12-14 Days Yunnan Travel Itineraries

12 -14 Days Yunnan Highlights Itinerary

Kunming, Dali, Tengchong, Shaxi Ancient Town, Lijiang, Shangri La, Meili Snow Mt.

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming

Arrive in Kunming and visit the Stone Forest, Green Lake Park, and the Yuantong Temple.

Day 2-3: Dali 2 nights

Train or fly to Dali, a charming ancient town located between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake. Spend your time exploring the old town, climbing to the top of the City Wall,  Erhai boating, cycling, local market, and visiting the Three Pagodas and some cultural immersions.

Day 4-5: Tengchong 2 nights

Private transfer from Dali to Tengchong, a volcanic town famous for its hot springs, geysers, and ancient sites. Visit the Heshun Old Town, Beihai Wetland Reserve, the Tengchong Volcano Geothermal National Park, etc.

Day 6: Shaxi Ancient Town for a night

Drive from Tengcong to Shaxi Ancient Town, a well-preserved trading post on the old Tea Horse Road. Visit the Sideng Street, Xingjiao Temple, and the Shibaoshan Mountain.

Day 7-8: Lijiang 2 nights

Take a bus or private car to Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its old town and Naxi culture. Spend your time exploring the narrow alleys, visiting the Black Dragon Pool, hiking to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, etc.

Day 9-10: Shangri La 2nights

Drive to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge en route, then drive to Shangri La, a Tibetan town located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Visit the Songzanlin Monastery, the Pudacuo National Park, the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, etc.

Day 11-12: Meili Snow Mountain 2 nights

Take a private car to Deqin County, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Meili Snow Mountain. Spend your time exploring the Mingyong Glacier, Feilai Temple, and the Yubeng Village, or do some hiking.

12-14 Days Yunnan Photography Itinerary

Kunming, Dongchuan (Red Land) - Yuanyang (Rice Terraced Fields) - Lijiang (TPL) - Shangri La - Meili Snow Mountain

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming

Arrive in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan. Spend the day exploring the city's famous attractions, such as Green Lake Park, Yuantong Temple, and Stone Forest.

Day 2: Dongchuan Red Land

Drive to Dongchuan Red Land, known for its striking red soil and beautiful landscapes. Spend the day exploring the area and taking in the breathtaking views.

Day 3: Dongchuan Red Land

Continue exploring the Dongchuan Red Land area, visiting different viewing points, and taking photos of the colorful fields.

Day 4: Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Drive to the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, known for their stunning landscapes and cultural significance. Visit the Duoyishu Rice Terraces for sunrise, and explore the traditional villages of the Hani ethnic minority.

Day 5: Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Spend another day exploring the Yuanyang Rice Terraces area, visiting other viewing points, and learning about the history and culture of the Hani people.

Day 6: Lijiang

Drive back to Kunming for a flight or train to Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved old town and Naxi culture. Wander the cobblestone streets, visit the Black Dragon Pool, and hike to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Day 7: Lijiang

Spend another day exploring Lijiang, and visiting other historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Mu Palace and the Wangu Tower.

Day 8: Tiger Leaping Gorge

Drive to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Hike the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge trail, which offers stunning views of the mountains and the Yangtze River. Stay overnight at Tina's Guesthouse.

Day 9: Shangri-La

Drive to Shangri-La, a town located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Visit the Songzanlin Monastery, hike to Napa Lake, and explore the old town with its distinctive Tibetan architecture.

Day 10: Shangri-La

Spend another day exploring Shangri-La, visiting other landmarks, and experiencing the local culture, such as attending a Tibetan opera performance.

Day 11: Deqin

Drive to Deqin, a town located in the northern part of Yunnan. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Lancang River and Meili Snow Mountain.

Day 12: Meili Snow Mountain

Visit the Meili Snow Mountain, one of the most sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism, and hike to the Mingyong Glacier. Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Day 13: Deqin

Spend another day exploring Deqin, visiting the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery and the Feilai Temple, and enjoying the local cuisine.

Day 14: Departure from Kunming

Take a flight or train back to Kunming, and depart from there.

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Pudacuo National Forest Park, Shangri La

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