Kunming - Dali (L)

Kunming Nanyao Railway Station - The driver will meet the operator in the lobby of their Kunming hotel and transfer them to the railway station for a 2-hour bullet train journey to Dali.

Upon arrival, the local guide will be waiting at the exit of the arrival hall, holding a sign with the operator’s name.

Chongsheng Three Pagodas - The tour proceeds directly to the Chongsheng Three Pagodas in Dali. These pagodas, part of the Chongsheng Temple, are a national treasure preserved for 1,800 years, marking the development of Buddhism in the region. They stand at the eastern foot of the tenth peak of the vast Mt. Cangshan, facing the western shore of Erhai Lake.

Upon arrival, the operator can stroll around the temple and courtyards with the tour guide, admire the over 1,000-year-old pagoda, and learn about its history, culture, religion, and art.

Dali Town - The tour continues to Dali Ancient Town. Here, the operator can enjoy leisure time exploring the ancient town, appreciating its grand city wall, traditional Bai ethnic minority folk houses, and stunning scenery. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Dali Ancient Town was a gateway to the Silk Road in Southwest China and served as a government seat and major military barracks for Yunnan Province in ancient times.

Erhai Lake - The tour then proceeds to Erhai Lake, the largest highland lake and one of China’s seven largest freshwater lakes. Its name means ‘sea shaped like an ear’ in Chinese.

Dali-Shaxi Ancient Town-Lijiang (B, L)

Dali Ancient - The private guide will meet the operator in the hotel’s lobby in Dali, heading directly to Shaxi Ancient Town, a 2-hour journey. The operator can relax and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Shaxi Ancient Town - Shaxi Ancient Town was once a significant and prosperous hub along the ancient Tea Horse Road, an international trade route where caravans were the main transportation means. Listed as one of the world’s 100 most endangered sites by the World Monuments Fund, it offers fresh air around the clock. The village’s history dates back to the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period (770 BC-221BC).

Ancient buildings, stone bridges, and roads remain as records of its past glory and changes.

Xingjiao Temple, Shaxi - Upon arrival, the operator can explore with the tour guide. Stroll around Sifang Street, and if visiting on a Friday, experience the local trading fair where mountain villagers come down with their horses to trade goods.

Next, visit the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 AD) Xingjiao Temple, the largest and most representative Buddhist Tantra temple in China. The well-preserved Ming Dynasty murals in the temple are influenced by the Central Plains painting style and have rich local ethnic characteristics, treasured by the Bai People in southwestern China. The tour guide will provide more information about Buddhism in China.

Continue exploring the Ancient Opera Stage and Yuxi Bridge.

Old Town of Lijiang - China - After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, the tour heads directly to Lijiang Old Town, a 2-hour journey where the operator can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Lijiang City Highlights (B, L)

Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain - The private guide will meet the operator in the hotel’s lobby in Lijiang, heading directly to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a 1-hour journey. The operator can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Comprising 13 peaks, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. From Lijiang Old Town, the snow-covered, fog-enveloped mountain resembles a jade dragon in the clouds, hence the name.

The tour guide will share information and legendary stories. Upon arrival, take the convenient cable car to the scenic viewing point (4,506 meters) and marvel at the spectacular glacier and mountain views. The operator can choose to hike up to 4,680 meters via wooden stairs. When ready to leave, descend by cable car.

Lijiang Impressions Show - After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, the operator can enjoy the amazing Lijiang Impressions Show. The daytime performance uses Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as its stage backdrop. Over 100 horses and 500 non-professional peasant actors from 16 local villages and over 10 ethnic minorities perform, showcasing their culture, history, and customs through unique movements and original songs. When booking, the operator can choose preferred tickets for the show.

Old Town of Lijiang - China - The tour then heads directly to the Old Town of Lijiang.

The Old Town of Lijiang is a well-preserved city of ethnic minorities with a rich culture. First built in the late Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), it has a history of over 800 years. The buildings here reflect a blend of Han, Bai, and Tibetan architectural traits, creating a unique Naxi style.

Mufu Palace - The tour continues to Mufu Palace. The Mu Family, top rulers of the Naxi minority, governed Lijiang from the Yuan Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, spanning 470 years and 22 generations. The current Mufu Palace represents ancient central China architectural style from the Ming Dynasty, while also retaining Tang and Song Dynasty characteristics. Inside, the details showcase the minority features of the Bai and Naxi groups. Besides its architectural value, it serves as an outstanding plant museum with ancient trees and extraordinary plants. The garden combines imperial and Suzhou styles. The operator can explore the palace and learn its history and stories from the tour guide.

After the tour, the operator can choose to end the tour in Lijiang or return to Kunming by bullet train.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• English speaking tour guide
• Cable car round trip to Glacier Park
• Middle Seats Show Ticket
• Train Tickets
• Shuttle bus at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
• Overnight accommodation of standard twin room (two beds), based on twin share if choose the option
• Travel by private air-conditioned vehicle
• Entrance Fee

• Accommodation if you choose to have the tour only
• Gratuites

Join this comprehensive 3-day private tour to experience the highlights of Dali, Shaxi Ancient Town and Lijiang. This personalized tour is tailored to your needs and allows you to tick off famous attractions, such as Chongsheng Three Pagodas, Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake, Shaxi Ancient Town, Mu Palace, Lijiang Old Town. In addition, explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and enjoy amazing open-air Impression Lijiang Impression Show which performances by non-professional peasant actors who are from local villages. This private tour including English speaking tour guide, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle, train tickets, entrance fee, round trip cable car, lunch, show tickets and door-to-door hotel transfers. You can choose to end your tour in Lijiang or return Kunming. Tour includes the option to book 4 star accommodation with daily breakfast.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.