Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La-XishuangBanna Tours

A trip to Yunnan is not complete unless it reaches four renowned cities: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-la. If you want to extend your tour, we recommend a Yunnan travel that includes Xishuangbanna. Yunnan Classic Tours with Xishuangbanna usually theme on rain forest adventure, minority discovery and tea culture tours. It will be a good choice after you see the scenery and experience the culture of Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La, to have another very different experience and view in Xishuangbanna, not only different from the weather of it , but also the scenery and culture there. Xishuangbanna is just like a small Thailand for the similar religious culture. It is in tropical zone. You will experience and see another kind of Yunnan for its large forest coverage, diversity of plants,and exotic ethnic culture

Tour Highlights

Kunming (昆明)

Kunming, the “City of Eternal Spring,” is the ideal starting point for your Yunnan adventure. Known for its moderate climate and scenic beauty, Kunming offers a variety of attractions:

  • Stone Forest (石林): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this extraordinary natural formation of limestone pillars is a must-see.

  • Dianchi Lake (滇池): Known as the “Pearl of Kunming,” this lake offers picturesque views and relaxing boat rides.

  • Western Hills (西山): A peaceful mountain range with great views over the city and Dianchi Lake.

Dali (大理)

Dali, set against the backdrop of the Cangshan Mountains (苍山) and Erhai Lake (洱海), is an ancient town filled with Bai culture and scenic beauty:

  • Dali Ancient Town: A blend of traditional Bai architecture and a laid-back atmosphere.

  • Three Pagodas (三塔): A historical site dating back to the Tang Dynasty, offering both cultural and photographic appeal.

  • Cangshan Mountain: Perfect for hiking and offering magnificent views of the surrounding area.

Lijiang (丽江)

Lijiang is famous for its ancient town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its stunning mountain scenery:

  • Old Town of Lijiang (丽江古城): A maze of cobbled streets, charming canals, and traditional Naxi architecture.

  • Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山): Offering dramatic alpine landscapes and excellent opportunities for hiking and photography.

Shangri-La (香格里拉)

Shangri-La, known for its Tibetan culture and stunning landscapes, is a must-visit destination in northern Yunnan:

  • Songzanlin Monastery (松赞林寺): The largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, offering a deep insight into Tibetan culture and spirituality.

  • Napa Lake (纳帕湖): A beautiful high-altitude plateau lake surrounded by wildlife and magnificent scenery.

Xishuangbanna (西双版纳)

Xishuangbanna offers a completely different experience, with its tropical climate, lush rainforests, and vibrant minority cultures. This region is influenced by Thai culture, with Buddhist traditions and lush vegetation that resemble Southeast Asia:

  • Rainforest Adventure: Xishuangbanna is known for its extensive forests and biodiversity. You can explore the tropical rainforest, home to exotic plants and wildlife.

  • Minority Discovery: The region is rich in ethnic diversity, with various ethnic groups, including the Dai, Hani, and Yi, offering unique cultural insights.

  • Tea Culture: Xishuangbanna is famous for its tea, especially Pu’er tea (普洱茶). You can visit tea plantations and experience the tea-making process firsthand.

  • Wildlife: Explore Xishuangbanna’s wildlife parks, where you can see elephants, monkeys, and other tropical animals in their natural habitat.

Why Choose This Tour?

Diverse Landscapes and Weather

While Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La offer cooler, mountainous regions, Xishuangbanna presents a tropical, rainforest atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the rest of the trip. The change in weather and environment offers a refreshing and immersive experience.

Cultural Exploration

This tour provides a rich cultural journey through several of Yunnan’s most significant ethnic groups, from the Bai people in Dali to the Tibetan culture of Shangri-La and the Dai culture of Xishuangbanna.

Exotic Ethnic Cultures

Xishuangbanna is a cultural treasure trove with influences from Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Here, you’ll discover a blend of Buddhist temples, tropical architecture, and vibrant festivals that showcase the region’s distinct ethnic diversity.

Unique Wildlife and Rainforest Experience

Xishuangbanna’s tropical rainforest offers an exciting opportunity to explore rare plants and animals, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.