9-Day Ultimate Yunnan Exploration Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming

Kunming, China

10:00AM

Visit Stone Forest

Kick off your Yunnan adventure by exploring the stunning limestone formations at the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a local bus or taxi from Kunming, approximately 1.5 hours away.
CNY 160, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Savor local Yunnan dishes like Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles at 'Er Yi Restaurant'.
Return to Kunming by taxi, about 1.5 hours.
CNY 80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Green Lake Park

Stroll around Green Lake Park, a serene spot often filled with locals engaging in tai chi.
Take a taxi from the restaurant, about 15 minutes.
CNY 20, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at 'Butterfly Restaurant'

Enjoy a fusion of local and Western cuisine while overlooking the city.
Walk back to your accommodation.
CNY 120, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Dali Adventure

Dali, China

8:00AM

Travel to Dali

Head to Dali early morning via bus, eager to see the ancient architecture and surrounding lake.
Board a bus from Kunming to Dali, roughly 4 hours.
CNY 70, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at 'Dali Zhuangyuan'

Feast on Bai-style grilled fish with delightful side dishes.
Walk from the bus station to the restaurant, about 15 minutes.
CNY 90, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Erhai Lake

Enjoy a bike tour around Erhai Lake, experiencing breathtaking scenery.
Rent a bike near the restaurant.
CNY 50, 3 hours

5:30PM

Explore Dali Ancient Town

Roam the picturesque streets lined with shops, art galleries, and cafes.
Bike to the Ancient Town, about 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at 'The Bakery'

Enjoy a mix of Western comfort food and local snacks in this cozy atmosphere.
Walk to dinner from the Ancient Town.
CNY 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion in Dali

Dali, China

8:30AM

Visit Three Pagodas

Explore the iconic Three Pagodas, an important cultural relic of Dali.
Take a local bus or taxi from your accommodation, 30 minutes.
CNY 120, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Dali Museum

Engage with the local history showcased in this well-curated museum.
Walk to the museum from the pagodas, 10 minutes.
CNY 30, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at 'The Dali Café'

Discover homemade pasta and local coffee at this inviting café.
Walk back towards the Ancient Town, about 20 minutes.
CNY 70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Tea Tasting Experience

Experience a traditional tea ceremony and learn about Yunnan’s famous teas.
Find a local teahouse nearby, about 10 minutes on foot.
CNY 50, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at 'The Tibetan Restaurant'

Savor authentic Tibetan dishes like momos and barley.
Taxi or walk to the restaurant in Dali, about 15 minutes.
CNY 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Journey to Lijiang

Lijiang, China

8:00AM

Travel to Lijiang

Depart Dali and head to the UNESCO-designated Lijiang Ancient Town.
Take a bus from Dali to Lijiang, approximately 2 hours.
CNY 60, 2 hours

10:00AM

Check-in to Hotel

Get settled into your accommodation in Lijiang and prepare for your day.
Walk from the bus station to your hotel, about 15 minutes.
N/A, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at 'Lijiang Old Town Restaurant'

Try out local dishes, like the famous Lijiang minced meat pancake.
Walk to the restaurant, about 5 minutes.
CNY 80, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Lijiang Ancient Town

Wander through the charming canals and old wooden houses of Lijiang Ancient Town.
Start walking around the town right after lunch.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Visit Black Dragon Pool

Enjoy the serene park with beautiful views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Walk to the pool, about 20 minutes.
CNY 30, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at 'The Naxi Restaurant'

Feast on Naxi delicacies and enjoy a cultural performance.
Walk back towards your hotel, about 15 minutes.
CNY 120, 2 hours
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Day 5: Exploring Lijiang

Lijiang, China

8:30AM

Excursion to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Take a day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to hike and experience stunning scenery.
Join a tour or take a taxi from Lijiang, roughly 30 minutes.
CNY 250 (including entrance fee), 6 hours

3:00PM

Return to Lijiang

Come back from the mountain, feeling accomplished and adventurous.
Return taxi or tour bus to Lijiang, about 30 minutes.
N/A, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Relax at your Hotel

