Yunnan Family Tour
8-Day Kunming - Dali - Shaxi - Lijiang - Kunming
This 8-day tour covers Kunming, Dali, Shaxi, and Lijiang. You'll explore ancient towns, experience diverse ethnic cultures, and discover natural wonders, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and convenient transfers.
Per person based on 2 travelers in 4-star hotels
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the time-honored Dali Ancient Town and the elegant Dali Erhai Lake.
- Explore the charming Shaxi Ancient Town and the distinctive Bai ethnic villages.
- Marvel at the charming Lijiang Ancient Town and the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
- Experience the diverse landscapes of Kunming, including the Stone Forest.
Tour Itinerary
- Dali Landscape Hotel

- None
Arrive at Kunming Airport, meet your driver, and transfer to Kunming Train Station to catch your onward train to Dali.
Good to Know
- This tour does not include international flights. However, we would be more than happy to assist you in booking flights if you contact us.
- Dali Landscape Hotel

- Breakfast, Lunch
Kick off your 6-hour Erhai Lake exploration from Xizhou, an 18-kilometer drive north of Dali Ancient City. This charming town is dotted with traditional Bai ethnic houses and is celebrated as the origin of Xizhou Baba, a local savory pastry.
After a short stopover, a 20-minute drive brings you to Zhoucheng Village—the largest Bai ethnic settlement. Here, you can engage in a hands-on tie-dyeing workshop to experience this time-honored Bai craft firsthand.
A 40-minute drive further leads to Shuanglang Town, a scenic fishing village on Erhai’s northeast coast. It’s the perfect spot to savor local snacks and take a leisurely break amid the lake’s tranquil views.
Next, travel 20 kilometers to Xiaoputuo Island, a tiny islet roughly 20 meters offshore. You don’t need to set foot on the island; its picturesque silhouette makes for stunning photos taken directly from the lakeshore.
A 10-minute drive takes you to the tour’s final stop - Ideal Kingdom. This renowned hotel is famous for its architecture inspired by Greece’s Santorini. For an extra treat, you can opt for afternoon tea here at an approximate cost of CNY 200 per person.
Finally, drive 40 minutes along the lakeshore to head back to Dali Ancient City.
Then, head to The Three Pagodas in Dali is a masterpiece of ancient architecture and a cultural icon of Yunnan. Situated 1.5 km northwest of Dali Ancient Town, they were built between the 9th and 12th centuries during the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms.
Wrap up the day by visiting Dali Ancient Town, which is a historical gem with a history spanning over a thousand years. Its ancient city walls, traditional Bai-style houses with white walls and blue tiles, and bustling streets lined with shops selling local handicrafts and snacks, like tie-dye products and milk fan.
- landscape Hotel Shaxi

- Breakfast, Lunch
Visit the Houses of Bai People in Xizhou in the morning, which showcase the unique culture of the Bai people. You can admire their traditional architecture, take part in folk activities if they are on offer, and sample Bai cuisine, such as the delicious Erkuai dishes.
Take a trip from Dali to Shaxi by private transfer. Shaxi Ancient Town is a well-preserved Tea Horse Road town that has retained its original layout and ancient buildings. Sideng Square, with its ancient theatre and old banyan tree, is a focal point where you can picture the hustle and bustle of past merchant activity.
Walk from Shaxi to a neighboring village (1 hour, 2.5 miles). You will start the hike from Sideng Street. Cross the Yujin Bridge and walk along the Heihui River to the north, where you can enjoy the peaceful countryside. Local people might be working in the fields. A lady carrying a big basket full of plants might be on her way home.
- Sedona Sanhe Hall

- Breakfast, Lunch
Travel from Shaxi to Lijiang by private transfer. Visit Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is famous for its maze-like cobblestone streets, flowing canals, and Naxi-style architecture. The old town is divided into different areas, each with its own charm.
Black Dragon Pool Park is a traditional Chinese garden featuring serene ponds, ancient cypress trees, and the magnificent Deyue Pavilion. The clear water of the pool reflects the nearby Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, creating a picture-perfect scene.
- The 5th Meteorite Grace Hotel

- Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, tour to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This majestic mountain, part of the Himalayan range, stands at over 5,500 meters. You can take a cable car to explore the glacier park, walk along the snow-covered paths, and marvel at the stunning alpine scenery.
The Blue Moon Valley, with its turquoise waters and cascading waterfalls, is another highlight not to be missed.
The last stop is Yuhu Village, a tranquil Naxi village at the foot of the mountain. Here, you can visit the former residence of Joseph Rock, an explorer who documented Naxi culture, and interact with local villagers to learn about their traditional way of life, including their unique Dongba culture and handicrafts.
Travel to Shangri-la from Lijiang by private car after the tour.
- Cachet Boutique Kunming Artime

- Breakfast, Lunch
Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest river gorges, cuts through the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain in Yunnan, carved by the turbulent Jinsha River (upper reaches of the Yangtze River).
The gorge is divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower. We will visit The Lower Gorge (Tiger Leaping Stone) is where the river rushes through the narrowest section, offering close-up views of the rapids.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and transfer to Shangri-la railway station, and catch your train to Kunming.
- Cachet Boutique Kunming Artime

- Breakfast, Lunch
Explore Stone Forest in Kunming. This karst landscape features thousands of peculiar stone formations, some resembling trees, animals, or human figures, hence the name “Stone Forest”. Legend has it that this is the home of the Ashima, a figure from Sani ethnic folklore. You can take a walk among the stones, visit the underground caves, and learn about the geological history of the area.
Also, if you visit in winter, Dianchi Lake is a must-see, where thousands of red-billed gulls migrate. During the lake's annual seagull season, thousands of migrating Siberian seagulls fly to Kunming and spend their winter there. You'll have a chance to feed them (prepare food for them).
- Breakfast
Meet your driver at the appointment time, then transfer to Kunming Airport to catch your onward flight.
What's Included
- Hotels are included in the itinerary.
- High-speed trains are specified in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees.
- Meals are detailed in the itinerary.
- Private transfers.
- Private English-speaking guide and driver.
- Service charges and taxes.
Notes
- The itinerary outlined above can be customized to align with your personal interests and preferences. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us, and we will gladly make the necessary adjustments.
- Pricing is subject to change based on the itinerary, activities, travel season, number of participants, and hotel selection. We provide accommodations across all levels for our tours, including renowned 5-star hotel chains, well-located 4-star hotels, and high-value 3-star hotels at various destinations.

