Set off on an unforgettable 8-day classic adventure through Southwest China’s breathtaking Yunnan, designed for intimate, comfortable exploration in a small group capped at only 12 guests. This curated itinerary takes you through Yunnan’s most beloved iconic destinations, including Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, Xizhou, and scenic stretches along the Yangtze River, showcasing the region’s stunning natural landscapes and rich local culture. Vetted as a top traveler pick, this package delivers unbeatable value with competitive pricing and secure, trusted payments for a fully hassle-free getaway.
This 8-day journey winds through southwest China’s most beloved Yunnan region, starting in the mild, floral capital Kunming before moving west to the lakeside charms of Dali, climbing up to the misty Tibetan-influenced highlands of Shangri-La, then finishing in the ancient Naxi town of Lijiang. Along the route, you’ll move seamlessly from otherworldly limestone karst formations to snow-capped alpine lakes, 1,000-year-old walled towns, and the roaring dramatic gorges of the upper Yangtze, all while diving into the diverse cultural traditions of Yunnan’s many ethnic groups. The small-group format balances guided exploration and free time to wander, making this the perfect introduction to Yunnan’s one-of-a-kind magic.
Arrive in Yunnan’s vibrant capital Kunming at your own pace after your journey, then check into your accommodation to settle in. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure—feel free to wander the nearby neighborhood to grab your first taste of Yunnan street food and soak up the city’s laid-back vibe. 🏨 Stay at Weilong Hotel
Today we set out for a 1.5-hour drive 80km outside the city to the otherworldly Stone Forest, where we ride a sightseeing bus to explore both the Large and Small Stone Forest sectors, a maze of jagged limestone karsts that feel like something out of a fantasy world. Back in central Kunming, we visit Yuantong Temple, a historic Buddhist site famous for its unique "Downhill Temple" layout and ornate Bronze Buddha Hall. We end the day with a slow scenic stroll around Green Lake Park, where you can admire the calm lake views and watch local residents go about their daily routines. 🍽️ Included: Breakfast, dinner (authentic Yunnan cross-bridge rice noodles) | 🏨 Stay at Weilong Hotel
We travel from Kunming to Dali today, kicking off our exploration at the iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, where you’ll get postcard-perfect views of Cangshan Mountains rising across Erhai Lake. We tour the grand Chongsheng Temple complex, exploring the historic Mahavira Hall and climbing for sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding area. Next, we ride electric carts along the peaceful west bank ecological corridor of Erhai Lake, enjoying the cool lakeside breeze and open scenery. The afternoon is free for you to explore Dali Ancient Town on your own—wander bustling Renmin Road and Foreigner Street, popping into cafes, craft shops, and tea houses as you please. 🍽️ Included: Breakfast
We start the day early at the lively Xizhou Morning Market, where you can browse fresh local produce, handcrafted handicrafts, and grab casual street snacks to experience daily life for the local Bai ethnic community. Next, we take a walking tour of historic Xizhou Ancient Town, stopping to visit the grand Yan Family Compound and see well-preserved traditional Bai courtyard residences. You’ll get to join a traditional Bai "Three Courses of Tea" ceremony, a beloved cultural ritual that balances sweet, bitter, and reflective aftertaste brews. We then stop at Zhoucheng Village to visit local workshops, where you can watch artisans practice centuries-old traditional tie-dye and Bai embroidery techniques before continuing on to Shangri-La. 🍽️ Included: Breakfast | 🏨 Stay at Ramada by Wyndham Diqing
Today we take a scenic 40-minute drive to Pudacuo National Park, a pristine alpine reserve in the heart of Shangri-La’s highlands. We’ll take a leisurely hike around crystal-clear Shudu Lake, sitting 3,705m above sea level, surrounded by untouched forests and rolling mountain vistas. Next, we ride a sightseeing bus to turquoise Bita Lake (3,568m elevation) for a short walk along its shore, with snow-capped peaks rising dramatically in the background. In the afternoon, we visit the grand Songzanlin Monastery (also called Ganden Sumtsenling), Yunnan’s most important Tibetan Buddhist monastery. We’ll explore its three grand main halls and even get the chance to witness monks performing their daily chanting rituals. 🍽️ Included: Breakfast | 🏨 Stay at Ramada by Wyndham Diqing
