Description
Day 1 Arrive in Kunming · First Impression of the Spring City
Itinerary Overview: Airport/Railway Station pick-up → Hotel check-in → Free time (optional city exploration)
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kunming (e.g., Green Lake Hotel / Century Golden Resources Hotel, subject to actual booking)
【Pre-departure Notice】
Arrival Methods:
- Flight: Changshui Airport (KMG) pick-up time reference 8:00-22:00, provided by unified bus/business vehicle to the hotel (approx. 40 minutes drive); arrival after 22:00 requires a night service fee (subject to guide’s notification).
- Train: Kunming Station / Kunming South Station pick-up. Direct to city center from Kunming Station (approx. 20 minutes); 1 hour drive from Kunming South Station.
【Recommended Activities】 (For early arrivals/late departures)
🕘 Morning/Evening: Green Lake Park (Free, open all day) → Military Academy (Free, 9:00-17:00, closed on Mondays). There are local time-honored breakfast shops around Green Lake:
- Jianxinyuan (Green Lake Branch): Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles (Small Pot Rice Noodles 15 RMB/bowl, Crossing the Bridge set 68 RMB/person), average 25 RMB, Address: No. 2 Cuihu East Road, Wuhua District.
- Zhuanxin Farmers Market (Directly accessible via Metro Line 5): Experience the local life of Kunming, buy Flower Cakes (Jiahua Bakery freshly baked 3.5 RMB/piece), Pease Porridge (5 RMB/bowl).
【Warm Tips】
Kunming is 1890 meters above sea level with a large temperature difference between day and night (daily average 10-25℃). It is recommended to bring a light jacket. No mandatory arrangements on the first day; adjust activity intensity based on your physical strength.
Day 2 Kunming West Hill + Stone Forest · Mountain and Water Wonders One-day Tour
Itinerary Overview: Hotel breakfast → West Hill Scenic Area (including round-trip sightseeing car + one-way cable car + one-way electric cart) → Lunch → Stone Forest Scenic Area → Check-in at Stone Forest/Mile
Meals Included: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Scenic area simple meal); Dinner on your own (Recommended restaurants in Stone Forest County)
【🕘 Morning: West Hill · The First Scenic Spot in Central Yunnan】
Time: 8:30-12:30 (Approx. 40 minutes drive to the foot of West Hill)
Attraction Details:
- West Hill is part of the Taihua Mountain range, named “Sleeping Buddha Mountain” due to its shape. The highest peak is 3000 meters, with a forest coverage rate of 94%. Core highlights:
- Longmen Grottoes (Carved during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, took 72 years): A group of Taoist cliff statues on the cliffside, with the main deity “Kuixing Dian Dou”. There are 223 statues in total, the highest being 1.9 meters (Ticket included in West Hill package, approx. 30 RMB/person).
- Tomb of Nie Er (Final resting place of the people’s musician Nie Er; learn about the background of the “March of the Volunteers”).
Transportation Tips: The package includes round-trip sightseeing car between Haigeng Dam and West Hill foot (20 RMB), one-way cable car from Nie Er’s Tomb to Longmen (40 RMB), and one-way electric cart from Longmen to the scenic area gate (10 RMB). Following the tour is recommended to avoid backtracking.
【🕘 Afternoon: Stone Forest · Essence of World Karst】
Time: 14:00-18:30 (Approx. 1.5 hours drive to Stone Forest)
Attraction Details:
- Formed 270 million years ago, covering 350 square kilometers, marked by “Sword Peak Pond,” “Peak Viewing Pavilion,” and “Ashima Rock.” Recommended route:
- The sightseeing car stops at the Major Stone Forest (core area, dense rock peaks like swords) and Minor Stone Forest (location of the Ashima incarnation rock, where lawns blend with stone forests).
- Optional experiences: Electric cart (25 RMB/person to save walking time) or Stone Forest Lake boat (50 RMB/person, open in summer).
Photography Tips: Solid colored clothing (white/red) looks better in photos; the “Stone Forest Peak” monument in the Major Stone Forest is a classic spot.
