Jinma Biji Square and Old Kunming Street for a taste of local culture and the famous Sky Eye.
- Service, Meals & Accommodation:
- Service: 24-hour airport pickup
- Meals:
- Breakfast: Self-catered (sandwiches or on your own)
- Lunch: Self-catered (sandwiches or on your own)
- Dinner: Enjoy local specialties like Yunnan rice noodles at Old Kunming Street
- Accommodation: Kunming West Smart Holiday Hotel or similar four-star hotel
- Optional Activity: Cable car across Dianchi Lake (¥60)
Day 2 Kunming to Lijiang – Natural Wonders & Ancient Towns
- Morning Activity: Visit the Stone Forest Scenic Area, a world-famous karst formation.
- Afternoon Activity: Explore the Jiuxiang Caves. Travel by high-speed train from Kunming to Lijiang and transfer to your hotel. Then, Explore Lijiang Ancient Town, including the iconic Big Waterwheel, Sifang Street, and Mu’s Mansion (featured in the TV drama Mu Mansion Fengyun).
- Evening:
- Service, Meals & Accommodation:
- Service: Private guide, high-speed train tickets included
- Meals:
- Breakfast: Hotel breakfast
- Lunch: Local specialty meal included
- Dinner: Local specialty meal included
- Accommodation: M Hotel Lijiang or similar four-star hotel
Day 3 Discover Lijiang’s Scenic Beauty
- Morning: Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and enjoy the serene beauty of Blue Moon Valley. Arrive early (6:00-6:30 AM) for a chance to witness the stunning sunrise over the snow-capped peaks.
- Afternoon: In Shuhe Ancient Town, you can experience activities such as feeding squirrels, horseback riding, cultural handicrafts and drinking tea.
- Service, Meals & Accommodation:
- Service: Guided visit to scenic areas, private transport
- Meals:
- Breakfast: Hotel breakfast
- Lunch: Local specialty meal included
- Dinner: Local specialty meal included
- Accommodation: M Hotel Lijiang or similar four-star hotel
- Optional Activity: Horseback riding or cultural crafts workshop in Shuhe Ancient Town
Day 4 Lijiang to Shangri-La – Mystical Landscapes
- Morning Activity: Drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge and visit The First Bend of the Yangtze River.
- Afternoon Activity: Explore Shangri-La and visit the renowned Songzanlin Monastery, a center of Tibetan culture and spirituality.
- Service, Meals & Accommodation:
- Service: Private guide and vehicle
- Meals:
- Breakfast: Hotel breakfast
- Lunch: Local specialty meal included
- Dinner: Local specialty meal included
- Accommodation: Songtsam Linka Shangri-La or similar four-star hotel
- Optional Activity: Traditional Tibetan photo session at Songzanlin Monastery (¥100-¥200)
Day 5 Explore Shangri-La & Departure
- Morning Activity: Visit Potatso National Park, known for its stunning alpine scenery and rich biodiversity. Take a walk along the Yuanyuan Path through the ancient forest (2.2 km).
- Afternoon: Transfer back to Kunming by high-speed train for your departure.
- Service, Meals & Accommodation:
- Service: Guided visit to scenic areas, high-speed train ticket back to Kunming
- Meals:
- Breakfast: Hotel breakfast
- Lunch: Included (local specialties)
- Note: Adjust itinerary based on flight schedules; end of tour.
* Note: Flexible airport transfer based on departure time