Charms of Yunnan: Mountain Escapes & Ethnic Cultures

Drive to the Stone Forest and explore its dramatic limestone formations shaped over millions of years.

After lunch, return to Kunming and visit Green Lake Park, where locals gather and relax.

End the day at Kunming Old Streets and Guanghua Street, filled with traditional buildings, food, and small historic shops. Explore the local flower and bird market and discover the colorful charm of Yunnan.

After breakfast, take a high-speed train to Dali.

Visit Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, one of the most iconic landmarks of the region with a history of over a thousand years.

Then enjoy a relaxed walk along Erhai Lake and its lakeside corridor. Continue to Dali Old Town, known for its white-walled houses, slow pace of life, and traditional Bai ethnic charm.

Drive to Lijiang, stopping at Xizhou Village on the way, a well-preserved Bai village known for traditional courtyard houses and local culture.

Arrive in Lijiang for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Lijiang Old Town and Sifang Square, where canals, cobblestone streets, and wooden buildings create a maze-like ancient town atmosphere.

Visit Baisha Ancient Town, famous for its rare Ming Dynasty murals that reflect early Naxi culture and religious art.

Continue to Yuhu Village, a quiet settlement at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, known for its stone houses and strong local traditions.

Drive toward Tiger Leaping Gorge, where powerful river waters rush between towering cliffs.

Stop at The First Bend of the Yangtze River for panoramic views of the river’s dramatic turn.

Continue to Shangri-La and visit Dukezong Ancient Town. Walk up Guishan Hill to enjoy a panoramic view of prayer wheels and traditional Tibetan rooftops.

Hike around Napahai Lake, where grasslands, wetlands, and open skies create a peaceful highland landscape.

Visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, often called the “Little Potala Palace.”

Later, visit a local Tibetan family and experience daily life with butter tea and yak cheese.