From Kunming’s Stone Forest to Lijiang, Shangri-La and Dali in Full Spring Color

Follow Yunnan’s spring colors from cherry blossoms and snow mountains to Tibetan highlands and golden canola fields. Along the way, explore ancient towns, local cultures, spectacular landscapes, and hands-on traditions across four of the province’s most memorable destinations.

9 Days Yunnan, Southwest China

Experience Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Ride the cable car to Glacier Park at 4,680 meters, then descend into the vivid blue scenery of Blue Moon Valley beneath the snow-covered mountain

Discover Three Distinctive Ancient Towns

Experience the contrasting character of Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan Town), Dukezong Old Town, and Dali Ancient Town, each shaped by its own history, architecture, and local culture.

Experience Bai Culture in Dali

Explore Xizhou Village, walk among vast canola fields, and make traditional Yunnan flower cakes at a farm near Erhai Lake.

Itinerary quick look

Detailed 9-Day Itinerary

Make this route your own. We will refine every day around your dates, energy level, and interests.

Day 1
Arrival in Kunming
Arrive in Kunming, the starting point of your spring journey through Yunnan.
Your private guide and driver will meet you upon arrival and transfer you comfortably to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and prepare for the journey ahead.
Day 2
Kunming — Stone Forest & Yiliang Cherry Blossom Valley
Begin your first full day with one of Yunnan’s best-known natural landmarks.
Stone Forest
Explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where dramatic limestone pillars rise from the ground in dense clusters, creating a landscape unlike anywhere else.
A tram ride is included, allowing you to move easily through the scenic area while taking in its striking karst formations.
Yiliang Cherry Blossom Valley
Continue to Yiliang Cherry Blossom Valley, a large mountain valley filled with more than 60 varieties of cherry trees.
During the blooming season, layers of pink and white blossoms spread across the hillsides, creating one of the most impressive spring landscapes in the region.
Day 3
Kunming → Lijiang — Puji Temple & Lijiang Ancient Town
After breakfast, transfer to Kunming Railway Station and board a bullet train to Lijiang. On arrival, your private guide and driver will meet you and continue the day’s sightseeing.
Puji Temple
Visit Puji Temple, where 200-year-old crabapple trees create a beautiful spring scene when they bloom in late spring.
The historic temple setting adds a quiet cultural atmosphere to the seasonal flowers.
Lijiang Ancient Town — Dayan Town
Continue to Lijiang Ancient Town, also known as Dayan Town.
Walk through its cobblestone streets, traditional Naxi houses, and historic neighborhoods while enjoying the China Roses that bloom throughout the old town in spring.
Day 4
Lijiang — Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley, Lashihai & Black Dragon Pool
Today combines alpine scenery, spring blossoms, and some of Lijiang’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Travel to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, considered sacred by the Naxi people.
Take the cable car up to Glacier Park at 4,680 meters, where the high-altitude landscape opens onto dramatic views of snow-covered peaks and mountain scenery.
Blue Moon Valley
Descend to Blue Moon Valley, famous for its intensely blue river winding beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
The contrast between turquoise water and towering mountain peaks makes this one of Lijiang’s most recognizable landscapes.
Lashihai Peach Blossom Fields
Continue to Lashihai, where peach blossom fields spread across more than 1,100 acres.
During spring, the flowering trees fill the landscape with layers of color.
Black Dragon Pool Park
Finish the day at Black Dragon Pool Park.
Walk through landscaped gardens and historic structures while enjoying the famous view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the water.
Day 5
Lijiang → Shangri-La — Tiger Leaping Gorge
Leave Lijiang by private vehicle and travel north toward Shangri-La.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons in the region.
Watch the powerful Jinsha River race through the narrow gorge and around the famous central rock while immense mountains rise sharply on either side.
After lunch, continue upward toward Shangri-La, reaching an altitude of approximately 3,200 meters.
On arrival, take time to relax at the hotel and gradually adjust to the higher elevation.
Day 6
Shangri-La → Dali — Tibetan Culture, Songzanlin Lamasery & Dukezong
Begin the day with a closer introduction to Tibetan culture.
Traditional Tibetan Dress Experience
Dress in traditional Tibetan attire, complete with hairstyling, and experience the visual beauty of local clothing and cultural traditions while taking memorable photographs.
Songzanlin Lamasery
Visit Songzanlin Lamasery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan.
Explore its impressive architecture, Buddhist statues, and cultural treasures while gaining insight into Tibetan Buddhist beliefs and spiritual traditions.
Dukezong Old Town
Continue to Dukezong Old Town, a historic Tibetan community filled with traditional architecture and local cultural character.
Visit Guishan Park and Moonlight Square, where you can see the enormous spinning prayer wheel that has become one of Shangri-La’s most recognizable landmarks.
Bullet Train to Dali
After sightseeing, transfer to Shangri-La Railway Station and take the bullet train to Dali.
Your private guide and driver will meet you upon arrival.
Day 7
Dali — Ancient Town, Three Pagodas View, Xizhou Village & Flower Cake Making
Today is dedicated to Dali’s Bai culture, historic neighborhoods, spring scenery, and local traditions.
Dali Ancient Town
Explore Dali Ancient Town, walking through historic temples, lively markets, old neighborhoods, and traditional streets that reflect the city’s long cultural history.
Three Pagodas View
Stop at the scenic square for a classic view of the Three Pagodas, framed by the impressive Cangshan Mountains in the background.
Xizhou Village & Canola Fields
Continue to Xizhou Village, where you will experience Bai culture by visiting local homes.
In spring, explore the surrounding canola fields, covering around 500 acres and creating a vast golden landscape outside the village.
Flower Cake Making near Erhai Lake
Visit a local farm near Erhai Lake and learn how to make traditional Yunnan flower cakes.
After preparing your own cakes, enjoy them with aromatic flower tea in the peaceful lakeside surroundings.
Day 8
Dali → Kunming — Daguan Pavilion, Jinmabiji Archway & Nanping Street
Board a bullet train from Dali back to Kunming.
Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will meet you and continue the sightseeing program.
Daguan Pavilion
Visit Daguan Pavilion, overlooking the peaceful waters of Dianchi Lake.
Enjoy the colorful scenery and relaxed setting of one of Kunming’s well-known traditional landmarks.
Jinmabiji Archway
Continue to the historic Jinmabiji Archway, an important landmark in central Kunming that reflects the city’s traditional architectural heritage.
Nanping Street
Finish the day on Nanping Street, where traditional Kunming and modern city life come together in a lively pedestrian district.
Day 9
Kunming Departure
Enjoy some free time in Kunming before departure.
At the appropriate time, your private vehicle will take you to the airport for your onward journey, bringing your 9-day spring exploration of Yunnan to an end