10 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Lugu Lake-ShangriLa Group Tour By High Speed Train (Chinese-Speaking)

Upon your arrival at Kunming Changshui International Airport, our staff will arrange transportation to the hotel we have booked for you and assist with check-in.

If time permits, we recommend visiting Kunming’s landmark in the city center, the Lujun Military Academy, and exploring Shuangqiao Night Market to taste Yunnan’s local snacks: try the distinctive stinky tofu, enjoy a bowl of fragrant small-pot rice noodles, and sample the freshest juices. The variety of Yunnan snacks is dazzling, with over a hundred types to choose from, while experiencing the ambiance of the “Spring City”!

Special gift today: For guests arriving early in Kunming, we have arranged a food mystery box at Kunming Old Street for you to discover a small surprise prepared especially for you!

Activity details: This store is a time-honored Kunming brand. Every tourist visiting Kunming makes it a must-stop. The store is open 24 hours. You may visit according to your schedule; it is optional, and the fee will not be refunded if you choose not to go.

After breakfast at the hotel, gather and depart for the national 5A-level tourist attraction Stone Forest Scenic Area (complimentary electric cart included).

Formed over 270 million years ago, the Stone Forest has been praised as “the First Wonder Under Heaven” and the “Stone Forest Museum.” Within the area, magnificent peaks rise amid clear waters and blue skies. Stroll along the forest paths, enjoy natural bonsai-like scenery, and experience a fairyland on earth. From Wangfeng Pavilion, you can see clusters of stone peaks resembling galloping horses, and famous rock formations such as Flying Rock, Phoenix Spreading Wings, Two Birds Sharing Food, and Fairy’s Clothes Hook. You may also encounter the small Stone Forest’s embodiment of Ashima.

Then visit Leju Village, a Yi ethnic village with a history of over 600 years. Houses are built along the mountain in layers, connected by stone paths. The village retains a 200-year-old ancient wall and features charming coffee shops, tea houses, guesthouses, restaurants, and bookstores. Every corner has unique scenery.

Must-visit: Jiuxi Handmade Bakery, where freshly baked bread comes from a clay oven. We have prepared the store’s bestseller, Pineapple Bun, for each guest (non-refundable if not eaten).

In the afternoon, drive to Chuxiong to experience local Yi customs at the carefully planned Long Street Banquet, featuring Yi ethnic specialties, hearty dishes like Tuotuo Meat and Buckwheat Cakes, and local wine. Guests will enjoy lively toasts and songs reflecting the Yi people’s generosity. Afterwards, check in at the hotel.

Depart early to Dali Ideal Garden (with exquisite tea snacks), a picturesque area built on the mountainside, featuring a mix of sea, mountains, and mushroom-shaped houses. The “Monet Garden” brings a dreamlike atmosphere.

Special gift: board a retro horse-drawn carriage to explore the wheat fields in Xizhou. Optional photo opportunities include a vintage mini-train, reminiscent of a fairy-tale world.

After exploring Xizhou wheat fields, enjoy Cang-Er scenery, capturing the sea and sky with golden flowers (complimentary aerial video for the group). Then visit Erhai Ecological Corridor, where each family receives 3–5 free digital photos while getting close to Erhai Lake.

Later, visit Nanzhao Xi City to experience Dali intangible cultural heritage handcrafts with guidance from heritage masters. Choose one of three experiences:

1. Tie-dye handkerchief

2. Traditional armor experience

3. Embroidery experience

Next, visit Taihe City Ruins, one of China’s first nationally protected cultural sites, known for the Dehua Tablet and ancient streets.

Dinner is a Horse-Chasing Chicken Banquet, a Nanzhao specialty with immersive performances including high-altitude stunts, martial arts, fireworks, and song-and-dance shows. Afterwards, check in at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit Dali Ancient Town, wandering through alleys and streets of historical significance, experiencing the charm of trade and tea-horse culture.

Depart at designated time to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take the Glacier Park Cableway (oxygen and winter gear included) to enjoy snow mountain views, seasonal changes, and clouds rolling past. The mountain reaches a maximum altitude of 5,596 meters, permanently capped with snow and ice.

A complimentary viewing of the large-scale performance Impression Lijiang – Snow Mountain Edition is included. If performance schedules conflict, a replacement Lishui Jinsha show will be arranged (non-refundable if not watched).

Afterwards, visit Lijiang Ancient Town. Explore bridges, rivers, houses, and cobblestone streets. Discover local cuisine such as fried jelly, Lijiang pancakes, preserved fruits, and Naxi rice cakes.

After breakfast, visit Shuhe Ancient Town, quieter than Lijiang Ancient Town. Enjoy leisurely strolls, coffee aromas, and music from African drum shops, experiencing the original meaning of travel.

Then visit Blue Moon Valley (“Little Jiuzhaigou”), formerly known as Baishui River, with crescent-shaped blue waters at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The electric cart is included (optional, non-refundable). Afterwards, return to the hotel.

Depart to Shangri-La, passing the First Bend of the Yangtze River (photo stop ~15 min), then along the Yunnan-Tibet Highway to Tiger Leaping Gorge (90 min sightseeing).

After lunch, drive past Yi villages (photo stop ~15 min) and reach Potatso National Forest Park (180 min sightseeing), exploring lakes, meadows, forests, and highland scenery.

Evening includes Tibetan Tusi Banquet with native songs, dances, and local foods including barley wine, butter tea, and cheese. Check in at hotel after dinner.

After breakfast, visit Dukezong Ancient Town and Guishan Park, turning the world’s largest prayer wheel. Then visit Tibetan Culture Experience Center, showcasing natural landscapes, ethnic customs, history, and art.

After lunch, visit Napahai Grassland (60 min sightseeing) for horseback riding and lake viewing (optional, self-paid). Return to Lijiang and check in at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Lugu Lake, a top leisure destination in China. Enjoy the scenery at Lugu Lake Viewing Platform (~15–20 min). Take a Mosuo dugout canoe to Liwubi Island, Nisai Island, or Bird Island (~60 min, including canoe ride). Explore local forest paths and hear stories of Mount Ayun.

Evening includes Mosuo Walking Marriage Banquet / Bonfire Party, experiencing Mosuo matriarchal culture (over 1,500 years). Check in at hotel.

Enjoy Lugu Lake sunrise, one of Yunnan’s top ten natural sceneries. After breakfast, visit Mosuo Residences (~60–90 min). Learn about the Mosuo matriarchal society.

Transfer back to Lijiang, then take the high-speed train to Kunming (no guide accompanies this segment; train number to be confirmed).

Notes: During peak season or holidays, if train tickets are unavailable, a bus may be arranged instead, or accommodation nearby.

After breakfast, visit Guest Collection Center for purchasing local specialties. Transfer to Kunming Changshui International Airport according to flight schedule.