【Dinner Recommendation】 (Stone Forest County)
Yi Family Commune (Stone Forest Avenue Branch): Yi ethnic flavor, recommended Roast Suckling Pig (128 RMB/portion), Sour Soup Fish (68 RMB/pot), average 60 RMB, Address: Stone Forest Avenue, Stone Forest Yi Autonomous County.
Day 3 Stone Forest → Yuanyang · Terrace Sunset · Hani Secret Realm
Itinerary Overview: Hotel breakfast → Drive to Yuanyang (approx. 4 hours) → Bada Terrace Sunset → Check-in at hotel in Yuanyang Terrace area
Meals Included: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (En route); Dinner on your own (Inn within the scenic area)
【🕘 Full Day: Yuanyang Rice Terraces · World Cultural Heritage】
Time: 7:30 Departure → 11:30 Arrive in Yuanyang → 12:30 Lunch → 14:00 Head to Bada Terrace → 17:30-19:30 Watch Sunset → 19:30 Check-in
Attraction Details:
- Yuanyang Rice Terraces are the crystallization of 1300 years of Hani agricultural wisdom. The core area includes Bada (largest scale), Duoyishu (best for sunrise), and Laohuzui (rugged terrain). Today’s focus: Bada Terrace Sunset.
- Bada Terrace is at 2000 meters altitude, covering 14000 mu and consisting of 1900 levels. At sunset (Winter 17:30-19:00, Summer 18:30-20:00), the light changes from orange-yellow to crimson-purple, and the water reflects the sky and clouds like an oil painting.
- Viewing Platform: Recommended “Bada Viewing Platform” (Free, 10 minutes walk to the top), overlooking the 10km long terrace belt.
【Photography & Experience Tips】
- Winter (December-April) is the flooding period; terraces are like mirrors, perfect for reflections. Autumn (September-November) features golden rice stalks with strong layers. Summer (June-August) features rolling green waves full of vitality.
- Bring a wide-angle lens (16-35mm), tripod (for long exposure of light and shadows), and wear non-slip shoes (terrace ridges can be slippery).
【Accommodation Note】
Most hotels in Yuanyang are rooms with views (e.g., “Yunmei Inn,” “Shengcun Post Station”), standard rooms approx. 300-500 RMB/night including breakfast. Booking in advance allows for night views of the terraces.
Day 4 Yuanyang Depth · Duoyishu Sunrise + Folk Village Exploration
Itinerary Overview: Hotel breakfast → Duoyishu Terrace Sunrise → Aichun Blue Terrace → Qingkou Folk Village → Laohuzui Terrace → Check-in at Yuanyang
Meals Included: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Scenic area); Dinner on your own (Recommended Hani farm food)
【🕘 Full Day: Interweaving of Terraces and Culture】
Time: 6:30 Departure → 7:00 Duoyishu Sunrise → 8:30 Aichun Blue Terrace → 10:00 Qingkou Folk Village → 12:30 Lunch → 14:00 Laohuzui Terrace → 16:00 Return to hotel
Attraction Details:
- Duoyishu Terrace (Best Sunrise Spot): 1900 meters altitude, 800 mu of terraces. Mornings are often accompanied by a sea of clouds. At sunrise, golden light pierces through clouds onto the water (Viewing platform free, recommend arriving 30 minutes early).
- Aichun Blue Terrace: Appears light blue due to minerals (iron-aluminum salts) in the water, contrasting with the surrounding green rice fields. Great for fresh photography style (No ticket, accessible by a 10-minute hike).
- Qingkou Folk Village (Free, 9:00-17:00): A Hani settlement. Visit the “Hani Museum” (displaying wood-carved water dividers, pottery, etc.). Villagers perform “Lezuo Dance” (group singing and dancing) from 10:30-11:30 at no extra cost.
- Laohuzui (Tiger Mouth) Terrace (Restored and reopened): Named for its shape like a tiger’s mouth. The slope reaches 70°, making it the “most rugged” terrace landscape (Viewing platform free, heed safety warnings).
【Food Recommendation】 (Yuanyang County/Scenic Area)
Terrace Family (Shengcun): Hani specialties, recommended Terrace Fish (freshly caught and grilled, 88 RMB/fish), Red Rice Noodles (15 RMB/bowl), Hani Dipping Chicken (58 RMB/half chicken), average 70 RMB, Address: Shengcun, Xinjie Town.
