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 two-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 has shaped the landscape into its current form. The park is a natural treasure trove, and 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 a variety of flowers and hear birds singing. The market also features tropical fish, antiques, curios, coins, jade, jewelry, ink stones, porcelain, pottery, stone carvings, and marble products. If you’re interested in purchasing souvenirs, your guide can 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 instruments, singing, tasting tea, and socializing. In spring, admire the tulips; in summer, the diverse lotus flowers; and in winter, watch black-headed gulls. 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 two-hour bullet train ride to Dali. Upon arrival at Dali Railway Station, your tour guide will greet you with a sign displaying your name.

Chongsheng Three Pagodas - Head directly to the Chongsheng Three Pagodas in Dali. These 1,800-year-old pagodas are a national treasure and a testament to the development of Buddhism in the region. They stand at the eastern foot of Mt. Cangshan, facing 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. Spend some leisure time exploring the town, enjoying its grand city wall, traditional Bai ethnic minority 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 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.

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 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 - Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then experience the Lijiang Impressions Show. This daytime performance uses Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as its backdrop. Over 100 horses and 500 non-professional peasant actors from 16 local villages and over 10 ethnic minorities showcase their culture, history, and customs through unique movements and original songs. You can select your preferred tickets when booking.

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. It was constructed during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and 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 artists, as well as artists from other nationalities. These murals symbolize Naxi culture and represent a fusion of art from different nationalities.
Visit Dabaoji Palace.
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.

The Old Town of Lijiang is a well-preserved city of ethnic minorities with a rich culture. Built in the late Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), it has a history of over 800 years. The town’s architecture combines the best elements of Han, Bai, and Tibetan styles into a unique Naxi style, reflecting the multicultural influences and progress of the Naxi ethnic minority.

Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture - Stroll through the old town with your guide and visit the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture, which is dedicated to the history of the Naxi people, their pictographic language, and animist Dongba religion. Explore 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 Chinese 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. In addition to its architectural value, the palace serves as 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, explore Black Dragon Pond Park. Follow your guide to see 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 visit Lion Hill Park. From a distance, Lion Mountain resembles a sleeping lion, offering a picturesque view.

Wangu Pavilion - Ascend to the mountaintop and visit Wangu Pavilion, a five-storied wooden structure with five elegant eaves. The tower is considered the No.1 domed 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, the palace was used for exams and folk lectures during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Stroll through the area and visit Twin-Stone Garden, where you’ll find a large waterwheel and bas-relief commemorating Naxi civilization.

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

• 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.