7-Day Yunnan Holiday Tour Host | China Tour Service

Stone Forest

In the morning, we drive for about two hours to the famous Stone Forest, one of China's most stunning natural sights. The unique karst formations create a surreal landscape with tall limestone pillars that look like a petrified forest. Your guide will explain the geological history of this area, formed over 270 million years ago. As you explore the winding paths, you’ll see rock formations resembling animals, plants, and even human figures. The Yi minority also call this area home, known for their rich cultural traditions.

In the afternoon, we head back to Kunming to visit the lively Bird and Flower Market. This colorful market is filled with plants, animals, and local crafts. You can practice your bargaining skills as you explore the stalls and soak in the local culture. Afterward, you’ll be driven back to your hotel.

Erhai Lake

Your guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby for a private transfer to the Bullet Train Station. Take a high-speed train from Kunming to Dali, enjoying views of China’s changing landscape.

Once in Dali, your guide will greet you and take you to Erhai Lake for a scenic boat ride. The lake, shaped like an ear and surrounded by Cangshan Mountain, is significant to the Bai minority. The cruise will take you to Jinsuo Island, where you can visit historical buildings and enjoy the peaceful setting. Next, you'll head to Chongsheng Temple to see the famous Three Pagodas, which date back to the Nanzhao period (738-902 AD). These pagodas house cultural relics and Buddha statues.

Then, explore Dali Ancient Town, once the cultural and political center of Yunnan during the Tang and Song dynasties. Here, you’ll see a mix of ancient charm and modern life. Don't miss Foreigner Street, famous for its clothing, local crafts, and street food.

Yan Family Mansion

In the morning, we check out of the hotel and head to Xizhou Town, a lively center of Bai minority culture. At the bustling market, you’ll see locals buying fresh seafood, produce, and local specialties. Many Bai women wear traditional colorful clothes, giving the town an authentic feel. While in Xizhou, visit the Yan Family Mansion, a fine example of Bai architecture with detailed wood carvings, colorful patterns, and unique structures like "Three Rooms and a Wall Screening" and "Four Joints and Five Courtyards." Next, visit Zhoucheng, the largest Bai village. Here, you’ll see traditional customs and crafts, including the famous tie-dyeing. If you’re lucky, you may get to watch the process at a family workshop.

Then, travel by car to Lijiang and explore Black Dragon Pond Park. This peaceful spot has ancient temples, towers, and pavilions reflected in the calm waters, with the stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background. Next visit the Dongba Culture Museum to learn about the Naxi minority. With over 12,000 artifacts, the museum offers a deep dive into their rich heritage.

Finish your day with a climb to the Wangu Pavilion on Lion Hill. This five-story structure is decorated with carvings of the region's 23 ethnic groups. From the top, enjoy a panoramic view of Lijiang Ancient Town, especially beautiful at sunset. After a day full of cultural discovery, return to your hotel in Lijiang, where you can unwind in this timeless town.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

The day starts with a trip to the stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred place in Naxi culture. Known for its breathtaking peaks, glaciers, and forests, it’s a place where nature and culture meet. Here, you’ll enjoy the "Impression Lijiang" show, directed by Zhang Yimou, famous for his work on the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This outdoor performance takes place with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as a dramatic backdrop. It features: About 500 local performers from various ethnic groups, including Naxi, Bai, and Yi; 100 horses, adding to the visual impact; traditional music, dance, and storytelling that highlight Naxi culture and legends.

After the performance, take a cable car up to Spruce Plateau. This vast meadow, surrounded by ancient spruce trees and often blanketed in mist, feels like something out of a fairytale. From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, living up to its reputation as paradise on Earth. Next, visit Baisha Village, where you’ll experience the quieter side of Bai culture. The village is famous for: Its unique cultural traits; valuable historical artifacts; the Baisha Murals, which mix Buddhist, Taoist, and Lamaist elements; these murals are important cultural treasures, offering a glimpse into Chinese art and religious practices.

After a day full of cultural and natural beauty, return to your hotel in Lijiang for a peaceful evening.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

In the morning, enjoy a private 3-hour scenic drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of China’s most stunning natural wonders. On the way, stop at the First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the river takes a sharp 90-degree turn. This spot offers spectacular views of the river winding through mountains, terraced fields, and quaint villages. When you reach Tiger Leaping Gorge, you’ll be amazed by its size. The gorge is surrounded by steep cliffs rising over 3,900 meters, forcing the Jinsha River into a narrow path, creating powerful rapids. From safe paths, you can watch the water crash over massive rocks. A viewing deck offers an up-close look at the river’s strength as it roars between the mountains. Tiger Leaping Gorge is divided into three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower. The Upper Gorge is the easiest to access and offers incredible views of its narrowest point. If time allows, you may explore part of the Middle Gorge, which has more challenging terrain and exciting hiking trails.

On the way back to Lijiang, visit Zhiyun Lamasery, a Tibetan temple built in 1727. This temple combines Han, Tibetan, Bai, and Naxi architectural styles. It’s famous for its ancient stone tablet with Sanskrit inscriptions and five trees believed to be 200-300 years old. The peaceful location, overlooking a lake, adds to the temple’s charm.

Return to Lijiang and enjoy your evening at leisure, either relaxing at your hotel or strolling through the city’s picturesque streets, sampling local food.

Black Gragon Pool

After checking out of your hotel in the morning, head to Black Dragon Pool Park, just north of Lijiang’s Old Town.

Built in 1737 during the Qing Dynasty, the park was originally known as Longwang Temple (Temple of the Dragon King) and is an important cultural site in Lijiang. The park is known for its stunning views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The clear, jade-like water of the pool perfectly reflects the majestic peaks, enhancing its beauty.

As you walk through the park, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the perfect blend of nature and ancient architecture. It’s a great place for relaxation and photography.

After visiting the park, you’ll have a private transfer to Lijiang Airport. The airport is well-connected to major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, and Guangzhou, making it easy for your next journey. Safe travels!