5 Days Kunming Shangri-La Tour: Stone Forest & Tibetan Pure Land
Must-see & Must-do：
Highlight 1: Discover Kunming, the hometown of Zheng He (the famous Ming Dynasty navigator) and Nie Er (the composer of China’s national anthem, The March of the Volunteers). Relaxing vacation in Kunming, known as the “Spring City” and “Flower City.”
Highlight 2: Explore the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness the ancient sea’s transformation into a captivating natural wonder, and delve into the unique karst landforms, rich geological history, and the accompanying Yi ethnic culture.
Highlight 3: Visit the over 1,200-year-old Yuantong Temple, China’s oldest Guanyin Temple, known for its distinctive “Downhill Temple” design. Instead of ascending steps, one gradually descends upon entering the mountain gate. This temple holds high repute in SE Asia.
Highlight 4: Take a stroll in Green Lake Park, once a marshy bay of Dianchi Lake, renowned as the “Green Gem” and “Jade within the City” of Kunming. Visit historic building while Join locals walking, feeding fish, dancing, and enjoying local life.
Highlight 5: Enter 800-year-old Lijiang Old Town and take in the panoramic view of the sprawling town with snow-capped mountains in the distance. Visit the Mu Palace and walk along the cobbled streets, where you’ll feel the bustling atmosphere pulsating with youthful energy.
Highlight 6: Take stunning photos when you visit Black Dragon Pond Park, renowned for its breathtaking views of the snow-capped peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected on the still waters of the park’s ponds.
Highlight 7: Venture out of Lijiang Old Town and head to Yuhu Village, a traditional Naxi village nestled at the foot of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Explore the village’s unique stone houses and visit the Former Residence of Joseph Rock.
Highlight 8: Make Shuhe Ancient Town your next stop on this leisurely trip. This charming town was once an important stop along the legendary Tea Horse Ancient Road. While you’re there, be sure to try some of the delicious local Naxi snacks!
Itinerary Quick Look：
Welcome to Kunming, the Capital City of Yunnan Province! Upon arrival in Kunming, your guide will meet you at the airport/train station and escort you to your hotel. You can have a good rest in your hotel. You can explore on your own based on your arrival time. Feel free to seek practical suggestions from your tour guide.
Kunming is known as the “Spring City春城” due to its mild year-round climate, making it a popular destination for people from other cities to escape harsh winters or scorching summers. The pleasant climate also results in flowers blooming throughout the year, earning Kunming the nickname “Flower City花都”. Kunming is the hometown of Zheng He (郑和1371-1433), the famous Ming Dynasty navigator who led seven voyages from 1405 to 1433, visiting numerous countries in Asia and Africa. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape, cultural immersion, or a chance to explore breathtaking natural wonders and indulge in delicious Yunnan cuisine, Kunming has something to offer everyone.
Free Time Ideas:
1.Explore Yunnan’s Diverse Minority Cultures at Yunnan Ethnic Village, Yunnan Museum of Minority (closed on Mondays), and enjoy the scenic views at Haigeng Park near Dianchi Lake (Meet Black-Headed Gulls from Siberia in winter).
2.Enjoy a Kunming City Walk from Eastern and Western Pagodas (Landmarks in Kunming) to Jinma and Biji Archways (Symbols of Old Kunming), Kunming Flying Tigers Museum (Kunming Museum, Learn about a significant chapter in World War II), and Jingxing Flower and Bird Market (A calling card of the local life in Kunming).
3.Unveil the Amazing Yunnan Food by visiting Daguan Zhuanxin Farmers’ Market (all kinds of delicious flowers, mushrooms, ferns, insects, Ham, Rushan cheese, local snacks) and try Yunnan cuisine while strolling around Nanqiang Pedestrian Street (since the Qing Dynasty) and Nanping Pedestrian Street (a historic old street).
Arrival Ideas:
Kunming serves as the gateway city to start a Yunnan Tour. It is a convenient base for exploring nearby top destinations, such as Dali Ancient Town, Dongchuan Red Land, Jiangshui Ancient Town (Zhujia Garden), Yuanyang Rice Terraces (Honghe Hani Rice Terraces), Xishuanbanna, and more. You can choose to reach Kunming by Flight or By Bullet Train.
By Air: Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) offers many direct international flights to destinations such as Laos (Vientiane), Thailand (Bangkok/Chiang Mai/Phuket), Vietnam (Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh), Cambodia (Siem Reap), Nepal (Kathmandu), India (Kolkata), Sri Lanka (Colombo), Japan (Tokyo), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Singapore. There are many direct flights between Kunming and China’s Top Tourist Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Hong Kong, and more. From Kunming, you can easily take a flight to top destinations in Yunnan, such as Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-la, & Xishuanbanna.
