6 Days Southwest of China Group Tour
Spanning Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang, this classic Yunnan route offers travelers a layered portrait of China’s southwest—karst forests, pagoda-studded lakeshores, cobblestone alleys, and snow-mountain vistas—concluding with glacier-fed valleys and centuries-old village murals for a comprehensive, worry-free group adventure under 730 dollars.
Route:
Kunming-Dali-Lijiang
- Tour Code: ITC-GT-024
- Guide: English Tour Guide
- Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel
- More personal than a traditional coach tour, far better value than a private tour.
Price:
USD 729
per person
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Notes:Prices may vary depending on the season and promotional activities. Please consult your advisor for details.
Why Choose lnto Explore China Group Tour
Worry-Free Travel
With years of experience in group travel across China, we provide professional tour guides,
comfortable coaches, and well-paced itineraries for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Itineraries with Great Value
Our tours cover China's most iconic sights and cultural highlights. All packages are clearly priced
with no hidden costs, offering a high-quality experience at a competitive rate.
No Shopping Stops
We guarantee a truly immersive journey with no shopping stop. Spend more time exploring scenic
spots, enjoying authentic food, and discovering local culture
Travel with Flexibility
Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, you can easily join us. Enjoy better
value than private tours with small groups of 6-12 people and year-round departures.
Experience
Clarissa
What Stayed With Me: 6 Days Across Kunming, Dali & Lijiang
I’d heard about Yunnan’s landscapes long before I got there — the stone forests, Erhai Lake, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. But what I didn’t expect was how much the in-between moments would stick: the tie-dye workshop, the morning market, the flower cake I made with my own hands.
Kunming was a warm-up. Dianchi Haigeng Park in the morning, locals doing tai chi by the water, the lake stretching out like a mirror. The Stone Forest in the afternoon was otherworldly — limestone pillars rising out of the ground like petrified trees. But the real moment was at a Yi village stall, where an old woman handed me a piece of roasted potato with chili powder. She didn’t speak much Mandarin, just gestured for me to eat. I didn’t need translation for that.
Dali was where the pace shifted. The Three Pagodas stood against the sky like they’d been there forever. Erhai Lake was wide and calm — I rented a bike and rode along the shore for a couple of hours, past fishermen and willow trees, the water changing color with the light. In Dali Ancient Town, I found a little workshop where I made flower cake — kneading dough, stuffing it with rose petals, pressing it into a mold. The old woman running the place laughed at my clumsy folds but wrapped it up for me anyway. I ate it the next morning. It was lopsided and delicious.
Lijiang felt different — older, more atmospheric. Xizhou’s morning market was alive with color and noise: baskets of mushrooms I couldn’t name, cured meats hanging from hooks, old women in Bai headscarves bargaining over greens. Zhoucheng, the tie-dye town, was where I got my hands dirty — folding white cloth, tying it tight with string, dipping it into indigo dye. When I unwrapped it, the pattern was imperfect, but mine. I still use that cloth as a scarf.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain was the finale — the cable car up, the thin air, the white peaks against a sky that seemed too blue to be real. Blue Moon Valley below, the water the color of turquoise.
Six days, three cities. The flower cake I made, the scarf I dyed, the potato an old woman gave me on a roadside. Those are the ones I’ll remember.
Itinerary
Explore each day’s highlights, pace, routes, hotels, meals, and photos—so you know exactly what to expect along the way.
Route Map Full route
Kunming Arrival - Free Activities
4+stars Hotel
None
When you arrive at Kunming Airport or Railway Station, your local guide and driver will meet you at the arrival hall on time and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
Free activities recommended：
It is recommended to visit Kunming Old Street and taste the food
Dianchi Haigeng Park - Stone Forest - Dali
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning, we will come to the Dianchi Haigeng Park. As the name suggests, "Haigeng" means a ridge across the sea. It was originally a wedge-shaped embankment that ran from east to west across Dianchi Lake. Starting from Haigeng Village in the east and ending at the foot of the West Mountain in the west, it is 5 kilometers long and 60 to 300 meters wide. It divides the more than 300 square kilometers of Dianchi Lake into two parts: the vast Dianchi Lake is to the south, and the "Caohai" is to the north.
Next, we will continue by bus to the Stone Forest. Here you will have a chance to see the iconic stone “Asima”, a realistic boulder that resembles a graceful young lady.
While you are visiting the Stone Forest, you can also experience the unique charm of Yi ethnic minority culture, enjoy the traditional songs and dances of the Yi people, and taste the authentic Yi cuisine.
Next, you will be transferred to the train station for your high speed train to Dali.
Three Pagodas Temple of Dali - Lake Erhai - Dali Ancient Town
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast & Lunch
Early in the morning you will visit the Three Pagodas Temple of Dali, a royal monastery during the Dali Kingdom. Historically, it has been a representative of Buddhist culture and art, attracting many monks and devotees to practice.
Afterwards, we will go to the famous Erhai Lake . The water of Erhai is so clear and transparent that it has been called the "Flawless Jade among the Mountains" since ancient times. You can choose to take a sightseeing bus, a boat tour, or try to ride a bicycle around the lake to explore the Erhai Lake.
Optional：
1. The Erhai Sightseeing Bus Tour costs RMB 50 per person for about an hour and follows the shoreline of the Erhai Lake.
2. If you want to get closer to the Erhai Lake, you can opt for a boat trip, which lasts about 2 to 3 hours and costs from RMB 145 per person.
3. Of course, if you love sports as well as want to explore the Erhai Sea freely, then cycling along the Erhai Sea will be a good choice. The approximately two-hour bike tour costs from about RMB 50 per person.
