8 Days Yunnan Travel Itinerary

Planning an 8-day Yunnan travel itinerary involves visiting some of the province’s most beautiful and culturally rich locations, including Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. Here’s a detailed itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming

  • Morning: Arrive in Kunming, check into your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Visit Green Lake Park and Yuantong Temple.
  • Evening: Explore the Flower and Bird Market, have dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Kunming to Dali

  • Morning: Take a high-speed train to Dali (approximately 2 hours).
  • Afternoon: Visit Dali Ancient Town, explore the city walls and the Three Pagodas.
  • Evening: Stroll around the ancient town, enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Day 3: Dali

  • Morning: Take a boat tour on Erhai Lake, visit local villages like Xizhou and Zhoucheng.
  • Afternoon: Visit Butterfly Spring Park.
  • Evening: Return to Dali Ancient Town for dinner and relaxation.

Day 4: Dali to Lijiang

  • Morning: Take a high-speed train or bus to Lijiang (approximately 2-3 hours).
  • Afternoon: Explore Lijiang Ancient Town, visit the Black Dragon Pool Park.
  • Evening: Wander through the old town, enjoy the local cuisine.

Day 5: Lijiang

  • Morning: Visit Shuhe Ancient Town and Baisha Village.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, visit the Blue Moon Valley.
  • Evening: Return to Lijiang Ancient Town, enjoy a cultural show.

Day 6: Lijiang to Shangri-La

  • Morning: Drive or take a bus to Shangri-La (approximately 4-5 hours).
  • Afternoon: Visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan.
  • Evening: Explore Dukezong Ancient Town.

Day 7: Shangri-La

  • Morning: Visit Pudacuo National Park, explore Shudu Lake and Bita Lake.
  • Afternoon: Visit Napa Lake, see the vast grasslands and local wildlife.
  • Evening: Return to Shangri-La, enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner.

Day 8: Shangri-La to Kunming

  • Morning: Fly back to Kunming (alternatively, take a bus or train if you prefer a scenic route).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Evening: Return to Kunming city center, enjoy your last dinner in Yunnan, and prepare for departure.

Additional Tips:

  1. Book in Advance: Ensure you book your accommodations, flights, and train tickets well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
  2. Local Transportation: Arrange local transportation, such as taxis or private drivers, for convenience.
  3. Packing: Pack appropriate clothing for varying altitudes and climates. Yunnan’s weather can vary significantly from Kunming to Shangri-La.
  4. Health: Be mindful of the high altitudes in places like Shangri-La; stay hydrated and take it slow to avoid altitude sickness.
  5. Local Cuisine: Try local dishes in each city to experience Yunnan’s diverse culinary offerings.

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and local experiences, ensuring you make the most of your 8-day trip to Yunnan.