When you arrive in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, you guide and driver will meet you then transfer you to hotel for rest.
Visiting Sites: Stone Forest, Green Lake, Kunming Flowers & Birds Market
Today highlight is drive you about 1.5 hours (90 KM) to visit the Stone Forest. The Stone Forest covers 26,000-hectare and from a distance, it does indeed look like a forest of stones with its peaks and odd-shaped rocks standing straight up from the ground. Step into a world of stone giants at the Stone Forest. Wander through narrow paths flanked by towering pillars. Discover hidden corners where nature’s artistry is on full display. Every turn reveals a new sculpture, a new surprise. An unforgettable adventure awaits among these ancient stones.
After Stone Forest, will back to Kunming city, you will go to visit Green Lake, where offers a peaceful escape in Kunming. Sip tea in a lakeside pavilion and soak in the city's easygoing charm. If your tour time is between Nov to March, can experience the black-headed gulls visit, adding life to the park.
Today will also walk around the Kunming Flowers & Birds Market, where fresh blooms and lively birds create a vibrant local scene.
Visiting Sites: The Chongsheng Temple And The Three-Pagoda, Zhoucheng Tie-Dye
After breakfast, you will take a high-speed train to Dali, about 2-2.5 hours on the train.
Arriving Dali, go to visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. These three ancient pagodas stand in graceful symmetry against the Cangshan Mountains. The central one, built in the Tang dynasty, rises nearly seventy meters. Surrounded by reflecting pools and historic halls, the site offers a peaceful atmosphere that reflects centuries of Buddhist heritage.
Afterwards, head to Zhoucheng, a Bai ethnic village known for traditional tie-dye. Here you can observe artisans creating intricate patterns using natural dyes, a craft passed down through generations.
Then back to Dali Ancient Town, stroll through Dali Ancient Town as evening settles. Lanterns cast a warm glow on stone streets lined with Bai-style architecture. Cafés and shops offer a relaxed atmosphere, letting you experience the town’s historic charm under the soft night sky.
Site Visited: Xizhou Village, Erhai ecological corridor, Lijiang Ancient Town
Start your morning at Xizhou’s morning market, where the air fills with the aroma of fresh produce and locals gather for their daily shopping, a true taste of everyday life.
Afterwards, visit the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor. This scenic path winds along the lakeshore, offering open views of clear waters and distant mountains. You can cycle or stroll at a relaxed pace, breathe in the fresh air, and watch birds glide across the water. Benches along the way invite quiet moments beside the lake.
Then drive to Lijiang and explore the Lijiang Ancient Town. It has a history more than 800 years; it was listed as the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997. Here you will see the wonderful wooden architecture of Naxi ethnic people. Walk on stone paths lined with traditional wooden houses, cross small bridges over gentle streams, and discover historic structures that reflect the town’s rich cultural heritage.
Site Visited: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain(cable car), Blue Moon Valley, Baisha Old Town, Locke's Former Residence, Baisha Murals, Suhe Ancient Town.
Begin your day at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a holy mountain for the Naxi people that is located 15km north of Lijiang city. Its peaks rise with a covering of permanent snow, and glaciers carve distinct shapes along the ridges. Clouds often drift around the summit, revealing glimpses of the mountain’s presence. The landscape changes with elevation, offering a sense of nature’s quiet strength.
Afterward, visit Blue Moon Valley. A series of pools flow in soft turquoise tones, their color shifting with the light. Snow-capped peaks reflect on the calm water surface, and small waterfalls connect each terrace. Walking along the wooden paths, you are surrounded by gentle streams and mountain views.
Continue to Baisha Town to see the Baisha Murals and Rock’s Former Residence. The murals combine artistic styles from different traditions, depicting cultural and religious themes that reflect the heritage of the Naxi people.
If time allows, end the day with a relaxed walk through Shuhe Ancient Town. The old stone paths and quiet waterways offer a peaceful setting to conclude the day.
Site Visited: Stone Drum Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La Ancient Town
Start your morning with a drive to Stone Drum Old Town, where the Yangtze River makes a dramatic turn. This quiet town is known for its historic stone drum and riverside setting.
Next, experience the main highlight today, the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. Located on the Jinsha River of the upper reaches of the Yangtze, 105 kilometers south of Shangrila County. The gorge is 17 kilometers long with a drop of 213 meters. Tiger Leaping Gorge is divided into three sections: Upper, Middle and Lower Hutiao. At the narrowest spot the river is only 30 meters wide. The mouth of the gorge is 1,800 meters above sea level. The river is flanked by Yulong and Habasnow mountains, with a height difference of 3,900 meters. Watch the swift stream crash against boulders, creating waves and sound that fill the gorge. The views from the trails along the cliffs offer a sense of nature’s strength.
Then, continue driving you to Shangri-La and visit Dukezong Ancient Town, known as Moonlight City. Legend tells that the town’s layout resembles a lotus flower, with moonlight once guiding travelers through its white pagoda and winding lanes.
Site Visited: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park
Begin your morning visiting at Songzanlin Monastery. This Tibetan Buddhist monastery features golden roofs and white walls set against a hillside. Often called the “Little Potala Palace” its grand structure includes prayer halls, living quarters for monks, and scenic views over the surrounding landscape.
Afterward, head to Pudatso National Park. The park showcases untouched natural scenery with still lakes, lush forests, and open meadows. A gentle walk along the wooden pathways by Shudu Lake lets you observe clear waters reflecting the sky. Wildlife moves quietly through the trees, and seasonal flowers add touches of color to the grassy fields. The peaceful atmosphere invites you to slow down and enjoy the fresh mountain air.This is a good destination for those who enjoy easy hiking and natural scenery.
Today you will be free until escort you to the airport for the flight to your next destination.
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