8 Days Best Yunnan Speed Train Tour-Kunming Dali Lijiang Shangri-La

Your Yunnan journey will begin in Kunming, the provincial capital. Upon arrival at Kunming Changshui International Airport, you will meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your flight arrival time, if conditions permit, your guide will take you to visit Kunming Old Street, where you can get an early taste of the city’s unique charm.

Your adventure begins with a visit to the breathtaking Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Marvel at its stunning karst formations—towering limestone pillars that resemble a vast, petrified forest. Admission tickets and a battery car ride are included for your convenience.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to enjoy the spectacular Yunnan Impression show, an internationally acclaimed ethnic song and dance performance. Far from a conventional stage play, it is a mesmerizing “living museum” of dance, music, and traditional costumes that celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Yunnan’s many ethnic groups. Don’t miss this captivating showcase of Yunnan’s vibrant spirit and colorful heritage.

Get up in the early morning. Transfer to train station. Take a high speed train from Kunming to Dali.

Arrive at Dali train station. Meet your local guide in Dali. Then visit Three Pagodas in Chongsheng Monastery which has a history of over 1,800 years located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain facing to the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle.

Then,  strolling along the Erhai Ecological Corridor is like stepping into a beautiful painting. The azure sky and the clear Erhai Lake reflect each other, and as the breeze blows, ripples spread across the lake. The banks are shaded by green trees and adorned with blooming flowers, with the air filled with the fresh fragrance of flowers. Occasionally, egrets skim across the water, and in the distance the, Cangshan Mountains stand like a dark blue screen. The scenery is poetic and picturesque, making one feel refreshed and reluctant to leave.

In the late afternoon, take a walk in Dali Old Town. Visit Foreigner's Street and ancient city wall.

We’ll experience the awe-inspiring power of nature at Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest and most magnificent canyons. The convenient escalator ride leads to the best viewing platforms, where you can marvel at the thunderous flow of the Jinsha River carving its way through towering cliffs.

Later, we’ll unwind in the enchanting Dukezong Ancient Town, the oldest settlement on the Tibetan Plateau. Wander along its cobblestone streets, admire the exquisite Tibetan-style architecture, and feel the serene rhythm of local life.

To complete this memorable day, we recommend savoring a Tibetan-style dinner with live performances, a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the rich culture and warm hospitality of the Tibetan people.

We’ll begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Songzanlin Monastery, often referred to as the “Little Potala Palace.” Adorned with golden roofs and filled with the spiritual atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism, this grand monastery offers deep insight into local religious life and culture.

Next, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive around Napa Lake, a picturesque highland wetland surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped peaks. The area’s pristine environment nurtures unique local produce such as highland barley, Tibetan pigs, and yaks, offering a glimpse into the plateau’s harmonious way of life.

Afterward, we’ll drive to Lijiang, and in the evening, explore the enchanting Lijiang Old Town. Founded in the late Song and early Yuan dynasties over 800 years ago, it was once a major hub along the ancient Tea Horse Road. Stroll through its cobbled streets and charming waterways to experience the town’s timeless beauty and vibrant cultural heritage.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain! (includes glacier cable car, battery car to Blue Moon Valley, and Impression Lijiang show – ordinary seat). We’ll take a scenic cable car ride up to Glacier Park, where you can marvel at the awe-inspiring ice formations and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Then, a comfortable battery car will take us to the enchanting Blue Moon Valley, famous for its turquoise lakes and snow-covered mountain backdrop — a scene straight out of a dream.

To crown this incredible experience, we’ll attend the world-renowned Impression Lijiang show, an open-air cultural spectacle directed by Zhang Yimou, showcasing the proud heritage and traditions of the Naxi people beneath the shadow of the snow mountain.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the peaceful Baisha Old Town, once the ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom. Here, you’ll discover the remarkable Baisha Murals (entrance ticket included), masterpieces that blend Buddhist, Taoist, and Tibetan artistry, offering a fascinating glimpse into the cultural harmony of old Lijiang.

We’ll start the day with a visit to the beautiful Black Dragon Pool, established in 1737 during the Qing Dynasty. This serene park is centered around a crystal-clear spring that serves as the main water source for Lijiang Old Town, offering stunning reflections of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on a clear day.

Next, we’ll explore the charming Shuhe Old Town, one of the earliest Naxi settlements and an important stop along the ancient Tea Horse Road. Wander through its stone-paved streets, admire traditional architecture, and experience the town’s relaxed atmosphere. For a cultural touch, a tea-tasting experience at a local teahouse is highly recommended.

In the late afternoon, we’ll board a comfortable bullet train to Kunming. Upon arrival, your driver will greet you at the station and escort you to your hotel, ensuring a smooth and pleasant end to the day’s journey.

On our final day, we’ll visit the picturesque West Hill Forest Park, a tranquil retreat overlooking Dianchi Lake. We’ll take a shuttle bus and battery car into the scenic area, followed by a cable car ride up the mountain to enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the lake and Kunming city below. Often called the “Sleeping Beauty Mountain” for its distinctive silhouette, this peaceful spot is perfect for a leisurely walk, fresh mountain air, and memorable photos.

After the visit, we’ll transfer directly to Kunming Airport for your departure, marking the end of a wonderful Yunnan journey filled with natural beauty and cultural discovery.