Yunnan – Kunming, Dali, Lijiang & Lugu Lake | 8 Days | Small Group of 2–10, Boutique In-Depth Slow Travel

Welcome to the Spring City, Kunming — Arrive in Kunming, known as the "Spring City," where a dedicated driver will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Settle in and shake off the fatigue of your journey as your Yunnan adventure officially begins.

➤ Kunming
With its year-round spring-like climate and fragrant, birdsong-filled air, Kunming sets the perfect tone for your journey.

Helpful Tip:Your hotel is centrally located in Kunming — dining is extremely convenient! A short walk takes you to Kunming Old Street and Green Lake Park
Feel free to explore Yunnan's local cuisine and street life on your first evening — the perfect way to experience everyday "Spring City" living!

First stop: Dali — Depart from Kunming in the morning as the scenery gradually transforms along the way. Upon arrival, begin with a stroll along the Erhai Ecological Corridor, taking in the soothing landscape where Cangshan Mountain meets Erhai Lake. Next, visit the culturally rich Fengyang Village, stepping into a Bai ethnic community to experience authentic local life. In the afternoon, enjoy a specially arranged lakeside afternoon tea by Erhai Lake — slow down and savor the relaxed pace that defines Dali. As evening falls, wander freely through Dali Old Town, exploring its ancient lanes and soaking in the city's unique slow-life rhythm.

➤ Erhai Ecological Corridor: A lakeside trail with sweeping views of the lake and mountains — Dali's most scenic and restorative stretch.
► Fengyang Village:A well-preserved Bai ethnic village, rich in cultural heritage and everyday charm.
► Erhai Lakeside Afternoon Tea: Facing Erhai Lake with Cangshan Mountain behind you — enjoy your own exclusive moment in the most relaxed setting imaginable.
► Dali Old Town:A charming blend of history and artistic culture — perfect for an evening stroll and nighttime atmosphere.

Helpful Tip: The wind by Erhai Lake can be quite strong — bring a windproof jacket. The afternoon tea arrangement makes for an especially pleasant experience.

Into the world of Bai culture and the Ancient Tea Horse Road — Head to Xizhou Ancient Town in the morning, the most representative place of Bai ethnic life, where rice paddies, old residences, and everyday scenes weave together into a quietly beautiful picture. Strolling through, you can feel the most authentic side of Dali's local life. Next, venture into Shaxi Ancient Town, tucked away in a mountain valley. Once a key stop along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, it still retains its original, unspoiled character — no overcrowded commercialism, just the gentle stillness of time flowing slowly.

► Xizhou Ancient Town:A hub of Bai ethnic culture, where rice fields and traditional architecture blend together, full of local life and charm.
► Shaxi Ancient Town:The only surviving ancient market town along the Tea Horse Road, preserving its most original character and tranquil atmosphere.

Helpful Tip: Shaxi Ancient Town is quieter in the evenings and temperatures can be slightly cooler — bring a light jacket and take your time to explore at a leisurely pace.

Into the last Matriarchal Kingdom on earth — Today, head to the dreamlike Lugu Lake, where the scenery gradually shifts to high-altitude lake and primeval forest. Upon arrival, it feels like stepping into another world entirely. The crystal-clear water shifts through layers of blue and green with the changing light. A traditional dugout canoe ride is specially arranged, gliding gently across the lake surface to admire the iconic water lilies up close and experience the serene, unspoiled beauty of nature. In the evening, join a local Mosuo bonfire celebration, feeling the authentic culture and warmth of this land through song and dance. Tonight, check into your lake-view room for the most restorative night of the journey.

► Lugu Lake:Celebrated as the “Last Matriarchal Kingdom on Earth,” Lugu Lake enchants visitors with its pristine waters and breathtaking scenery that transforms beautifully with each season.
► Dugout Canoe Experience:Drift across the lake on a traditional wooden boat, admiring the water lilies and lake scenery up close.
► Mosuo Bonfire Evening:A local cultural experience — feel the warmth and passion of the ethnic community through song, dance, and interaction.

Helpful Tip: Lugu Lake has a large temperature difference between morning and evening — bring a warm jacket. UV rays by the lake are strong, so remember to apply sunscreen.

