CONTACT

Yunnan 101: Classic Wonders

Kunming · Dali · Lijiang
  • 10 Days
  • Jan – Jun, Sep – Dec
  • Dali
  • Kunming
  • 6-12 people
  • Min-Age: 16+

About This Trip

Ready to explore Yunnan for the first time? This introductory trip takes you from the vibrant city of Kunming to laid-back charm of Dali, and wraps up in the breathtaking landscapes of Lijiang and Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Kunming, the lively capital of Yunnan, offers a unique blend of modern energy and cultural richness, showcasing a perfect contrast between tradition and modernity. Nicknamed ‘Dalifornia’ for its relaxed vibe, stunning landscapes, and year-round spring-like weather, Dali offers a warm welcome. Finally, in Lijiang, stroll through the atmospheric streets of its UNESCO-listed Old Town and discover the traditions of the Naxi people. Then, witness one of China’s most spectacular natural wonders at Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the mighty Jinsha River carves through towering cliffs.

What’s the Highlight – Travel like a local!
★ Trek up to Zhonghe Temple for stunning views of Dali from Cangshan Mountain, and enjoy a peaceful vegetarian meal with the monks, immersing yourself in their tranquil way of life.

★ Follow a local Naxi minority family through Lijiang’s oldest Xiangshan Market, and create an authentic Naxi dish with hands-on instruction.

★ Reach the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at an altitude of approximately 4,506 meters, viewing the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks.

Itinerary

Day 01:Kunming
➤AM: Upon arrival in Kunming, settle into your hotel in the city centre.
➤PM: Explore Kunming on a walking tour, starting at Cuihu Park (Green Lake), a peaceful spot where locals practice Tai Chi and enjoy nature. Stroll through Jiangwutang and Nanpingjie, where you’ll encounter a mix of historic architecture and modern shops, before venturing into the city’s old streets
➤EVE: Welcome Dinner with local Cuisine.
After dinner, get a taste of Kunming’s lively nightlife with a fun, local experience: hopping on an e-scooter and cruising between popular bars. Explore unique local brewery and sip on signature cocktails while soaking in the city’s energetic atmosphere. (Optional for those seeking a more adventurous way tot explore!)
Day 02:Kunming-Dali
➤ AM: Visit West Mountain, overlooking Dianchi Lake, known as the “Lake of Eternal Spring,” offering peaceful views and a relaxing atmosphere.
➤PM: Travel to Dali by High-Speed Train (about 2 hours)
➤Late PM: Upon arrival in Dali, settle into your hotel next to the charming Dali Ancient Town, a historic enclave at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains. This well-preserved town boasts cobblestone streets, traditional Bai-style architecture, and vibrant markets. After checking in to your hotel, take a leisurely stroll through the town’s old alleys, soaking in its relaxed atmosphere and historic charm.
➤EVE: Group Dinner at traditional Bai House with local cuisine
Day 03:Dali
➤Early AM: Start your day at a bustling village market in the outskirts of Dali, where locals gather to trade fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and daily essentials. This lively market offers an authentic glimpse into Dali’s local culture, far from the usual tourist trails.
➤AM: Afterward, visit Santa Temple, a peaceful Buddhist temple set in a beautiful location with stunning views over the valley. This temple is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection. Next, head to Sanwenbi Village, a charming Bai settlement that has recently seen a wave of new Dali people who’ve settled here and started their businesses, bringing a fresh energy and creative vibe to the area. Discover how these “New Dali People” blend tradition with innovation, shaping the city’s evolving cultural identity.
➤PM/EVE: Embark on a walking tour of Dali Ancient Town, where you’ll explore historical sites such as Wuhualou and the Catholic Church, blending ancient and modern influences in the heart of this charming town.
Day 04:Dali
➤AM: Embark on a scenic hike to Zhonghe Temple, nestled on the slopes of the Cangshan Mountains. This off-the-beaten-path temple offers breathtaking views of Erhai Lake and a tranquil atmosphere for reflection. The trail leads through lush forests, with opportunities to take in the crisp mountain air.
➤Noon: Vegan Lunch at Zhonghe Temple (based on availability)
➤PM: In the afternoon, enjoy a hands-on experience with a tea-picking and making session on the slopes of Cangshan, where you’ll learn about the ancient art of tea cultivation and its significance to the region’s culture.
➤Late PM: Go on a bike or scooter tour along the shores of Erhai Lake, stopping at picturesque villages and viewpoints to take in the stunning landscapes. Return to Dali for a restful evening.
Day 05:Dali
➤AM: Travel to Xizhou Old town, a well-preserved Bai settlement known for its traditional architecture and serene atmosphere. Wander through the peaceful streets, learning about the region’s history and local customs as you explore one of Dali’s hidden gems. Then, embark on a Caffeine Tour of Xizhou’s renowned coffee shop and teahouse, sampling locally roasted coffee and artisanal teas.
➤PM: Continue to Zhoucheng, the largest Bai ethnic village known for its rich tradition of indigo dyeing. Learn the ancient resist-dyeing techniques passed down through generations and create your own indigo-dyed textile to take home.
➤EVE: Free evening.
Day 06:Dali-Lijiang
➤AM: Travel to Lijiang by high-speed train (2-2.5 hours)
➤PM: Upon arrival, visit the scenic Heilong Pond, a peaceful spot surrounded by lush greenery and traditional Naxi culture. Afterward, embark on a walking tour of Dayan Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its charming cobblestone streets, traditional wooden architecture, and notable landmarks, including Mufu Palace, the former residence of Lijiang’s ruling family, and Sifang Square, the lively center of the old town. Immerse yourself in the vibrant history of this ancient town, filled with both Naxi and Tibetan cultural influences.
➤EVE: In the evening, enjoy a performance of traditional Naxi music at a Naxi concert, offering a deeper understanding of the region's rich heritage.
Day 07:Lijiang
➤AM: Venture to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where you’ll take a cable car up to an altitude of approximately 4,506 meters, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. Afterward, explore the stunning Blue Moon Valley, known for its turquoise waters and picturesque meadows.
➤Late PM: Experience the Lijiang Impression Show, an outdoor performance directed by Zhang Yimou, set against the dramatic backdrop of Jade Dragon Mountain.
➤EVE: Free evening.
Day 08:Lijiang
➤AM/PM: Take a one-day tour to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most dramatic gorges in the world. Hike through the gorge, marveling at the raw beauty of the Jinsha River and the towering cliffs that surround it, offering stunning photo opportunities and an unforgettable experience.
Day 09:Lijiang
➤AM: Visit the bustling Xiangshan Market in Lijiang to shop for fresh ingredients, then join a local Naxi family for a hands-on cooking class (English-speaking instructor onsite). You’ll learn to prepare three traditional dishes from the region. Yunnan is a magical place known for its wide variety of vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, and flowers, and its farmers’ markets feel like lively food museums.
➤PM: Free Time
➤EVE: Farewell Dinner with traditional Naxi Cuisine
Day 10:Lijiang-Next Destination
➤ AM/PM: Airport Drop-off and have a safe trip!
Optional Extension: For those wishing to continue on to Shangri-La to experience more stunning nature and authentic Tibetan culture, we can help arrange a side tour at an additional cost. Just let us know!

