Yunnan Highlights in One Week
7-Day Essence of the South of the Clouds（Private Tour）
Explore Yunnan’s stunning landscapes and rich cultures in just one week. This 7-day tour takes you from Kunming’s vibrant city life to Dali’s peaceful lakes, Lijiang’s ancient streets, and the breathtaking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Optionally, discover the unique Tibetan culture in Shangri-La. Perfect for first-time visitors seeking a balanced mix of nature, culture, and history, with comfortable transfers and expert guides. Experience the true essence of Yunnan—the South of the Clouds.
📅 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
🎯 Ideal For: First-time visitors to Yunnan, culture seekers, nature lovers, relaxed travelers
🚄 Transportation: Private airport pick-up and drop-off, private vehicle transfers, high-speed train (Kunming-Dali), domestic flight (Shangri-La to Kunming)
🍽 Meals: 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
💼 Tour Features: Private guided tour covering Yunnan’s iconic destinations. Experience diverse minority cultures, spectacular natural landscapes, ancient towns, and snow-capped mountains.
Highlights
Itinerary Overview
Our standard itineraries are for reference only — just let us know your preferences in the form, and our travel experts will customize a trip just for you!
Private airport pick-up. Hotel check-in and orientation. Free time to explore Green Lake Park or a local food street.
- Accommodation: 4★ Hotel in Kunming
- Meals: None
Morning bullet train to Dali (~2 hours). Afternoon boat ride on Erhai Lake, visit small islands and lakeside Bai villages. Evening stroll in Dali Old Town.
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Dali Old Town
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Guided walking tour of Dali Old Town including Three Pagodas and local markets. Optional Bai tie-dye craft experience. Leisure afternoon to explore cafes or shops.
- Accommodation: Dali
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Morning drive to Lijiang (~2 hours). Explore UNESCO-listed Lijiang Old Town, including Four Square Street and the Mu Family Mansion. Optional Naxi music or Dongba culture show.
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Lijiang Old Town
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Morning cable car ride to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain summit for panoramic views. Visit Blue Moon Valley with its turquoise pools. Afternoon visit to nearby Baisha village to see ancient frescoes.
- Accommodation: Lijiang
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Scenic morning drive (~3 hours) to Shangri-La. Visit Songzanlin Monastery and Tibetan village. Evening Tibetan-style hotpot dinner and explore Shangri-La Old Town.
- Accommodation: Tibetan-style lodge in Shangri-La
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning visit to Pudacuo National Park (if time permits). Afternoon flight back to Kunming. Private transfer to airport for your onward journey.
- Meals: Breakfast
Value-added Services
Where You’ll Stay
Standard Accommodation
You’ll stay in carefully selected 4-star hotels offering a comfortable blend of modern convenience and warm hospitality — perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Upgrade Options
While the standard is twin-sharing rooms in 4-star hotels, you can easily upgrade to single rooms or opt for 5-star hotels or preferred properties to suit your tastes and preferences.
Unique Traditional Stays
In select destinations, enjoy a night or two in charming boutique guesthouses featuring traditional Chinese architecture and local character, for a truly immersive experience.
Useful Information
At Travel China, we believe your journey should be as unique as you are. Our itineraries are here to inspire—but every trip can be fully customized to match your interests, pace, and preferences. Simply share your ideas with us through the form, and our travel experts will craft a tailor-made adventure just for you, along with a personalized quote.
All our tours can be adjusted to suit your needs—whether it’s adding destinations, changing pace, or tailoring experiences. Just tell us what you have in mind!
A small deposit of just 10% per person confirms your booking and secures your hotels, tickets, and private transport. The remaining balance is paid upon your arrival in China.
A visa is required for travel to mainland China. We recommend applying at least two months in advance.
Ages 14–70 must apply in person at a Visa Application Center.
Ages 13 and under / 71 and over can apply online.
We’ll provide you with the necessary documents and guidance to make the process smooth and easy.
Comfortable private cars are arranged within cities. For intercity travel, we use China’s efficient high-speed trains or domestic flights. Please note: lighters and aerosols are not allowed on trains or planes.
The local currency is the Renminbi (RMB / CNY / Yuan). We suggest exchanging money before departure. US dollars are also commonly accepted. Credit cards work in most hotels and malls, but small shops may only accept cash. ATMs are widely available.
Hotels may require a credit card or cash deposit upon check-in.
You’ll be warmly greeted by your local guide upon arrival. Throughout your trip, a knowledgeable local guide will accompany you in each city to offer expert insight and support.
We handpick hotels for comfort, location, and character—typically at a 4-star standard. Ratings may differ from international norms, but we inspect all our partner properties regularly to ensure quality. All rooms come with private bathrooms.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. Unlike the western world, Chinese people do not normally pre-heat their plates and food can be presented at a variety of temperatures, which is a typical Chinese way of doing things.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. Bottled water will be available at shops and hotels.
If your visit falls during a major Chinese holiday, such as Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb) or Golden Week (May 1–3 & Oct 1–7), note that transportation may be busier and attractions more crowded. Shops may close temporarily, but scenic sites remain open.
