Embark on a journey through the heart of Yunnan's northwest, a region steeped in natural beauty and cultural heritage. This 12-day extended tour takes you from the bustling city of Kunming to the serene landscapes of Shangri-La, the historic charm of Lijiang, and the picturesque towns of Shaxi, Nuodeng, Dali, and Yuanmou. Along the way, you'll experience breathtaking vistas, ancient cultures, and the warmth of local hospitality.

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming Welcome to the "City of Eternal Spring" – Kunming. Settle into your accommodation and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Kunming to Shangri-La Board a train to Shangri-La, where you'll be captivated by the stunning natural scenery. Discover Potatso, Tibetan monasteries, and immerse yourself in Tibetan culture.

Potatso National Park

Day 3: Shangri-La Spend a full day exploring the breathtaking landscapes and spiritual sites of Shangri-La, a place of tranquility and natural beauty.

Songzanlin Lamasery, Shangri-La

Day 4: Shangri-La to Lijiang Travel by train or private transfer to Lijiang, passing through the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge. Upon arrival, explore the well-preserved old town and learn about the Naxi people's culture.

Tiger Leaping Gorge between Shangri-la and Lijiang

Day 5: Lijiang Enjoy a day in Lijiang, taking in the snow-capped mountains, and the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city.

Lijiang old town

Black Dragon Pool Park

Day 6: Lijiang to Shaxi Travel to Shaxi, a lesser-known gem, where you'll wander through the old town, admire ancient architectures, and experience local market life.

Shaxi Old Town

Day 7: Shaxi to Nuodeng Journey to Nuodeng, a quiet and beautiful old village, where traditional ways of life are preserved and ancient architectures stand testament to the region's history.

Nuodeng old village

Day 8: Nuodeng to Dali Transfer to Dali, a city known for its old town, the majestic Cangshan Mountain, and the serene Erhai Lake. Delve into the Bai people's culture and traditions.

Dali old Town

Day 9: Dali Spend a day in Dali, soaking up the natural splendor and enjoying the cultural experiences this city has to offer.

Chongsheng (Three-Pagoda) Temple

Day 10: Dali to Yuanmou (Wumao Earth Forest) Travel to Yuanmou to witness the Wumao Earth Forest, a natural wonder formed by water erosion, offering stunning sunrises and sunsets.

Wumao Earth Forest, Yuanmou

Day 11: Yuanmou to Kunming Return to Kunming, reflecting on the memories made and the landscapes traversed. Visit the Stone Forest on the way.

Stone Forest

Day 12: Departure.

Choose to extend your adventure with a train journey to either Vientiane, Laos, or Hekou(then to Lao Cai, Vietnam). Experience seamless travel on the ACCR (Asian Continental Cross-Rail) network, with connections to major cities and stunning landscapes along the way.

Of course you can also continue the journey to other Chinese cities by flights or trains.

Train info:

· Kunming Nan to Vientiane/Laos:D88(08:08/16:34). A scenic 9.5-hour ride to Vientiane, with stops at Mohan Port China and Boten Port Laos for immigration formalities.You can also get off at Luang Prabang at 15:45, which is the ancient capital and Buddhist center of Laos, known for its rich cultural heritage, temples, and French colonial architecture, and has been designated a World Heritage City by UNESCO.

· Kunming to Hekou Bei (North)：C552(08:26/13:00), C562(13：21/17：53）.  A swift 4.5-hour trip to the border city Hekou. From there you can continue to go to Lao Cai in Vietnam easily by bus or taxi.

Book Now and Experience:

· The serenity of Shangri-La's natural beauty

· The cultural depth of Lijiang's ancient town

· The architectural marvels of Shaxi and Nuodeng

· The natural wonders of Dali's Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake

· The geological spectacle of Yuanmou's Wumao Earth Forest

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the northwest of Yunnan, where every day unveils a new adventure and every corner tells a story.