Details

Inclusion

  • Ground transportation, including airport transfers
  • Domestic transportation, as noted in the itinerary
  • Accommodation based on double occupancy as noted in the itinerary (Local 4-star Hotel)
  • All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
  • Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
  • Services of an English-speaking guide and coordinator

Exclusion

  • International flights and relevant taxes
  • Chinese tourist visa. Please check out the latest policy before you start your journey
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary

Trip Cost

Price: NZD 3,155 per person (approx. USD 1,846 per person)
• Based on twin‑share accommodation

Early‑Bird Discount
• Sign up early and secure your spot – save NZD 200!
• Registration closes 120 days (≈4 months) before departure.

Bring‑a‑Friend Discount
• Bring a friend and share the adventure – save NZD 100 together!

Combined Savings
• Combine both offers for a total saving of NZD 300!

Upcoming Tour Dates for 2026

• April 8 – 17, 2026

• June 18 – June 27, 2026

• September 16 – September 25, 2026

• October 21 – October 30, 2026

• December 27, 2026 – January 6, 2027

details 2
details 1
WechatIMG558
details 3
imgi_34_WechatIMG131-2048x1536
WechatIMG560
WechatIMG75
3rd
imgi_81_WechatIMG133-scaled-e1739095339134-761x1024

Accommodation

We will stay in local 4-star hotels, carefully selected for their comfort, authenticity, and great locations. Here are some examples of the hotels you can expect on this tour.

