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15-day Yunnan: From tea roads to snow mountains
Trip Introduction
🗓️ duraTION: 15 days / 14 NIGHTS all year round
🌎 China: Kunming → Dali → Baoshan → Tengchong → Liuku → Bingzhongluo → Shangri-La → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Lijiang
Embark on a spectacular 15-day journey across Western Yunnan, one of China’s most diverse and captivating regions. From the cultural heart of Kunming to the serene beauty of Erhai Lake in Dali, the volcanic landscapes of Tengchong, and the dramatic Nujiang Grand Canyon, this adventure reveals the full spectrum of Yunnan’s natural and cultural treasures.Travel through remote mountain roads, encounter ethnic minority villages, soak in hot springs, and admire snow-capped peaks as you journey all the way to the mystical Shangri-La and the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge, before concluding your trip in the UNESCO-listed Lijiang Old Town.This route combines scenic beauty, rich local culture, and authentic encounters—perfect for travelers seeking an immersive, off-the-beaten-path experience in China’s southwest frontier.
Trip code: CBT251506
Itinerary
🥢 Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1: Kunming
Arrive at Kunming International Airport (KMG) or Kunming Railway Station in the morning.Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
The tour program begins in the afternoon.Please be ready for hotel pick-up at the scheduled time. Afternoon visit to Green Lake Park, a scenic urban oasis famous for its lotus ponds and winter seagulls, and Yuantong Temple - a historic Buddhist site blending Han, Tibetan and Southeast Asian architectural styles. Overnight in Kunming.
The tour program begins in the afternoon.Please be ready for hotel pick-up at the scheduled time. Afternoon visit to Green Lake Park, a scenic urban oasis famous for its lotus ponds and winter seagulls, and Yuantong Temple - a historic Buddhist site blending Han, Tibetan and Southeast Asian architectural styles. Overnight in Kunming.
Day 2: Stone Forest & Guandu Ancient Town (B, L)
Hotel breakfast.Full-day tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Stone Forest, featuring spectacular karst formations.En route, visit Guandu Ancient Town, a well-preserved historic town showcasing traditional architecture and local snacks.Lunch included.
Overnight in Kunming.
Day 3: kunming to Dali (B)
Hotel breakfast and check-out.Transfer to the railway station and board the high-speed train to Dali. (approx. 2.5 hours)Upon arrival in Dali, meet your local guide.Afternoon visit to Xizhou Village, featuring rich Bai ethnic culture, the historic Yan Family Courtyard, and a traditional tie-dye workshop where you can observe local craftsmanship.Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Dali.
Day 4: dali (B)
Hotel breakfast. Visit North Gate Market and iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. Enjoy 45-minute Erhai Lake boat ride to Tianjing Pavilion. Stroll through Dali Old Town, seeing Catholic Church and Foreigners' Street.Overnight in Dali.
Day 5: dali to baoshan (B)
Hotel breakfast and check-out.This morning, meet your guide and begin the scenic drive to Baoshan (approximately 3–4 hours), traveling through changing landscapes of rivers, valleys, and terraced fields.Upon arrival, visit a coffee plantation, where you can learn the story of Yunnan’s Arabica coffee from seed to cup and experience the local cultivation process.Leisure time to enjoy the plantation surroundings or sample freshly brewed coffee.Overnight in Baoshan.
Day 6: baoshan to tengchong (B)
Hotel breakfast and check-out.Depart Baoshan and drive to Tengchong (approximately 3–4 hours), a region renowned for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and rich historical heritage.Upon arrival, visit Heshun Ancient Town, a charming village with well-preserved traditional architecture, narrow cobbled streets, and a glimpse into local life.Enjoy leisure time to explore artisan shops, local cafés, and scenic spots along the town’s canals.Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Tengchong.
Day 7: tengchong (B)
Hotel breakfast.Full-day hiking in Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve. Choose between a 6 km easy loop or a 12 km moderate trek, each offering a unique way to explore Gaoligong’s pristine landscapes, rich biodiversity, and breathtaking scenery.Packed lunch provided during the hike.Return to Tengchong in the late afternoon. Overnight in Tengchong.
