Colorful Yunnan · Kunming, Dali & Lijiang 6-Day Tour

See red-billed gulls at Green Lake, explore the Stone Forest peaks, cycle along Erhai Lake's ecological corridor, visit Xizhou Ancient Town and the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, then discover Lijiang Old Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Park—all in one journey through Yunnan's three most iconic cities.

Tour highlights行程亮点

• ◆Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Park large cable car (4,506m)
• ◆Cycling along Erhai Lake's ecological corridor
• ◆Xizhou Ancient Town Bai ethnic residences and rice paddies
• ◆Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple and reflections in the Gathering Shadows Pool
• ◆Stone Forest World Natural Heritage
• ◆Panoramic view of Lijiang Old Town from Wangu Pavilion on Lion Mountain

Day-by-day itinerary每日行程

1. D1Arrive in Kunming · Green Lake & Dianchi Haigen

   After airport pickup, check into your Kunming city hotel. This afternoon, visit Green Lake Park: from November to March each year, hundreds of thousands of red-billed gulls migrate from Siberia for the winter—buy a bag of bird feed to hand-feed them (in summer, enjoy the lotus-filled lake); then proceed to Dianchi Lake's Haigen Dam to view the "Sleeping Beauty" silhouette of West Mountain across the water. It can be windy by the lake, so bring a jacket. Tour duration: approx. 2.5 hours. Dinner recommendation: steam pot chicken and a bowl of authentic "crossing-the-bridge" rice noodles (authentic old brands cluster around Green Lake). Practical tips: Kunming's altitude is about 1,890m with strong UV rays—please use sun protection during the day. No strenuous activities on the first night to allow for altitude adjustment for the journey ahead. Accommodation: Kunming.

2. D2Stone Forest Day · High-speed Train to Dali

   After breakfast, drive approx. 90 minutes to the Stone Forest (World Natural Heritage): 270 million years ago, seabed limestone was eroded into a forest of sword-like stone pillars. In the Greater Stone Forest, see "Sword Peak Pool" and Summit View Pavilion; in the Lesser Stone Forest, find the Ashima Stone Peak. The scenic area uses electric carts for transportation—total visit time approx. 3 hours; we recommend entering through Greater Stone Forest and exiting through Lesser Stone Forest to avoid midday sun. Lunch in Shilin Yi Autonomous County features traditional Yi "Eight Great Bowls" cuisine. In the evening, return to Kunming Station and take a high-speed train to Dali (approx. 2 hours, second-class seats pre-booked, luggage travels with you). Check into your hotel near Erhai Lake or the old town. Practical tips: Stone Forest stone steps can be slippery—wear non-slip shoes; there are many steps in the scenic area, so elderly travelers and children may use electric carts more frequently. Accommodation: Dali.

3. D3Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor Cycling · Xizhou Ancient Town

   Morning cycling along Erhai Lake's ecological corridor starting from Caicun Pier: the 12km dedicated cycling path from Caicun to Panxi Village's S-bay offers Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain on one side, and farmland and villages on the other. The ride with stops takes approx. 2.5 hours (bicycles included, e-bikes available for exchange). Afternoon visit to Xizhou Ancient Town: explore Bai ethnic residences like the Yan Family Mansion with their "three courtyards and one screen wall, four courtyards and five sky wells," and try a freshly baked Xizhou Baba pancake; May-June see green rice paddies, September-October see golden ones—the corner tower is the most photogenic spot. Dinner recommendation: sour and spicy fish with milk fan cheese. Practical tips: Strong plateau sunlight—wear a hat and sunglasses when cycling; the corridor gets crowded on weekends, your guide will arrange off-peak timing. Accommodation: Dali.

4. D4Dali Old Town · Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple · High-speed Train to Lijiang

   Morning tour of Dali Old Town: stroll slowly through the old streets between Fuxing Road and Wuhua Tower; cafes on Foreigner Street are perfect for a break. Then visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple Cultural Scenic Area—the main Qunxun Pagoda was built in the Tang Dynasty (69m tall), standing with two smaller Song Dynasty pagodas for a millennium. The reflection of the three pagodas in the Gathering Shadows Pool is a must-photography spot. Tour duration: approx. 2.5 hours. After lunch, take a high-speed train to Lijiang (approx. 2 hours), check into your hotel near the old town; in the evening, enter Lijiang Old Town to see the large waterwheel and Sifang Street, then ascend Lion Mountain's Wangu Pavilion for panoramic views of the tiled-roof city and distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (approx. 1 hour). Dinner: spare rib hot pot. Practical tips: Many stone-paved streets in the old town—your luggage will be delivered directly to your hotel by the dedicated vehicle. Accommodation: Lijiang.

5. D5Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Park · Blue Moon Valley

   Early departure (approx. 30 minutes) to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area, ride the large cable car directly to the 4,506m Glacier Park: follow the boardwalk to approach modern glaciers and the 4,680m viewing platform (oxygen bottles and warm coats included). Move slowly on the mountain to prevent altitude sickness—tour duration approx. 2.5 hours. Afternoon visit to Blue Moon Valley: snowmelt from the mountain appears turquoise-blue due to minerals; the White Water Terrace Lake is a classic photography spot. Optional: "Impression Lijiang" live performance (at 3,100m altitude open-air theater, directed by Zhang Yimou's team, approx. 1 hour), or alternatively explore the quiet streets of Shuhe Ancient Town. Dinner: Naxi grilled fish. Practical tips: Mountain weather is changeable—large cable car tickets are pre-booked; temperatures at the summit can drop below zero, please wear the provided warm clothing properly. Accommodation: Lijiang.

6. D6Shuhe Ancient Town or Black Dragon Pond · Airport Transfer

   Morning free activity with two options (private guide and vehicle still available): Shuhe Ancient Town—a quieter Tea Horse Road town than Lijiang Old Town, stroll around Qinglong Bridge and Jiuding Dragon潭 for approx. 2 hours, with cafes by the stream perfect for a break; or Black Dragon Pond Park—the Moon-Getting Pavilion and Five-Arch Bridge frame the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, creating the classic postcard view—best morning lighting on clear days. Lunch in the old town for Naxi grilled meat or chickpea jelly noodles, then transfer to Lijiang Sanba Airport according to your flight schedule (approx. 30-minute drive). Practical tips: Recommend booking flights after 14:00; suggested souvenirs: flower cakes, Pu'er tea, and Dongba paper cultural products. If departing by high-speed train, transfer to Lijiang Station takes approx. 15 minutes. Accommodation: None (departing tonight).

What's included费用包含

• ✓5 nights in 4-star hotels (1 night Kunming + 2 nights Dali + 2 nights Lijiang)
• ✓Breakfast + 5 lunches
• ✓Second-class high-speed train from Kunming to Dali
• ✓Jade Dragon Snow Mountain ticket package (large cable car + eco-bus + Blue Moon Valley)
• ✓Bicycle rental for Erhai Lake's ecological corridor
• ✓Private guide and dedicated vehicle throughout
• ✓Airport/high-speed rail station transfers

Photos from the road实拍照片

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