7 Days Kunming Lijiang Dali & Chongqing Discovery Tour

Arrival in Kunming--Free Time

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Upon your arrival in Kunming, our local guide or driver will greet you at the train station or airport and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Recommended spots include Jinbi Square, where you can admire the iconic Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Memorial Arches; Wenming Street Historic Cultural District, perfect for strolling through tree-lined boulevards, boutique cafes, and bookstores; and the charming Kunming Old Street, offering a glimpse into the city's traditional residential life and architecture.

Recommended Activities:
If you’re interested in local flavors, head to Nanping Pedestrian Street in the evening, where you can try Yunnan specialties such as grilled tofu, rice noodles, and rose pastries.

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

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Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, take a high-speed train or flight to Lijiang. Upon arrival, we will head straight to the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This glacial mountain range is sacred to the Naxi people and reaches up to 5,596 meters. You will take a cable car to Spruce Meadow, situated at an altitude of 3,240 meters, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks and lush alpine forest.

Next, we visit Blue Moon Valley, a scenic river valley at the base of the mountain, known for its milky-blue water and terraced ponds. It’s a perfect spot for picturesque photos.

Evening Option:
In the evening, stroll through the cobbled alleys of Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may also choose to enjoy the outdoor musical performance Impression Lijiang, directed by Zhang Yimou, showcasing Naxi culture against the backdrop of the mountains.

High Speed Train to Dali--Cangshan Park--Three Pagodas--Erhai Lake Walk--Dali Old Town or Tie--Dyeing Experience

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Breakfast & Lunch

This morning, we travel to Dali by private car or high-speed train. Our first stop is Cangshan Park, where you can take a cable car or hike along scenic paths that offer sweeping views of Dali and Erhai Lake. Then, we visit the iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a landmark of ancient Dali culture dating back over 1,000 years.

Afterward, take a relaxing walk along Erhai Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and views of Cangshan Mountain. Depending on time and interest, you can either explore Dali Old Town or participate in a hands-on Bai ethnic tie-dyeing workshop in a nearby village.

Evening Option:
Spend the evening in Dali Old Town, where you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife, visit folk bars, or shop for local crafts. Don’t miss trying the local snack “rushan” (grilled cow’s milk cheese) and plum wine.

Flight to Chongqing

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Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chongqing, the mountain city of China. Upon arrival, your guide will accompany you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for leisure or optional exploration.

You may consider strolling around the Jiefangbei CBD area or visiting the nearby Guanyinqiao pedestrian street for shopping and snacks.

Recommended Activities:
Try the famous Chongqing hotpot in the evening. Local restaurants offer bubbling spicy broth with an array of meats, tofu skin, lotus root, and other delicacies. It’s an unforgettable experience for your taste buds!

Shancheng Lane--White Elephant Street--White Elephant House--Dongshuimen City Wall Ruins--Yangtze River Cableway--Hongyadong

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Breakfast & Lunch

Early in the morning, when the first rays of sunshine pour over the staggered buildings of Shancheng, we will depart from the historical Shancheng Lane, where the ancient houses and stores on both sides of the stone-paneled road intertwine to create a vivid picture of the old street. Afterwards, lightly turn to White Elephant Street, which was once a prosperous place where merchants gathered, and every piece of green stone board seems to be whispering about the past splendor. 

Continuing on to the White Elephant House, this residential complex surrounded by the spectacle of the light rail running through the building is a perfect example of the fusion of modernity and antiquity, which makes people stop and look up, marveling at the unique magical charm of the mountain city. 

Stroll to the Dongshuimen City Wall Ruins, the mottled walls witnessed the vicissitudes of Chongqing City, as if you can travel through time and feel the resilience and unyielding. Then go to experience the different scenery brought by the Yangtze River Cableway.

Finally, at nightfall, arrived at Hongyadong, the lights, hanging footstools built on the mountain, layers upon layers, like a bright night pearl set in the Jialing River, this is not only the sea of food, but also a perfect place to experience the culture of Bayu.

Eighteen Stairs--Jiefangbei--Liziba (light rail through the building)--Ciqikou

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Breakfast & Lunch

In the early morning light,  you will step into the Eighteen Stairs, which is full of historical flavor. The stone paths here have gone through vicissitudes of life, and each piece of green stone plate records the stories of the past. The old houses on both sides of the street are mottled, but you can still see the prosperity of the past. The small stores along the street are bustling with all kinds of handicrafts and local snacks, and the air is filled with tantalizing aromas.

After the Eighteen Stairs, We will then take you to Jiefangbei, the commercial center of Chongqing and a symbol of the city. The towering monument gleams in the sunlight, and the surrounding skyscrapers showcase the city's modernity and prosperity. You can stroll through the busy streets, admire the various stores and billboards, and feel the fashion and vitality of the city.

In the late afternoon, we will bring you to the scene of the spectacle of the Liziba Light Railway passing through the buildings. This incredible sight is breathtaking as the LRT train slowly passes through the residential buildings. You can stand on the observation deck to get a close-up view of this mind-blowing scene and feel the harmonious coexistence between modern transportation and ancient architecture.

Finally, as night falls, we will take you to the old town of Ciqikou. The town is full of lights and people, and is filled with a rich historical and cultural atmosphere. You can stroll along the green stone road and admire the ancient buildings and the wide range of handicraft stores. Taste the authentic Chongqing snacks in front of the food stalls in the ancient town and feel the unique spicy and fresh aroma. In the teahouse to listen to a Sichuan opera face-changing performance is to appreciate the unique charm of the Bayu culture.

As the sun sets, we will arrange a special car to take you to the airport or station, the end of this unforgettable two-day tour of Chongqing. We hope this trip will become a wonderful memory in your heart, and look forward to meeting you again in the mountain city.

Departure from Chongqing

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before your departure. Depending on your flight time, you may explore a few more hidden gems of Chongqing or revisit your favorite spots. You could take a stroll around Eling Park, which offers a serene environment and a panoramic view of the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. Alternatively, visit the nearby Chongqing Art Museum or test your courage at the Raffles City skywalk for a thrilling last glimpse of the city from above.

If you're looking for a more relaxed option, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea at a riverside teahouse while watching the morning boats drift along the Yangtze. You can also walk through a local market and pick up final souvenirs, such as handmade paper fans, spicy chili sauce, or traditional Chinese medicine packs.

After checking out from the hotel, your guide will escort you to the airport or train station for your return trip or onward journey. We hope this unforgettable journey through Yunnan's natural beauty and Chongqing's urban charm has left you with lasting memories.

Recommended Activities:
If your schedule allows, we recommend visiting a hot spring spa near the city for a relaxing soak before your departure — a perfect way to unwind after a week of travel. Alternatively, enjoy one last bowl of Chongqing noodles to savor the flavor of the city one final time.