By Train: Kunming is served by Kunming Railway Station and South Railway Station. There are many high-speed trains connecting Kunming to other cities in Yunnan, such as Dali (2.5hrs), Lijiang (4hrs), Xishuanbanna (3.5hrs), as well as other cities in China, including Guiyang (2hrs), Chongqing (4hrs), Chengdu (5.5hrs), Guangzhou (7hrs), Hong Kong (7.5hrs), Beijing(11hrs), Shanghai(11hrs), etc. Additionally, there is a Kunming to Vientiane train (China-Laos Railway) that takes approximately 10 hours.
This morning, drive 80km (1.5 hours) to the Stone Forest (a World Heritage Site of South China Karst) for a Kunming Excursion. Afterwards, return to downtown for a Classic Kunming City Tour, including visits to Yuantong Temple (a Zen Buddhist temple), Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park), and more, based on your available time and interests.
In the morning, visit the Stone Forest (a World Heritage Site of South China Karst), a must-see natural wonder that was once submerged under an ancient sea. The Kunming Stone Forest (Shilin) is a national geological park famous for its unique stone forest scenery, which represents the magnificent transformations of the natural world over 270 million years (marine sedimentation → crustal uplift → volcanic lava coverage → erosion and leveling → formation of the Stone Forest). Within the Stone Forest, you can closely observe the traces left by the passage of time and gain an understanding of its distinctive karst landforms, rich geological history, and the accompanying Yi ethnic culture. A sightseeing bus will take you to explore the Big Stone Forest and Small Stone Forest. In addition to the touching legend of Ashima (阿诗玛a symbol of Yi ethnic culture), the Stone Forest also served as a filming location for “Journey to the West” (1986 TV series西游记), where Sun Wukong (Monkey King) was depicted as being trapped under Wuxing Mountain (五行山). Use your imagination to discover the magical shapes of the stone forests.
After that, you will head back to Kunming for Yuantong Temple. Located in the city center, Yuantong Temple combines tranquility amidst the bustling surroundings, offering a unique water courtyard temple. The temple has a history of over 1,200 years and is the oldest Guanyin Temple in China. Particularly noteworthy is its “Downhill Temple” design, where instead of ascending steps after entering the mountain gate, one descends gradually, creating a rare architectural feature among temples in China. Yuantong Temple is the only sacred place in the country that simultaneously accommodates the Han, Southern, and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. At the rear of the temple, there is a typical Southeast Asian Buddhist architectural structure called the Bronze Buddha Hall (铜佛殿), which was built in 1985 specifically to house a bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha presented by the Buddhist Association of the Kingdom of Thailand. It has gained a high reputation in the Southeast Asian area and attracts many pilgrims and locals to visit every year. In March each year, Yuantong Temple becomes a popular place for locals to admire the cherry blossoms.
Then, you can hike in Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park翠湖) which is 700m away from Yuantong Temple. Cuihu Park was once a marshy bay of Dianchi Lake, which later became a city lake during the Ming Dynasty. It earned its name from its “emerald waters on all sides, bamboo green in all seasons, willow green in spring and summer,” and is renowned as the “green gem” and “jade within the city” of Kunming. Two embankments divide the lake into four parts. The north and south embankments, known as Ruandi (阮堤), were constructed during the reign of Emperor Daoguang by Governor Ruan Yuan, inspired by the Su Causeway in West Lake. The east and west embankments, called Tangdi, were built during the Republican era. Besides historical buildings and former residences of famous people, there is a sculpture of Nie Er (聂耳;1912-1935), one of the pioneers of modern Chinese music, who composed China’s national anthem, “The March of the Volunteers”. Today, Cuihu has become a place where locals take walks, feed fish, observe Black-headed Gulls migrating from Siberia during winter, enjoy lotus flowers, watch flower lanterns, dance, and savor life.
Head back to your hotel and have a good rest at your hotel.
Free Time Ideas:
1.Kunming Old Street(1km from Cuihu Park), with a history of over 900 years, is the only remaining old street in Kunming that retains its ancient charm. Stroll on stone-paved roads, you can taste authentic Yunnan Rice Noodles (Yunnan Cross-bridge Rice Noodle云南过桥米线), explore fascinating Yunnan antiques & traditional medicine shops, visit the former residence of Nie Er (聂耳故居), and more old buildings.
2.Yunnan Impression(云南印象) is a performance (one of the representative’s works by Yang Liping杨丽萍, a renowned local dance artist from Yunnan) held at 8:00 p.m. It draws inspiration from the ethnic dance elements of various ethnic groups in Yunnan, such as Yi, Wa, Tibetan, Hani, Dai, Bulang, and Jinuo. It incorporates modern dance elements, showcasing the rich ethnic charm of Yunnan.