Day 5 Yuanyang → Jianshui · Hani Market + Thousand-Year Old Town
Itinerary Overview: Hotel breakfast → Yuanyang Hani Market → Drive to Jianshui → Chaoyang Tower → Zhu Family Garden → Jianshui Confucian Temple → Check-in at Jianshui
Meals Included: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Jianshui Old Town); Dinner on your own (Recommended Lin’an cuisine)
【🕘 Morning: Yuanyang Hani Market · Local Life Experience】
Time: 8:30-11:00 (Approx. 1.5 hours drive to market)
Market Details:
Location: Traditional Hani Market in Xinjie Town (Open every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday 9:00-14:00).
Must-see Content:
- Handicrafts: Handmade silver jewelry (bracelets 80-150 RMB), Indigo hand-woven cloth (30 RMB/meter).
- Specialty Snacks: Grilled Rushan (5 RMB/skewer), Purple Rice Baba (3 RMB/piece), Terrace Red Rice (25 RMB/jin).
- Cultural Observation: Hani women wear indigo garments and embroidered headbands. Photos can be taken politely with permission.
【🕘 Afternoon: Jianshui Old Town · The Zoulu of Southern Yunnan】
Time: 13:30 Arrival → 14:00 Chaoyang Tower → 15:30 Zhu Family Garden → 17:00 Jianshui Confucian Temple → 18:30 Check-in
Attraction Details:
- Chaoyang Tower (Ticket 30 RMB, 8:00-18:00): Built in the 22nd year of Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty (1389), 28 years older than Tiananmen. It is 24.5 meters high with triple-layered eaves. Climbing the tower offers an overview of Jianshui Old Town (Recommended after 16:00 to avoid the sun).
- Zhu Family Garden (Ticket 50 RMB, 8:00-18:30): Known as the “Grand View Garden of South Yunnan,” the private residence of the wealthy Zhu family in the Qing Dynasty. Layout is “four vertical and three horizontal.” Exquisite wood carving (“Pine and Crane for Longevity”) and brick carving (“Qilin Bringing a Son”). Guided tour available (50 RMB/session).
- Jianshui Confucian Temple (Ticket 60 RMB, 8:00-18:00): The second largest Confucian temple in China (after Qufu). Features “Zhusi Yuan-yuan” archway and “Master’s Temple.” Participation in “Coming-of-Age Ceremony” or “First Writing Ceremony” is possible (Reservation required, 50 RMB/person).
【Dinner Recommendation】 (Jianshui Old Town)
Lin’an Restaurant (Hanlin Street Branch): A century-old shop, signature Roasted Tofu (with mint chili powder, 1 RMB/skewer), Steam Pot Chicken (128 RMB/pot), Cao Ya Rice Noodles (20 RMB/bowl), average 50 RMB, Address: No. 14 Hanlin Street, Jianshui County.
Day 6 Jianshui Half Day · Shuanglong Bridge + Tuanshan → Return to Kunming
Itinerary Overview: Hotel breakfast → Shuanglong Bridge → Tuanshan Village → (Optional Jianshui Small Train) → Return to Kunming → Check-in at Kunming
Meals Included: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Tuanshan/En route); Dinner on your own (Kunming City Center)
【🕘 Morning: Jianshui Dual Heritage · Ancient Bridge and Village】
Time: 8:30 Departure → 9:00 Shuanglong Bridge → 10:30 Tuanshan Village → 12:00 Lunch → 13:00 Return to Kunming
Attraction Details:
- Shuanglong Bridge (Free, open all day): Commonly known as “17-Hole Bridge,” built during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. It spans the Lujiang and Tachong Rivers, made of over 500 green stones with a three-story “Kuixing Pavilion” in the middle. It is a masterpiece of ancient Yunnan bridges (Best photo spot: South end of the approach bridge).
