7 Days Yunnan Golf Tour to Kunming, Dali and Lijiang

Yunnan is quickly becoming one of China's premier golfing destinations, offering a mix of world-class courses, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. With nearly 20 golf courses scattered across the province, Yunnan provides a unique golfing experience that combines natural beauty, challenging layouts, and a mild climate perfect for year-round play. This 7-day golfing tour takes you to the best golf courses in Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangrila, alongside exploring the region’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming

Exploring Kunming

Our golf journey began in Kunming (昆明), the capital of Yunnan Province, known as the "City of Eternal Spring" due to its pleasant weather year-round. After our arrival, we checked into the hotel and took a leisurely stroll around Kunming’s vibrant city streets. We visited local markets, cafes, and got a taste of the city’s warm atmosphere and unique charm.

Traditional Chinese Opera

In the evening, we attended a traditional Kunming Opera (昆明歌剧) performance, offering a window into the region’s rich cultural heritage. The lively performance was a perfect way to kick off our adventure, immersing us in local traditions and customs.

Day 2: Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort

Golf at Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort

On Day 2, we visited Spring City Golf & Lake Resort (春城湖泊高尔夫度假村), one of the best golf courses in Kunming. Located just 30 kilometers outside the city, this resort boasts an 18-hole golf course with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The layout is challenging yet rewarding, with natural meadows, water hazards, and significant elevation changes that provide an exciting golfing experience.

The course offers a unique combination of scenic beauty and challenging terrain, with six holes incorporating wetlands, creeks, and ponds. We played in perfect weather, and the stunning surroundings made the game even more enjoyable.

Visit Jiuxiang Cave

In the afternoon, we visited Jiuxiang Cave (九乡溶洞), located in the Yi and Hui Autonomous Township of Yiliang County. The area is famous for its unique underground cave system, lush forests, and narrow canyons. The Jiuxiang Scenic Area also showcases the cultural heritage of the Yi (彝族) and Hui (回族) ethnic minorities. As we explored, we marveled at the dramatic landscapes and natural beauty.

Day 3: Western Hills and Dragon Gate

Golf at Mountain Course

On Day 3, we ventured out to the Western Hills (西山) region for a round of golf at the Mountain Course (山地球场). Set against the backdrop of Dianchi Lake (滇池), this course is known for its tranquil environment and incredible views. The Western Hills are called "Sleeping Buddha Hills" due to their shape resembling a reclining Buddha, and they are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kunming.

Visit Western Hills and Dragon Gate

In the afternoon, we explored the Western Hills and visited the Dragon Gate (龙门) Taoist temple, which offers panoramic views of Kunming. The area is also known for its rich biodiversity and peaceful natural surroundings. After enjoying the breathtaking views, we headed back to Kunming for the night.

Day 4: Travel to Dali and Visit the Three Pagodas

High-Speed Train to Dali

We took a high-speed train to Dali (大理), a charming town known for its rich history, ethnic culture, and stunning landscapes. Upon arrival, we were picked up from the train station and transferred to the Dali Ancient Town (大理古城), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dali is home to the Bai (白族) ethnic group, and its streets are lined with traditional Bai architecture.

Visit the Three Pagodas

In the afternoon, we visited the Three Pagodas (三塔) at Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺), located just outside the Dali Ancient City. These ancient pagodas, built over 1,800 years ago, are a symbol of Dali’s long history and Buddhist heritage. The Three Pagodas are an architectural marvel, and the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Erhai Lake were truly breathtaking.

Cruise on Erhai Lake

We then took a boat cruise on Erhai Lake (洱海), one of the largest freshwater lakes in China. The serene surroundings and tranquil atmosphere made for a relaxing experience. We also visited the Xizhou Bai Ethnic Village (喜洲白族村), where we learned about the Bai people’s customs and traditions, and the Zhoucheng Dyed Cloth Shop (周城染布店), which specializes in traditional Bai fabric dyeing techniques.

Day 5: Lijiang and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club

Travel to Lijiang

After breakfast, we traveled to Lijiang (丽江), a picturesque town that is known for its ancient town, cultural heritage, and stunning mountain landscapes. Lijiang is considered a “Shangri-La” (香格里拉) and is a popular destination for travelers seeking to explore both nature and culture. We checked into our hotel and explored the cobbled streets of Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城), a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional Naxi (纳西族) architecture.

Golf at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club

In the afternoon, we visited the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club (玉龙雪山高尔夫俱乐部), one of the highest golf courses in the world, located at an elevation of 3,100 meters (10,171 feet). The course offers stunning views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), a snow-capped peak that rises 5,596 meters (18,360 feet) above sea level. The course is known for its challenging layout and incredible natural beauty.

Explore Ganhaizi and Baishui River

We then visited Ganhaizi (甘海子) and Baishui River (白水河), both scenic spots located near the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The landscapes were stunning, and we took a cable car to Glacier Park (冰川公园) to enjoy even more breathtaking views of the mountain range.

Impression Lijiang Show

In the evening, we watched the Impression Lijiang Show (印象丽江), an outdoor performance that blends local ethnic culture with modern theater. The show is set against the backdrop of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and is a true cultural highlight of the region.

Day 6: Lijiang Exploration

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

On Day 6, we took a cable car up to the top of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The view from the summit was simply breathtaking, with snow-covered peaks stretching as far as the eye could see. The mountain is a sacred site for the Naxi people, and the landscape was awe-inspiring.

Lijiang River Cruise

In the afternoon, we enjoyed a relaxing cruise along the Lijiang River (丽江河). The calm waters and surrounding lush greenery provided a peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect way to unwind after a few days of golfing.

Day 7: Departure

After an amazing week of golf and exploration, we checked out of our hotel and headed to the airport for our flight home. The memories of our time in Yunnan, with its stunning golf courses, breathtaking landscapes, and rich culture, will stay with us for years to come.

A Perfect Golfing Destination in Yunnan

This 7-day golf tour of Yunnan was an unforgettable experience, offering the perfect combination of challenging golf courses, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. From the world-class golf courses in Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang to the charming towns and majestic mountains, Yunnan is the perfect destination for both golf enthusiasts and those seeking adventure and relaxation. If you're looking for a unique golfing vacation that combines culture, nature, and sport, Yunnan is definitely the place to be!