Holiday Inn Express Kunming West (Local 4-star)

  • Kunming
The Holiday Inn Express Kunming West offers a pleasant stay in Kunming for those traveling for business or leisure. The closest major public transportation, Liangjiahe Metro Station, is only 500m away. The nearby area boasts an abundance of attractions including Kunming Indoor Stadium, Aegean Sea and Shangrila-Dynamic Yunnan.

Early Morning Time Hotel (Local 4-star)

  • Dali
The Early Morning Time Hotel is about a 15-minute walk from Dali Ancient City, surrounded by Cangshan Mountain and adjacent to Erhai Lake, with convenient transportation. Here, you can relax and entertain, drink tea and make friends, enjoy the scenery of Dali Ancient City from the rooftop, and enjoy a good time.

Hilton Garden Inn Lijiang (Local 4-star)

  • Lijiang
Hilton Garden Inn Lijiang is the first Hilton brand hotel in Yunnan province with unique focused service culture, the hotel is located at the Shangrila Avenue, only 15 minutes walking distance from Dayan Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. They have always stayed their brand promise that is Sleep Deep, Work Smart, Eat Well, Stay Fit, Treat Yourself.

Holiday Inn Express Kunming West (Local 4-star)

  • Kunming

The Holiday Inn Express Kunming West offers a pleasant stay in Kunming for those traveling for business or leisure. The closest major public transportation, Liangjiahe Metro Station, is only 500m away. The nearby area boasts an abundance of attractions including Kunming Indoor Stadium, Aegean Sea and Shangrila-Dynamic Yunnan.

Next Steps

Sign up for the tour!
  • Please email info@wanderchina.co to secure your spot on this tour. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us via email before officially signing up.
  • When you’re ready to book, a $500 NZD per person booking fee is required to reserve your arrangements. This fee will be applied toward your total trip cost and deducted from your final balance.
  • Your balance payment will be due 60 days prior to your departure. 
  • If you’d like to customize a private pre or post trip to explore more of China, please let us know and we’d be happy to work with you on that!
Is this tour guaranteed to run?
  • A minimum of six travellers is required for this journey to operate (maximum group size: 12). The departure will be confirmed no later than 60 days prior to the scheduled departure date.
  • If the minimum number of travellers is not reached, Wander China reserves the right to cancel or postpone the departure. In this event, all deposits paid to Wander China will be refunded in full.
  • Wander China also reserves the right to cancel or postpone any departure, including confirmed departures, due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, such as travel restrictions, natural disasters, political instability, or other unforeseen events. In such cases, travellers will receive a full refund of all payments made to Wander China, less any non-refundable costs already incurred on their behalf, where applicable.
Cancelation Policy

If you decide to cancel for other reasons after this time, the following cancellation policy applies:

  • More than 60 days prior to trip departure:
    Deposit will be forfeited
  • Between 45 – 60 days prior to trip departure:
    20% of total tour price will be forfeited
  • Between 30 – 44 Days:
    50% of total tour price will be forfeited
  • Between 22 – 29 Days:
    90% of total tour price will be forfeited
  • Less than 21 days prior to trip departure:
    No refund

By paying the deposit, you accept Wander China Terms and Conditions.

Why Wander China

Local Expertise with Experience

We live here, and we’ve traveled far. Our team combines local roots in Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi with years of experience leading international travelers. We are proud of our culture and passionate about sharing it with others. With extensive networks and resources on the ground, we bring a deep understanding of the region’s culture, history, and landscapes, and ensure every journey is thoughtfully curated.

Seamless Communication & Onsite Support

We speak your language—literally and culturally. From the first email to the last day of your trip, we’re here to guide, translate, and support. Our well-trained team ensures seamless coordination and personalized attention, making your trip both safe and memorable.

Committed to Heritage and Sustainability

We believe meaningful travel should give back. That’s why we support local artisans, share stories of living traditions, and take active steps to protect the environment—like picking up litter on mountain trails and choosing low-impact transport whenever possible. We also invite our participants to join us in giving back, fostering a shared commitment to meaningful and sustainable travel.

Flexible for All Kinds of Travelers

Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, family, a school group, or your company team—we offer the flexibility to match your interests and budget. Choose from thoughtfully crafted small-group tours, or let us design something just for you.

Got a wild dream? We'll make it real. Open to ideas? We'll dream it up for you.

Prefer a trip tailored just for you? Travel your way, on your terms!