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Private, on your own dates · China

Yunnan Wonders: Kunming, Dali & Lijiang (7D6N)

A 7-day Yunnan journey through Kunming, Dali and Lijiang, with the Stone Forest, Erhai Lake, Bai culture and UNESCO-listed old towns.

The route3 cities, joined by rail.
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7 days, 6 nightsDuration
3 citiesWhere you sleep
Daily breakfast at the hotel, Daily dinner as specified in the itineraryMeals

Why this journey

Trace a classic southwest China route through Kunming, Dali and Lijiang, where each stop brings a different side of Yunnan into view. The journey begins in Kunming, with time to settle in before heading out to the Stone Forest, a striking landscape of limestone pillars and walking paths shaped by nature over millions of years.

From there, the pace shifts onto the rail line, with high-speed train travel linking the major cities and keeping long road transfers out of the way. In Dali, the old town’s lanes, Bai-style architecture and lakeside setting create a slower rhythm, while the Three Pagodas and Erhai Lake add two of the region’s most recognisable sights to the route.

The itinerary continues to Lijiang, where canals, timber houses and stone streets give the old town its character. Visits to Mu Family Mansion, Black Dragon Pond, Baisha Village and Shuhe add depth to the story, with Naxi heritage and village life woven through the day. The final balance is between heritage, scenery and a comfortable overland flow from one destination to the next.

With guided sightseeing, selected entrance fees, daily breakfasts, dinners and private transfers included, this tour suits travellers who want a concise Yunnan circuit with clear logistics and a strong mix of culture and landscape.

Trip highlights

  • 01Walk the Stone Forest’s limestone pillars with guided viewpoints and photo stops.
  • 02Travel between the main cities by high-speed train for shorter transfer times.
  • 03Explore Dali Ancient Town and the Three Pagodas without a rushed pace.
  • 04Enjoy an Erhai Lake cruise with open water and mountain scenery.
  • 05Experience Bai village culture and a traditional three-course tea ceremony.
  • 06Discover Lijiang Ancient Town, Mu Family Mansion and Black Dragon Pond.
  • 07Visit Baisha Village, Yuhu Village and Shuhe for a broader cultural day in Lijiang.
  • 08Includes private transfers, local guides, selected entrance fees and most meals.

Day-by-day itinerary

What's included

Included in your trip7 items covered in this fare
Hotels1
  • Hotel accommodation based on two adults sharing one standard twin-bed room
Transfers1
  • Private transfers between airports, railway stations, hotels and sightseeing points as per itinerary
Entrances1
  • First-gate entrance fees to scenic spots shown in the itinerary
Guides1
  • English-speaking guide and driver for normal sightseeing activities in each destination
Meals3
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel
  • Daily dinner as specified in the itinerary
  • Mineral water
Plan and pay separately11 items not covered by this fare
Flights3
  • International airfare
  • Domestic airfare
  • Train tickets
Visa2
  • Visa fees
  • Passport application or renewal fees
Tips1
  • Tips for guides, escort, drivers and bellmen
Personal Expenses1
  • Personal expenses such as excess luggage, laundry, postage, communications and beverages
Insurance1
  • Travel insurance
Meals1
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
Taxes2
  • Hotel/Resort Tax
  • Tourism Fee

Your hotels

Hotels are named on your confirmation — all are of the stated category.

Meeting & drop-off
You're met atKunming
You're dropped atLijiang

You leave from a different place than you arrive — book an open-jaw flight, not a return.

Arrival transfer in Kunming and departure transfer from Lijiang are included as per itinerary.

11 go inside0 walk through1 exterior only
Kunming2 places
KunmingEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Stone Forest (Shilin)Entrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Dali3 places
Dali Ancient TownEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Erhai LakeEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Three Pagodas (Dali)Entrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Lijiang7 places
Lijiang Ancient TownEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Mu Palace (Mu Family Mansion)Entrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Black Dragon PondEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Baisha Village & Baisha FrescosEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Yuhu VillageEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Shuhe Ancient TownEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Jade Dragon Snow MountainSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view

China

IdealGoodFairAvoid
OctIdeal

Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) are ideal. Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1–7) peak crowds.

Beijing
Average High
18°C
Rainfall
16mm
Shanghai
Average High
23°C
Rainfall
62mm
Guilin
Average High
25°C
Rainfall
52mm
Xi'an
Average High
18°C
Rainfall
52mm
Essential

Passport, visa and travel documents

  • Make sure your passport is valid for the full trip.
  • Check visa requirements for China before booking and allow time for processing.
  • Any passport renewal or visa cost is not included in the package.
Essential

Insurance and personal wellbeing

  • Travel insurance is mandatory and should be arranged before departure.
  • Carry any personal medication you may need during the trip.
  • Guests are responsible for any recommended vaccinations or health precautions.
Essential

Rail and transfer planning

  • Intercity travel is by high-speed train, which keeps the route efficient.
  • Private transfers are arranged for airport, rail and sightseeing connections listed in the itinerary.
  • Train tickets are excluded unless specifically stated elsewhere in the package details.

What to pack for Yunnan

  • Pack comfortable walking shoes for old towns, village visits and the Stone Forest.
  • Bring a light jacket or layers, as temperatures can vary between destinations and at higher altitude.
  • A small day bag is useful for water, camera gear and essentials on sightseeing days.

Dining during the tour

  • The package includes hotel breakfasts and the dinners stated in the itinerary.
  • Meals not listed are at your own expense.
  • If you have dietary needs, advise in advance so requests can be checked with suppliers where possible.

What to budget for

  • Allow for tips, extra meals, drinks, laundry and other personal spending.
  • Hotel/resort tax and tourism fee are excluded.
  • Keep some local currency available for small purchases and optional extras.

Hotel arrangement

  • Accommodation is based on two adults sharing one standard twin-bed room.
  • Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policy.
  • Equivalent hotels may be used if operational changes are required.

Tour pace and inclusions

  • The itinerary balances scenic stops, cultural visits and rail travel across three main cities.
  • Selected first-gate entrance fees, guides, transfers and most meals are included.
  • Unused services are non-refundable.

Common questions

How is travel arranged between the cities on this tour?

The route uses high-speed train services between Kunming, Dali and Lijiang, with local transfers arranged for sightseeing and hotel connections.

Which meals are included?

Daily breakfasts and the dinners stated in the itinerary are included. Any other meals are payable separately.

Are entrance fees and guides included?

Yes. The package includes first-gate entrance fees to the listed scenic spots and English-speaking guiding for normal sightseeing activities.

Is airport pickup and drop-off included?

Private transfers between the airport or railway station, the hotel and sightseeing points are included as per the itinerary.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be arranged before departure.

Policies & booking terms
Booking terms
  1. Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
  2. All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
  3. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
  4. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
  5. Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
  6. Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
  7. The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
  8. All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
  9. No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
  10. The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
  11. All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
  12. Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
  13. Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
✦AI trip designer

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