7 Days Yunnan Minorities Cultural Tour: Kunming,Dali and Lijiang
7-Day Yunnan Minorities Cultural Tour: Kunming,Dali and Lijiang
City
Kunming
Lijiang
Dali
Encounter a Vanishing Tradition
Discover the timeless spirit of Yunnan’s 25 ethnic minority cultures. Living in harmony with nature, these ethnic groups have preserved rich traditions, forming Yunnan’s unique and unforgettable cultural identity.
Join this 7-day Yunnan Minority Tour and explore the fascinating cities of Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang. Experience unique cultural activities such as learning to play a Yi guitar, making your own Bai tie-dyed handkerchief, and exploring the fascinating Mosuo matriarchal society.
Enjoy our complimentary itinerary planning service to design your dream trip to Yunnan.
Travel Itinerary
Welcome to Kunming! Our friendly guide will greet you at the airport arrival hall and escort you to your hotel to assist with check-in procedures and ensure your stay is smooth and enjoyable.
Visit Naigu Stone Forest, the “Ancient Black” Stone Forest. Climb to the high platform for a panoramic view, follow the path, and pass through the narrow spaces between the stones to see the peculiar shapes up close.
Visit Nuohei Village to experience Yi culture. Built from local limestone, the village showcases the ingenuity and artistic attainments of the Yi people. Explore the beautiful village, learn to play the Yi guitar, and participate in traditional dances.
Go to Kunming Railway Station to catch the high-speed train to Dali, where your private guide and driver will greet you and escort you to your hotel.
Take a morning tour of Dali Ancient Town to experience the authentic flavor of the ancient city away from the hustle and bustle. Admire the majestic city gates and elegant buildings lining the streets, immerse yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere, and witness people shopping at the local market.
Stop at the charming square to admire the iconic Three Pagodas, which form a breathtaking sight with the Cangshan Mountain as the backdrop.
Explore the charming Zhoucheng Village and learn about the ancient tie-dyeing technique, witness the art first-hand, and experience the rich Bai culture. Admire the intricate patterns on the Bai traditional costumes, which are inspired by natural elements.
Ride along the tranquil shores of Erhai Lake, surrounded by lush meadows and rice fields, with the towering Cangshan Mountain as a beautiful backdrop.
Relax and enjoy your comfortable trip to Lijiang with your private guide and driver. Savor a traditional Naxi lunch at a family-run restaurant in Baisha. As a special treat, you will have the opportunity to learn how to make Naxi pancakes (Naxi Baba).
Witness the magnificent Baisha murals. These murals are over a thousand years old and present visitors with a fascinating journey of faith.
Visit a Naxi shaman (Dongba) and explore their ancient spiritual customs and culture. Learn about the Naxi people’s connection to nature, language, and music.
Explore Lijiang Old Town (Dayan Town), a UNESCO World Heritage Site inhabited by the Naxi ethnic minority. Wander the cobblestone streets lined with traditional houses and admire local crafts.
A 4-hour drive from Lijiang will take you to the scenic Lugu Lake, where the Jinsha River flows beautifully.
Arrive at Daluoshui Village and enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in panoramic views of the lake from a purpose-built viewing platform.
Take a scenic boat tour in the afternoon to admire the natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
Enjoy a self-drive tour around the lake. Stop at Lover’s Bank to capture the picturesque scenery and take stunning photos. Wander through the charming Lige Village and admire the postcard-perfect scenery of the Lige Peninsula. Climb the Luyuan Cliff to see the stunning sight of prayer stones and flags.
Escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful hike in nature, culminating in stunning views of Goddess Bay and Princess Island.
Take a traditional wooden boat across the ethereal “Sea of Grass” and enjoy a stroll through the floating grass.
Experience the unique Mosuo lifestyle firsthand by visiting a Mosuo family.
Enjoy the soulful melodies and energetic dances of the Mosuo Night Show, a truly unforgettable cultural experience.
After a relaxing morning, we will transfer you back to Lijiang Airport for your flight home.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Uncover the real Mosuo people:
Dive into Mosuo culture, visit local houses and learn about their matriarchal traditions. Explore the fascinating “Sea of Grass” on a wooden boat and uncover the secrets of the floating meadows.
Explore the hidden villages of Yunnan:
Experience the Yi culture of Nuohei Village and explore its unique architecture. Explore the Bai culture of Zhoucheng Village and admire its art. Visit the ancient Baisha murals and gain insight into the rich history and beliefs of the Naxi people.
Taste authentic Bai home cooking:
Stay in the peaceful courtyard of a Bai woman’s home. The welcoming hostess will delight your taste buds and warm your heart with her delicious home cooking.
Enjoy Naigu Stone Forest:
Explore the hidden gem of Naigu Stone Forest, a peaceful oasis with towering jagged rock formations.
Cycling around Erhai Lake:
Tour along Erhai Lake by bike. Feel the breeze, admire the flowers and rice fields, and watch the clouds floating over the majestic Cangshan Mountain.
Learn Yi guitar and dance with the locals:
Learn to play Yi “guitar” with Yi teachers and join in the cheerful folk dance.
Visit the shaman’s home, learn some mysterious Naxi characters, and enjoy a piece of Naxi music
Experience the special welcome tea that the Bai people use to entertain important guests
Learn to make Naxi pancakes at a local restaurant
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Admission fees: to sightseeing spots and activities specified.
- Accommodation: hotels based on double/twin occupancy as specified.
- Meals: as specified in the itinerary.
- Tour guide: excellent private English-speaking guide.
- Transfers: land transfer with drivers as specified.
- Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour.
- Government taxes and fees.
Exclusions
- International flights to/from China.
- China visa fees.
- Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of a personal nature.
- Our tour package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect for any unforeseen circumstances.
- Small group tour travelers – Airport transfer service from hotel to Xi’an Xi’anyang International Airport.
Important Information
Important information – PRIVATE TOUR
- This is a private tour for your group of family or friends. There will be no other travelers in the group apart from you.
- Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Prices based on twin occupancy.
- The prices shown are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival).
- Any city not included in the existing tour package can be added to this tour and taken as an addition to this Private tour.
- Entering and exiting China from Hong Kong and Taipei are also available.
- Stays at entering and exiting cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Taipei) can be extended.
Important information – SMALL GROUP TOUR
- This is a small group tour with a fixed itinerary and guaranteed departures.
You will travel with other people (maximum of 12). - Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- The tour guide may adjust the itinerary due to closure of the museums each Monday.
- At the conclusion of the tour, a transfer from your hotel to Hongqiao or Pudong Airport in Shanghai is available upon request at a surcharge.
- Stays at entering and exiting cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Taipei) can be extended.
Prices based on twin occupancy. - The prices shown are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival).
- The maximum number of passengers in a small group tour is 12 people.
Want a More Personalized Best China Tour?
Talk to us about booking a private or custom tour for your unique China experience.
Travel Memories
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We joined the China Winter Tour to Harbin for the Ice Festival. It was spectacular! The snow sculptures were breathtaking, and our guide, Tom , made sure we stayed warm and comfortable. The hotpot dinner was the perfect end to our icy day. Highly recommended for winter lovers!
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Our 8-day Tibet Tour with HelloChinaTrip was an extraordinary journey. From the Potala Palace to the stunning Namtso Lake, every site was awe-inspiring. Our guide, Tenzin , was knowledgeable and deeply connected to his culture, sharing stories that made our visit to Tibet incredibly personal. The logistics were seamless, and we felt well taken care of in this remote region. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
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