

Yunnan 8-Day Classic: Lakes, Mountains & Heritage
Experience the best of the classic Yunnan triangle on an eight-day journey across Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang. Cycle along Erhai Lake, master traditional Bai tie-dyeing and Naxi papermaking, and stand beneath the dramatic, icy peaks of Yulong Snow Mountain.
Regarding this journey
Experience the best of the classic Yunnan triangle on an eight-day journey across Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang. Cycle along Erhai Lake, master traditional Bai tie-dyeing and Naxi papermaking, and stand beneath the dramatic, icy peaks of Yulong 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.
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.
Breakfast and check out. Drop off to airport or station.
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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
- 8 nights at listed hotel with breakfasts
- All entrance fees
- Private transportation with a dedicated vehicle and driver
- Services of an English-speaking guide (6 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 ¥11000 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
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