Afterwards, we will step into Dali Ancient Town, the former ancient capital of the Dali Kingdom. Here, you can enjoy the unique Bai culture. Stroll along the stone streets, admire the ancient buildings and traditional houses, taste the local cuisine, and visit the beautiful sites around Dali Old Town, such as Drum Tower and Wuhua Pagoda.
Next, we will explore Honglongjing, Renmin Road and Yangren Street. These are places where ancient dwellings meet modern bars and cafes. The bustling stores are filled with Yunnan's specialties and handicrafts.
Recommended Activities:
You can learn to make Dali's specialty flower cake. This traditional pastry is made with fresh rose flowers as the main ingredient, which is very delicious. After you finish making it, you can take the flower cake home as a wonderful reminder of Dali culture.
Xizhou Ancient Town - Zhoucheng - the Old Town of Lijiang
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, you will come to the morning market in Xizhou Ancient Town, where people dressed in traditional costumes trade fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and daily necessities, giving you a close-up experience of the Bai people's living atmosphere.
Next, we head to Zhoucheng, the town of tie-dye. You can experience the production process of tie-dye craft and feel the charm of traditional culture.
Afterwards, you will be transferred to Lijiang for about 2 hours. This is a World Heritage Site and a magical place where time seems to slow down. You can stroll through the old alleys around Sifangjie Square, browse the specialty stores and bars, and experience the hustle and bustle of Lijiang's Old Town.
If you are interested in the history of Lijiang, you can visit the Mufu Palace, which is the landmark of Lijiang Ancient City and was originally the office and private residence of the Lijiang Tusi. Now it has become an important place to understand the history and culture of the Naxi people.
Recommended Activities:
Climbing up to the Shizishan Observation Deck, you will have a magnificent panoramic view of the whole Lijiang Old Town. You can also see the Yulong Snow Mountain in the distance.
Yuhu Village - Baisha Village - Shuhe Ancient Town
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning, you will depart for an ancient village. At the southern foot of Yulong Snow Mountain, there is a village called “Wuluken”, which means village at the foot of the snow mountain, and this is the Yuhu Village.
Facing a crystal clear lake, the village is surrounded by snow-capped mountains with magnificent views. With blue skies, white clouds and fresh air, it is a paradise away from the city.
Afterwards, you will proceed to Baisha Ancient Village to admire the Baisha murals at Dabao and Liuli Monastery, which were painted 500 years ago, showing the fusion of Dongba culture and Tibetan Buddhist style.
Then you will go to Shuhe Ancient Town. Shuhe Ancient Town is an ancient Naxi town full of historical heritage. With rich historical and cultural heritage and unique folk customs, it is an important window to understand the history and culture of the Naxi people.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Blue Moon Valley - Lijiang Departure
None
Breakfast
The first destination of today's trip is: the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is called "Oulu" in Naxi language, which means "Heavenly Mountain". Its thirteen snow peaks are continuous, just like a "dragon" flying and dancing, so it is called "Yulong". Because its rock type is mainly limestone and basalt, with distinct black and white, it is also called "Black and White Snow Mountain". It is the sacred mountain of the Naxi people. Legend has it that it is the incarnation of the Naxi people's patron saint "Sanduo".
After visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you will come to the Blue Moon Valley Scenic Area to visit the Blue Moon Valley. The Blue Moon Valley is where the eternal ice and snow of the glacier of Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain melted and flowed down the cliffs, constantly gathering into mountain streams and creeks, and finally formed a crystal clear and sweet river in the deep valley upstream.
After visiting these two attractions, the driver and tour guide will send you to the airport in advance according to your flight information. If the flight time is late, you can also tour the city or rest in the hotel.
Travel Date and Price (USD per person)
| Month | Available Date | Price | Book The Tour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep | Sep 07,2026 | USD979 USD729 | Book Now >>> Content us >>> |
| Sep 14,2026 | USD979 USD729 | Book Now >>> Content us >>> | |
| Oct | Oct 12,2026 | USD979 USD729 | Book Now >>> Content us >>> |
| Oct 19,2026 | USD979 USD729 | Book Now >>> Content us >>> | |
| Nov | Nov 09,2026 | USD979 USD729 | Book Now >>> Content us >>> |
| Dec | Dec 07,2026 | USD979 USD729 | Book Now >>> Content us >>> |
Included & Excluded
From USD 729 per person
- The price is based on two people sharing a double room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for a quote.
- Price may vary depending on exchange rates, travel dates, and hotel class.
- Prices may vary depending on the season and promotional activities. Please consult your advisor for details.
Price Includes:
- Comfortable hotel with daily breakfast (twin room)
- Professional English-speaking local tour guide
- Air-conditioned private coach throughout the tour
- Entrance tickets to all listed attractions and activities
- Lunches as specified in the itinerary
- Domestic flights and high-speed train tickets
- One travel accident insurance per person
Cancellation Policy
We understand that travel plans may change. Please review our cancellation policy below:
- Free cancellation if canceled 60 days or more before the tour starts
- 5% of total tour cost if canceled 45-59 days before departure
- 10% of total tour cost if canceled 30-44 days before departure
- 25% of total tour cost if canceled 15-29 days before departure
- 45% of total tour cost if canceled 7-14 days before departure
- 100% of total tour cost if canceled less than 7 days before departure
Date of Arrivial
Q & A
Asked by Anna Weber from Germany | April 23,2026 15:43
Best way to see Erhai Lake? Bike or boat?
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
