A 10-Day Photo Tour of Yunnan’s Most Stunning Scenic Spots

Day 1 – Arrival in Kunming from Various Locations
Upon arrival in Kunming, the “City of Spring,” a guide well-versed in Yunnan’s local customs and culture will kick off your exciting journey through the “Land of the Colorful Clouds.” Departing from the airport or train station, a private vehicle will take you to a well-equipped hotel in the city center, where you can admire the unique scenery of this “Pearl of the Plateau” along the way. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. You can wander the surrounding streets and alleys, visit Kunming Old Street, admire the iconic architectural art of the “Wine Cup Building” (Duiyue Lou), and soak in the laid-back atmosphere of the “City of Spring.” Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations on popular attractions, local cuisine, and travel tips along the way, immersing yourself in the authentic Yunnan experience.
Meals Included: None

Day 2 – Kunming → Dali (Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple – Xizhou Ancient Town)
After breakfast, we took a high-speed train to Dali, a place renowned for its “wind, flowers, snow, and moon.” Upon arrival, we first visited the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a landmark of Dali. This magnificent complex, nestled against Cangshan Mountain and facing Erhai Lake, served as an imperial monastery during the Dali Kingdom era. Here, you can capture stunning photos of the ancient pagodas against a backdrop of blue skies and white clouds. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Xizhou Ancient Town (correction of the original typo “Xizhou Ancient Town”), which preserves the best-preserved cluster of Bai ethnic residential buildings. We’ll visit the iconic Corner Tower, experience the distinctive Bai “Three-Course Tea Ceremony,” and savor the life philosophy of “first bitter, second sweet, third lingering.” After exploring, we’ll proceed to Dali Old Town or the area around Erhai Lake to check into our hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 – In-Depth Tour Around Erhai Lake in Dali
After breakfast, we’ll set out on our tour around Erhai Lake in Dali. Traveling along the ecological corridor, with the majestic Cangshan Mountains on one side and the vast, azure waters of Erhai Lake on the other, the scenery along the way is breathtaking. You can stroll along S-Bay and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze; or head to Shuanglang Ancient Town to experience up close this “premier town of Cangshan and Erhai scenery.” The waters of Erhai Lake are crystal-clear and deep blue, creating a striking contrast with the distant villages and nearby flowers and plants, resembling a flowing natural oil painting. As you drive along the lakeside road, you can pull over at any time to take photos and capture the stunning scenery where the sacred lake and the idyllic countryside complement each other.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 – Dali Old Town → Lijiang (Black Dragon Pool – Lijiang Old Town)
After breakfast, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through Dali Old Town to experience the Bai ethnic culture, where “every home has running water and every household grows flowers.” We’ll listen to folk songs on Renmin Road and soak in the artistic atmosphere of the old town. Then, we’ll drive to Lijiang, known as the “City of Romantic Encounters.” Upon arrival, we headed to Black Dragon Pool Park, a prime spot for photographing the reflection of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The pool’s water is as clear as jade, mirroring the snow-capped peaks and ancient towers—a truly picturesque scene. After exploring the park, we proceeded to Lijiang Old Town (Dayan Ancient Town), strolled through Sifang Street, and visited the giant waterwheel, immersing ourselves in the unique architectural style and vibrant local life of the Naxi people.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 – In-Depth Tour of Lijiang (Shuhe Ancient Town – Yulong Snow Mountain – Blue Moon Valley)
After breakfast, we’ll head to Shuhe Ancient Town (correction of the original typo “Shuhe Ancient Town”), which is even quieter and more unspoiled than Dayan Ancient Town. Here, the legacy of the ancient Tea-Horse Road still lingers; you can stroll along the blue-stone paths and savor the tranquility of time. We’ll then take the Snow Mountain sightseeing train or a dedicated shuttle to Yulong Snow Mountain. Riding the Glacier Park cable car, we’ll ascend directly to an altitude of 4,506 meters and hike the 4,680-meter-high trail to experience the mountain’s majestic and rugged beauty up close. After descending, head to Blue Moon Valley, where the lake’s waters shimmer in a dreamy Tiffany blue as the light shifts, creating a striking contrast with the snow-capped mountains—every snapshot here makes for a soothing, picture-perfect scene.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 – Lijiang → Shangri-La (Tiger Leaping Gorge – Dukezong Ancient Town)
