SHANGHAI- Kunming: Stone Forest and City Highlights (L)

Shanghai - The driver will meet you in the lobby of your Shanghai hotel, holding a sign with your name, and transfer you to the airport for a 2-hour flight to Kunming.

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park - Your tour guide will greet you and you’ll board your private vehicle for a 1.5-hour drive to Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park. This park features an impressive array of limestone formations, representing the karst landscape of southern China. Known as the ‘First Wonder of the World’ since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the area was once a vast sea during the Carboniferous period of the Paleozoic era, approximately 270 million years ago. Over time, geological movements caused the sea to recede, revealing the limestone formations. Erosion by natural elements has shaped the landscape into its current form. The park is a natural treasure trove, and upon arrival, your guide will share legendary stories and show you the best photo spots. You’ll spend 2-3 hours exploring both the Big and Small Stone Forest Areas.

Flowers and Birds Market of Kunming - After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, you can choose to visit the Flowers and Birds Market. As you stroll through the market, you’ll encounter hundreds of flowers and hear the continuous singing of birds. The market also features tropical fish, antiques, curios, coins, jade articles, jewelry, ink stones, porcelains, potteries, stone carvings, and marble products. If you’re interested in purchasing souvenirs, your guide will offer tips on negotiating prices.

Kunming - Alternatively, you can explore Cuihu Park. Green Lake Park offers a stunning array of lotus flowers and a beautiful lake. Wander the paths and pavilions, enjoy local people in traditional costumes dancing, playing musical instruments, singing, tasting tea, and socializing. In spring, admire the lovely tulips, in summer, the diverse lotus flowers, and in winter, watch black-headed gulls playing. After the tour, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Kunming.

Kunming- Dali- Lijiang (B, L)

Kunming - Your driver will meet you in your Kunming hotel’s lobby and transfer you to the train station for a 2-hour bullet train ride to Dali. Upon arrival at Dali Railway Station, your tour guide will meet you at the exit of the Arrival Hall with a sign displaying your name.
Read more about - 4-Day Private Yunnan Discovery from Chongqing: Kunming, Dali and Lijiang - https://www.viator.com/tours/Chongqing/4-Day-Private-Yunnan-Discovery-from-Chongqing-Kunming-Dali-and-Lijiang/d24779-19099P831?mcid=56757

Chongsheng Three Pagodas - Head directly to Dali Chongsheng Three Pagodas, a national treasure under preservation for 1,800 years. These pagodas document the development of Buddhism in the region and stand at the east foot of Mt. Cangshan, facing the west shore of Erhai Lake. Upon arrival, explore the temple and courtyards with your guide, admire the ancient pagoda, and learn about its history, culture, religion, and art.

Dali - Continue to Dali Ancient Town, where you can leisurely explore the grand city wall, traditional Bai ethnic minority houses, and stunning scenery. Enjoy lunch 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 - Next, visit 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. Take a boat cruise on Erhai Lake, visit Golden Shuttle Island (Jinsuo Dao), and explore the nearby Bai Minority fishing community to learn about their culture and lifestyle.

Old Town of Lijiang - China - At the end of the day, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Lijiang Old Town, enjoying a relaxing 2-hour ride.

Lijiang: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Impressions Lijiang Show, Baisha Village

Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain - Meet your private guide in your hotel’s lobby in Lijiang and head to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, about an hour’s drive away. Enjoy the scenic views along the way. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with its 13 peaks, 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 its name. Learn about its legendary stories from your guide. Upon arrival, take a cable car to the scenic viewing point (4506 meters) and marvel at the glacier and mountain views. You can choose to hike up to 4680 meters via wooden stairs. When ready, descend by cable car.

Lijiang Impressions Show - After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the Lijiang Impressions Show, performed during the day with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the 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, you can choose your preferred tickets for the show.

