8-Day Adventure Itinerary: Kunming, Lijiang & Shangri-La

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming

Kunming, China

10:00AM

Explore the Green Lake Park

Start your journey by strolling through the peaceful Green Lake Park, surrounded by lily pads and weeping willows.
Take a taxi from the airport to Green Lake Park, approx. 30 minutes.
CNY 0, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Lao Dapaidang

Indulge in Yunnan's signature dish, 'crossing the bridge rice noodles', at this popular local eatery.
It's a short 10-minute walk from the park.
CNY 50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Yunnan Provincial Museum

Explore the rich history and diverse ethnic cultures of Yunnan at its main museum, featuring local art and artifacts.
Take a 10-minute taxi ride from the restaurant.
CNY 30, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Jiaozi Restaurant

Enjoy delicious dumplings in a cozy ambiance at one of Kunming's best local spots.
Take a 15-minute taxi from the museum.
CNY 70, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Discoveries

Kunming, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panjiayuan

Savor a traditional Yunnan breakfast with some rice rolls and tea at this vibrant marketplace.
A short taxi ride from hotel if you're staying in the city center.
CNY 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Stone Forest

Embark on a guided tour of the breathtaking Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing stunning limestone formations.
Take a train or a private car to the Stone Forest, about 1.5 hours away.
CNY 200 + transport, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Shi Guo Yu

Enjoy a local fish specialty in a scenic setting post-visit to the Stone Forest.
Eat in the Stone Forest area before heading back to Kunming.
CNY 60, 1 hour

4:00PM

Tea Experience in a Local Tea House

Immerse yourself in Yunnan's rich tea culture by tasting local pu-erh tea at a traditional tea house.
Return to Kunming city center with a taxi.
CNY 80, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Duck De Chine

Dine on fabulous Peking duck in a modern dining environment.
A brief 10-minute taxi ride will get you there.
CNY 120, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Train Journey to Lijiang

Lijiang, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at KFC or Local Diner

Grab a quick breakfast at KFC or a local diner before heading to the train station.
Take a taxi to the train station.
CNY 40, 1 hour

10:00AM

Train to Lijiang

Enjoy a scenic ride to Lijiang, soaking in the local landscapes through the train windows.
Take the bullet train from Kunming to Lijiang, approx 2.5 hours.
CNY 130, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Lounge

The Lounge offers a delightful mix of Western and local cuisine after your train journey.
It’s a 10-minute taxi ride from the Lijiang Railway Station.
CNY 60, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Old Town Lijiang

Wander the cobbled streets of Old Town Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in both history and culture.
Walk around the Old Town area; it’s all pedestrian landmarks.
CNY 0, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Blue Papaya

Indulge in Lijiang's local cuisine, savoring dishes such as grilled fish and mushrooms.
Stroll back to The Blue Papaya after exploring the Old Town.
CNY 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature & Culture

Lijiang, China

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before your day's adventures begin.
Available on-site.
CNY 50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Take a scenic cable car to explore the stunning vistas of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and its surrounding nature.
Book a private tour or group tour package.
CNY 200 + transport, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery near the Mountain

Enjoy local delicacies at a café near the mountain after your cable car ride.
On the way down from the mountain.
CNY 70, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Baisha Village

Discover the cultural richness and traditional Naxi architecture in this quaint village.
Take a taxi from your lunch spot to Baisha Village, about 30 minutes.
CNY 30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at N's Kitchen

Savor Italian-infused Yunnan cuisine, highlighting fresh local ingredients.
Taxi back to Old Town for dinner.
CNY 90, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Scenic Drive to Shangri-La

Shangri-La, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast at your hotel in Lijiang before heading to Shangri-La.
On-site morning meal.
CNY 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Shangri-La

Travel the beautiful scenic route towards Shangri-La, known for its spectacular views of the mountains and rivers.
Book a taxi or guided tour; the drive takes about 2.5 hours.
CNY 500 (shared vehicle), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shangri-La Coffee

Stop at this cozy café known for its coffee and various local meals.
Located shortly after arrival in Shangri-La.
CNY 60, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Songzanlin Monastery

Explore the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, a stunning piece of architecture.
A short taxi ride from downtown Shangri-La.
CNY 90, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Old Town Bistro

Relax and enjoy Tibetan specialties in the heart of Shangri-La's old town.
Taxi back to the old town.
CNY 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Immersion in Shangri-La

Shangri-La, China

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor breakfast at your hotel, featuring both Chinese and Tibetan dishes.
On-site in your accommodation.
CNY 50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Napa Lake

Experience the natural beauty of Napa Lake, perfect for hiking and photography.
Book a tour or taxi to Napa Lake, approximately 30 minutes away.
CNY 30 + transport, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Tibetan Restaurant

Enjoy hearty Tibetan food such as butter tea and tsampa in a local restaurant.
Return to Shangri-La to dine.
CNY 70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Dukezong Ancient Town

Explore the beautiful Old Town, where Tibetan culture thrives amidst ancient architecture.
A short taxi ride away.
CNY 30, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Tashi Restaurant

Enjoy Tibetan hot pot and other local dishes to cap your day in Shangri-La.
Decent walking distance from Dukezong Ancient Town.
CNY 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Lijiang

Lijiang, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast at your hotel in Shangri-La before your journey back to Lijiang.
On-site meal.
CNY 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Return to Lijiang

Drive back to Lijiang, taking the scenic route to enjoy the breathtaking highland scenery.
Book a shared taxi for convenience.
CNY 500, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Forks

Experience local favorites in a relaxed setting when you arrive back in Lijiang.
A short taxi from your accommodation.
CNY 70, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Dongba Culture Museum

Learn more about the Naxi culture and history through exhibits at this engaging museum.
Close to Old Town, take a taxi or walk.
CNY 30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Baisha Restaurant

Indulge in a local dining experience featuring Naxi-style dishes in an enchanting environment.
A taxi ride from the museum.
CNY 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Return to Kunming

Kunming, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Final breakfast in Lijiang, savoring local cuisine one last time.
Hotel dining area.
CNY 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Kunming

Head back to Kunming on the train, enjoying the scenery once again.
Taxi to Lijiang Railway Station, 15 minutes.
CNY 130, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pudu Restaurant

Enjoy a final meal in Yunnan, featuring rice noodles and various sides.
Located near Kunming Railway Station.
CNY 60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Flower and Bird Market

Spend your last afternoon shopping for souvenirs and enjoying local culture at this vibrant market.
Located within a short walking distance from the restaurant.
CNY 0, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Kebab House

End your adventure with a mouth-watering meal of lamb kebabs and local beers.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the market.
CNY 100, 1.5 hours
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