A 10-day route through Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang: ethnic culture, snow mountains, ancient towns, and highland lakes in southwest China.
Swipe to see the full route →Yunnan combines regional transfers, high-altitude stops, and weather-sensitive mountain access. Ascend gradually where practical, do not continue higher when unwell, and seek personal medical guidance when relevant. Check the current Jade Dragon Snow Mountain product and operator notice before building the day around it. Rain can affect mountain roads and trails; check current conditions. Review this site's holiday calendar guide before major Chinese holiday periods.
Arrive in Kunming (the 'City of Eternal Spring', altitude 1900m, mild year-round). Take it easy to start acclimatizing. Visit Green Lake Park (Cuihu) or the Western Hills for a gentle first day. Try crossing-the-bridge noodles (guoqiao mixian), Yunnan's most famous dish.
Take morning HSR from Kunming to Dali (2 hours). Spend 2-3 days exploring Dali Old Town, cycling Erhai Lake, visiting the Three Pagodas, and taking a day trip up Cangshan Mountain. Dali is more relaxed and less commercial than Lijiang.
Take HSR from Dali to Lijiang (typically 1.5-2 hours; verify the train on 12306). Spend 3-4 days in Lijiang. Check the current Jade Dragon Snow Mountain release window, cable-car product, passport flow, and weather notice before fixing the day plan. Allow separate time for the UNESCO Old Town and choose either the roadside Tiger Leaping Gorge visitor route or a properly prepared hike.
Option A: Add 2 days for Shangri-La using the direct railway from Lijiang; check the live timetable on 12306 and allow a gradual pace for the higher altitude. Visit Songzanlin Monastery and Pudacuo National Park. Option B: Stay in Lijiang for a slower final day (Baisha Old Town, Black Dragon Pool) and depart from Lijiang Sanyi Airport (LJG).
These route-specific items may sell out. Recheck official channels before travel:
This is a 10-day route. If you have less time, remove one stop rather than compressing every day. Compare the route index for a plan designed around your actual trip length.
This route is designed for return visitors to China who want to experience Yunnan’s ethnic minority culture, dramatic mountain landscapes, ancient towns, and highland lakes. The route flows one-way from Kunming (the transport hub) north through Dali to Lijiang, with an optional Shangri-La extension.
Short on time? A 7-day version is possible: 1 day Kunming + 2 days Dali + 3 days Lijiang + 1 day departure. Skip Shangri-La. Have extra days? Add 2 days for Shangri-La (Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo), or add Guilin & Yangshuo after Yunnan (flight from Kunming or Lijiang).
