Yunnan Odyssey: Cultural Heartlands & Highland Wonders
Rediscover Ancient Traditions and Natural Splendors from Kunming to Shangri-La
Day 1: Arrival in the Spring City - Kunming
Welcome to Yunnan's Capital
Accommodation: Jinjiang Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast
Your Yunnan adventure begins with arrival in Kunming, where your local guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in before taking an introductory stroll through Green Lake Park, observing local musicians and residents enjoying this urban oasis.
Day 2: Kunming's Natural & Cultural Treasures
From Urban Parks to Geological Wonders
Accommodation: Jinjiang Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning leisure tour through Green Lake Park, followed by exploration of the vibrant Flower and Bird Market showcasing local crafts and antiques. After sampling authentic Yunnan Rice Noodles, journey to the spectacular Stone Forest - a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring extraordinary karst formations that create natural labyrinths of stone sculptures.
Day 3: Kunming to Dali Transition
Mountain Vistas and Highland Rail Journey
Accommodation: Gurong Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Ascend West Hill via cable car to Dragon Gate, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Dianchi Lake. After lunch, experience Yunnan's changing landscapes during a 2.5-hour bullet train ride to Dali, watching rural scenery transform as you approach the ancient Bai kingdom.
Day 4: Dali's Historic Legacy
Ancient Pagodas and Lakeside Cycling
Accommodation: Gurong Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Visit the iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, then capture perfect reflection photos before cycling along Erhai Lake's shoreline. Explore Dali Ancient Town's traditional Bai architecture and consider evening entertainment at Bad Monkey Bar for authentic local music.
Day 5: Bai Culture Immersion
Ethnic Traditions and Mountain Panoramas
Accommodation: Gurong Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover Xizhou's preserved Bai houses and learn traditional tie-dyeing techniques in Zhoucheng village. Ascend Cangshan Mountain via cable car to Jade Belt Road, hiking among ancient temples with spectacular views of Erhai Lake and snow-capped peaks.
Day 6: Journey to Lijiang
Naxi Culture and Ancient Town Exploration
Accommodation: Lijiang Wangfu Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel to Lijiang, visiting Baisha Old Town's 600-year-old murals and Black Dragon Pond Park for iconic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflections. Explore Dongba Culture Museum before immersing in Lijiang Ancient Town's UNESCO-protected lanes and vibrant Sifang Street nightlife.
Day 7: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Expedition
High Altitude Adventures and Cultural Performances
Accommodation: Lijiang Wangfu Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cable car ascent to Glacier Park at 4,506 meters, with optional hiking to 4,680-meter summit. Witness Zhang Yimou's "Impression Lijiang" outdoor spectacle against mountain backdrop, then visit Yufeng Temple's 500-year-old camellia tree and unique multi-religious architecture.
Day 8: En Route to Shangri-La
Dramatic Gorges and Tibetan Artistry
Accommodation: Jinsha International Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge's upper section, then continue to Shangri-La's Dukezong Ancient Town for Tibetan cultural immersion. Participate in Tang-ga painting workshop with local artists before experiencing Moonlight Square's traditional bonfire dancing.
Day 9: Tibetan Buddhist Heritage
Monasteries and National Park Wilderness
Accommodation: Jinsha International Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore Sumtsaling Monastery's Tibetan Buddhist complex and visit local family homes. Discover Potatso National Park's pristine lakes, forests and wetlands via ecological walkways, experiencing China's first national park in its natural splendor.
Day 10: Departure from Highland Paradise
Farewell to Yunnan
Meals: Breakfast
Morning transfer to Shangri-La airport for flight to Kunming, connecting to your onward destination as your Yunnan cultural odyssey concludes.