7-Day Essence of Yunnan: Kunming, Lijiang & Dali

Day 1 Arrive Kunming

Meals Included: No
Accommodation: Local 4-star Wanjinan Hotel (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Welcome to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province celebrated as China’s “City of Eternal Spring” for its pleasant, blooming weather year-round. Situated alongside the shores of Dianchi Lake, this gateway city pairs vibrant local culture and diverse ethnic heritage with stunning natural landmarks like Green Lake Park and the renowned Stone Forest. Upon arrival at the airport at midnight, your friendly Muslim expert guide will greet you and whisk you away in a private vehicle to your hotel. 

Important Notice: This itinerary is specifically scheduled around midnight arrivals and departures in Kunming. If flight or transit arrangements fall outside these midnight hours, please contact us prior to booking so adjustments can be made accordingly.

Day 2 Kunming – Lijiang | High-Speed Train to Lijiang, Lijiang Old Town

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Lijiang Mosque
Accommodation: Local 4-star Microtel by Wyndham or similar

Following a morning of rest at the hotel, take a high-speed train ride across Yunnan’s scenic landscapes to Lijiang, taking approximately four hours. Nestled in the shadow of the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at an elevation of 2,400 meters, Lijiang stands as a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage destination where rugged alpine beauty meets deep-seated cultural tradition. Once a crucial trading hub along the historic Tea Horse Road, this high-altitude sanctuary is the ancestral homeland of the Naxi people, whose distinct Dongba culture, matriarchal traditions, and unique pictographic script endure to this day. Upon arrival, explore Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its labyrinth of cobblestone streets, traditional timber Naxi architecture, and crystal-clear canals spanned by ancient stone bridges.

Optional Experience: Lijiang Eternal Love Show | 290 RMB per person

Immerse yourself in Lijiang’s ultimate live theatrical production! Featuring cutting-edge visuals, acrobatic choreography, and grand stage effects, Lijiang Eternal Love weaves together the legendary tales of the Naxi people, the Ancient Tea Horse Road, and timeless alpine romances into a thrilling 60-minute visual feast.

Notice Regarding Luggage Transfer (Kunming to Lijiang High-Speed Rail): For small private groups of 2 to 5 travelers, luggage is carried directly onboard the high-speed train. For groups of 6 or more travelers, large luggage is transported separately via private bus transfer directly to Lijiang for added comfort and convenience, allowing seamless train travel with hand baggage only.

Day 3 Lijiang | Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley, and More

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants.
Salat Prayer: Lijiang Mosque
Accommodation: Local 4-star Microtel by Wyndham or similar

The day begins with an ascent via the Glacier Park Cable Car up the dramatic, snow-dusted slopes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, reaching high-altitude peaks that offer sweeping panoramas of glacial terrain. Descending to the mountain’s base, an electric buggy ride glides along the vivid turquoise waters and cascading limestone terraces of Blue Moon Valley. The afternoon features the Impression Lijiang show, a grand open-air theatrical production performed by local ethnic minorities against the majestic backdrop of the snow peaks. The journey concludes with a peaceful stroll through Black Dragon Pool Park, where clear spring waters perfectly mirror the towering silhouette of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain alongside traditional pavilion architecture.

Altitude Sickness Notice: Taking the Glacier Cable Car rapidly ascends from ~3,350 meters to the Glacier Park platform at 4,506 meters (with boardwalks up to 4,680 meters), which can trigger mild altitude sickness due to swift elevation gain and reduced oxygen levels. To ensure a safe experience, walk slowly, stay warm in windproof layers, and carry portable oxygen canisters for quick relief when feeling winded. If you experience severe symptoms like intense dizziness, persistent nausea, or chest tightness, stop moving, use oxygen immediately, and descend via the cable car to lower altitudes.

