Kunming Dali Lijing 5-Day Tour

Recommended places: Jinma Biji Archway, Wenming Street Historical and Cultural Area, and Kunming Old Street.

You can also try local food such as Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles, Potato Rice, and Steamed Chicken in Clay Pot.

You can ask your travel advisor for more suggestions.

Go to Erhai Lake, the second-largest freshwater lake in Yunnan. It is 42 km long and 1972 m above sea level. This place combines Bai culture, wetland ecology, and popular photo spots. Take a boat to Nanzhao Island, a theme island for Nanzhao culture. It mixes history, nature, and art, and is called the “Pearl of Erhai.” You can walk around the island and enjoy the views.

Then go to Shuanglang Ancient Town. It’s one of the best-preserved Bai villages by Erhai and is called the “Top Spot of Cang-Er Scenery.” In the daytime, the town is calm with blue water and white walls; at night, it’s lit by warm lights from bars and fishing boats. If Dali Old Town feels too busy, Shuanglang is a peaceful choice. You can bike or walk along the lakeside trail and watch the sunset.

Take a train to Lijiang and check into the Old Town. In the evening, walk around Dayan Flower Lane, see lanterns, and listen to music. You can visit Sifang Street to watch Naxi fire dancing, see oil-paper umbrellas at Houwen Alley, or go to the top of Lion Hill’s Wangu Tower for a 360° night view of the whole town.

In the morning, start from Lijiang Old Town and go to Ganhaizi (3100 m), a good spot for snow mountain photos. Then take the big cable car to Glacier Park (4500–4600 m). Along the way, you can see the change from pine forest → fir forest → grassland → glacier. This is the main area of the snow mountain. It includes ancient and modern glaciers. It’s the lowest-latitude oceanic glacier in China, and the closest glacier to the equator in the world. On a clear day, you can see the full view of Ganhaizi.

In the afternoon, go to Blue Moon Valley (2800 m). The valley has 4 lakes connected together. Each lake has a different color because of the minerals and light. You can take photos of the blue water, white rocks, and snowy mountain background. The reflection in winter is especially beautiful.

Other options: If you worry about the high altitude of Glacier Park, you can choose a small cable car to Spruce Plateau (3500 m), a round grassland surrounded by trees. It has wildflowers in summer and snow in winter. You can also take a middle cable car to Yak Meadow (3700 m), a great place to see the full view of all 13 peaks and experience traditional Tibetan culture. Ask Intoexplore’s advisor for help choosing the best route.

Tips: Even in summer, the temperature on the mountain is 5–10°C lower than Lijiang city. Bring a jacket. In rainy or winter seasons, the path may be slippery. Walk carefully and don’t cross the fences.

After breakfast at the hotel, go to Shuhe Ancient Town with guide.

It is about 4 km northwest of Lijiang Old Town and was an important stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It is quieter and less commercial than Dayan Old Town, great for travelers who like a slower pace. You will find small cafés, leather shops, tie-dye studios, and local people selling fruits and handmade goods. It’s full of local life.

After the visit, we will take you to the airport or train station, based on your schedule.