

Yunnan 10-Day Odyssey: Old Towns & Meili Sunrise
Discover the best of Yunnan on a ten-day journey from ancient cultural valleys to high-altitude Tibetan peaks. Explore Lijiang’s turquoise lagoons and historic lanes before trekking Tiger Leaping Gorge and witnessing the golden sunrise over sacred Meili Snow Mountain.
Regarding this journey
Discover the best of Yunnan on a ten-day journey from ancient cultural valleys to high-altitude Tibetan peaks. Explore Lijiang’s turquoise lagoons and historic lanes before trekking Tiger Leaping Gorge and witnessing the golden sunrise over sacred Meili Snow Mountain.

Trip Overview
The following is a suggested TravelToQin itinerary. We are happy to customize it based on your interests.
Flight arriving at Kunming. Self-exploration. Dinner at a recommended restaurant. Drop off to Kunming hotel.
Morning
Haigeng Dam — seawall promenade famous for wintering gulls (best Nov–Mar). Dianchi Lake.


Afternoon
Yunnan Ethnic Minority Village — living museum of 25 minority groups' traditions, architecture and performances.



Night
Drop off to hotel. Dinner at a recommended restaurant.
Morning
Breakfast.
Afternoon
Erhai Lake — highland lake ringed by Bai minority villages and Cangshan Mountain. Optional: 4 km cycling trip along the lakeshore. Dali Ancient Town — marble-paved streets, wooden shopfronts and a Cangshan mountain backdrop. Local market visit.



Night
Drop off to hotel. Dinner at a recommended restaurant.
Morning
Butterfly Spring — a natural spring pool beneath a hackberry tree, famous for its butterfly swarms in spring.


Afternoon
Xizhou Ancient Town — best-preserved Bai minority town in the Dali area with ornate three-courtyard architecture. Tie-dyeing experience — traditional Bai technique using natural indigo dye.


Night
2-hour drive from Dali to Lijiang. Drop off to hotel near Lijiang Ancient Town. Dinner at a recommended restaurant.


Daytime
Yulong Snow Mountain — 4,680 m summit cable car or mid-level options. Blue Moon Lagoon — vivid turquoise pools at the mountain's base.


Night
Drop off back to hotel. Dinner at a recommended restaurant.
Morning
Lashihai Park — highland wetland lake with migratory birds and horse riding.


Afternoon
Zhongyi Market. Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan) — UNESCO World Heritage cobblestone lanes and Naxi wooden architecture.


Night
Drop off to hotel. Dinner at a recommended restaurant.
Morning
Baisha Ancient Town — quiet Naxi village with ancient murals.


Afternoon
Dongba paper making and character culture workshop.


Night
Drop off to hotel near Lijiang Ancient Town. Dinner at a recommended restaurant.
Morning
First Bend of the Yangtze River (Shigu). Tiger Leaping Gorge — one of the world's deepest gorges.



Afternoon
Tiger Leaping Gorge continued. Optional: White Water Terraces. The Great Prayer Flag of Shangri-La.


Night
Dukezong Ancient Town. Prayer Wheel. Drop off to hotel.


Morning
Morning mist at Songzanlin Monastery — attend the sunrise chanting ceremony. Thangka painting and black pottery handcrafting introduction.



Afternoon
Pudacuo National Park — pristine alpine lakes, meadows and old-growth forest at 3,500–4,159 m.

Night
Drop off to hotel.
Breakfast and check out. Self-exploration. Pick up from hotel to airport.
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Recommended hotels
TravelToQin suggested stays along this itinerary (alternatives available on request).

Hilton Garden Inn Kunming Railway Station
A modern international hotel with convenient access to Kunming's transportation network.

Manxin Mansion Dali Old Town
A charming boutique hotel offering a relaxing stay near Dali's lakeside attractions.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Yiwu World Trade Center
A modern extended-stay hotel offering spacious suites near Yiwu International Trade City.
Travel photos from this journey
A glimpse of the places and moments you will experience on this TravelToQin journey.
Travel Notice
Content included
- 9 nights 4-star hotel with breakfasts
- All entrance fees
- Private transportation with a dedicated vehicle and driver
- Services of an English-speaking guide (8 days)
- Bullet train from Kunming to Dali (second class seats)
- 7/24 online butler service
Excluded content
- Optional activity (extra fee)
- Flight tickets
- Lunches and dinners (restaurants will be recommended)
- Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, snacks, or additional activities not listed)
- Gratuities for the driver and guide
Travel expenses
From ¥16000 p/p
Based on a private tour including 4-star hotels for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel.
Why Choose TravelToQin
We Are With You
- A Travel Consultant Rooted In China
- Immediate Response, No Need To Wait!
- Direct Contact, Highest Value
Maximize Your Flexibility
- Your Own Private Tour Guide And Journey.
- Explore At Your Own Pace.
- Unparalleled Flexibility, Group Travel Is Impossible To Achieve.
Ensure Your Satisfaction
- Carefully selected local guides matched to your itinerary.
- Seamless services throughout the trip.
- 24/7 Emergency Support.
Live Your China Story
- Authentic Local Culture And Lifestyles.
- Understand The Culture By Living It.
- Uncover Fascinating Histories And Witness New China.
Inquire About This China Journey
Tell us your travel dates, group size, and any changes you need to this itinerary. TravelToQin will confirm availability, refine the route with you, and share a private quote—no obligation to book.
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