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Yunnan from Kunming to Shangri-La: 8-Day Plan You Can Actually Do

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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.

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8
days
700 km
distance
20.1 h
on trains
45
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Kunming

6 curated stops
Transit
2h41
Finish
~17:50
Temperature
10.2°C–21.3°C
Rainy days
~10
Daylight
11.4h
09:00
Yunnan Provincial Museum ynmuseum.org read more map ↗
Marvel at 2,500 years of artifacts beautifully displayed and lit.
50 min · Kunming · Free
open: Tu-Su 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30
10:35
Dianchi Lake read more map ↗
Witness a restored plateau lake with improving scenery.
50 min · Kunming
12:40
Yuantong Temple read more map ↗
Feel ancient serenity in Yunnan’s grandest Buddhist temple.
50 min · Kunming · ¥6
open: 06:00-24:00
13:40
Yunnan Railway Museum read more map ↗
See historic rolling stock and railway memorabilia on display.
50 min · Kunming · Adults ¥10, children ¥5, one ticket provides access to both sections
open: W-Su 09:00-16:00
14:40
National Southwestern Associated University Site read more map ↗
Visit where three prestigious universities merged during wartime.
50 min · Kunming · Free
open: Open all day
16:00
Qiongzhu Temple read more map ↗
Marvel at incredible, lifelike sculptures in a mountain temple.
50 min · Kunming · ¥10
open: 08:30-17:00
16:50
Heavenly Manna search
Savor Yunnan cuisine and delightful cakes at reasonable prices on Wenlin Street.
60 min · Kunming
Overnight here
e.g. MamaMoon Hostel · The Hump Hostel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 2 Around Kunming

6 curated stops
Transit
3h03
Finish
~17:55
Temperature
10.2°C–21.3°C
Rainy days
~10
Daylight
11.4h
09:00
石林; Shílín read more map ↗
Explore towering limestone pillars and vivid green forests in this stunning karst landscape.
90 min · Kunming
11:45
Kunming Botanical Gardens kbg.kib.cas.cn read more map ↗
Admire rare flowers and medicinal plants in expansive gardens.
50 min · Kunming · ¥10 (West Garden), ¥5 (East Garden)
open: Tu-Su 09:00-17:00
13:20
Yunnan Military Academy yunnanmilitaryacademymuseum.com read more map ↗
Explore the historic site of a pivotal military academy from 1909.
50 min · Kunming · Free
open: Tu-Su 08:00-17:00 (academy), 09:00-17:00 (museum), no entry after 16:00
14:50
Yunnan Nationalities Museum ynnmuseum.com read more map ↗
Explore the rich tapestry of Yunnan's ethnic cultures through vibrant displays and artifacts.
50 min · Kunming · Free
open: Tu-Su 09:00-16:30
15:50
Yunnan Nationalities Village read more map ↗
Discover vibrant minority architecture and traditions.
50 min · Kunming · Adult ¥90, child 6-18 ¥45, seniors 60-70 ¥45, seniors over 70 free
open: 09:00-18:30
17:05
Daguan Pavilion kmdgpark.com read more map ↗
Admire the golden-lacquered eaves of this three-century-old pavilion.
50 min · Kunming · ¥20
open: 07:00-19:00
Overnight here
e.g. MamaMoon Hostel · The Hump Hostel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 3 Dali

5 curated stops
Transit
4h21
Finish
~17:40
Temperature
10.0°C–19.5°C
Rainy days
~12
Daylight
11.4h
11:30
Tang Dynasty Three Pagodas read more map ↗
Majestic pagodas stand tall, showcasing ancient Buddhist art.
50 min · Dali · ¥75 (student ID gives a 50% discount)
open: Summer 07:10-19:00, winter 07:30-18:30
12:30
Puxian Temple search map ↗
Serene and authentic, the temple feels untouched by tourism.
50 min · Dali
13:50
Erhai Lake read more map ↗
Gentle lapping of water and distant temple bells calm the spirit.
50 min · Dali · A ¥30 entrance fee is charged for lake visits, plus ¥50-100 per person for a day
15:25
Xizhou Town read more map ↗
Exquisite Qing Dynasty architecture lines quiet, cobblestone streets.
50 min · Dali
16:50
Shuanglang Ancient Village read more map ↗
Well-preserved buildings and tranquil lake views enchant visitors.
50 min · Dali · Free
Overnight here
e.g. Higherland Inn · Dali Letu International Youth Hostel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 4 Around Dali