We leave Shangri-La today and head to Lijiang, with two epic scenic stops along the way. First, we visit the upper section of world-famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, where you’ll walk along the cliffside plank road for up-close views of the roaring Jinsha River carving through the gorge between snow-capped peaks. Next, we stop at the First Bend of the Yangtze River, climbing up to the observation deck for sweeping panoramic views of the river’s iconic sharp turn. Once we arrive in Lijiang, we’ll wander the cobblestone lanes, ancient stone bridges, and crisscrossing waterways of Lijiang Old Town (Dayan Old Town), ending at central Sifang Street where you can browse Naxi handicrafts, souvenirs, and local specialty foods. 🍽️ Included: Breakfast | 🏨 Stay at Wangfu Hotel
Today we explore the natural wonders around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, starting with a quick 10-minute cable car ride up to Spruce Meadow, sitting at 3,240m elevation. You’ll wander through the sun-dappled alpine meadow and old-growth spruce forest, with panoramic views of the snow-capped peak all around. Next, we head to the otherworldly Blue Moon Valley, where you’ll see four connected bright turquoise lakes (including the famous Jade Liquid Lake) with glacial water that glows against the mountain backdrop. We’ll treat you to a special hearty hot pot lunch right here, with unbeatable views of the snow mountain. In the afternoon, we visit quiet Baisha Village, the historic original home of the Naxi people, to see the ancient Baisha Murals housed in Dabaoji Palace and Liuli Temple. 🍽️ Included: Breakfast, special hearty hot pot lunch with snow mountain views | 🏨 Stay at Wangfu Hotel
After 8 days of exploring Yunnan’s incredible natural and cultural wonders, your tour comes to an end today. Check out of your hotel at your leisure, and you’ll be free to arrange onward travel to your next destination, or extend your stay in charming Lijiang if you wish.
Min 2 · Max 20 people per group
Traveler reviews
April 21, 2026
The scenery in Yunnan exceeded all my expectations, and this tour let me see all the best spots without any of the stress of navigating on my own as a solo traveler. I loved that we had enough free time each afternoon to explore on our own instead of being herded from one attraction to the next.
January 8, 2026
My consultant Sunny from HelloChinaTrip helped me adjust a few small parts of the itinerary before I left to accommodate my preference for moderate hiking, and she was super responsive the whole time. The small group size meant we never had to wait around for stragglers, and our local guide knew all the best hidden photo spots in Lijiang that most tourists don’t get to see. The food stops were incredible too—we got to try authentic local dishes instead of tourist trap restaurants, which was such a nice touch. I’d absolutely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see Yunnan without the hassle of planning everything themselves.
October 2, 2025
I was nervous about doing a group tour, but the 12-person cap changed everything for me. I made three new friends on the trip, and we all had enough space to do our own thing when we wanted it. The drive between Kunming and Lijiang was comfortable in the small van we had, with plenty of stops to stretch and take in the scenery. Our guide shared so much interesting history about Yunnan’s diverse ethnic cultures that I never would have learned just reading a guidebook.
April 19, 2025
Every single day of this 8-day Yunnan trip was perfectly planned and full of wonderful surprises.
March 12, 2025
This small group Yunnan tour was the best travel experience I’ve had all year.
February 15, 2025
I gave this 4 stars only because we visited during Lunar New Year, so some popular spots in Lijiang were far more wonderful than we expected. The tour itself was incredibly well organized and our guide was very knowledgeable.
December 28, 2024
The 12 guest max cap made this tour feel so personal and relaxed, not rushed like big bus tours. We got plenty of time to wander Lijiang’s old town and soak in the stunning mountain views around Kunming. The itinerary was perfectly balanced between adventure and downtime.
This 13-day private customized tour brings you all of China’s most unforgettable top highlights, spanning 7 incredible destinations including the ancient cultural capitals of Beijing and Xi’an, Guilin’s dramatic karst scenery, and a scenic cruise along the world-famous Yangtze River, ending in dynamic Shanghai. Carefully curated to deliver an exceptional experience at an unbeatable price, this fully tailorable itinerary comes with secure, trusted payment processing, giving you peace of mind for a seamless, hassle-free trip through China’s most iconic sites.
