6 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang Group Tour (Chinese-Speaking)

Upon arrival at Kunming Changshui International Airport, our staff will greet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
If time permits, you may explore Kunming on your own:

• Visit the landmark Kunming Military Academy—a century-old red-brick complex known as the “cradle of modern Chinese generals.”

• Explore Shuangqiao Night Market, famous for Yunnan snacks such as stinky tofu, small-pot rice noodles, and fresh fruit juice.

Special Gift: Early-arriving guests may visit Kunming Old Street to discover an all-day “food blind box” featuring time-honored Yunnan eateries (optional complimentary activity; no refund if not used).

After breakfast, drive to the Stone Forest Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Geopark showcasing 300-million-year-old karst formations. Enjoy a guided tour among dramatic limestone towers such as the “Flying Rock,” “Phoenix Spreading Wings,” and the legendary “Ashima,” symbol of Yi ethnic romance. (Electric cart included.)

Continue to the 600-year-old Leju Village, an authentic Yi settlement built along the hillside. Wander past ancient stone walls, old residence clusters, teahouses, cafés, and boutique inns. Visit the famous Jiuxi Bakery to taste traditional kiln-baked pineapple buns (one per person).

In the afternoon, drive to Chuxiong to experience the vibrant Yi Long-Street Banquet, featuring Yi dishes such as roasted pork cubes and buckwheat cakes, accompanied by ceremonial toasting rituals, songs, and dances. Check in to the hotel afterward.

Warm Tips:

• Today includes long driving hours; prepare motion-sickness medicine if needed.

• Do not climb or lean against limestone peaks inside the Stone Forest.

• Today’s featured ethnic group: Yi People—the largest ethnic minority in Yunnan.

After breakfast, travel to Dali to visit the poetic Ideal Garden, a hillside complex integrating mountain views, water features, a “Mushroom House,” “Monet Garden,” and a replica of Shangri-La’s White Water Terrace. Enjoy delicate tea and snacks.

Special Experience: Take the iconic horse-drawn carriage to the golden wheat fields of Xizhou. Wander through picturesque scenery and retro-style photo spots. A free aerial-photography video is included for the group.

Continue to the Erhai Eco-Corridor, where you can get close to the crystal-blue Erhai Lake. Each family will receive 3–5 complimentary professional lakefront photos.

Visit Nanzhao Xicheng for a hands-on intangible heritage workshop (choose 1 of 3): tie-dye handkerchief, traditional “Jia Ma” woodblock printing, or ethnic embroidery—guided by local masters.

Explore the Taihe City Ruins, the cradle of the Nanzhao Kingdom and a National Key Cultural Relic Site. Walk along the ancient stone pathways and learn about the early kingdoms of Dali.

Dinner features the well-known Horse Caravan Chicken, followed by the outdoor action show “Mabang Jianghu”, showcasing rope-descending stunts, martial arts, and theatrical reenactments of Tea-Horse Road legends. Then check in to your hotel.

Warm Tips:

• Dali has strong UV radiation; sun protection is essential.

• Be careful near the lakeside and mind your belongings.

• Today’s featured ethnic group: Bai People, mainly residing in Dali.

After breakfast, visit Dali Old Town, once a key hub on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. Stroll past traditional Bai-style houses, old streets, and time-worn stone pathways.

Drive to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, one of Yunnan’s most iconic peaks. Take the Glacier Park Cableway (oxygen bottle & winter coat included) to view its magnificent glaciers, cascading ice cliffs, and vast alpine scenery of the Hengduan Mountains.
Note: If the main cableway is unavailable due to weather or ticketing limits, it will be replaced with the smaller cableway or refunded accordingly.

After descending, enjoy the grand open-air performance Impression Lijiang – Snow Mountain Chapter (or “Lishui Jinsha” if schedules conflict). Directed by Zhang Yimou, the show features 500+ local performers presenting stories of Naxi heritage and snow-mountain culture.

In the evening, explore the UNESCO-listed Lijiang Old Town at your own pace—follow stone bridges, canals, and lantern-lit streets to try local snacks such as fried cold jelly, Lijiang baba, and Naxi steamed cakes. Make your own way back to the hotel.

Warm Tips:

• Lijiang Old Town can be crowded—watch your valuables.

• Today’s featured ethnic group: Naxi People.

After breakfast, drive to Shuhe Old Town, a quieter ancient settlement older than Lijiang Old Town. Enjoy its relaxed atmosphere, café-lined lanes, handicraft stores and African drum rhythms echoing through the streets.

Return to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain area to visit Blue Moon Valley, known for its milky-blue waters formed by glacier melt. Resembling a “fairyland terrace” or a miniature Jiuzhaigou, the valley features tiered lakes, white limestone terraces, and turquoise pools. (Electric cart included.)

After the tour, take the high-speed train from Dali back to Kunming (subject to ticket availability; coach will be arranged if trains are full). Check in to your Kunming hotel.

Warm Tips:

• Long travel time today; we recommend preparing some snacks.

• No arranged dinner for today.

After breakfast, visit the Tourist Service Center where you may browse Yunnan specialties such as jade, Pu’er tea, and essential oils.
Transfer to Kunming Changshui International Airport based on your flight schedule, concluding the trip.

Warm Tips:

• Double-check your belongings before checking out to avoid lost items.