Day 8: tengchong to liuku (B)
Hotel breakfast and check-out.Depart Tengchong and drive to Liuku (approximately 3–4 hours), passing through scenic rural landscapes and small towns along the way.Upon arrival, explore the local area, including the Nujiang riverside scenery and nearby traditional villages, offering insight into the ethnic minority cultures of the region.Leisure time to stroll along the riverbanks or visit local markets.Overnight in Liuku.
Day 9: liuku to laomudeng (B)
Hotel breakfast. Hotel breakfast and check-out.Depart Liuku and drive to Laomudeng (approximately 3–4 hours), traveling through scenic mountain roads and riverside landscapes.En route, stop at Zhiziluo (Memory City) for panoramic views over the Nujiang Grand Canyon, then continue the journey to Laomudeng Village, known for its dramatic valley scenery and tranquil atmosphere.Overnight in Laomudeng.
Day 10: laomudeng to bingzhongluo (B)
Hotel breakfast and check-out.In the morning, drive to Bingzhongluo (approximately 2–3 hours), enjoying scenic views along the way, including the dramatic First Bend of the Nujiang River.In the afternoon, visit Peach Blossom Island, a tranquil riverside village embraced by snow-capped peaks and lush farmland, offering a peaceful pastoral atmosphere.Overnight in Bingzhongluo.
Day 11: bingzhongluo to shangri-la (B)
Hotel breakfast and check-out.Depart Bingzhongluo and drive to Shangri-La (approximately 7–8 hours, depending on road conditions), following the scenic route via Deqin and traveling through dramatic mountain valleys and highland landscapes along the eastern Himalayas.Arrive in Shangri-La in the late afternoon. Enjoy leisure time to rest or take a gentle walk around the old town to acclimate to the higher altitude.Overnight in Shangri-La.
day 12: shangri-la (b)
Hotel breakfast.Visit the iconic Songzanlin Monastery, the landmark of Shangri-La, famous for its golden rooftops shimmering over the surrounding lake and its serene, spiritual atmosphere.In the afternoon, continue to Napa Lake and Grassland, where you can observe grazing yaks, seasonal migratory birds, and the vast, tranquil beauty of the highland wetlands.Overnight in Shangri-La.
day 13: shangri-la to lijiang (b)
Hotel breakfast and check-out.Depart Shangri-La and drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of China’s deepest and most dramatic canyons. Enjoy sweeping views of the upper Yangtze River (Jinsha River) and witness the immense power of the water as it rushes through the narrow gorge.After the visit, drive to Lijiang (approximately 2–3 hours).Overnight in Lijiang.
day 14: lijiang (b)
Hotel breakfast.Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, one of the most iconic alpine landscapes in Yunnan. Explore its stunning snow-capped peaks and glaciers.Continue to Yuhu Village, a picturesque Naxi settlement at the foot of the mountain, where you can experience local Naxi culture, traditional architecture, and enjoy panoramic mountain views.Overnight in Lijiang.
day 15: departure (b)
Hotel breakfast and check out. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Trip ends.
Tour details
tour duration
15 Days / 14 Nights
size of group
Daily departure, min. 2 (guaranteed)
accommodation
- 14 nights including daily hotel breakfast.
- Choose your preferred class: Comfort, Deluxe, or Boutique
Meals
- 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch featuring Yunnan Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles
- Happy to arrange more culinary experiences upon request.
Internal transport
- City Train (Standard seat): Kunming → Dali
- Transfers: All airport and train station to hotel round-trip transfers by private vehicle.
sightseeing
- All mentioned tours and excursions
- Includes: All first-entry admission tickets to sights.
- Guide Service: Professional local English-speaking guide service in each city.
- Spanish, Italian, and German-speaking guides available upon request (may require an additional fee).
Travel moments
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