6 curated stops
Transit
1h57
Finish
~17:50
Temperature
10.0°C–19.5°C
Rainy days
~12
Daylight
11.4h
09:00
Dali Bai Nationality Autonomous Prefecture Museum search map ↗
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
10:00
Erhai Park search map ↗
Vibrant flowers and the soothing sounds of the lake fill the air.
50 min · Dali · Free
12:05
Butterfly Spring search map ↗
Deep blue waters shimmer as butterflies flutter gracefully above.
50 min · Dali · ¥40
13:10
Dali Municipal Museum search
Ancient steles and gravestones whisper stories of the past.
50 min · Dali · Free
open: summer 08:30-17:30, winter 09:00-17:00
14:15
Johnny 'O palm reading search
A quirky palm reader offers intriguing insights into your past.
90 min · Dali · ¥100
open: every day at 16:00
16:00
Erhai Lake Villages search
Quaint villages line the shore, each with its own charm.
50 min · Dali
16:50
Black Dragon Cafe search map ↗
Enjoy the best coffee and mouth-watering wraps in a book-filled cafe.
60 min · Dali
open: 09:00 to late
Overnight here
e.g. Higherland Inn · Dali Letu International Youth Hostel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 5 Lijiang

6 curated stops
Transit
3h00
Finish
~17:15
Temperature
5.4°C–16.8°C
Rainy days
~9
Daylight
11.3h
11:10
Old Town of Lijiang ljgc517.com read more map ↗
Stroll through vibrant streets, join local dances at sunset.
50 min · Lijiang · Entry to the old town is free. The Old Town Maintenance Fee was abolished in 2017. However, some attractions within the old town still charge a fee (price listed 2017)
open: Open 24 hours
12:10
Mu Palace ljmufu.com map ↗
Explore the grand historic seat of the Mu Clan's rule.
50 min · Lijiang · Entry fee is ¥40 (as of Mar 2019). Discounts are available for children over 1.2 metres in height and adults aged between 61 and 69. Children under 1.2 metres … (price listed 2019)
open: 08:30-17:30
13:10
Black Dragon Pool read more map ↗
Admire scenic views and watch locals dance by the pool.
50 min · Lijiang · ¥50, free to seniors over 60
open: 07:00-19:00
14:10
Dongba Cultural Museum read more map ↗
Discover intriguing Dongba religious artifacts and beliefs.
50 min · Lijiang · Free
open: 09:00-17:00
15:20
Old Tea Horse Road Museum search map ↗
Walk through a former temple showcasing tea horse trade history.
50 min · Lijiang · Free
open: 07:30-17:30
16:25
Baisha Murals search map ↗
Admire a blend of Han, Tibetan, and Naxi art on ancient walls.
50 min · Lijiang · ¥30
open: 08:00-17:30
Overnight here
e.g. Lijiang Sina Hotel 新纳大酒店 · Moon Inn
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 6 Around Lijiang

6 curated stops
Transit
2h18
Finish
~17:25
Temperature
5.4°C–16.8°C
Rainy days
~9
Daylight
11.3h
09:00
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain read more map ↗
Feel the crisp mountain air and see snow-capped peaks year-round.
50 min · Lijiang · ¥130
10:40
Dongba Valley search map ↗
Observe everyday life in a preserved Naxi village setting.
50 min · Lijiang · ¥40
open: 07:00-17:00
12:00
Baisha Ancient Town search map ↗
Explore ancient Naxi streets and historic architecture.
50 min · Lijiang
13:05
Shuhe Old Town ljshuhe.com map ↗
Experience a less commercial old town, perhaps on a horse ride.
50 min · Lijiang
14:30
Lashihai Lake Wetland Park ljmeile.com map ↗
Spot migratory birds and enjoy quiet lakeside nature.
50 min · Lijiang · ¥30
open: 08:00-17:00
15:35
Zhiyun Monastery search map ↗
Quietly wander a serene, unspoiled Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
50 min · Lijiang · Free
open: 08:00-21:00
16:25
Prague Café search
Savor decent meals in a friendly café atmosphere, despite pricey drinks.
60 min · Lijiang
Overnight here
e.g. Lijiang Sina Hotel 新纳大酒店 · Moon Inn
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 7 Shangri-La

5 curated stops
Transit
2h48
Finish
~17:30
Temperature
0.6°C–12.5°C ❄
Rainy days
~7
Daylight
11.3h
11:00
Songzanlin Monastery read more map ↗
Marvel at the restored grandeur of this iconic temple.
50 min · Shangri-La · ¥85 (¥55 for students aged under 25)
12:05
Old Town search
Stroll through bustling streets lined with trinket shops.
50 min · Shangri-La
13:10
Horses search
Ride graceful Tibetan horses through open fields.
90 min · Shangri-La
14:55
Diqing Long March Museum dqhjbwg.cn map ↗
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
16:00
Biking around Napa Lake search
Cycle through grassy paths with stunning lake views.
90 min · Shangri-La
Overnight here
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 8 Around Shangri-La

1 curated stops
Transit
none
Finish
~15:00
Temperature
0.6°C–12.5°C ❄
Rainy days
~7
Daylight
11.3h
09:00
Pudacuo (or Putacuo) National Park puda-cuo.com read more map ↗
Immerse yourself in lush landscapes and serene trails.
300 min · Shangri-La · ¥190 admission fee + transport or tour
14:00
Arro Khampa ! search
Taste rich, classic Tibetan dishes paired with smooth French wines.
60 min · Shangri-La
open: Daily 09:30-22:30

🔍 Check before you book

Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

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