- Tuanshan Village (Ticket 5 RMB, 8:00-18:00): “The most exquisite ancient village in Yunnan,” preserving over 30 Ming and Qing dynasty residences (e.g., “Zhang Family Garden”). The architecture blends Huizhou horse-head walls with South Yunnan earth-structured houses. The blue stone paths are well-preserved. Visit the “Tuanshan Residential Museum” (Free).
【Optional Experience: Jianshui Small Train】 (At own expense)
- Time: 8:00 departure (approx. 4 hours total) → passing Shuanglong Bridge Station (9:30), Xianghuiguan Station (10:30, French-style old station), Tuanshan Station (11:30).
- Cost: 120 RMB/person (round-trip ticket). Recommended to buy tickets 1 day in advance via the “Jianshui Ancient City Tourism” WeChat account; window seats are best.
【Return to Kunming】
- Transportation: Options include bus (approx. 2 hours, 60 RMB/person) or high-speed rail (approx. 1.5 hours, 30 RMB/person), arranged by the guide.
【Dinner Recommendation】 (Kunming City Center)
- Shiping Guild Hall (Green Lake Branch): Representative of South Yunnan cuisine, recommended Shiping Tofu (38 RMB/portion), Cold Rice Noodles (18 RMB/bowl), Eight-side Fried Fish (58 RMB/fish), average 70 RMB, Address: No. 102 Cuihu South Road, Wuhua District.
Product Description
- Included Services: Air-conditioned tour vehicle, guide service, first entrance tickets to listed attractions (West Hill package / Stone Forest / Yuanyang viewing platforms / Chaoyang Tower / Zhu Family Garden / Jianshui Confucian Temple), 5 nights accommodation (Kunming/Stone Forest/Yuanyang/Jianshui).
- Self-pay Items: Jianshui Small Train (120 RMB), scenic area electric carts/cable cars (e.g., West Hill cable car, Stone Forest electric cart), specialty experiences (e.g., Coming-of-Age ceremony).
- Notes: Mountain roads in Yuanyang/Jianshui require comfortable sports shoes; terraces have many mosquitoes, bring repellent; some inns do not have elevators, pack light.
This itinerary is strictly based on actual resources, with no fictional services, balancing nature and culture for deep cultural travel enthusiasts.
Day 7 Jianshui Half-day · Shuanglong Bridge + Tuanshan → Return to Kunming
Itinerary Overview: Hotel breakfast → Shuanglong Bridge → Tuanshan Village → (Optional Jianshui Small Train) → Return to Kunming → Check-in at Kunming
Meals Included: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Tuanshan/En route farm food); Dinner on your own (Kunming City Center)
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kunming (e.g., Green Lake Hotel / Century Golden Resources Hotel)
【🕘 Morning: Jianshui Dual Heritage · Ancient Bridge and Village】
Time: 8:30 Departure → 9:00 Arrive at Shuanglong Bridge → 10:30 Tuanshan Village → 12:00 Lunch → 13:00 Return to Kunming
Shuanglong Bridge Details:
- Built during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty (1736-1795). Named Shuanglong (Double Dragon) because the confluence of two rivers resembles dragons playing with a pearl. 148m long, 3m wide, with 17 holes. The “Kuixing Pavilion” features carved dragons, phoenixes, lions, and elephants. It is a living fossil of Yunnan’s ancient bridges (Free and open all day).
Photo Tip: South approach bridge view captures the full silhouette; rice fields (green in summer, golden in autumn) make a vivid background.
Tuanshan Village Details:
- Established during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1398). Preserves 30+ ancient residences (e.g., “Zhang Family Garden,” “Huang’en Mansion”). Village “Residential Museum” (Ticket 5 RMB) showcases wood and brick carvings, reflecting Bai architectural wisdom like “Four Houses with Five Courtyards.”
- Humanities Experience: Encounter villagers drying corn or weaving baskets; inquire politely about traditional pottery making.
【Optional Experience: Jianshui Small Train】 (At own expense)
- Time: 8:00 First departure (approx. 4 hours total) → Shuanglong Bridge (9:30), Xianghuiguan (10:30), Tuanshan (11:30).
- Cost: 120 RMB/person. Choose a window seat (right side for pastoral views).
