Colorful Yunnan · Snow Mountain Pilgrimage: 7 Days 6 Nights | Kunming · Dali · Shangri-La · Lijiang

Experience the diverse landscapes and rich cultures of Yunnan on this 7-day journey. From ancient towns and highland monasteries to snow-capped peaks and tie-dye traditions, this route takes you deep into the natural beauty and spiritual charm of China’s southwest.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: ✈ Arrival in Kunming

Private pick-up service at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest and acclimate to the altitude of this spring-like capital of Yunnan.

🍽️Meal: No meals included
🏨Accommodation: Sheraton Kunming or similar

Day 2: Kunming – Stone Forest – Dali Ancient Town

Explore the Stone Forest Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 270-million-year-old karst formations and Sani ethnic culture.

After lunch, take a high-speed train (approx. 2 hours) to Dali. Explore Dali Ancient Town, a national historical and cultural landmark.

Stroll along Foreigner Street, famous for its vibrant nightlife and Bai architecture.

🍽️Meal: Breakfast included
🏨Accommodation: Honglongjing Hotel Dali Ancient Town or similar

Day 3: Erhai Eco Tour – Xizhou Tie-dye Experience – Lijiang

Take a scenic ride along the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor aboard a music bar sightseeing bus.

In Xizhou Ancient Town, experience traditional Bai tie-dye art with hands-on instruction, and ride the charming mini train.

Drive to Lijiang in the afternoon.

🍽️Meal: Breakfast included
🏨Accommodation: Honglongjing Hotel Dali Ancient Town or similar

Day 4: Dali – Shangri-La – Dukezong Ancient Town – Giant Prayer Wheel

Travel to Shangri-La, a Tibetan-influenced highland town. Walk through Dukezong Ancient Town, one of the best-preserved Tibetan residential clusters. Climb Guishan Hill to spin the giant prayer wheel, the largest in the world, said to bring good fortune when turned three times clockwise.

🍽️Meal: Breakfast included
🏨Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel or similar

Day 5: Shangri-La – Songzanlin Monastery – Napa Lake – Transfer to Lijiang

Visit the magnificent Songzanlin Monastery, often dubbed “the Little Potala Palace,” the most important Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Stop at the scenic Napa Lake Grassland, known for its seasonal wetlands and alpine meadows. Enjoy coffee with mountain views before heading to Lijiang.

🍽️Meal: Breakfast included
🏨Accommodation: Howard Johnson Jinlin Hotel Lijiang or similar

Day 6: Yulong Snow Mountain – Blue Moon Valley – Impression Lijiang – Lijiang Ancient Town

Take the cableway up Yulong Snow Mountain, a sacred Naxi peak rising over 4,500 meters, known for its year-round snow and dramatic alpine views.
Visit Blue Moon Valley, famous for its vivid turquoise water and white stone terraces.

Ride an electric cart to the nearby Baishui River, fed by glacial meltwater.

Enjoy the live outdoor performance Impression Lijiang (or Lishui Sand in winter), set against the mountain backdrop.

In the afternoon, explore Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights include:

• Mufu Mansion – historic Naxi family residence
  
• Sifang Street – lively town square with shops and snacks
  
• Ganhaizi Grassland – open meadows at the mountain’s base

🍽️Meal: Breakfast included
🏨Accommodation: Howard Johnson Jinlin Hotel Lijiang or similar

Day 7: Lijiang – High-Speed Train to Kunming – ✈ Departure

Take the high-speed train from Lijiang to Kunming, then transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

🍽️Meal: Breakfast included
🏨Accommodation: Not included

✅ What’s Included

1. Private transportation with driver (incl. fuel, tolls, parking, driver tips)
   
2. 6 nights hotel accommodation:
   
3. Bullet train tickets:
   Kunming – Dali (Second Class)
   Lijiang – Kunming (Second Class)
   
4. Entrance tickets and experiences:
   Stone Forest Scenic Area
   Erhai Ecological Corridor Sightseeing Music Bus
   Tie-dye workshop and mini train in Xizhou
   Songzanlin Monastery + eco buggy
   Napa Lake (no horse riding)
   Yulong Snow Mountain: Glacier Park cableway + buggy + Blue Moon Valley + Ganhaizi Grassland
   Impression Lijiang show (or Lishui Sands in winter)
   
5. Daily breakfast
   
6. Travel liability & accident insurance
   
7. Unlimited bottled water

❌ What’s Not Included

• International or domestic flights to/from Kunming
  
• Lunches and dinners (feel free to explore local cuisine)
  
• Personal expenses, souvenirs, or any unlisted activities
  
• Costs caused by force majeure (e.g. weather, delays)