8-Day Yunnan Group Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming Arrival | Pick-up and Hotel Check-in

Upon arrival in Kunming, you'll be met by our driver at the airport or train station and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Welcome to Kunming (昆明), the capital of Yunnan Province! Upon arrival in Kunming, our local driver will meet you and your group at the airport at the appointed time and escort you to your hotel in the downtown area.

Known as the "Spring City" for its mild, year-round climate, Kunming is a popular destination for those escaping harsh winters or scorching summers. The pleasant weather also allows flowers to bloom throughout the year, giving Kunming the nickname "Flower City". Whether you seek a relaxing retreat, cultural immersion, or the chance to explore breathtaking landscapes and savor Yunnan's delicious cuisine, Kunming offers something for everyone.

Arrival Options for Kunming:

By Air: Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) offers direct international flights to destinations such as Vientiane (Laos), Bangkok/Chiang Mai/Phuket (Thailand), Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), Siem Reap (Cambodia), Kathmandu (Nepal), Kolkata (India), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Tokyo (Japan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Singapore. It also connects directly to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Hong Kong.

By Train: Kunming is served by both Kunming Railway Station and South Railway Station, offering numerous high-speed train connections. Within Yunnan, travel times include Dali (2.5 hours), Lijiang (4 hours), and Xishuangbanna (3.5 hours). Trains also connect Kunming to cities across China, such as Guiyang (2 hours), Chongqing (4 hours), Chengdu (5.5 hours), Guangzhou (7 hours), Hong Kong (7.5 hours), Beijing (11 hours), and Shanghai (11 hours). Additionally, the Kunming to Vientiane train on the China-Laos Railway takes approximately 10 hours. (Note: If you travel to Kunming by train, please choose Kunming Railway Station as your first choice. If you choose Kunming South Railway Station, an additional fee will apply.)

Day 2: Kunming Tour | Stone Forest, Yuantong Temple, Green Lake Park, Yunnan Rice Noodles

Explore Kunming's highlights with a visit to the Stone Forest, Yuantong Temple, Green Lake Park, and a taste of authentic Yunnan rice noodles. (B+D)

On this day, your whole group will be transferred to the Stone Forest, a World Heritage Site in South China Karst, for an unforgettable Kunming excursion. Afterward, return to downtown Kunming for a classic city tour, including Yuantong Temple, Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park), and other sites based on your interests and available time.

Start your day with a visit to the Stone Forest (石林, 80km from Kunming, about 1.5 hours’ drive) - a must-see natural wonder that was once submerged under an ancient sea. Known as Shilin in Chinese, this national geological park showcases remarkable stone formations that evolved over 270 million years through marine sedimentation, crustal uplift, volcanic lava coverage, erosion, and leveling. Within the Stone Forest, explore the Big and Small Stone Forests by sightseeing bus, marveling at the unique karst formations and traces of geological history. The site also highlights the Yi ethnic culture, and you can immerse yourself in the legend of Ashima (阿诗玛) and explore filming locations for the 1986 TV series Journey to the West.

After that, return to Kunming for a visit to Yuantong Temple (圆通寺), a tranquil oasis in the city center with a unique water courtyard layout and over 1,200 years of history. Yuantong Temple is China's oldest Guanyin Temple and features a rare “Downhill Temple” design, where visitors descend rather than ascend upon entering. This sacred site houses Buddhist traditions from the Han, Southern, and Tibetan regions and includes the Bronze Buddha Hall, a Southeast Asian-style building that holds a Buddha statue gifted by Thailand's Buddhist Association.

Afterward, enjoy a scenic walk at Green Lake Park (翠湖公园), just 700 meters from Yuantong Temple. Once a marshy bay of Dianchi Lake, Cuihu Park became a city lake during the Ming Dynasty and is often called the “jade within the city.” Divided by embankments reminiscent of West Lake's Su Causeway, the park has historical buildings, famous residences, and a sculpture honoring Nie Er, the composer of China's national anthem. Cuihu is beloved by locals for strolling, feeding fish, watching the seasonal migration of Black-headed Gulls from Siberia, and enjoying lotus blooms, flower lanterns, and the vibrant atmosphere.

Featured Dinner:

This evening, enjoy a special treat: authentic Yunnan Cross-bridge Rice Noodles (云南过桥米线), one of Yunnan's signature dishes. Featuring delicate rice noodles in a rich broth with various toppings, this traditional dish offers a true taste of Yunnan's flavors. Enjoy the rice noodles while listening to the story of why it is called the Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles.

After the tour, be escorted back to your hotel in Kunming.

Day 3: Kunming to Dali by High Speed Train | Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Erhai Lake, Free Time in Dali Ancient Town

Go from Kunming to Dali by high-speed train, explore Three Pagodas, Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town. (B)

After breakfast, our guide will take you and your group to visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, offering a deep dive into Dali's rich history and spiritual heritage.

The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺三塔景区), set against the stunning backdrop of the Cangshan Mountains and overlooking Erhai Lake, are an iconic symbol of Dali. These three pagodas consist of a central pagoda, Qianxun Pagoda, which stands at 69 meters, flanked by two smaller pagodas. According to local legend, the pagodas were constructed to deter dragons that once inhabited the swampy area of Dali. Take time to appreciate the intricate architectural details that have allowed these structures to withstand the centuries. Don’t miss the picturesque reflection pond in front of the pagodas, offering stunning mirror images perfect for photos.

Next, visit Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺), located just behind the pagodas. Once the royal temple of the Dali Kingdom of Nanzhao and nicknamed “the Capital of Buddhism,” it is also known as Tianlong Temple from Jin Yong's Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. As you tour the temple grounds, explore worship halls such as the Mahavira Hall and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. From higher points, you can take in sweeping panoramic views of the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake.

After that, take an electric cart along the ecological corridor of the west side of Erhai Lake (洱海). Named "Ear-shaped Sea" due to its unique form, Erhai is the second-largest highland lake in China and a central feature of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the expansive blue lake framed by the majestic Cangshan Mountains. And, you’ll pass through charming Bai villages, green fields, and vibrant flowers. 

In this afternoon, explore the captivating Dali Ancient Town (大理古城) independently. At dusk, the town's lively night markets begin to stir. Relax at one of the many cozy coffee shops or bars. Originally established during the Ming Dynasty over 600 years ago, Dali Old Town once served as the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. Stroll along