7 Days Kunming Lijiang Dali Chengdu Cultural Discovery Tour

Arrival in Kunming 

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Breakfast & Lunch

Upon arrival in Kunming, you will be greeted by our local team and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. You may take a leisurely walk to explore some of Kunming’s iconic spots like the historical Wenming Street Cultural District, the beautifully preserved Kunming Old Street, or the grand Archway of Jinma Biji (Golden Horse and Jade Rooster). These areas offer a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture and blend of tradition and modernity.

Recommended Activities:
Take a relaxing stroll through Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park) in the evening. Surrounded by willow trees and traditional pavilions, it's a perfect spot to feel the leisurely rhythm of Kunming life.

Eating Option:
Don't miss the opportunity to try Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles (Guoqiao Mixian), Yunnan's most iconic dish with a heartwarming story. The meal is served with a steaming bowl of rich chicken broth, accompanied by raw ingredients such as thinly sliced pork, quail eggs, tofu skin, mushrooms, and rice noodles. You'll add each item into the soup in a specific order to cook them to perfection.

This interactive dining experience is not only delicious but also rooted in Yunnan's culinary tradition. Ask the restaurant staff to guide you through the steps for the best flavor!

High Speed Train to Lijiang--Yulong Snow Mountain--Spruce Meadow--Blue Moon Valley

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Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, we will take a flight or high-speed train to Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, we’ll set out for the breathtaking Yulong Snow Mountain. You’ll ascend to Spruce Meadow by cable car, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks and highland pastures. Next, we’ll explore the surreal Blue Moon Valley, named for its turquoise blue water and serene atmosphere. The landscape resembles a fairytale with its glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, and mist-shrouded mountain backdrops.

In the afternoon, return to Lijiang and take a short walking tour of the ancient town. The cobbled lanes, wooden houses, and murmuring canals of Lijiang Old Town will transport you back in time.

Evening Option:
Enjoy the dynamic Lijiang Impression Show (Impression Lijiang), performed at the base of Yulong Snow Mountain. Directed by Zhang Yimou, this grand open-air performance features hundreds of local performers and stunning natural backdrops.

High Speed Train to Dali--Cangshan--Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple--Erhai Lake--Tie-dye Experience

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Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, we'll drive to Dali, a city known for its natural beauty and Bai ethnic culture. Our first stop is Cangshan Park, where you can take a cable car to view the mountain range and get a bird's-eye view of Dali. Then, we’ll visit the iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, an architectural marvel over a thousand years old.

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing lakeside walk along Erhai Lake. You'll pass by picturesque villages, tranquil bays, and fields of wildflowers. Then, head to Dali Ancient Town, where white-walled houses and cobblestone paths create a timeless atmosphere. You will also get to try your hand at traditional Bai-style tie-dyeing, a hands-on cultural experience.

Evening Option：
Spend your evening wandering through Dali Ancient Town, where quaint cafes, artisan shops, and night markets offer a lively yet laid-back atmosphere. Try local dishes like Dali Rice Noodles or pan-fried cheese with rose jam.

High speed Train to Chengdu

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Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning in Dali. You may take a final stroll through the cobbled streets of Dali Old Town, grab a cup of Yunnan coffee, or pick up a few handmade souvenirs from local artisans. Feel free to soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the town one last time before we begin the transfer.

Later, we will head to the airport or train station and take a direct high-speed train or flight to Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province and home of the giant panda. Upon arrival in Chengdu, your driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel for check-in.

Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the nearby area on your own. You might enjoy a walk along Chunxi Road, Chengdu’s bustling commercial street lined with fashion shops, local snacks, and modern cafes. If you prefer something quieter, relax with a hot cup of tea at a teahouse and observe the city’s famously laid-back rhythm of life.

Evening Option：
In the evening, we recommend visiting Taikoo Li, a stylish open-air shopping and dining district that blends traditional Sichuan-style courtyards with modern architecture. You'll find trendy boutiques, restaurants, and bars, perfect for a relaxed dinner or drink after your journey. It's a great way to get your first taste of Chengdu's vibrant lifestyle.

Research Base of Gaint Panda Breeding--Wuhou Shrine--Jinli Street--Night Cruise on Jin River

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Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, we'll head to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Hop on a sightseeing shuttle to reach Adventure Valley, where you can see panda cubs, juveniles, and adult pandas in different pavilions like Moonlight Pavilion and Cloud Pavilion. Observe their playful antics and learn about panda conservation efforts.

After a 3-4 hour visit, we’ll return to the city to explore Jinli Street, a vibrant alley filled with snacks, traditional crafts, and red lanterns. Lunch can be enjoyed here with many options available. Then, visit the adjacent Wuhou Shrine to pay homage to Zhuge Liang and the heroes of the Three Kingdoms period. Stroll through red-walled corridors, peaceful courtyards, and historical relics.

Evening Option:
In the evening, take a night cruise along the Jin River. Glide past illuminated buildings, bridges, and pagodas that showcase the charm of Chengdu by night.

People's Park--Covered Bowl Tea Experience--Wenshu Monastery--Sichuan Opera

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Breakfast & Lunch

Today, experience the local lifestyle of Chengdu residents. We start with a visit to People's Park, originally known as Shaocheng Park. As the oldest park in Sichuan, it's a symbol of Chengdu's laid-back lifestyle. Wander through its gardens and visit the century-old Heming Teahouse. Here, you can enjoy a bowl of traditional Gaiwan tea while watching locals chat, play chess, or enjoy ear-cleaning services.

Learn the full tea-drinking ritual:

Tea Selection: Choose from Jasmine, Snow Buds, or local green teas (USD 5–9).

Brewing Ceremony: Tea masters use long-spouted kettles to pour hot water with elegant moves.

Leisure Time: Sit back, sip tea, and take in the rhythm of old Chengdu. Optional ear-cleaning services are available for an additional fee (USD 5–15).

Street snacks like Zhong dumplings and Dan Dan noodles are also nearby. You might even catch a matchmaking event in the park!

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Wenshu Monastery, a major Buddhist temple dating back to the Sui Dynasty. Admire its ancient architecture, vast halls, and rare scriptures including the Thousand-Buddha Robe and Song Dynasty manuscripts.

Evening Option:
Wrap up your day with a dazzling Sichuan Opera performance. Enjoy signature acts like fire-spitting, face-changing, and acrobatic stunts that define this vibrant art form.

Departure from Chengdu

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Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in Chengdu. Depending on your flight time, you may take a relaxing walk around the neighborhood, sip one last cup of Sichuan-style tea, or visit a local morning market to catch a glimpse of daily life in the city.

If time allows, you can also pay a short visit to Kuanzhai Alley, one of the most iconic historical blocks in Chengdu. With its Qing Dynasty architecture, boutique shops, and street performers, it offers a charming snapshot of Chengdu’s traditional and modern blend. Don’t forget to try a local snack like rabbit head or Sichuan-style skewers before you leave!

Your driver will then escort you to the airport or train station for your departure. We hope you’ve enjoyed this enriching journey through Yunnan and Sichuan, filled with stunning landscapes, cultural treasures, and unforgettable local experiences. Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you back to China again soon!