5 Days Kunming-Lijiang Speed Train Tour

This 5 Days Kunming Lijiang High-Speed Train Tour offers an incredible opportunity to explore two of Yunnan’s most iconic cities—Kunming, often referred to as the “Spring City,” and Lijiang, a romantic and historical gem. The tour combines a perfect balance of natural wonders, cultural insights, and rich history. Starting from Kunming, the heart of Yunnan, you’ll visit famous landmarks like the Stone Forest, Western Hills, and Yunnan Nationalities Museum. Then, travel on a high-speed train to Lijiang, where you’ll be immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and experience the ancient wonders of Tiger Leaping Gorge and the First Bend of Yangtze River.

Throughout the journey, you’ll discover the unique culture of the Naxi people and explore UNESCO-listed sites, such as Lijiang Old Town. This well-curated tour is perfect for those who wish to explore the best of Yunnan’s natural beauty and cultural diversity in a short time.


Tour Highlights:

Kunming – City of Eternal Spring

  • Yunnan Nationalities Museum: Explore the rich diversity of Yunnan’s 25 ethnic groups with exhibits showcasing traditional costumes, festivals, and cultural artifacts.

  • Western Hills & Dragon Gate: Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Dianchi Lake and Kunming from the Dragon Gate, located in the lush Western Hills. A place of both natural beauty and cultural significance, with ancient temples and grottoes.

Stone Forest (Shilin)

  • A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Stone Forest is a remarkable Karst landscape featuring towering limestone formations that have formed over millions of years. Walk through this “forest” of stone pinnacles and witness the natural wonder that earned it global recognition.

Lijiang – Romantic Ancient Town

  • Lijiang Old Town: Wander through the charming, UNESCO-listed old town of Lijiang, which boasts well-preserved Naxi architecture, cobblestone streets, and ancient wooden structures. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and heritage of the Naxi ethnic group.

  • Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Admire the stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, home to the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Ride the tramway to Spruce Meadow for breathtaking views of the 13 snow-capped peaks.

  • Impression Lijiang Show: Optionally enjoy a spectacular outdoor performance with over 500 local performers, set against the backdrop of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

  • One of the deepest gorges in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge is surrounded by towering peaks, including the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. Walk along the plank road and get up close to the dramatic landscape, feeling the rush of the Jinsha River below.

First Bend of Yangtze River

  • Visit the First Bend of the Yangtze River at Shigu Town, where the river takes a stunning 180-degree turn. This natural phenomenon offers a striking landscape and an opportunity to learn about the historical significance of the region.

Cultural Immersion in Baisha Village

  • Baisha Village is a tranquil Naxi village known for its ancient Baisha Murals, which blend Tibetan Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. The village is also famous for Baisha embroidery, a traditional craft that you can learn from local artisans.

Natural Beauty of Blue Moon Valley

  • Known for its crystal-clear water and stunning landscape, Blue Moon Valley is a serene escape. The valley is a popular spot for photography, especially with the contrast of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background.

Local Experience & Scenic Views

  • Take a stroll around Black Dragon Pool Park, where you can capture stunning photographs of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflecting in the water. The park offers a peaceful atmosphere and an excellent vantage point for the snow-covered peaks.


Why Choose This Tour?

Fast & Comfortable Travel: The high-speed train between Kunming and Lijiang makes travel between the cities fast and comfortable, allowing you to save time and explore more.

Cultural Immersion: The tour offers an authentic experience of Yunnan’s rich ethnic cultures, including visits to traditional villages, museums, and performances.

Natural Wonders: From the Stone Forest to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge, this tour is designed to immerse you in the unique landscapes that make Yunnan a must-visit destination.

Efficient & Well-Curated Itinerary: In just five days, you’ll cover the best highlights of Kunming and Lijiang, making it ideal for travelers with limited time who want to see the best of Yunnan.

