Classic Yunnan: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La

Connect Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La by high-speed rail—the most established route for first-time visitors to Yunnan.

Ascending gradually from Kunming (nearly 2,000 meters above sea level) to Shangri-La (over 3,000 meters) gives your body time to acclimate. Stay about two nights at each stop, with a full day in Dali to loop around Erhai Lake and a full day in Lijiang to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Enter the Tibetan region via the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, skipping the Middle Gorge and the high trail. This is perfect for first-time visitors to Yunnan who want to see all the iconic landscapes.

Shangri-La is very cold in winter, and parts of Pudacuo National Park may be closed. During the rainy season, mountain roads are prone to rockfalls.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive in Kunming and Explore Green Lake and the Old Town

Kunming City（Green Lake Park (Cuihu)、Yunnan Military Academy、Jinma & Biji Archways / Nanping Street）

Take the metro or a taxi from the airport to the city center (approx. 1 hour). Downtown attractions are accessible on foot or by metro.

Stay: Nanping Street, Jinma Biji Archway

Day 2 · Stone Forest Day Trip

Kunming City（Stone Forest (Shilin)、Dounan Flower Market）

Take a bullet train from Kunming South Railway Station to Shilin West Railway Station (approx. 30 minutes), or hire a private car (approx. 1.5 hours one way).

The Dounan Flower Market is more active at night, which can be visited after returning.

Stay: Nanping Street, Jinma Biji Archway

Day 3 · Bullet Train to Dali and Explore the Old Town

Dali（Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple、Dali Old Town、Renmin Road (Dali Old Town)）

Take a bullet train from Kunming or Kunming South to Dali Railway Station (approx. 2 hours), then take a taxi to the Old Town (approx. 30 minutes).

Stay: Dali Old Town

Day 4 · Full Day Around Erhai Lake

Dali（Xizhou Ancient Town、Panxi Village & S-Bay、Shuanglang、Xiaoputuo Islet）

Hire a car or join a shared tour to loop the lake (approx. 130 km), which takes 7 to 8 hours including stops.

Traffic restrictions apply to certain sections of the lakeside road; follow local traffic control guidelines.

Stay: Dali Old Town

Day 5 · Ascend Cangshan Mountain and Transfer to Lijiang

Dali（Cangshan Mountain） → Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（Old Town of Lijiang (Dayan)、Sifang Square）

Take the cable car up Cangshan Mountain in the morning, then take a bullet train from Dali to Lijiang in the afternoon (approx. 1.5 hours).

Stay: Lijiang Old Town

Day 6 · Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley

Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（Glacier Park, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain、Blue Moon Valley、Impression Lijiang）

It takes about 1 hour from the Old Town to the Snow Mountain scenic area. Transfer to the park shuttle and cable car inside. This is a full-day trip.

Tickets for the Glacier Park Cable Car must be booked about three days in advance.

Stay: Lijiang Old Town

Day 7 · To Shangri-La via Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge

Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（Tiger Leaping Gorge） → Shangri-La（Dukezong Ancient Town）

Drive from Lijiang to Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge (approx. 2 hours), then continue to Shangri-La (approx. 2 hours) by chartered or shared car.

The gorge may close due to rockfalls after rain; check official park announcements before setting off.

Stay: Dukezong Ancient Town

Day 8 · Songzanlin Monastery and Pudacuo National Park

Shangri-La（Ganden Sumtseling (Songzanlin) Monastery、Pudacuo (Potatso) National Park）

It takes about 20 minutes from the Old Town to Songzanlin Monastery, and another 40 minutes to Pudacuo. Hiring a car is the most convenient option.

At altitudes above 3,300 meters, move slowly and keep warm.