Small group cultural journey
About this Journey
Yunnan is not one landscape. It is a collection of entirely different worlds connected by mountain roads, high-speed rail and old trade routes.
This six-day journey begins in Kunming, the provincial capital and gateway to southwest China. From there, you travel through the Stone Forest, where wind and water have shaped towering limestone formations into one of Yunnan’s most distinctive natural landscapes.
The route then moves west to Dali, a city shaped by Erhai Lake, the Cangshan Mountains and the long history of Bai culture. Here, the pace slows down. You will walk through the old town, explore lakeside roads and see the softer, more relaxed side of Yunnan.
From Dali, continue north to Lijiang. Lijiang has long been an important meeting point between mountain communities, trade routes and different ethnic cultures. Its old town, waterways and surrounding villages reflect the influence of Naxi heritage and the region’s position along historical routes between Yunnan, Tibet and the wider Himalayas.
The journey reaches its highest point at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where Glacier Park, Blue Moon Valley and the dramatic mountain landscape offer a completely different side of Yunnan. You will also experience Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the Jinsha River cuts through one of China’s most powerful mountain canyons between Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
This route is designed for travelers who want more than one city or one type of scenery. In six days, you move from stone forests to lakeside towns, from ancient streets to high mountain valleys, and from city life to some of northwest Yunnan’s most unforgettable landscapes.
Itinerary
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kunming
Kunming
Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport.
Your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kunming. After check-in, enjoy free time to rest after your journey or explore the city at your own pace.
Day 2: Kunming – Stone Forest – High-Speed Rail to Dali
Kunming Dali
After breakfast, travel to the Stone Forest Scenic Area.
Explore one of Yunnan’s most famous geological landscapes, where dramatic limestone pillars rise from the ground in formations shaped over millions of years. A sightseeing buggy is arranged inside the scenic area to make the visit more comfortable.
After the visit, transfer to Kunming railway station and take the high-speed rail to Dali.
Arrive in Dali, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening at your own pace.
Day 3: Dali – Erhai Lake – Panxi S Bay – Dali Old Town – Lijiang
Dali Lijiang
After breakfast, begin a scenic day around Dali and Erhai Lake.
Visit the Santorini-style lakeside complex in Dali, known for its white buildings, open lake views and relaxed holiday atmosphere. Continue to Panxi S Bay, one of the most photogenic stretches of road along Erhai Lake.
Later, explore Dali Ancient Town, where old streets, local shops and traditional architecture create a slower and more historic atmosphere.
For Muslim travelers, a visit to the local mosque and halal food options can be arranged in Dali.
In the afternoon or evening, travel by private vehicle to Lijiang. After arrival, visit Lijiang Old Town and enjoy free time among its narrow lanes, canals, restaurants and mountain views.
Day 4: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Glacier Park – Blue Moon Valley – Lijiang
Lijiang
Today is dedicated to one of the highlights of northwest Yunnan: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Travel from Lijiang to the mountain area and visit Glacier Park, where the high-altitude scenery opens into snow peaks, glacier landscapes and wide mountain views. Oxygen and warm outerwear are arranged for the day.
Continue to Blue Moon Valley, known for its bright turquoise water, waterfalls and dramatic mountain backdrop.
Later, enjoy the Impression Lijiang Show, a large outdoor performance set against the natural landscape of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Return to Lijiang and visit Black Dragon Pool Park, where clear water and traditional pavilions create one of the best classic views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Day 5: Lijiang – First Bend of the Yangtze River – Tiger Leaping Gorge – High-Speed Rail to Kunming
Lijiang Kunming
After breakfast, leave Lijiang for a scenic day in the mountains.
Stop at the First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the Jinsha River curves dramatically through the mountain landscape.
Continue to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most dramatic river gorges in China. Take the scenic escalator down towards the gorge and experience the force of the Jinsha River as it rushes through the canyon below.
After the visit, return to Lijiang railway station and take the high-speed rail back to Kunming.
Day 6: Kunming City Walk – Departure
Kunming
Enjoy free time in Kunming before your airport transfer.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit Green Lake Park, Shuncheng Street and Jinma Biji Historic District.
