

Yunnan 14-Day Grand Expedition: Sacred Peaks & Lakes
Embark on the ultimate 14-day deep dive into Yunnan’s alpine sanctuaries, ethnic cultures, and sacred mountain peaks. Journey from tranquil lakes and artisan villages in Dali to Lijiang’s snowcaps, Lugu Lake’s starry nights, and Shangri-La’s dramatic gorges and golden sunrises.
Regarding this journey
Embark on the ultimate 14-day deep dive into Yunnan’s alpine sanctuaries, ethnic cultures, and sacred mountain peaks. Journey from tranquil lakes and artisan villages in Dali to Lijiang’s snowcaps, Lugu Lake’s starry nights, and Shangri-La’s dramatic gorges and golden sunrises.

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.
Morning
Tea picking and making experience.


Afternoon
Cangshan Mountain — cable car options: Gantong Cableway, Ximatan or Zhonghe Cable Car.



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 — summit 4,680 m cable car or mid-level options. Blue Moon Lagoon — vivid turquoise-blue glacial pools.


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


Afternoon
Dongba paper making and Dongba character culture workshop.


Night
Drop off to hotel near Lijiang Ancient Town. Dinner at a recommended restaurant.
Morning
3–3.5 hour drive to Lugu Lake.


Afternoon
After 2 PM check-in. Lugu Lake island tour: Daluoshui Village → Marriage Bridge (an iconic log bridge connecting the island) → Chohai Resort. Boat cruise on the lake (Ottelia flowers best Jun–Sep).



Night
Drop off to hotel. Optional: stargazing at midnight.
Morning
Island tour: Rigg Viewing Platform → Luyuan Cliff → Lugu Lake Goddess Bay Scenic Area.



Afternoon
Self-exploration. 3–3.5 hour drive to Lijiang Ancient Town hotel.
Night
Drop off to hotel. 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
17:25–22:00 bullet train from Shangri-La to Kunming. Drop off to hotel.
Morning
1.5-hour drive to winery. Winery tour, vineyard visit and wine tasting.



Afternoon
2-hour drive to Meili Snow Mountain. Check in after 2 PM. Feilai Monastery — with direct views of the sacred Kawagebo peak (6,740 m).


Night
Drop off to Naer (Feilai Monastery area) hotel.
Morning
7–8 AM: golden sunrise over the snow peaks. Drop back to hotel for rest. Drive to Shangri-La Grand Canyon.

Afternoon
Shangri-La Grand Canyon and Balagezong Scenic Area. Rafting option.



Night
Drop off to hotel.
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.

HAW THORN BY WYNDHAM(Xianggelila Dukezong Old Town)
A Tibetan-style hotel near Shangri-La's famous ancient town and prayer wheel.
Travel photos from this journey
A glimpse of the places and moments you will experience on this TravelToQin journey.
Travel Notice
Content included
- 13 nights at listed hotel with breakfasts
- All entrance fees
- Private transportation with a dedicated vehicle and driver
- Services of an English-speaking guide (3 days)
- 7/24 online butler service
- Travel insurance
Excluded content
- Optional activity (extra fee)
- Flight tickets
- Lunches or 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 ¥22000 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
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- A Travel Consultant Rooted In China
- Immediate Response, No Need To Wait!
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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.
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