Explore Yunnan’s best in 9 days!

I’m excited to share highlights from my 9-day holiday in China! I went on this trip with my friend June. She found a local tour company through 小红书 that helped us plan everything—from daily activities and sightseeing to train rides, a private car, and a personal guide.

Since it was a private tour, it was just the two of us. That meant we had the flexibility to personalize parts of our itinerary and enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Here’s a quick recap of where we went:

Day 1: Arrived in Kunming. Airport pick-up and a chill day to explore on our own. Stayed at 昆明佳悦.

Day 2: Took a 2-hour train to Dali. Visited Erhai Lake, Shuanglang Ancient Town, and Wenbi Village. Stayed at 大理漫城.

Day 3: Explored the west side of Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, and had a tie-dyeing experience with the Bai tribe. Also tried a traditional tea ceremony and rode a mini train in Xizhou Ancient Town. Stayed at 大理漫城.

Day 4: Traveled to Lijiang. Took photos along 樱花大道 (Sakura Street), visited Shuanglang Ancient Town again, did a photoshoot in Baisha Ancient Town with the Naxi tribe, and explored Lijiang Ancient Town. Stayed at 丽江曲岸和风.

Day 5: Full day at Yulong Snow Mountain. Took the Yunshanping Cableway, watched the Impression Lijiang performance, visited Blue Moon Valley, and enjoyed 围炉煮茶 (tea by the fire). Stayed at 丽江曲岸和风.

Day 6: Drove to Shangri-La. Visited Tiger Leaping Gorge and Napahai grassland, had a Tusi Banquet for dinner, and stayed at 中甸今世皇朝.

Day 7: Explored Songzanlin Temple (Yunnan’s version of the Potala Palace) and had a Tibetan culture and medicine experience, followed by a native chicken pot lunch. Later, we relaxed at 黑豆咖啡屋—honestly, the scenery there was just too beautiful to leave. Took a train back to Kunming and stayed at 昆明佳悦.

Day 8: Visited Shilin Scenic Area (Stone Forest) and spent the rest of the day free and easy. Stayed at 昆明佳悦.

Day 9: Free and easy morning before our 15:20 airport transfer from Kunming.

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