Yunnan Old Towns 8-Day Journey
Kunming · Dali · Lijiang · Shangri-La
Old towns, lakeside villages and highland monasteries across southwest China.
- Best for
- Culture seekers
- Pace
- Balanced
- Season
- Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
- Group
- Couple, Friends
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Kunming
Settle into KunmingA paced editorial day around Kunming, with room for meals and transfers.
- MorningArrive and orient in Kunming
Keep the first block light, confirm tickets and settle bags before the main visit.
Kunming arrival area - AfternoonStone Forest or city lake arrival
Use Kunming as a gentle first highland base.
Green Lake - EveningKunming neighborhood dinner
Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.
Kunming old town or food street
Day 2Kunming
Stone Forest or city lake arrivalA paced editorial day around Kunming, with room for meals and transfers.
- MorningStone Forest or city lake arrival
Use Kunming as a gentle first highland base.
Green Lake - AfternoonStone Forest or city lake arrival
Use Kunming as a gentle first highland base.
Green Lake - EveningPack and prepare the next transfer
Keep the evening close to the hotel so the next travel day starts cleanly.
Kunming station or hotel area
Day 3Dali
Settle into DaliBai old town by Erhai Lake.
- MorningArrive and orient in Dali
Keep the first block light, confirm tickets and settle bags before the main visit.
Dali arrival area - AfternoonOld town and Erhai villages
Keep transfers short and spend time by the lake.
Erhai Lake - EveningDali neighborhood dinner
Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.
Dali old town or food street
Day 4Dali
Old town and Erhai villagesBai old town by Erhai Lake.
- MorningOld town and Erhai villages
Keep transfers short and spend time by the lake.
Erhai Lake - AfternoonOld town and Erhai villages
Keep transfers short and spend time by the lake.
Erhai Lake - EveningPack and prepare the next transfer
Keep the evening close to the hotel so the next travel day starts cleanly.
Dali station or hotel area
Day 5Lijiang
Settle into LijiangNaxi lanes and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain views.
- MorningArrive and orient in Lijiang
Keep the first block light, confirm tickets and settle bags before the main visit.
Lijiang arrival area - AfternoonNaxi old town and mountain views
Balance busy lanes with a calmer viewpoint.
Lijiang Old Town - EveningLijiang neighborhood dinner
Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.
Lijiang old town or food street
Day 6Lijiang
Naxi old town and mountain viewsNaxi lanes and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain views.
- MorningNaxi old town and mountain views
Balance busy lanes with a calmer viewpoint.
Lijiang Old Town - AfternoonNaxi old town and mountain views
Balance busy lanes with a calmer viewpoint.
Lijiang Old Town - EveningPack and prepare the next transfer
Keep the evening close to the hotel so the next travel day starts cleanly.
Lijiang station or hotel area
Day 7Shangri-La
Settle into Shangri-LaTibetan monasteries and highland meadows.
- MorningArrive and orient in Shangri-La
Keep the first block light, confirm tickets and settle bags before the main visit.
Shangri-La arrival area - AfternoonMonastery and highland meadow
Move slowly at altitude and keep the evening quiet.
Songzanlin Monastery - EveningShangri-La neighborhood dinner
Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.
Shangri-La old town or food street
Day 8Shangri-La
Monastery and highland meadowTibetan monasteries and highland meadows.
- MorningMonastery and highland meadow
Move slowly at altitude and keep the evening quiet.
Songzanlin Monastery - AfternoonMonastery and highland meadow
Move slowly at altitude and keep the evening quiet.
Songzanlin Monastery - EveningShangri-La neighborhood dinner
Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.
Shangri-La old town or food street
Editor's note
Editor approvedA varied route rising from lakes to highlands. Reviewed for altitude gain toward Shangri-La.