China's Grand Odyssey: Imperial Heritage & Avatar Peaks
From Beijing to the Heart of Southwest China's Cultural Treasures
Day 1: Departure from Switzerland to Beijing
Transcontinental Flight Options
Direct flights available from Zurich (Swissair LX196, 13:20-05:15+1, 9h55m) and Geneva (Air China CA862, 20:25-12:50+1, 10.5h) to Beijing. Choose based on your Swiss departure city and schedule preferences.
Day 2: Beijing Transit & Kunming Arrival
Domestic Connection to Yunnan's Capital
After landing in Beijing, connect to a 3.5-hour domestic flight to Kunming. Upon arrival at Kunming Airport, transfer independently to your pre-booked accommodation.
Day 3: Kunming Stone Forest Exploration
Karst Landscape Marvel
Journey 80km east to the UNESCO World Heritage Stone Forest, featuring spectacular karst formations, caves, and erosional lakes.
Practical Information
• Transportation: Buses from Kunming East Coach Station (CNY34, 1.5h, every 30min 8:00-18:00)
• Highlights: Big Stone Forest, Small Stone Forest, Long Lake, Ancient Cliff Painting Site
• Timing: 4 hours recommended; Open 7:30-18:30 (Mar-Oct) / 8:00-18:00 (Nov-Feb)
• Cost: CNY130 entrance + CNY25 battery car
Evening in Kunming Old Street
Return to explore the millennium-old Kunming Old Street, visiting nearby Jingxing Street Flowers and Birds Market and Green Lake Park.
Day 4: High-Speed Rail to Dali Ancient City
Morning Transfer to Dali
Take early high-speed train (recommended D8652: 7:14-9:18, 2h4m, CNY145 second-class) from Kunming to Dali.
Cangshan Mountain Adventure
• Transportation: Taxi from station to ancient city (35min, CNY50)
• Mountain Access: Taxi to foot (8min, CNY10) or bus 4/C10 (20min, CNY2)
• Route: Gantong Cableway - Linglong Chessboard - Qingbi Stream - Grand Canyon Platform
• Timing: 4 hours; Open 8:30-15:00
• Cost: CNY35 admission + cableway fees
Three Pagodas & Ancient City Evening
Visit Chongsheng Temple's Three Pagodas (CNY75, 1-2h) before returning to Dali Ancient City for dinner and night exploration.
Day 5: Erhai Lake Circuit Experience
Sunrise & Lake Cruise
• Sunrise viewing at Caicun Pier (6:30-8:00 seasonal)
• Cruise: Longkan Pier → Little Putuo Island → Nanzhao Folk Island → Butterfly Spring Pier (3-4h, CNY140-180)
Cultural Immersion
Afternoon visit to Zhoucheng Village for Bai ethnic tie-dye experience (2-3h, CNY60-300) followed by Xizhou Ancient Town exploration.
Evening Transfer to Lijiang
Take high-speed train D8135 (20:07-21:49, 1h42m, CNY60) to Lijiang, then taxi to Old Town (20min, CNY20).
Day 6: Lijiang Old Town Discovery
Morning at Jade Spring Park
Visit Black Dragon Pool for iconic Jade Snow Dragon Mountain reflections (Free with Old Town fee, 1-2h, 7:00-19:00).
Old Town Walking Tour
• Route: North Gate - Big Waterwheel - Bar Street - Sifang Street - Mu's Residence - Lion Mountain
• Activities: Naxi music, local snacks, Dongba culture, river lanterns
• Costs: CNY50 maintenance fee + CNY40 Mu's Residence + CNY35 Lion Mountain
Day 7: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Expedition
Alpine Adventure
• Transportation: Taxi (40min, CNY80-100) or hired car (CNY200-300 round trip)
• Route: Big Cableway → Glacier Park → Blue Moon Valley → Impression Lijiang → Ganhaizi Meadow
• Cableway: Book 1-2 days in advance; CNY180 round trip + CNY100 park entry + CNY20 bus
Cultural Performance
Watch "Impression Lijiang" at Ganhaizi (11:10/13:30, 60min, CNY280 common seat).
Day 8: Journey to Lugu Lake
Scenic Transfer
Take morning bus from Lijiang (10:20, 4-5h, CNY88) to Lugu Lake, arriving approximately 15:00.
Initial Lake Exploration
• Stop at Sightseeing Platform for panoramic views
• Afternoon route: Big Luoshui Village → boat to Rock Island → Lige Village
• Sunset viewing at Lige Island
• Cost: CNY70 entrance fee
Day 9: Lugu Lake Circumnavigation
Sunrise & Full Lake Tour
• Transportation: Hired car with driver (CNY400-600/day)
• Route: Lige Island → Nisai Village (Lovers Tree) → Small Luoshui Village → Lovers Beach → Princess Mansion → Caohai Lake & Walking Marriage Bridge → Goddess Bay (sunset)
• Alternative: Bicycle/electric bike rental available
Day 10: Return Journey to Beijing
Flight via Kunming
Take China Eastern Airlines MU5938 (13:00-13:55) to Kunming, connecting to MU5703 (15:00-18:15) or MU5709 (16:00-19:35) to Beijing Daxing Airport. Overnight at airport hotel.
Day 11: International Return to Switzerland
Homeward Bound
Take confirmed direct flight from Beijing to Zurich or Geneva. Ensure proper airport transfer arrangements based on your departure terminal. ```