Baisha Ancient Town - Travel to Baisha Ancient Town at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This is the best place to experience the authentic life of the Naxi People and appreciate their culture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then explore the town. Baisha Village was a Naxi settlement and the birthplace of local Mu Family Governors. Its construction began during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and it was the political, economic, and cultural center of Lijiang before the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Stroll through the village with your guide, learn about its history and the distinctive culture, language, and traditions of the Naxi people. Admire the Baisha Murals, a series of religious paintings created by Han, Tibetan, and Naxi painters, as well as artists from other nationalities. These murals symbolize Naxi Culture and represent a fusion of art from different nationalities. Visit Dabaoji Palace and Fuguo Temple. After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Lijiang.

Old Town of Lijiang(B, L)

Old Town of Lijiang - China - Meet your private guide in your hotel’s lobby in Lijiang and begin exploring the Old Town of Lijiang. This well-preserved old city of ethnic minorities boasts a rich culture and was first built in the late Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), with a history spanning over 800 years. The town’s architecture reflects a blend of Han, Bai, and Tibetan influences, creating a unique Naxi style.
Read more about - 4-Day Private Yunnan Discovery from Chongqing: Kunming, Dali and Lijiang - https://www.viator.com/tours/Chongqing/4-Day-Private-Yunnan-Discovery-from-Chongqing-Kunming-Dali-and-Lijiang/d24779-19099P831?mcid=56757

Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture - As you explore the old town with your guide, stop at the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture, dedicated to the history of the Naxi people, their pictographic language, and animist Dongba religion. Discover the museum and learn about Naxi culture and art.

Mufu Palace - Next, visit Mufu Palace. The Mu Family, 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 incorporating elements from the Tang and Song Dynasties. Inside, the details reflect the minority features of the Bai and Naxi groups. Besides its architectural value, the palace is also a remarkable plant museum with ancient trees and extraordinary plants. The garden combines imperial and Suzhou styles. Explore the palace and learn its history and stories from your guide.

Black Dragon Pond Park - Then, visit Black Dragon Pond Park. Follow your guide to explore ancient monuments such as Longshen Temple, Deyue Pavilion, Suocui Bridge, and Hanyue Stage. Enjoy stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from the park.

Lijiang Lion Rock - If you choose to end your tour in Lijiang, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then proceed to Lion Hill Park. The Lion Mountain resembles a sleeping lion from afar, offering a picturesque view.

Wangu Pavilion - Reach the mountaintop and ascend to Wangu Pavilion, a five-storied all-wooden structure with five elegant eaves. The tower is considered the No.1 Domed-shaped Structure in China. Capture panoramic views of the surrounding areas, including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Old Town, and Naxi minority villages.

Lijiang - Continue to Wenchang Palace, originally built in 1725, which hosted exams and folk lectures during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Stroll around the area, then visit Twin-Stone Garden, where you’ll find a large waterwheel and bas-relief commemorating Naxi civilization.

After the tour, you can choose to conclude your journey in Lijiang or return to Chongqing.

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Battery bus at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Stone Forest
• Plane tickets (economy class)
• 2nd Class Train ticket Kunming-Dali
• Private guide
• Lunch
• Private air-conditioned comfortable car
• Breakfast
• Middle seats ticket for Lijiang Show
• Cable car round trip to Glacier Park
• Entrance fee
• Overnight accommodation of standard twin room (two beds), based on twin share if choose the option

• Single supplement charge of accommodation
• Accommodation if you choose the option to have tour only
• Gratuities

Embark on the Yunnan Discovery cultural journey, flying from Shanghai to explore the historic cities of Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang. This customized tour is designed to meet your preferences, allowing you to visit renowned sites such as the Stone Forest, Guihu Park, Flower and Birds Market, Chongsheng Three Pagodas, Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake, Mu Palace, Lijiang Old Town, and Baisha Village. Additionally, discover the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and enjoy the spectacular open-air Impression Lijiang Show, featuring performances by local villagers. The tour includes plane/train tickets, entrance fees, lunch, show tickets, a round-trip cable car ride, an English-speaking tour guide, and travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle. You have the option to conclude your tour in Lijiang or return to Shanghai. The tour also offers the choice to book 4-star accommodation with daily breakfast.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.