Brief Itinerary

  • Day 1: Kunming Arrival
  • Day 2: Kunming-Lijiang
  • Day 3: Lijiang
  • Day 4: Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang
  • Day 5: Departure from Lijiang

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Kunming
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:None

You’ll begin your journey to the diverse and captivating province of Yunnan from the capital city, Kunming. Upon arrival at the Kunming International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2 Kunming-LijiangHigh Speed Train

Sightseeing and Activities:the Stone Forest, the Green Lake Park, Kunming City Center
Accommodation:Kunming

Stone Forest (Shilin) scenic spot in southwest China’s Yunnan Province[/caption]

Meals:Breakfast and Lunch

You will drive 86 km to the Stone Forest. An old local saying says that ‘If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.’ Truly, the Stone Forest is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan.

After lunch, drive back to Kunming to visit the Green Lake Park and then enjoy a 20-minute walk to visit the Kunming City Center in downtown area.

After lunch, drive to Lijiang. You will be relaxed around Lijiang Old Town, a well-preserved old city of ethnic minorities with brilliant culture, is a central town of the Lijiang Autonomous County of the Naxi Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Province. Located on the plateau which is 2,400 meters above the sea level and embraced by the tree-covered Lion Mountain in the west, Elephant and Golden Row Mountains in the north, vast fertile fields in the southeast and crystal clear water running through, the old town looks like a big jade ink slab, therefore got the alias the Town of Big Ink Slab (Dayanzhen).

Day 3 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishuihe River,Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Spruce Meadow, Blue Moon Valley, Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show, Baisha Old Town, Baisha Murals
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:Breakfast and Lunch

Drive about 30KM to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area. You will firstly reach Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M). Then you will take the sightseeig bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River. Take cable car to Spruce Meadow and hike around 30 minutes in the forest. Then take a battery cart to Blue Moon Valley.

After lunch, you will enjoy the Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show directed by Zhang Yimou. It is held in Ganhaizi Meadow about 3100M above the sea level.

And then, you can stroll through Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Naxi style old town.  Visit the Baisha Murals about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Day 4 Lijiang-100KM-Tiger Leaping Gorge-100KM-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:the First Bend of Yangtze River, Iron Chain Bridge, Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Ancient Town, Guishan Hill
Accommodation:Shangri-La
Meals:Breakfast and Lunch

The-First-Bend-of-Yangtze-River-Lijiang-01

Setting off from Lijiang, we travel along the winding mountain roads, with picturesque scenery all the way. Upon arriving at the first view platform of the Yangtze River, we are greeted by the magnificent river meandering through the mountains, forming a unique “Ω”-shaped bend. The sunlight shimmers on the water, creating a sparkling effect, while the towering mountains on both sides are awe-inspiring. Here, we press the shutter to capture this breathtaking natural wonder, feeling the marvel of nature’s craftsmanship and as if time has slowed down.

Visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river.

Then you will enter the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. Walk around Dukezong Ancient Town, an important town of the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet and India. Walk up to the top of Guishan Hill or Tortoise Hill, you will see the largest Prayer Wheel of the world and have a panoramic view of shangrila county and Dukezong Ancient Town.

Day 5 Departure from Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Lijiang
Accommodation:None
Meals:Breakfast

After breakfast, take a visit to Yuhu Village at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Here, you can experience traditional Naxi life with its stone houses and tranquil surroundings.

Black Dragon Pool Park
Then, explore the Black Dragon Pool Park, which offers magnificent views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Enjoy the peaceful setting and capture beautiful photos of the snow-capped peaks.

Departure
After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport or train station for your departure.

Service Included:

  • Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary;
  • Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
  • Private English-speaking tour guide;
  • Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
  • Service charge & government taxes;
  • Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
  • High speed train tickets from Kunming to Dali (2nd class seats).

Service Excluded:

  • Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
  • Chinese visa fees;
  • Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
  • Single room supplement;
  • Tips to guides and drivers;
  • Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
  • Personal travel accident insurance;
  • All optional programs.