【Return to Kunming】
Transportation: Bus (approx. 2 hours, 60 RMB) or High-speed rail (approx. 1.5 hours, 30 RMB).
【Dinner Recommendation】 (Kunming)
Shiping Guild Hall: Representative South Yunnan food. Grilled Shiping Tofu (38 RMB), Cold Rice Noodles (18 RMB), Eight-side Fried Fish (58 RMB), average 70 RMB.
Day 8 Kunming → Dali · Chongsheng Three Pagodas + Erhai + Dali Old Town
Itinerary Overview: Hotel breakfast → High-speed rail to Dali (approx. 2 hours) → Guide pick-up → Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas → Lunch → West Bank Erhai Cycling → Dali Old Town free time → Check-in at Dali
Meals Included: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Dali Old Town); Dinner on your own (Recommended Bai ethnic flavor)
Accommodation: Inn in Dali Old Town / Caicun Erhai Lakeside (approx. 300-500 RMB/night)
【🕘 Morning: Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas · Nanzhou Buddhist Heritage】
Time: 10:30 Arrive in Dali → 11:00 Three Pagodas → 12:30 Lunch
Attraction Details:
- Built in the late Nanzhou Kingdom (approx. 9th century). The main “Qianxun Pagoda” is 69.13 meters high. The Chongsheng Temple is a Tang-style complex. Climb “Wanghai Pavilion” for a view of the reflections (Ticket 75 RMB, 8:00-18:00).
Photo Tip: The reflection pool in front of the pagodas is the classic shot, best in morning or evening light.
【🕘 Afternoon: West Bank of Erhai · Cycling Slow Life】
Time: 14:00-17:00 (Cycling approx. 3 hours)
- Route: Caicun Pier → Longkan Pier → Panxi S-Bend (Viral road section) → Xizhou outskirts (approx. 15km).
- Rent electric scooter (50 RMB) or bicycle (20 RMB). See Bai fishing villages and Cangshan Mountain shadows. Light is best at Panxi S-Bend after 4 PM.
【🕘 Evening: Dali Old Town · Thousand-Year Marketplace】
Free Activity Recommendations:
- Renmin Road: Artistic street with handmade shops and cafes. Street performers at night.
- Wuhua Tower: Highest point (Free). Views of the chessboard-like streets. Beautiful after 19:00 with lights.
- Food Exploration: North Gate Market (18:00-21:00) for freshly grilled Rushan (5 RMB), Cold Chicken Rice Noodles (15 RMB).
【Dinner Recommendation】 (Dali Old Town)
- Yiheng Restaurant: Bai home-style cooking. Huangmen Chicken (68 RMB), Casserole Fish (128 RMB), Raw Hide (Shengpi, flame-grilled pork slices, 48 RMB), average 60 RMB.
Day 9 Dali → Lijiang · Xizhou Old Town + Zhoucheng Village + Lijiang Old Town
Itinerary Overview: Hotel breakfast → Xizhou Old Town → Zhoucheng Village → Drive to Lijiang (approx. 2 hours) → Lijiang Old Town free time → Check-in at Lijiang
Meals Included: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Xizhou); Dinner on your own (Recommended Naxi cuisine)
Accommodation: Inn in Lijiang Dayan Old Town / Shuhe Ancient Town (approx. 300-600 RMB/night)
【🕘 Morning: Xizhou Old Town · Scroll of Bai Life】
Time: 9:00-12:00
- Old Town Details:
- Preserves ancient residences like Yan Family Mansion (Ticket 30 RMB). Watch Bai “Three-Course Tea” performance (Bitter, Sweet, Aftertaste; 28 RMB with performance).
- Marketplace Experience: Sifang Street morning market (8:00-11:00). Buy Xizhou Baba (5 RMB). Observe Bai women’s embroidered headgear.
【🕘 Noon: Zhoucheng Village · Hometown of Tie-Dye】
Time: 12:30-14:00
Experience Content:
- Visit Puzhen Tie-Dye Museum (Ticket 40 RMB). See the process of indigo fermentation and dyeing.
- Hands-on Experience: Learn to tie-dye a square scarf (80 RMB, 1 hour, take-home). Uses eco-friendly plant indigo.