This morning, you will head to the train station in Kunming for your bullet train to Lijiang (around 4h). Welcome to Lijiang, the most popular destination in the Yunnan province! Upon your arrival at Lijiang’s train station, our local tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, greet you, and escort you to the Lijiang Old Town area. They will assist you in checking in at your hotel.
Lijiang (丽江), nestled under the breathtaking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, forms a beautiful and peaceful link between Shangri-La to the north and Dali to the south. A UNESCO World Heritage site named “Old Town of Lijiang”, it’s not only a living ancient town complex, encompassing Dayan, Shuhe, and Baisha, but also the heartland of the Naxi ethnic group, with about 74% of the population being Naxi. A visit to Lijiang allows you to enjoy endless snow-capped mountain views, appreciate the charming old town, experience the rich Naxi culture, and unwind in its peaceful atmosphere.
This afternoon, you will have some time to explore Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城), also known as Dayan Old Town. With over 800 years of history, Lijiang Old Town was once a bustling hub for trade along the famous “Old Tea Horse Caravan Trail”. The town resembles a labyrinth, characterized by its numerous cobbled streets, traditional wooden houses with upturned eaves, ancient bridges, and an intricate network of waterways. If time permits (optional), you’ll visit the Mufu Palace (木府), a sprawling complex located in the heart of Lijiang Old Town, often referred to as the “Forbidden City of the South”. It offers a captivating glimpse into the grandeur of Naxi royalty, showcasing rich Naxi culture and the fascinating history of the Mu family. You’ll also discover why Lijiang Old Town, unlike the top three most famous ancient Chinese cities, has no city wall. Afterwards, walk to a higher vantage point to capture a breathtaking panoramic view of the sprawling old town, with snow-capped mountains forming a majestic backdrop in the distance. Take a short walk to Sifang Street (四方街), the most famous square. Here, you can explore Naxi handicrafts, souvenirs, and local specialties, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of bustling bars with lively music spilling out onto the streets.
Further Exploration in the Evening (Optional, explore on your own):
Lijiang Old Town takes on a different ambiance in the evening, showcasing its unique charm. (1) Here are some recommended alleys for taking awesome photos: Xianwen Alley (现文巷, also known as Oil-paper Umbrella Street), Zhenxing Alley (振兴巷, Lantern Street), Nanmen Bridge (南门桥, Wind Chime Street), and Sakura Restaurant (樱花餐厅), among others. (2) For those seeking nightlife, bars, and local cuisine, the following alleys are recommended: Sifang Street (where you can witness a bonfire dance performed by the Naxi people around 19:00), Wuyi Street (五一街), Xinhua Street (新华街), Zhongyi Market (忠义市场), etc.
After breakfast, our local guide will escort you to the bustling Zhongyi Market (忠义市场), located near the south gate of Dayan Old Town. This market offers a glimpse into local life and culture. You’ll see many Naxi locals dressed in their traditional attire selling fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, tea, and a variety of mushrooms. If you like, try some local specialties like grilled rushan (烤乳扇), Lijiang Baba (丽江粑粑), a skewered milk skin dish, and local milk (阿么奶). It’s a great place to experience the energy of daily life in Lijiang and begin your day.
Later, let’s head to Black Dragon Pond Park (黑龙潭公园), located at the northern edge of Lijiang Old Town. This picturesque location offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, highlighted by the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. On clear days, the reflection of the snow-capped peak on the tranquil water of the Black Dragon Pool creates a breathtaking scene. Afterward, walk to the Dongba Museum (东巴博物馆), located within the park. Here, you can gain a deeper understanding of the history and unique customs of the Naxi people. Explore exhibits on Dongba cultural rituals, featuring sacred Dongba scriptures, along with displays of traditional Naxi clothing.
Next, discover the hidden gems beyond Lijiang! On our journey to Yuhu Village, we’ll make a stop at the peaceful Yufeng Temple (玉峰寺). Built in 1756 during the Qing Dynasty, this historic temple beautifully blends traditional Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles. The highlight of Yufeng Temple is the legendary “King of Camellias”, a breathtaking camellia tree said to be over 500 years old, originally planted during the Ming Dynasty. This rare hybrid tree blooms with over 10,000 blossoms, creating a vivid display of red and white flowers that captivate visitors. Best time to visit: Late winter to early spring (February to April), when the camellia tree is in full, dazzling bloom, making it a sight you won’t want to miss!
After that, drive to Yuhu Village (玉湖村), a traditional Naxi village nestled on the slopes of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The village is framed by the imposing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on one side and the tranquil Jade Lake on the other. The snow-capped peaks provide a dramatic backdrop. Be impressed by the stone houses, with their blue-grey stone walls and wooden doors and windows. Here, you can also have close contact with Naxi locals and experience their traditional way of life.
