CONTACT USMeet Wonderland and Heritage
Yunnan and Chongqing, tucked away in Southwest China, offer a stunning panorama of natural beauty, featuring towering snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, and spectacular Karst formations.
Discover breathtaking landscapes and uncover hidden cultural gems on this 11-day journey through Yunnan and Chongqing. Exclusively with China Highlights, create your own Bai tie-dye handkerchief and chat with a lama at Songzanlin.
We provide customizable itineraries tailored to your preferences, whether you want to explore more of Yunnan or venture to Chengdu.
Suggested Yunnan and Chongqing Tour
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1-2 Kunming | Stone Forest, Yuantong Tempe, Green Lake Park |
| 3 Dali | Zhoucheng Village, Erhai Lake Cycling, Bai Tie-dye Making, Dali Ancient Town |
| 4-5 Lijiang | Dayan Town, Black Dragon Pool, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yuhu Village |
| 6-7 Shangri-La | Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Ancient Town, Songzanlin Lamasery |
| 8-11 Chongqing | Huguang Guild Hall, Hongyadong, Wulong Karst, Furong Cave |
Yunnan and Chongqing Tour Map
Tour ‘Wow’ Points
Witness the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Take a thrilling cable car ride to the summit of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and explore a magical snow-covered landscape.
Discover the Wulong Karst
Explore the hidden gems of Wulong, including its awe-inspiring karst mountains and the mysterious Furong Cave.
Cycle around Erhai Lake
Have a bike ride alongside Erhai Lake. Feel the wind, enjoy the flowery meadows and rice fields, and see the clouds floating above the majestic Cangshan Mountains.
Marvel at the stunning Tiger Leaping Gorge
Check out the Jinsha River’s raw power in Tiger Leaping Gorge, carving through a narrow valley around a central rock formation beneath towering mountains.
Marvel at the Famous 8D City
Delve into the high-rise “Mountain City” of Chongqing. Witness the fantastic city constriction, such as the train across the building.
Explore Diverse Heritage of Minorities
Discover the Naxi culture through a traditional hot pot, a visit to picturesque Yuhu Village, and a relaxing coffee break on a balcony overlooking stunning mountain scenery.
China Highlights’ Special Discovery Experiences
Dye your handkerchief in the traditional Bai way.
Have a chat with a lama at Songzanlin Lamasery.
Suggested Itinerary
Here is a suggested itinerary. Feel free to let us know if you’d like to make any changes.
Day 1Kunming Arrival
Welcome to Kunming! Our friendly guide will meet you in the airport arrivals hall and escort you to the hotel, assisting with check-in and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable stay.
Day 2Kunming | Discover the Stone Forest
Breakfast & Lunch
Explore the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and be amazed by its breathtaking landscape of towering limestone spires resembling a magical stone forest(Tram included).
Explore the Yuantong Temple, a 1200-year-old Buddhist temple that offers a glimpse into the diverse cultural heritage of Yunnan Province.
Stroll through Green Lake Park, and you might stumble upon a vibrant local dance, where people in traditional dress create a cheerful atmosphere.
Day 3Kunming to Dali | Experience Authentic Dali
Breakfast & Lunch
Transfer to Kunming Railway Station for a bullet train to Dali, where a private guide and driver will greet you.
Explore the charming Zhoucheng Village and immerse yourself in the rich Bai culture by learning about their ancient tie-dyeing techniques and witnessing firsthand the artistry involved. Marvel at the intricate patterns on their traditional Bai clothing, inspired by the elements of nature.
Experience the beauty of Erhai Lake on a leisurely bike ride along its western shore. Enjoy the gentle breeze, the vibrant colors of the flowers, and the stunning panorama of Cangshan Mountain.
Explore Dali Ancient Town‘s temples, vibrant markets, and charming neighborhoods to immerse yourself in its rich history and culture.
Good to know:
The Three Pagodas stand tall in a triangular formation, and are over 1,000 years old. They are ideal for landmark photography in your spare time.
Day 4Dali to Lijiang | Dayan Town Awaits
Breakfast & Lunch
Sit back and enjoy a private transfer from Dali to Lijiang with your private guide.
