Private, on your own dates · Asia, 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.
Why this journey
What this trip is built around, and what makes it worth the days.
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.
- 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
Open a day for the written plan, then switch to the hour-by-hour breakdown.
Arrive in Kunming, the Spring City. Meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short walk nearby or rest before dinner.
In the evening, join the group for a welcome dinner.
- City arrival
- Welcome dinner
Arrival transfer included
Overnight in Kunming.
What's included
And what it does not. Read the right-hand column before you budget.
- TransfersPrivate transfers between airports, railway stations, hotels and sightseeing points as per itinerary
- HotelsHotel accommodation based on two adults sharing one standard twin-bed room
- MealsDaily breakfast at the hotel
- MealsDaily dinner as specified in the itinerary
- GuidesEnglish-speaking guide and driver for normal sightseeing activities in each destination
- EntrancesFirst-gate entrance fees to scenic spots shown in the itinerary
- MealsMineral water
- FlightsInternational air travel is not part of this fare. The record lists no air component.
- FlightsTrain tickets
- VisaVisa fees
- VisaPassport application or renewal fees
- TipsTips for guides, escort, drivers and bellmen
- Personal ExpensesPersonal expenses such as excess luggage, laundry, postage, communications and beverages
- InsuranceTravel insurance
- MealsMeals not mentioned in the inclusions
- TaxesHotel/Resort Tax
- TaxesTourism Fee
Hotels are named on your confirmation — all are of the stated category.
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.
Attractions we visit
Every place on the route, and whether you go inside it or see it from outside.
When to Go
Weather by month for the places this trip actually visits.
China
Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) are ideal. Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1–7) peak crowds.
Before you go
The essentials first — they are also the ones that can stop a booking.
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.
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.
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.
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
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
50% refund between 30-15 days before departure.
No refund within 15 days of departure.
TripClub standing booking terms
- Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
- All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
- Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
- Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
- Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
- Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
- The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
- All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
- No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
- The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
- All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
- Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
- Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
Want this trip a little different?
Tell Tulli what you'd change — hotels, dates, an extra city — and she'll price it with our team and come back to you.
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