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Yunnan from Kunming to Shangri-La: the Day-by-Day Itinerary
Yunnan is China at its most varied. Dali and Lijiang's old towns sit beneath snow mountains, Tiger Leaping Gorge offers the country's best two-day hike, and the road ends at Shangri-La's giant prayer wheel on the Tibetan plateau's doorstep.
Yunnan from Kunming to Shangri-La is a 700 km one-way journey (bus & ferry). It works best as 7–10 days; the plan below is the 8-day version for October, built from 304 verified places, with timetable-estimated transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.
Customize this plan → 7-day plan · 8-day plan · 10-day plan · best time to go
8
days
820 km
distance
14.9 h
in transit
46
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- Autumn clarity: golden light on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and dry trails through Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Day 1 Kunming → Dali
🌡 4.1–25.1°C · 🌧 ~12 rain days · ☀ 11.4h light
09:00
Kunming Pump Househistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Learn about Kunming's vital water supply history in the museum.
50 min · Kunming · Free
open: W-Su 09:30-16:30
09:50
Kunming Walkhistory & sagashiking
Discover Kunming’s history and foreign influences on a guided walk.
90 min · Kunming · From ¥150 per person
open: W & Sa 10:00, 2.5–3 hours; other days by appointment
11:20
Burma Road History Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Browse photos and models recounting the Burma Road's history.
50 min · Kunming · Free
18:30
苍山半山咖啡馆history & sagashikingcoffee & bakes
Drink locally sourced coffee or tea with panoramic views of Erhai Lake and Dali Old Town.
75 min · Dali · ¥¥
open: 09:00-18:00, weather permitting
Overnight: Dali
e.g. Jim's Tibetan Guest House · Five Elements
Day 2 Around Dali
🌡 4.1–25.1°C · 🌧 ~12 rain days · ☀ 11.4h light
09:00
Xizhou Townlocal & traditionalmuseums & heritage
Exquisite Qing Dynasty architecture lines quiet, cobblestone streets.
50 min · Dali
09:50
Dali Bai Nationality Autonomous Prefecture Museumlocal & traditionalmuseums & heritage
Beautiful gardens frame exhibits of local culture and history.
50 min · Dali · Free, but requires ID to enter
open: 8.30am - 5pm. Closed between 11:30 and 14:00
10:40
Shuanglang Ancient Villagehistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Well-preserved buildings and tranquil lake views enchant visitors.
50 min · Dali · Free
11:30
Dali Municipal Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Ancient steles and gravestones whisper stories of the past.
50 min · Dali · Free
open: summer 08:30-17:30, winter 09:00-17:00
12:20
Erhai Lake Villageshistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Quaint villages line the shore, each with its own charm.
50 min · Dali
13:10
Wase Marketlocal & traditional
Lively market buzz with locals and the scent of fresh produce.
50 min · Dali
14:00
Jim's Peace Cafehistory & sagaslocal & traditionalcoffee & bakes
Relish Tibetan goulash, vegetarian or with yak meat, in a historic traveler spot.
60 min · Dali
Overnight: Dali
e.g. Jim's Tibetan Guest House · Five Elements
Day 3 Lijiang
🌡 -1.0–23.5°C · 🌧 ~9 rain days · ☀ 11.3h light
11:44
Old Town of Lijianghistory & sagaslocal & traditionalhiking
Stroll through vibrant streets, join local dances at sunset.
50 min · Lijiang · Entry to the old town is free. The Old T (price listed 2017)
open: Open 24 hours
12:34
Black Dragon Poollocal & traditionalhikingmuseums & heritage
Admire scenic views and watch locals dance by the pool.
50 min · Lijiang · ¥50, free to seniors over 60
open: 07:00-19:00
13:24
Yak Meadowhistory & sagaslocal & traditionalhiking
Gaze at grazing yaks and explore a remote Tibetan temple.
90 min · Lijiang
14:54
Go hiking to local Naxi villageshistory & sagaslocal & traditionalhiking
Hike through valleys to hidden villages, temples, and scenic views.
90 min · Lijiang
16:24
Old Tea Horse Road Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Walk through a former temple showcasing tea horse trade history.
50 min · Lijiang · Free
open: 07:30-17:30
18:30
Freshnam Cafehistory & sagashikingmuseums & heritagecoffee & bakescraft beer & pubs
Sip hot tea or smoothies in a quiet café, with live music at night.
75 min · Lijiang
open: 10:00-00:00
Overnight: Lijiang
e.g. Lijiang Sina Hotel 新纳大酒店 · Lijiang Tianlun Guesthouse
See the remaining 5 days of the 8-day plan →
Route map
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