Discover the Black Dragon Pool Park, a hidden gem in Lijiang. Stroll through the verdant gardens and find tranquility as you contemplate the majestic reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Discover Lijiang Ancient Town(Dayan Town), a UNESCO site inhabited by the Naxi minority. Stroll cobblestone streets lined with traditional houses, admire local crafts and climb Lion Hill for stunning views.
Day 5Lijiang | Explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Breakfast & Lunch
Explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the holy mountain of the Naxi people. Take a cable car to Glacier Park at 4,680 meters, where you’ll find stunning scenery of forests, meadows and potentially snow-covered peaks.
Experience the Blue Moon Valley, a stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Vally featuring an incredibly blue river winding its way through.
Savor a traditional Naxi fire pit hot pot for lunch, then venture to Yuhu Village, nestled at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Enjoy a scenic tram ride through Yuhu Naxi Village, discover Longnu Lake’s beauty, and witness Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s reflection. Enjoy coffee at Xing Cafe, savoring the breathtaking mountain views from the balcony or rooftop.
Day 6Lijiang to Shangri-La | Tiger Leaping Gorge
Breakfast & Lunch
Enjoy a seamless and private transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La.
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons. The mighty Jinsha River rushes through this narrow valley, carving a path around a central rock formation.
Following lunch, we’ll ascend to Shangri-La, reaching an altitude of 3200 meters. Take some time to rest and adjust to the higher elevation at our hotel.
Day 7Shangri-La to Chongqing | Unveil the Hidden Gems
Breakfast & Lunch
Discover the grandeur of Songzanlin Lamasery, Yunnan’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery. This architectural masterpiece is filled with Buddhist statues and cultural treasures, providing insight into Tibetan spirituality.
Interact with resident Tibetan monks in their dormitory. This unique opportunity offers a deeper understanding of their beliefs and practices, and you may even meet a living Buddha.
Wander through Dukezong Old Town, a vibrant Tibetan community, and immerse yourself in its rich culture. Visit Guishan Park and Moonlight Square, home to the world’s most giant spinning prayer wheel.
Sit back and unwind as our private transfer whisks you away to Shangri-La Airport for your flight to Chongqing. A friendly guide will greet you and escort you to the Chongqing hotel.
Day 8Chongqing | Experience the 8D City
Breakfast & Lunch
Visit Huguang Guild Hall on the bank of the Yangtze River. Learn the history of the Yangtze River region and its economic development.
Stroll through Hongyadong, which is a typical style of residential house, but now it is a busy place for shopping and tasting local snacks.
Walk around Goose Neck Park, where you will see the local people playing Mahjong and Chinese chess. Find the history trail on the building of the former Embassies and the old mansion of Chiang Kai-shek.
Witness a light-rail train passing through a residential building, and then experience the cable car crossing the Yangtze River. Explore Longmenhao Old Street to discover the character of Chongqing in the Republic of China era.
DAY 9Chongqing to Wulong | Amazing Karst Formation
Breakfast & Lunch
Head to Wulong this morning to witness the extraordinary geological formations, including the world’s largest natural bridge group and the second-largest sinkhole cluster.
Board a sightseeing bus and explore the Three Natural Bridges. Marvel at the grandeur of Tianlong, Qinglong, and Heilong as you explore the valley’s breathtaking beauty.
Explore Fairy Mountain, dubbed “Eastern Switzerland,” with its alpine meadows, forests, and cool temperatures. Enjoy a refreshing escape from the city in this scenic retreat.
DAY 10Wulong to Chongqing | Furong Cave
Breakfast & Lunch
Explore the Furong Cave. It is not just a cave but an expansive underground world of vertical shafts and horizontal passages. Alongside the Mammoth Cave in the US and the Clamouse Cave in France, it’s one of the world’s largest and most complex cave systems.
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Furong River before driving back to Chongqing.
DAY 11Chongqing Departure
Breakfast
Enjoy a private transfer to the Chongqing airport for your flight to the next destination or back home.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