Take some time to rest or enjoy the amenities at your hotel.
Walk to your hotel.
N/A, 1 hour

5:00PM

Stroll at Lijiang People’s Park

Wander through the peaceful park, ideal for soaking in the local lifestyle.
Walk to People’s Park, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at 'The 88 Restaurant'

Ample variety of dishes available with cozy outdoor seating.
Walk back to your hotel for a short break, then walk to dinner.
CNY 100, 2 hours
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Day 6: Explore Shangri-La

Shangri-La, China

8:00AM

Travel to Shangri-La

Depart for the mystical Shangri-La by bus, captivated by the beauty of the landscape.
Board a bus from Lijiang, taking about 3-4 hours.
CNY 80, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at 'Shangri-La Tibetan Restaurant'

Taste authentic Tibetan dishes and enjoy the local ambiance.
Walk from the bus station, around 10 minutes.
CNY 80, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Songzanlin Monastery

Discover the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, enveloped in tranquility.
Travel via local taxi, 15 minutes.
CNY 30, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Old Town of Shangri-La

Wander through the quaint streets that reflect Tibetan architecture and culture.
Return taxi to the Old Town, about 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at 'The Old Town Restaurant'

Relish traditional Tibetan cuisine in a warm and inviting setting.
Walk to the restaurant, about 10 minutes.
CNY 100, 2 hours
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Day 7: Trekking around Shangri-La

Shangri-La, China

8:30AM

Day Trekking to Meili Snow Mountain

Embark on a day trek to the stunning Meili Snow Mountain and enjoy breathtaking views.
Take a guided tour or a taxi to the trek start point, about 1 hour.
CNY 300, 6 hours

3:30PM

Return from Trek

Savor the memories made while trekking through stunning landscapes.
Return by the same means back to Shangri-La.
N/A, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Local Café

Unwind with some coffee and snacks, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Travel to a local café, about 10 minutes.
CNY 50, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at 'Tibetan Kitchen'

Delight in a variety of Tibetan specialties while enjoying a warm atmosphere.
Walk back towards the Old Town, about 15 minutes.
CNY 90, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Explore Jianshui

Jianshui, China

8:00AM

Travel to Jianshui

Journey to Jianshui, known for its rich history and ancient architecture.
Take a bus from Shangri-La, taking approximately 5 hours.
CNY 100, 5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at 'The Jianshui Restaurant'

Taste delicious local rice noodles that Jianshui is famous for.
Walk from the bus station, around 10 minutes.
CNY 50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Confucius Temple

Explore the beautiful Confucius Temple, an important cultural site.
Walk or take a local taxi, 10-15 minutes.
CNY 40, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore Zhu's Garden

Discover the picturesque gardens and beautiful architecture of this ancient complex.
Walk to Zhu's Garden, about 15 minutes.
CNY 30, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at 'Yunnan Style BBQ'

Enjoy a fun barbecue dinner with various meats and local flavor.
Head towards the restaurant, about 10 minutes.
CNY 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Return to Kunming

Kunming, China

8:00AM

Travel Back to Kunming

Make your way back to Kunming as your adventure in Yunnan comes to an end.
Take a bus from Jianshui, approximately 4 hours.
CNY 70, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch in Kunming at 'Yunnan Rice Noodle Province'

Relish a rich bowl of noodle soup, a Yunnan specialty.
Walk from the bus station to the restaurant, about 15 minutes.
CNY 50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Yuantong Temple

Engage with the peaceful atmosphere of Yuantong Temple, featuring magnificent Buddhist architecture.
Take a taxi or local transport, about 20 minutes.
CNY 20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Free Time for Shopping

Spend your last few hours picking up souvenirs and enjoying Kunming’s markets.
Travel to local markets by bus or taxi, 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at 'Jin Ling Garden Restaurant'

Conclude your journey with a memorable dinner of local and homestyle dishes.
Walk to your dinner location, around 10 minutes.
CNY 120, 2 hours
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