For Muslim travelers, Shuncheng Street is a good area to find halal food and visit the local mosque.
At the appropriate time, transfer to Kunming Changshui International Airport for your onward journey.
Scenic Highlights
Scenic highlights
Stone Forest
Walk through a dramatic limestone landscape shaped by nature over millions of years.
Erhai Lake & Panxi S Bay
See the calm, open landscapes of Dali, where lakeside roads, mountain views and slow village life create one of Yunnan’s most relaxed settings.
Dali Ancient Town
Explore historic streets, local shops, Bai-style architecture and a slower side of Dali.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Experience one of Yunnan’s most iconic snow mountain landscapes, with Glacier Park offering high-altitude views and mountain scenery.
Blue Moon Valley
See bright blue water, waterfalls and mountain reflections beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Impression Lijiang Show
Watch a large outdoor cultural performance set against the snow mountain backdrop.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Stand above the powerful Jinsha River and experience one of northwest Yunnan’s most dramatic canyons.
Green Lake Park & Kunming City Centre
Enjoy a softer final day in Kunming, with parks, local streets and everyday city life.
Reference Hotels
Reference hotels
The hotels below are examples of the style and standard we usually arrange for this tour. Final hotels may be these or similar properties, depending on room availability, travel dates, and route conditions.
Reference hotel in Dali
Reference hotel in Lijiang
Reference hotel in Kunming
If you would like to upgrade your room type or hotel category, please contact us and we will confirm suitable options and pricing for your travel dates.
Vehicle Reference
Vehicle reference
The vehicles below are common references. Final arrangements depend on guest count, luggage, road conditions, and local fleet availability.
5-seat
Comfort
7-seat
Business
12-15 seat
Comfort
12-15 seat
Luxury
Capacity notes
- 1. Passenger and luggage figures are comfort references. The final vehicle type is confirmed by our team before departure.
- 2. Please tell us in advance if you need a child seat, booster seat, or similar equipment. Any supplier fees are confirmed before booking.
- 3. Reducing one passenger usually creates room for one additional piece of luggage, subject to the actual trunk or cargo space.
Details
Details
Included
5 nights of accommodation in your selected hotel category
Daily hotel breakfast
Second-class high-speed rail tickets listed in the itinerary
Private vehicle with driver for the scheduled itinerary
Airport and railway station transfers
Local travel support and itinerary coordination
Not included
Lunches and dinners
International flights or transportation to and from China
China visa fees
Tips for drivers or guides
Personal travel insurance
Personal expenses, drinks and shopping
Optional hotel upgrades
Any activity, ticket or service not clearly listed in your final quotation
Important notes
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a high-altitude destination. Oxygen and warm outerwear can be arranged, but travelers should move slowly and listen to local advice.
Attraction schedules, cable car access and show availability may change because of weather, maintenance or official capacity controls.
Day 5 includes a full day of sightseeing before the high-speed rail journey back to Kunming. Train timing will be arranged carefully, but mountain road conditions may affect the schedule.
We recommend booking your international departure for Day 6 evening or the following day where possible.
Hotel selection can be adjusted to suit your budget and preferred style.
Hotels outside the recommended list can also be arranged, as long as the location is practical for the itinerary.
Muslim-friendly food and mosque visits can be arranged in Dali and Kunming on request.
Please bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a light rain jacket and warm layers for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Weather in Yunnan can change quickly, especially in mountain areas. The itinerary may be adjusted for safety and the best possible experience.
After a booking is confirmed, cancellation charges are calculated according to the time before the scheduled tour start date. Final terms are confirmed before payment.
Reference cancellation rules
30 days or more before departure: 0% cancellation charge.
14-30 days before departure: 10% of the confirmed tour cost.
7-14 days before departure: 50% of the confirmed tour cost.
Within 7 days before departure: 100% of the confirmed tour cost.
Why Travel With Us
Why us
Yunnan-based planning with first-hand route knowledge and local supplier coordination.
Private, flexible arrangements shaped around your pace, interests, and travel dates.
Clear communication before booking, including accommodation style, guide availability, vehicle reference, and practical travel notes.
English-speaking support can be arranged on request, with final details confirmed before you reserve.