10-Day Epic Yunnan SUV Road Trip

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Kunming & Free Leisure Time in the City
1 stop
1
Kunming
Upon your arrival in Kunming, our pickup service will bring you to downtown Kunming. After checking into your hotel, take a short rest to acclimatize to the high-altitude environment; our team will assist you with setting up internet access and downloading essential apps such as WeChat. Depending on your arrival time, take a walk through central pedestrian areas and experience the city's local atmosphere. Suggested places include Nanping Street and the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archways.
15 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Permit Application & Safety Training
1 stop
2
Kunming
The tour team will assist travelers with purchasing travel accident insurance and completing the procedures for a temporary driving permit. Travelers should bring their passports, driving licenses and other required documents. A tour leader will then provide road-safety training covering traffic regulations, convoy rules, precautions for driving at high altitude and emergency procedures. After the training, vehicles will be assigned and travelers will take a test drive to become familiar with vehicle performance and controls. If time permits, travelers may also visit Dianchi Lake Park for a lakeside walk and views of Yunnan’s largest freshwater lake.
1 day • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Drive from Kunming to Lijiang
1 stop
3
Old Town of Lijiang - China
Leave Kunming and drive northbound for around 300 km to Lijiang along the Hangrui and Huashang Expressways. This winding route cuts through highland mountain ranges and deep valleys with steadily climbing elevation. The landscape shifts from vast flat plateaus and farmlands to rolling foothills, mountain basins and quaint ethnic minority hamlets. In the evening, you’ll have free time to wander UNESCO-listed Lijiang Ancient Town. Stroll its cobblestone lanes and iconic sites including Sifang Street and the Giant Waterwheel. Soak in the glow of lit ancient alleyways and immerse yourself in authentic Naxi ethnic culture.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Drive from Lijiang to Shangri-La
3 stops
4
Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain
Visit one of Yunnan’s most famous snow mountains and take the major cableway to an elevation of approximately 4,506 meters. Subject to weather and physical condition, travelers may continue on foot to the viewing platform at approximately 4,680 meters for panoramic mountain views.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
5
Blue Moon Valley
Walk beside the vivid blue lakes formed by snowmelt from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Enjoy views of the turquoise water, surrounding forests and snow-covered peaks, with time for photography.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
6
Old Town of Lijiang - China
Return to Lijiang Old Town in the evening to explore its streets, local shops and nightlife. Travelers may also try local snacks during their free time.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Drive from Lijiang to Shangri-La
4 stops
7
Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia)
Visit one of the world’s deepest river gorges and see the Jinsha River rushing between steep mountain slopes. Travelers can walk through the scenic area, view the dramatic gorge landscape and take photographs from designated viewpoints.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
8
Haba Snow Mountain
Stop at a roadside viewpoint near Tiger Leaping Gorge for distant views of Haba Snow Mountain, which rises to approximately 5,396 meters.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
9
Dukezong Ancient Town
Explore the Tibetan-style streets and traditional architecture of Dukezong Ancient Town. Travelers can walk through the old town, visit Guishan Park and enjoy panoramic views, especially during the late afternoon and evening.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
10
Guishan Park
See the approximately 21-meter-high Giant Prayer Wheel and join other visitors in turning it clockwise as part of a traditional blessing ritual.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Shangri-La Sightseeing
2 stops
11
Songzanlin Monastery
Visit Yunnan’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, known for its golden rooftops, traditional religious architecture and highland setting. Travelers will walk through the monastery complex while learning about Tibetan Buddhist culture and local customs.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
12
Pudacuo NaExplore a high-altitude national park featuring alpine lakes, primeval forests, wetlands and open meadows. Depending on the operating route, travelers may walk along the Shudu Lake boardwalk and visit areas near Bita Lake and Militang alpine pasture.tional Park
5 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Drive from Shangri-La to Dali
2 stops
13
Erhai Lake
Enjoy lakeside views of Erhai Lake, Yunnan’s second-largest highland freshwater lake. Depending on the final route, travelers may visit Longkan Wharf, Caicun Wharf or part of the ecological corridor for sightseeing and photography.
2 minutes • Admission ticket included
14
Dali Ancient City
Walk through Dali Ancient City and experience Bai culture and the town’s relaxed atmosphere. Travelers can see landmarks such as Wenxian Tower, Wuhua Tower, the South Gate and Foreigner Street and try local snacks during their free time.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Cangshan Mountain and Film City
3 stops
15
Cangshan Mountain
Take cable cars both up and down Cangshan Mountain. Admire layered mountain vistas and sweeping panoramic outlooks of Erhai Lake throughout your trip.
4 minutes • Admission ticket included
16
Following lunch, explore Tianlong Babu Film City, a filming complex themed after the classic Chinese novel and hit TV series Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. Wander reconstructed palaces, royal mansions and authentic architectural backdrops recreating the ancient Dali Kingdom, Liao Dynasty and Western Xia realm.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
17
Dali Ancient City
Return to Dali Ancient City in the evening to explore the illuminated streets, local shops and nightlife and sample local snacks.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 9
Return Drive from Dali to Kunming
1 stop
18
Kunming
After returning to Kunming and checking in, travelers will have free time to rest, shop or explore the city center. In the evening, they will attend a farewell dinner and may experience Kunming’s nightlife.
24 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Departure from Kunming
1 stop
19
Kunming Changshui International Airport
Enjoy breakfast according to your flight schedule. A private transfer will take you from your hotel in downtown Kunming to Kunming Changshui International Airport. International travelers are advised to arrive at the airport approximately three hours before departure.
3 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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