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Yunnan from Kunming to Shangri-La — a 8-Day Plan You Can Actually Do
The 8-day version for October: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 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
Day 4 Around Lijiang
🌡 -1.0–23.5°C · 🌧 ~9 rain days · ☀ 11.3h light
09:00
Dongba Valleyhikingmuseums & heritage
Observe everyday life in a preserved Naxi village setting.
50 min · Lijiang · ¥40
open: 07:00-17:00
09:50
Naxi Concert Hallhistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Listen to timeless Naxi music played on ancient instruments.
90 min · Lijiang · ¥120-160
open: 20:00-21:30
11:20
Baisha Ancient Townhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Explore ancient Naxi streets and historic architecture.
50 min · Lijiang
12:10
Baisha Naxi Embroidery Institutehistory & sagaslocal & traditional
See intricate traditional Naxi embroidery crafted by skilled artists.
50 min · Lijiang
13:00
Impression Lijianghistory & sagashiking
Experience a vibrant outdoor show against the mountainside backdrop.
90 min · Lijiang
14:30
Mu Palacehistory & sagas
Explore the grand historic seat of the Mu Clan's rule.
50 min · Lijiang · Entry fee is ¥40 (as of Mar 2019). Disco (price listed 2019)
open: 08:30-17:30
15:20
Prague Cafécoffee & bakes
Savor decent meals in a friendly café atmosphere, despite pricey drinks.
60 min · Lijiang
Overnight: Lijiang
e.g. Lijiang Sina Hotel 新纳大酒店 · Lijiang Tianlun Guesthouse
Day 5 Tiger Leaping Gorge
🌡 -1.0–23.5°C · 🌧 ~9 rain days · ☀ 11.3h light
10:05
Tiger Leaping Trek Starting Point, Changsheng Village 长胜村history & sagashiking
Start your hike here at the newly built guesthouse, 1.5 hours to first village.
50 min · Tiger Leaping Gorge
10:55
Start from Naxi Guesthousehistory & sagashiking
Begin here to miss the crowded part and enjoy a wide valley view before the gorge.
50 min · Tiger Leaping Gorge
11:45
Qiaotou (former starting point of the trek)hiking
Wide street leads up the hill to the newly built highway, construction everywhere.
50 min · Tiger Leaping Gorge
12:35
End of the high trailhiking
Cross the street in the gorge near Tina's Guesthouse, convenient for returning to Lijiang.
50 min · Tiger Leaping Gorge
13:25
Further down to the Gorge to Walnut Grovehiking
Descend to the middle gorge, turn left at the last hut before Walnut Grove.
50 min · Tiger Leaping Gorge
Overnight: Tiger Leaping Gorge
e.g. Halfway Lodge · Jane's Tibetan Guesthouse
Day 6 Tiger Leaping Gorge → Lijiang
🌡 -1.0–23.5°C · 🌧 ~9 rain days · ☀ 11.3h light
10:05
Dongba Cultural Museummuseums & heritage
Discover intriguing Dongba religious artifacts and beliefs.
50 min · Lijiang · Free
open: 09:00-17:00
10:55
Baisha Muralshistory & sagas
Admire a blend of Han, Tibetan, and Naxi art on ancient walls.
50 min · Lijiang · ¥30
open: 08:00-17:30
11:45
Zhiyun Monasteryhistory & sagas
Quietly wander a serene, unspoiled Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
50 min · Lijiang · Free
open: 08:00-21:00
12:35
Shuhe Old Townhistory & sagas
Experience a less commercial old town, perhaps on a horse ride.
50 min · Lijiang
13:25
Jade Dragon Snow Mountainhiking
Feel the crisp mountain air and see snow-capped peaks year-round.
50 min · Lijiang · ¥130
14:15
Walk the canal pathhiking
Stroll along a peaceful canal lined with historic stonework.
90 min · Lijiang
Overnight: Tiger Leaping Gorge
e.g. Halfway Lodge · Jane's Tibetan Guesthouse
Day 7 Shangri-La
🌡 -5.0–18.2°C · 🌧 ~7 rain days · ☀ 11.3h light
11:55
Nixi Tibetan Villagehistory & sagaslocal & traditionalhiking
Explore ancient pottery crafts and scenic village trails.
90 min · Shangri-La
13:25
Biking around Napa Lakehistory & sagashiking
Cycle through grassy paths with stunning lake views.
90 min · Shangri-La
14:55
Private homeshistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Share meals and experiences with warm local families.
90 min · Shangri-La
16:25
Thin Air Adventureshistory & sagashiking
Hear the rhythmic clopping of hooves on trails with guided horseback rides.
90 min · Shangri-La
Day 8 Around Shangri-La
🌡 -5.0–18.2°C · 🌧 ~7 rain days · ☀ 11.3h light
09:00
Turtle Mountain Gear and Outfittershistory & sagashiking
Touch rugged outdoor gear ready for your next hiking or backpacking adventure.
90 min · Shangri-La
10:30
Gyalthang Dzong Hotelhistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Admire traditional Tibetan dzong architecture on an alpine meadow.
50 min · Shangri-La
11:20
Shangri-la Dara Glampinghistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Experience traditional yurts amidst serene Tibetan village landscapes.
50 min · Shangri-La · USD50
12:10
Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
50 min · Shangri-La · Free
open: 09:00-17:00
13:00
Diqing Long March Museummuseums & heritage
Learn about history in a compelling museum exhibit.
50 min · Shangri-La · Free
open: Summer: 08:30-12:00, 14:30-18:00; Winter: 09:00-12:00, 14:30-17:30
13:50
Songzanlin Monasteryhistory & sagas
Marvel at the restored grandeur of this iconic temple.
50 min · Shangri-La · ¥85 (¥55 for students aged under 25)
14:40
Sean's Cafe No 2history & sagaslocal & traditionalhikingcoffee & bakes
Start your day with hearty Tibetan porridge and savory yak cheese dumplings.
60 min · Shangri-La
open: Opens 06:30