Authentic Naxi Family Visit for Local Culture:
This afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Naxi people with a visit to a local Naxi family in this Yuhu Village. Discover the unique architectural styles of the Naxi, learn the ancient art of crafting Dongba paper, and try your hand at writing the sacred Dongba characters. Don traditional Naxi clothing and indulge in the flavors of authentic Naxi snacks, offering a true taste of this fascinating culture.
After the tour, head back to Lijiang.
Then, time to say goodbye to Lijiang, the Spring City. Though it is time to end your 5 -day Kunming Lijiang Tour today, you will have some free time in Lijiang and explore more on your own till your guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to next destination.
Extension Ideas:
1.If you prefer to spend more time in Lijiang, you can add a 1- to 2-day tour to include a trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge for hiking.
2.If you wish to extend your trip and explore other highlighted parts of Yunnan, such as Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Jianshui, Dongchuan Red Land, Dali, Shangri-la, Xishuangbanna, and more, we can help you with the arrangements.
3.If you plan to continue your exploration to other cities in China, such as Chengdu, Lhasa, Xian, Beijing, and Shanghai, or even take a train from Kunming to Vientiane to start your Laos Tour, please feel free to let us know. We can customize your itinerary and assist you with travel arrangements.
Thank you for choosing HelloChinaTrip for your Yunnan tour. We are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!
What’s Included
- Guide Service: English-speaking guides provided throughout the trip.
- Attraction Tickets: Entrance tickets for all listed attractions are included, guaranteeing full visits. In case of unexpected circumstances, alternative arrangements will be discussed with the tourists.
- Transportation Arrangement: air-conditioned vehicles.
- Accommodation: Throughout the trip, stay in hotels/cities as listed in the itinerary.
- Meals: Breakfast is included at the hotel. For detailed meal information, please refer to the itinerary.
- Handling Fee:Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip.
What’s Excluded
- Visa;
- Optional activities and experiences recommended in the itinerary.
- Check-In and Check-Out Times: Check-in time for the hotels is generally after 14:00 (2:00 PM), allowing you to settle in and freshen up before starting your Yunnan Tour. On the day of departure, please check out before 12:00 noon to ensure a smooth transition and allow time for the hotel staff to prepare for incoming guests.
- Personal Expenses: Other personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, internet, fax, etc., within the hotel.
- Tipping: Tips for drivers and guides (Tipping practices may vary depending on the region and nature of service; it is recommended to consult the guide's opinion in advance).
- Unexpected Circumstances: In case of uncontrollable and non-agency-related factors (such as natural disasters, war, strikes), flight delays or cancellations, delayed visa processing at embassies, insufficient number of participants, the travel agency reserves the right to cancel or modify the itinerary. Additional charges may apply for expenses beyond the agency's control (e.g., visa fees, accommodation, meals, transportation, adjustments in airfares).
Important Travel Tips for Visiting Yunnan
1.Altitude Awareness:
Yunnan is a highly mountainous province, with many destinations situated at high elevations. Be prepared for potential altitude sickness, especially if traveling to places like Lijiang (2,400m) or Shangri-La (3,400m). Acclimate gradually and stay hydrated.
2.Dress in Layers:
Yunnan’s climate can vary dramatically, even within the same day. Bring clothing that can be easily layered, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly, especially in the highlands.
3.Pack Sun Protection:
The high-altitude sun in Yunnan can be intense. Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from sunburn and UV exposure.
4.Respect Local Customs:
Yunnan is home to a diverse array of ethnic minority groups. Be mindful of local customs and traditions, and ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
5.Try Local Cuisine:
Yunnan is renowned for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Be adventurous and sample local specialties like crossing-the-bridge noodles, Yunnan ham, and the region’s unique variety of mushrooms.
6.Prepare for Weather Variations:
Yunnan can experience sudden changes in weather, from heavy rains to snow, even during the same trip. Pack appropriate clothing and gear to be prepared for varying conditions.
By keeping these tips in mind, travelers can help ensure a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience during their visit to the stunning Yunnan province.
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Lottie Hughes –
Traveling from Kunming to Lijiang by high-speed train was both comfortable and efficient, leaving us more time to enjoy the sights. The Stone Forest was breathtaking, and exploring Lijiang Old Town with a private guide made the experience more authentic. I loved how the whole trip felt personalized, not like a standard group tour.
Florence Watson –
This 5-day journey was a perfect mix of nature and culture. From the dramatic landscapes of Kunming to the charm of Lijiang’s cobblestone streets, everything was well-arranged. The private, customized service allowed us to travel at our own pace and focus on the experiences we cared about most. Truly a stress-free and unique trip!