7-Day Kunming and Surrounding Areas Travel Guide to Avoid Pitfalls

Don't miss this 7-day tour guide for Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang! All-inclusive pricing makes it super worry-free and cost-effective. Enjoy Erhai Lake travel photography with aerial vlog, watch the Impression Lijiang show, ride the Xizhou horse-drawn carriage, and choose your own intangible cultural heritage experiences. Indulge in Chuxiong long street banquet, Bai-style sour and spicy fish, and more delicious food—all arranged for you. Book now!
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Carefully prepared tips, 👇 scroll down to unlock more~
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🚗 Itinerary:
This trip route is very compact, allowing you to visit many attractions within a limited time~
DAY 1: Depart and arrive at Kunming Changshui Airport, then wait for the guide to pick you up and take you to the hotel. After hotel check-in, enjoy free activities!
📌 Land in the Spring City and start your free exploration mode~
DAY 2: Stone Forest Scenic Area -> Small Stone Forest Scenic Area (Encounter the Ashima Legend)
📌 Explore the wonders of the Stone Forest and marvel at nature’s craftsmanship.
DAY 3: Ideal Garden -> Xizhou (ride the Xizhou horse-drawn carriage) -> Xizhou Wheat Field (take beautiful photos) -> Erhai Ecological Corridor (Erhai travel photography * aerial vlog) -> Nanzhao Ancient City -> Taihe City Ruins
📌 Stroll through Ideal Garden, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour in Xizhou, capture aerial vlogs by Erhai Lake, and savor the pastoral poetry.
DAY 4: Dali Ancient City (taste Bai-style sour and spicy fish) -> Jade Dragon Snow Mountain -> Glacier Park Cableway -> "Impression Lijiang" Show (heart-stirring) -> Lijiang Ancient Town (try Naxi hot pot) -> Lijiang Dongba Cultural Museum
📌 From Dali Ancient City to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, watch the "Impression Lijiang" show, and experience Naxi culture and the majestic snowy mountains.
DAY 5: Shuhe Ancient Town -> Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (explore again) -> Blue Moon Valley (enjoy the beautiful lake scenery)
📌 Leisurely stroll in Shuhe Ancient Town, admire the lake and mountain views at Blue Moon Valley, full of comfort.
DAY 6-7: Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La section) -> Yi ethnic village (enjoy Chuxiong long street banquet, Nanjian jump dish) -> Pudacuo National Park -> Dukezong Ancient Town -> Guishan Park -> Shangri-La Tibetan Culture Museum -> Napa Lake (Yila Grassland) (choose from three intangible cultural heritage experiences)
📌 Deep tour of Shangri-La, from the roaring Tiger Leaping Gorge to the tranquility of Pudacuo, experience Tibetan culture and enjoy a feast of nature and culture. Before returning, freely play on the Yila Grassland at Napa Lake and create unforgettable memories!
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Attraction Recommendations:
Stone Forest Scenic Area 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, Shilin Avenue
⏰ Opening Hours: 07:30-18:00
⏳ Duration: 3-4 hours
🌄 Jagged strange rocks, stunning peak forests, so beautiful you won’t want to leave!
Dali Ancient City 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: No. 42 Yita Road, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
⏰ Open all day
⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours
🍜 Countless snacks, vibrant nightlife, and picturesque scenery!
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: Xuehua Village, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
⏰ Opening Hours: 05:40-16:40
⏳ Duration: 1 day
❄️ The sacred mountain of the Naxi people, 13 peaks stretch like a silver dragon dancing, extremely spectacular!
Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La section) 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area, East Ring Road, Tiger Leaping Gorge Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
⏰ Opening Hours: October 8 - December 31, 08:30-17:30
⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours
🌊 The gorge is steep, the river rocks are stunning, and the scenery is so majestic it makes your heart tremble!
Pudacuo National Park 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: Hongpo Village, Jiantang Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
⏰ Opening Hours: 08:30-16:00
⏳ Duration: 1 day
🌲 Clear blue Shudu Lake, dense forests, blooming wildflowers in the meadows, breathtakingly beautiful!
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🌤️**Travel Essentials: Light Packing List for Kunming and Surroundings in October**
👗**Clothing**: Large temperature difference between day and night in Kunming in October, bring a light jacket + long pants to prevent chills, pack 2 short-sleeve T-shirts, and a ethnic-style shawl for photos and warmth.
👟**Footwear**: Lots of walking in Stone Forest/Dianchi Lake, choose lightweight sports shoes; bring a pair of sandals for more comfort when visiting ancient towns or soaking in hot springs.
📱**Electronics**: Strong UV rays on the plateau, sunscreen + sunglasses are must-haves; carry a power bank and selfie stick for easy photos of Dianchi Lake seagulls and flower seas.
💊**Health & Protection**: Bring altitude sickness medicine (like Rhodiola), stomach medicine, mosquito repellent for West Hill insects, and motion sickness patches for mountain roads.
🪪**Documents**: Carry your ID card, student/senior cards for discounts; apply for Yunnan health code in advance for faster entry to attractions.
🧺**Other Items**: Foldable umbrella for sudden showers, lightweight water bottle for hydration, wet wipes/tissues for hands and sweat, small backpack to free your hands.
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Click the card below for an all-inclusive worry-free trip, easily start a wonderful journey that saves money and effort!