Overview
Enjoy an unforgettable 8-day family adventure through Yunnan’s most charming destinations — Kunming, Dali, Shaxi, and Lijiang. Discover breathtaking natural beauty, explore ancient towns, and meet friendly local families along the way. From tasting traditional snacks to learning local crafts, this trip blends culture, fun, and relaxation for all ages. Perfect for families seeking a safe, enriching, and memorable journey through southwest China.
Highlights
- Explore Yunnan’s top destinations — Kunming, Dali, Shaxi, and Lijiang — in one seamless family trip.
- Enjoy hands-on local experiences like flower cakes, Bai Tie-dye, visiting Naxi or Bai family.
- Discover breathtaking landscapes like Erhai Lake, Yulong Snow Mountain.
- A perfect blend of culture, nature, and family-friendly fun for all ages.
Itinerary
Tour Guides:
Peter Wen
Lan Xinyu
- Overnight: Kunming, 4-Diamond hotel with daily buffet breakfast.
Welcome to Kunming! Meet your private local guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Take time to settle in and relax after your journey. Your guide will assist with check-in and share useful local tips to help you get ready for the adventure ahead.
- Overnight: Kunming, 4-Diamond hotel with daily buffet breakfast.
Step into the surreal landscape of the Naigu Stone Forest, a quieter and more authentic area away from the crowds. Let your kids enjoy spotting rock shapes and learning about Yunnan’s fascinating geology.
After lunch, head to Dianchi Lake, where you can feed the birds and capture postcard-worthy photos.
In the afternoon, stroll along Kunming Old Street to taste local snacks like rice noodles, fried mushrooms, and Yunnan milk tea — a fun and flavorful cultural walk.
- Overnight: Dali, 4-Diamond hotel with daily buffet breakfast.
Take a morning bullet train to Dali and enjoy a scenic drive along Erhai Lake, framed by the Cangshan Mountains. Stop at lakeside villages for panoramic views and local encounters.
Later, explore Dali Ancient Town, with its cobblestone streets, traditional Bai architecture, and welcoming cafés.
- Overnight: Dali, 4-Diamond hotel with daily buffet breakfast.
Discover the Bai ethnic culture in Xizhou and Zhoucheng Villages. Visit a morning market, learn about local crafts, and watch tie-dye artists at work.
Relax at a charming countryside café with mountain views before joining a flower cake-baking class at a local farm. Savor your handmade pastries with floral tea in a peaceful garden.
- Overnight: Shaxi, 4-Diamond hotel with daily buffet breakfast.
Travel to Shaxi Ancient Town, once a vital trading post on the historic Tea-Horse Road. Visit Xingjiao Temple, Square Street, and the Yujin Bridge to feel the charm of old Yunnan.
Step into a small Tea-Horse Road Museum to learn about caravan culture, then enjoy a gentle countryside walk along a preserved section of the ancient trail.
- Overnight: Lijiang, 4-Diamond hotel with daily buffet breakfast.
Drive to Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Black Dragon Pool Park, where clear waters reflect the majestic Yulong Snow Mountain.
Later, stroll through Lijiang Ancient Town, exploring its stone alleys, wooden bridges, and traditional Naxi homes filled with culture and stories.
- Overnight: Lijiang, 4-Diamond hotel with daily buffet breakfast.
Ride the cable car up Yulong Snow Mountain to enjoy panoramic glacier views from Glacier Park.
Afterward, visit Yuhu Village, a peaceful Naxi community at the mountain’s base. Meet a local family, try on traditional Naxi dress, make Dongba paper, and enjoy a hearty Naxi-style hotpot for lunch.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Savor a leisurely morning before your private transfer to Lijiang Airport. Take home lasting memories of Yunnan’s incredible scenery, diverse cultures, and warm local hospitality.
Cost Includes
- Family-friendly air-conditioned business vehicle.
- 4-Diamond hotels with daily buffet breakfast.
- Professional English-speaking local guide.
- Activities & entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary.
- Train tickets (2nd class or upgrade on request).
- Prompt customer assistance during your trip.
- Travel insurance provided within mainland China.
Cost excludes
- International or domestic flights to/from Kunming and Lijiang.
- Hotel accommodation (can be arranged upon request).
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Optional activities or tours not listed in the itinerary.
- Tips for guides and drivers (recommended but not compulsory).
- Visa fees and related travel document costs.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
- The deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE under any circumstances.
- Cancellation 12 days or more before departure → Full refund
- Cancellation 9–11 days before departure → 70% refund (30% cancellation fee)
- Cancellation 7–8 days before departure → 50% refund (50% cancellation fee)
- Cancellation 5 days or less before departure → No refund (100% cancellation fee)
FAQ
Yes! This itinerary is designed with families in mind. It balances sightseeing and hands-on activities such as flower-cake making and visiting local homes, with plenty of rest and flexible pacing. Children will enjoy the scenery, the interactive workshops, and Yunnan’s mild climate.
Yunnan is a year-round destination. The most comfortable months are March–June and September–November, when temperatures are pleasant and skies are clear. Summer (July–August) is green but occasionally rainy; winter (December–February) is dry and mild in most areas.
Absolutely. All CDEBTrip tours are fully customizable. You can adjust the number of days, replace attractions, add extra activities (like a Lugu Lake or Tiger Leaping Gorge extension), or choose different meal and accommodation options.
Most areas of this itinerary (Kunming, Dali, Shaxi) are at moderate altitudes where travelers rarely feel discomfort. Lijiang and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are higher, but most visitors adapt well by resting, hydrating, and avoiding over-exertion.
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Great family trip — fun for adults and kids alike!By The Miller Family 11/03/2025We traveled with our two teenage kids and wanted something educational yet relaxing. CDEBTrip handled everything flawlessly — from airport pick-up in Kunming to daily sightseeing around Lijiang and Shangri-La. Our guide Peter kept the kids engaged with fun stories about local Naxi traditions, and we all loved walking the old town streets and seeing the prayer flags in the highlands. The private vehicle was spacious and clean, and meals were well-chosen for a mix of local flavor and comfort. Highly recommend this Yunnan Discovery Tour for families looking for real cultural immersion without stress.Date of Experience: 16 10 月, 2025