From a lakeside hideaway to a snow-capped ancient city — Begin the morning at Lige Peninsula, the most iconic viewpoint of Lugu Lake, where the lake and mountains create a picture-perfect landscape that shifts through layers of blue and green with the changing light. Next, step into the historically rich Lijiang Old Town, strolling along cobblestone streets and beside flowing streams, soaking in the unique romance and cultural atmosphere of this ancient city. Along the way, visit Black Dragon Pool Park to admire the reflection of the snow mountain — a classic scene not to be missed.

► Lige PeninsulaThe most representative viewpoint of Lake Tanggu, with a wide vision, is the best location for taking pictures of the lake.
► Black Dragon Pool Park:：Offering a distant view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain's reflection — one of Lijiang's most classic scenic spots.
► Lijiang Old Town:A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site where streams and ancient streets intertwine in a thoroughly romantic setting.

Helpful Tip: Lijiang sits at a higher altitude — you may feel slightly uncomfortable upon first arrival. Take it slow and drink plenty of water. The cobblestone street

Into the realm of the snow mountains — Today, head to the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. As the altitude rises, the scenery transitions from forest to sweeping snow-capped peaks. Take the cable car up to experience the grandeur and purity of the mountain up close, leaving behind unforgettable highland memories. Next, visit the dreamy Blue Moon Valley, where the mineral-rich water displays striking layers of blue, mirroring the snow mountain to create one of Lijiang's most iconic natural landscapes.

In the afternoon, enjoy the spectacular outdoor performance Impression Lijiang, set against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, blending local ethnic culture with stories of highland life for a deeply moving visual experience. Afterward, explore the relatively tranquil Shuhe Ancient Town — away from the bustle of Lijiang Old Town, its ancient lanes and flowing streams offer a purer, more relaxed ancient town atmosphere.

► Jade Dragon Snow Mountain:The most iconic snow mountain scenery in Yunnan — majestic and pure, a must-visit highlight of this journey.
► Blue Moon Valley:The water shimmers in a dreamlike blue, creating a scene as ethereal as a painting alongside the snow mountain.
► Impression Lijiang:A grand outdoor performance using the snow mountain as its stage, showcasing highland ethnic culture and life stories.
► Shuhe Ancient Town:A quieter and more leisurely alternative to Lijiang Old Town, preserving an authentic everyday atmosphere.

Helpful Tip: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain sits at a high altitude — avoid strenuous activity and drink plenty of water. UV rays are strong, so be sure to apply sunscreen and dress in warm layers.

From mountain scenery back to city rhythm — Today, board the bullet train back to Kunming. The landscape gradually transforms as the train moves forward, shifting from highland mountains to urban cityscape. Compared to a long road journey, the bullet train is far more comfortable and relaxed, giving you time to breathe, reflect, and gather your memories from the trip.

Upon arriving in Kunming, enjoy a leisurely City Walk through Kunming Old Street. The area blends historical architecture with modern life, lined with cafés, street food stalls, and unique shops. Strolling through feels less like sightseeing and more like stepping into the everyday life of Kunming locals — experiencing the warmth and living spirit of this city at a gentle pace, and drawing the journey to a tender close.

► Bullet Train Experience:A fast and comfortable ride back to Kunming — reducing long-haul fatigue and enhancing overall travel quality.
► Kunming Old Street:A mix of historical and modern neighborhoods, perfect for strolling, taking photos, and sampling local cuisine.

Helpful Tip: Keep your luggage simple and easy to manage for boarding and alighting the train. Kunming has a mild climate but evenings can be slightly cool — bring a light jacket.

► Airport Transfer (Round-the-Clock Dedicated Service)

We provide 24-hour pick-up and drop-off service, no matter it is an early morning flight, we will arrange a special car to pick you up and drop you off, no carpooling, no waiting, to ensure that you can arrive at the airport on time, safely, and return to the airport without delay.

CITS2Go accompanies you through the final part of your journey, allowing you to return home with wonderful memories and a pleasant mood.

➤ If you need flights, we can also assist with booking or provide recommendations!