5 Days Yunnan Itineraries

5 Days Yunnan Travel Itinerary, 5 Days Tour in Yunnan

Nora Zheng
1439 Words/6 Minutes, By Nora Zheng, Updated July 19, 2023

5 Days itinerary for Lijiang and Tiger Leaping Gorge

Day 1: Arrive in Lijiang and explore the Old Town, including the traditional wooden buildings, canals, and streets. Visit the Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Culture Museum.

Day 2: Take a day trip to the nearby Baisha village, known for its traditional Naxi murals and frescoes. In the afternoon, visit the Yufeng Temple and the Lijiang Museum.

Day 3: Lijiang to Qiaotou, the starting point for the Tiger Leaping Gorge hike. Enjoy a full-day hike through the gorge, taking in the stunning scenery and crossing the famous Tiger Leaping Stone.

Day 4: Continue the hike and take the high road or the low road of the Tiger Leaping Gorge, depending on your preference and fitness level. Return to Qiaotou in the afternoon and back to Lijiang.

Day 5: Visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a stunning mountain range located just outside of Lijiang. Take a cable car to the top for panoramic views. In the afternoon, visit the Sifang Street, known for its traditional Naxi architecture and local handicrafts.

5 Days Kunming Dali and Shaxi Ancient Town

Day 1: arrivae Kunming

Arrive in Kunming and explore the city's famous attractions, such as the Green Lake Park, Yuantong Temple, and the Stone Forest. Take a stroll around the city and try some of the local cuisine, such as Yunnan rice noodles or grilled goat cheese.

Day 2: Kunming

Spend a second day in Kunming and visit other notable sights like the Western Hills, the Golden Temple, and the Bamboo Temple. If you are interested in learning more about the local ethnic cultures, you can also visit the Yunnan Nationalities Museum.

Day 3: Kunming to Dali

Take a morning flight from Kunming to Dali, a charming town nestled between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake. Visit the ancient town of Dali and climb to the top of the City Wall for a panoramic view. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Three Pagodas and explore the town's vibrant night market.

Day 4: Dali to Shaxi Ancient Town and Back

Take a private car from Dali to Shaxi Ancient Town, a well-preserved town that was once an important stop on the Tea Horse Road. Explore the town's ancient architecture and visit the Shibao Mountain Grottoes, which contain Buddhist statues and carvings that date back to the Tang Dynasty.

Day 5: Dali to Kunming and depart

Take a morning private car from Shaxi Ancient Town back to Kunming and visit any sights you missed on your first two days in the city. Alternatively, you can also visit the nearby Jiaozi Snow Mountain or Dongchuan Red Land, which are both stunning natural attractions.

5 Days Dali Shaxi Ancient Town and Lijiang

Day 1: Arrival in Dali

Upon arrival in Dali, take some time to explore the ancient town. Stroll around the cobblestone streets and alleyways, visit the Three Pagodas, and climb to the top of the City Wall for a panoramic view.

Day 2: Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake

Take a cable car up to Cangshan Mountain and enjoy the scenic views. Then, head to Erhai Lake for a boat ride to see the beautiful scenery and local fishing villages.

Day 3: Shaxi Ancient Town

Travel to Shaxi Ancient Town, a well-preserved ancient town that is a part of the Tea Horse Road. Take a stroll through the old town, visit the Xingjiao Temple and the Sideng Market, and learn about the history and culture of the Bai people.

Day 4: Lijiang Old Town

Travel to Lijiang and explore the charming old town. Visit the Black Dragon Pool, walk along the canals and bridges, and enjoy the local food and shops.

Day 5: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Take a day trip to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and valleys. Hike to the Blue Moon Valley and visit the Yak Meadow to experience the unique landscapes and cultural traditions of Yunnan.

5 Days Lijiang and Shangri La

Day 1: Lijiang Old Town

Start your trip in Lijiang and spend the day exploring the Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along the winding cobblestone streets, visit the Mu Palace, and enjoy the traditional Naxi architecture.

Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Take a day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which is located about an hour's drive from Lijiang. Take a cable car up to the mountain for stunning views of the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and forests. You can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, and visiting the Blue Moon Valley.

Day 3: Travel to Shangri La

Take a bus or private car to Shangri La, a town located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Spend the afternoon exploring the old town with its distinctive Tibetan architecture and the Songzanlin Monastery, which is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan.

Day 4: Napahai Lake and Dukezong Ancient Town

Visit Napahai Lake, which is located about 8 kilometers from Shangri La. The lake is a nature reserve with a variety of bird species and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. After visiting the lake, head back to Shangri La to explore the Dukezong Ancient Town, which is the main town in Shangri La.

Day 5: Hike to Shika Snow Mountain

Take a day trip to Shika Snow Mountain, which is located about 30 kilometers from Shangri La. Hike to the top of the mountain for stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and enjoy the fresh mountain air. On the way back, stop by the Tibetan village of Yila to experience the local culture.

5 Days Kunming and Xishuangbanna

Day 1: Arrival and Jinghong City Tour

Arrive in Jinghong, the largest city in Xishuangbanna. Spend the day exploring the city's famous attractions, such as the Manting Park, the Dai Cultural Park, and the Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion.

Day 2: Menghai Market and Manfeilong Village

Travel to Menghai, a town known for its large market, where you can find a variety of local products such as tea, fruits, and handicrafts. In the afternoon, visit the Dai village of Manfeilong, where you can learn about the Dai culture and enjoy traditional dances and music performances.

Day 3: Tropical Botanical Garden and Wild Elephant Valley

Visit the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, which showcases the unique flora and fauna of the region. In the afternoon, travel to the Wild Elephant Valley, where you can observe elephants in their natural habitat.

Day 4: Jinuo Mountain and Jinuo Ethnic Village

Travel to Jinuo Mountain, where you can hike to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. In the afternoon, visit the Jinuo Ethnic Village, where you can learn about the customs and traditions of the Jinuo people.

Day 5: Departure

On your last day, take some time to relax and enjoy the local scenery. You can also try some local specialties, such as Dai-style hot pot and Xishuangbanna barbecue. Depart from Jinghong.

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