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7-Day Yunnan Adventure: Exploring Kunming, Dali, and Shangri-La

Viewed by 239 travelers

Day 1: Discover Kunming

Kunming, China on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Green Lake Park Café

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast overlooking the lake at this popular café, trying local Yunnan tea and light snacks.
CNY50, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Stone Forest (Shilin)

Explore the spectacular limestone formations at Stone Forest, about 90 minutes drive from Kunming; it's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers amazing natural scenery.
CNY175, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nearby Local Restaurant

Try authentic Yunnan cuisine such as 'Crossing the Bridge Noodles' near Stone Forest to experience regional flavors.
CNY60, 1h0m

3:00pm

Green Lake Park Stroll

Return to Kunming for a leisurely walk around Green Lake, a serene city park popular with locals, great for people watching and relaxation.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Brother’s Kitchen

Dine at this well-rated restaurant offering fusion Yunnan dishes and fresh ingredients, open until 9:00pm.
CNY120, 1h30m
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Day 2: Travel and Explore Dali

Dali, China on July 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kunming Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel before heading out early to catch the train or bus to Dali.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel from Kunming to Dali

Take the high-speed train or bus to Dali, a journey of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours offering scenic views en route.
CNY100-150, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dali Ancient Town

Enjoy lunch at a local café offering Bai ethnic cuisine in the charming old town with its traditional architecture.
CNY60, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Dali Ancient Town

Wander through cobbled streets, visit the Three Pagodas and local markets to appreciate Dali’s history and culture.
Free to enter town, Three Pagodas CNY120, 3h0m

5:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Relax at your accommodation to prepare for next day’s activities in Dali.
Varies, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Best Dali Guesthouse Restaurant

Taste homemade Bai cuisine with lovely lake views, a favorite among visitors seeking authentic flavors.
CNY100, 1h30m
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Day 3: Erhai Lake and Surroundings

Dali, China on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel your day exploring Erhai Lake and nearby villages.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Bike Ride Around Erhai Lake

Rent a bike to cycle around parts of Erhai Lake, experiencing beautiful lake views, fishing villages, and traditional Bai architecture.
CNY40, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Zhoucheng Village

Eat at a local family-run restaurant serving fresh lake fish and Bai-style dishes near the lakeshore.
CNY70, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Butterfly Spring Park

Explore picturesque gardens and the famous spring known for its natural butterfly population, open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
CNY60, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Dali Ancient Town

Spend your late afternoon shopping and relaxing in the town or cafés.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Fascino Dali

Enjoy Western and Asian fusion cuisine in a cozy setting, perfect for a relaxing evening meal.
CNY120, 1h30m
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Day 4: Journey to Shangri-La

Shangri-La, China on July 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before embarking on the scenic drive to Shangri-La.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive from Dali to Shangri-La

Travel approximately 4-5 hours by car or bus through stunning mountainous landscapes to Shangri-La.
CNY150, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Shangri-La Old Town

Savor Tibetan-influenced dishes like yak butter tea and barley bread at a local restaurant in the old town.
CNY80, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Shangri-La Old Town

Walk through the restored Tibetan-style old town to see traditional architecture, shops, and the 350-year-old Guishan Temple.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Songzanlin Monastery

Tour the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, open until 6:00pm, offering insight into Tibetan culture and religion.
CNY85, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Shangri-La Tibetan Family Kitchen

Enjoy authentic Tibetan hot pot and local specialties in a warm family atmosphere.
CNY120, 1h30m
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Day 5: Shangri-La Nature and Culture

Shangri-La, China on July 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a wholesome breakfast to prepare for the nature-focused day ahead.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Pudacuo National Park

Explore this beautiful national park with meadows, lakes, and forest trails; park opens at 7:30am and closes at 6:00pm.
CNY160, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Park Restaurant

Dine within Pudacuo National Park at a restaurant offering local specialties and scenic views.
CNY90, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Shangri-La Town

Relax in a café or stroll the streets of Shangri-La after your park visit.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cafe Tibet

Enjoy a blend of Tibetan and international dishes in a cozy atmosphere for your last night in Shangri-La.
CNY110, 1h30m
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Day 6: Return to Kunming

Kunming, China on July 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast before departing Shangri-La to return to Kunming.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Flight or Bus to Kunming

Take a morning flight (approx. 1 hour) or a long-distance bus (approx 8-9 hours) back to Kunming; flight recommended for time efficiency.
CNY300-500, 1h0m (flight)

12:00pm

Lunch in Kunming

Grab lunch at a local restaurant serving Yunnan-style dishes in downtown Kunming.
CNY70, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shop at Jinma Biji Historic Area

Explore local markets and souvenir shops featuring traditional crafts and local products.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at hotel

Rest and refresh for your final dinner in Kunming.
Varies, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Lost Garden Café

Enjoy a charming garden ambiance with a mix of local and international dishes for your farewell meal.
CNY130, 1h30m
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Day 7: Last Day in Kunming

Kunming, China on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with breakfast at your hotel to ensure a stress-free day.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Yunnan Nationalities Village

Discover the diverse cultures of Yunnan’s ethnic groups through museums, performances, and traditional architecture; opens at 9:00am and closes at 5:00pm.
CNY80, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at nearby restaurant

Sample local dishes such as stone-grilled fish or mushroom hot pot near the village.
CNY70, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Flowers and Birds Market

Shop and observe local life at this colorful market known for flowers, pets, and unique souvenirs.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Prepare for Departure

Return to your hotel to collect belongings and get ready for departure.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dianyu Yintu

Close the trip with a final meal offering authentic Yunnan cuisine in a stylish setting.
CNY120, 1h30m
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