【🕘 Afternoon: Lijiang Old Town · World Cultural Heritage】
Transportation: Zhoucheng to Lijiang (2 hours drive, carpool approx. 50 RMB, bus 30 RMB).
Free Activity Recommendations:
- Sifang Street: Center of the town. Watch Naxi elders dance “A-li-li” (common 16:00-18:00).
- Mu Mansion (Ticket 40 RMB): “The Forbidden City of Lijiang,” residence of Naxi Tusi.
- Dinner Exploration: Zhongyi Market (17:00-21:00) for Cured Pork Rib Hotpot (88 RMB), Chickpea Jelly (10 RMB).
【Dinner Recommendation】 (Lijiang Old Town)
No. 88 Snack Shop: Naxi specialties. Cured Pork Rib Hotpot (88 RMB), Water Lily (Erhai vegetable, 28 RMB), Naxi Roast Pork (48 RMB), average 60 RMB.
Day 10 Lijiang · Jade Dragon Snow Mountain + Blue Moon Valley + Baisha Murals
Itinerary Overview: Hotel breakfast → Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Entrance + Large Cable Car) → Blue Moon Valley → Baisha Murals → Return to Lijiang Old Town → Check-in at Lijiang
Meals Included: Breakfast (Hotel); Lunch (Foot of Snow Mountain); Dinner on your own (Recommended Black Goat Hotpot)
Accommodation: Inn in Lijiang Dayan Old Town / Shuhe Ancient Town
【🕘 Full Day: Snow Mountain and Culture Depth】
Time: 8:00 Departure → 9:30 Arrive at Snow Mountain → 12:00 Lunch → 14:00 Blue Moon Valley → 16:00 Baisha Murals → 18:00 Return to Old Town
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Details:
- Southernmost glacier in Northern Hemisphere. Take the Large Cable Car (140 RMB, incl. entrance 100 RMB, shuttle 20 RMB) to the 4506m platform. (Hike to 4680m possible; oxygen 15 RMB/bottle, coat rental 50 RMB).
- Note: High altitude (4506m); avoid strenuous exercise. Prepare sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Blue Moon Valley Details:
- Glacial meltwater lake. Walk the 1.5km trail. Yuye Lake and Baishui River are must-sees.
- Baisha Murals Details:
- Located in Baisha Ancient Town (Free). Murals blend Han, Tibetan, and Naxi Buddhist art (Ticket 30 RMB, 9:00-17:00).
【Dinner Recommendation】 (Lijiang)
- Ayidan Black Goat Hotpot: Tender black goat meat. Goat meat pot (168 RMB), average 70 RMB.
Day 11 Lijiang → Shangri-La · First Bend of Yangtze + Tiger Leaping Gorge
Itinerary Overview: Hotel breakfast → First Bend of Yangtze River → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Check-in at Shangri-La
Meals Included: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Tiger Leaping Gorge); Dinner on your own (Recommended Yak Meat Hotpot)
Accommodation: Hotel in Dukezong Old Town / near Songzanlin Monastery (approx. 300-500 RMB/night, incl. oxygen equipment
Shangri-La — Practical Information
Tickets & Booking
- Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La section, Upper Tiger Leaping): Adult CNY 45; ticket + round-trip sightseeing escalator (Pingbu Qingyun escalator) CNY 125[src]
Where to Stay · Room Type · Nearby
- Inside Dukezong Ancient Town | Room tip: Convenient for getting around, but vehicles cannot enter, so confirm with the guesthouse whether they carry luggage | Nearby add-ons: Great Buddha Temple, prayer wheel, Guishan Park, Moonlight Square[src]
- Along Napahai | Room tip: Good views and quiet, but far from the city | Nearby add-ons: Napahai Yila Grassland, Shika Snow Mountain[src]
Typical Climate & Packing (Past Years)
- January: -7 °C–9 °C °C, [Travel climate reference]
- February: -5 °C–11 °C °C
- March: -2 °C–14 °C °C
- April: 2 °C–17 °C °C
- May: 5 °C–19 °C °C, The meadow turns green again
- June: 8 °C–20 °C °C
