10-Day Yunnan Highlights Tour: Discover Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La & Meili Snow Mountain

After breakfast, drive 86 km to the famous Stone Forest, one of Yunnan’s most iconic natural wonders. As the local saying goes, “If you visit Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, your trip is incomplete.” Explore the stunning limestone formations that have fascinated visitors for centuries.   Following lunch, take the high-speed train from Shilin Station to Dali. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel in Dali Old Town.   Enjoy a leisurely evening exploring the charming streets of Dali Old Town at your own pace.

In the morning, take the high-speed train to Dali, a city famous for its rich history and vibrant Bai ethnic culture. Your first stop is the Three Pagodas at Chongshen Monastery, which dates back over 1,800 years. These ancient pagodas form a symmetrical triangle at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, overlooking the stunning Erhai Lake. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing cruise on Erhai Lake by small boat to Jinsuo Islet, home to about 200 Bai families. During the cruise, take in the breathtaking views of Cangshan Mountain, the Three Pagodas, and watch flocks of birds and seagulls soaring above the lake. In the afternoon, explore Ancient Dali Town. Stroll along the lively Foreigner Street, mingle with locals, and unwind. Finally, climb the ancient City Wall of Dali for a panoramic view of Erhai Lake and its surrounding scenery.

After breakfast, visit Xizhou Town to admire traditional Bai-style courtyard architecture, enjoy the fragrant Three-Course Tea, and experience the unique Bai culture. Then head to Zhoucheng Village to explore the Bai people's tie-dye cloth workshop, where you can find special ethnic souvenirs. Next, drive approximately 180 km to Lijiang, passing through picturesque farmlands and ethnic villages. After lunch, visit the scenic Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Museum to learn about the rich culture of the Naxi minority. In the late afternoon, explore the ancient streets of Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 1997. Here, admire the exquisite wooden architecture crafted by the Naxi people, and soak in the town’s timeless charm.

Start your day early to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise over Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town. Then, drive about 30 km to Ganhaizi Meadow (3100m), where you’ll take a sightseeing bus through the scenic Baishui River and Blue Moon Valley. A chairlift ride (subject to weather conditions) will take you up to explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Enjoy a one-hour hike through the pristine forest of Spruce Meadow (3200m), surrounded by alpine beauty. After lunch, experience the spectacular Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show at Ganhaizi Meadow (3100m). This outdoor cultural performance, set against the majestic mountain backdrop, showcases the traditions of the Naxi, Yi, and Bai peoples. Directed by renowned artists Zhang Yimou, Fan Yue, and Wang Chaoge, the show features over 500 performers and horses, offering a vivid glimpse into local life. In the afternoon, stroll through the peaceful Baisha Old Town, an enchanting traditional Yunnan village. Visit the famous Baisha Murals, nearly 600 years old and part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 1997.

Depart from Lijiang and drive about 60 km to the First Bend of the Yangtze River, where dramatic gorge landscapes unfold. Visit the Iron Chain Bridge and the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in Shigu Town. The nearby Stone Drum Town is named after a large marble tablet shaped like a drum. Enjoy the stunning views of wheat fields and haystacks dotting the Lijiang valley. Next, explore the world-famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular gorges on Earth. The Yangtze River here, known as the Jinsha River, flows turbulently through 34 rapids, its waters historically famed for traces of gold. In the afternoon, continue to Shangri-La (formerly Zhongdian), a paradise known for its rich Tibetan culture and breathtaking landscapes of barley fields and grazing yaks. Stroll through Dukezong Ancient Town, a key hub on the ancient Tea-Horse Road connecting Yunnan, Tibet, and India. Visit Guishan Hill Park and the iconic Giant Prayer Wheel to experience local spiritual life.

Start your day with a visit to Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Also known as the “Little Potala Palace,” this monastery impresses with its traditional architecture and serene, mystical atmosphere. Next, explore the peaceful Bita Lake and Shudu Lake within Pudacuo National Park. Located in one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions, Pudacuo covers only 0.7% of China’s land but hosts over 20% of the country’s plant species, a third of its mammals and birds, and nearly 100 endangered species. In the afternoon, visit a nearby Tibetan village to experience authentic local culture and lifestyle.

In the morning, embark on a 4 to 5-hour drive to Deqin County (3,400m altitude), located 187 km from Zhongdian. Your route passes through the stunning Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, where, weather permitting, you’ll catch breathtaking views of Baima Snow Mountain. The journey crosses a high mountain pass at 4,292m altitude, offering spectacular panoramic vistas. Along the way, stop for lunch in Benzilan Town and take memorable photos at the First Bend of the Jinsha (Yangtze) River, Dongzhulin Monastery, and of the majestic Baima (White Horse) Snow Mountain. The route is adorned with lush forests, flowing streams, colorful prayer flags, ancient stupas, and traditional Tibetan villages. Overnight stay at Feilaisi, immersing yourself in this remote and serene Tibetan landscape.

Rise early to witness the magical sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain from Feilaisi Monastery, an unforgettable moment bathed in golden light. Afterward, drive back toward Shangri-La, passing again through the breathtaking landscapes of the Yangtze River Grand Canyon and Baima Snow Mountain. Continue to Mingyong Village, where you’ll hike approximately 4 km along scenic trails to the Mingyong Glacier of Meili Snow Mountain. From here, walk another hour to reach the Tibetan Taizi Monastery, an excellent vantage point to admire the majestic glacier. (Optional: You may hire a horse to ease your hike.) Explore the surrounding Lancang River Grand Canyon and nearby Tibetan villages, experiencing the heart of Yunnan’s natural beauty and cultural richness. This trek promises to be one of the most memorable highlights of your journey. In the afternoon, drive back to Shangri-La via the stunning Baima Snow Mountain, completing a day filled with awe-inspiring sights.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace before being transferred to Shangri-La Airport or Shangri-La Railway Station for your departure. You may choose to take the high-speed train back to Kunming (approximately 5 hours) or a quick flight to Kunming (about 40 minutes) to continue your next adventure. Service ends here.