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Shangri-La, known as the “Sun and Moon in the Heart.” Along the way, we’ll stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge to witness the roaring, surging waters of the Jinsha River as it races through the canyon and marvel at nature’s masterful craftsmanship. Upon arrival, we’ll head to Dukezong Ancient Town to spin the world’s largest prayer wheel and offer blessings for family and friends. In the evening, you can participate in a home visit with a Tibetan family, sample butter tea and tsampa, and immerse yourself in the rich Tibetan culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 – Shangri-La → Lijiang (Pudacuo – Return to Lijiang)
(Note: Gandän Monastery and Namtso Lake, originally included in the itinerary, are located in Tibet. We have adjusted the itinerary for you to include Pudacuo, a key attraction in Shangri-La.)
After breakfast, we’ll head to Pudacuo National Park, home to a well-preserved pristine ecosystem. The waters of Shuidu Lake shimmer in the sunlight, and herds of cattle and sheep graze on the alpine meadows. Stroll along the boardwalks, breathe in the pure high-altitude air, and experience the tranquility and healing power of being far from the hustle and bustle. After the tour, we’ll return to Lijiang by car and check into our hotel to rest up for tomorrow’s trip to Lugu Lake.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 – Lijiang → Lugu Lake (Viewing Platform – Walking Marriage Banquet – Bonfire Party)
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Lugu Lake, known as the “Kingdom of Women in the East.” The winding mountain roads offer breathtaking views of the Jinsha River Gorge. Upon arrival, we’ll head to the Lugu Lake Viewpoint to take in the panoramic view of the lake, whose deep blue, crystal-clear waters resemble a jewel on the plateau. At noon, join a traditional Mosuo “walking marriage” banquet to savor authentic cured pork and Surima wine, and experience the warm hospitality of the Mosuo people. As night falls, participate in an interactive Mosuo bonfire party, dancing hand-in-hand with local young men and women to experience the unique charm of their matrilineal culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 – Lugu Lake → Kunming (Pig-trough Boat – Village – Return to Kunming)
After breakfast, we’ll board a pig-trough boat to visit the island, experiencing the crystal-clear waters and serene beauty of Lugu Lake up close. We’ll admire the spectacular sight of water lilies blooming on the lake’s surface and savor the poetic atmosphere of “sailing on emerald waves, as if wandering through a painting.” We then visited a Mosuo village to learn about the custom of “walking marriage.” In the afternoon, we drove back to Lijiang and transferred to a high-speed train or bus to return to Kunming for hotel check-in, concluding our loop tour of Northwest Yunnan.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 – Kunming → Various Destinations
After breakfast, depending on the departure time of your return flight or train, your guide will arrange a private vehicle to take you to the airport or train station. You can use the free time in the morning to shop for souvenirs such as flower-shaped pastries and wild mushrooms in downtown Kunming, or take a final stroll through Cuihu Park. With wonderful memories and stunning photos from Yunnan, conclude this romantic and rejuvenating journey through the “Land of the Colorful Clouds.” We look forward to seeing you again!
Meals Included: Breakfast

 
Travel Tips
We are committed to ensuring that every part of your journey is efficient and fulfilling. If you need help planning the next leg of your trip, we are always available to provide professional assistance. With our nationwide service network, we can take care of all the details for you, including booking trains and flights departing from Kunming, Lijiang, or any other city in China. Please note: Fees may apply for these services at our discretion. Yunnan is located on a plateau with extremely strong UV rays, so please ensure you take adequate sun protection measures and bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. As there is a significant temperature difference between day and night, please pack a windbreaker. Shangri-La, Yulong Snow Mountain, and Lugu Lake are at high altitudes. Please avoid strenuous exercise upon first arriving at high altitudes, and bring items to help prevent altitude sickness, such as oxygen cylinders; please respect the religious beliefs and customs of local ethnic minorities and refrain from taking photos of local residents without permission.