Notice Regarding Glacier Park Cable Car Operations: Please be advised that the Glacier Park Cable Car at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is subject to unannounced maintenance or weather-related closures by mountain authorities. In the event of an unscheduled closure, the itinerary will automatically adjust to include alternative high-altitude scenic cableway experiences at either Yak Meadow or Spruce Meadow.

Day 4 Lijiang – Dali | Muslim Village, Dali Santorini

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants. 
Salat Prayer: A Village Mosque in Dali
Accommodation: Local 4-star Vienna International Hotel or similar

The morning begins with a brief visit to a Burning Cream Center before embarking on a scenic drive toward Dali. En route, an immersive cultural detour leads into an authentic Hui Muslim village for an intimate visit with a local family, offering a warm tea break and a hands-on experience making DIY Milk Fan (Rushan), a traditional local Muslim delicacy. Join local Hui Muslims for salat prayer at the village mosque. Arriving in Dali, the journey transitions to the picturesque hillside architecture of Dali Santorini (Ideal State), where an electric buggy ride navigates the whitewashed coastal terraces overlooking Erhai Lake, concluding with a relaxing afternoon tea break against panoramic lakeside views.

Day 5 Dali | Xizhou Old Town, Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor, Dali Old Town

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants.
Salat Prayer: Dali Nanmen Mosque
Accommodation: Local 4-star Vienna International Hotel or similar

The morning opens with a leisurely exploration of Xizhou Old Town, renowned for its remarkably preserved Bai architecture, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant morning market. A short distance away, the journey continues along the scenic Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor, where a tranquil walk or ride along the lakeshore offers uninterrupted views of shimmering blue waters framed by the Cangshan Mountain range. Following salat at the historic Nanmen Mosque, the afternoon shifts to the atmospheric heart of Dali Old Town, strolling along its ancient cobblestone avenues, grand city gates, and the lively Foreigner Street, where traditional Bai heritage effortlessly blends with cozy cafes and artisan boutiques.

Optional Experience: Music Caravan Travel Photography in Dali | 290 RMB per person

Embark on an unforgettable coastal journey along Erhai Lake’s iconic S Bend aboard an open-air sightseeing caravan filled with live music and highland vibes. Dressed in vibrant traditional ethnic attire, soak in breathtaking lake views as a local singer sets the soundtrack, step into a cheerful ethnic dance, and cool off with a refreshing glass of fruit juice – all while a professional photographer captures your best moments with stunning portraits and cinematic 30-second drone aerial footage to preserve your Dali memories forever.

Inclusions:
• Guided tour of Erhai Lake S Bend
• Live music performance on a sightseeing vehicle
• Ethnic costume dress-up experience
• Ethnic Dance experience
• Professional photographer, 3 high-res digital photos
• Professional photographer, a 30-second drone/aerial video
• 1 complimentary glass of fresh fruit juice

Day 6 Dali – Kunming | Transfer to Kunming, Luosiwan Wholesale Market 

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local Mosque
Accommodation: Local 4-star Kunming Longway Hotel (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

The day begins with a comfortable scenic drive to Kunming, traversing well-maintained highways that wind through Yunnan’s picturesque countryside, rolling hills, and rural karst landscapes over approximately four to five hours. Following salat at a local mosque, the itinerary transitions to an elegant immersion into traditional craft at a premier Silk Store, showcasing fine Chinese silk production, delicate embroidery, and high-quality textiles. The afternoon concludes with a vibrant shopping excursion to the massive Luosiwan Wholesale Market, one of Southwest China’s largest commercial trading hubs, where bustling avenues and thousands of vendor stalls offer an unparalleled variety of local goods, fashion, handicrafts, and regional specialties.

Day 7 Kunming | Kunming City Highlights, Depart Kunming

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Shuncheng Mosque

The morning commences with a visit to an Astaxanthin Factory to discover local biomedical and health innovations, followed by an exploration of Xinglin Stone Forest, where striking limestone karst formations rise dramatically from the landscape. After lunch, a special seasonal activity unfolds with an excursion for vibrant flower blooming appreciation or fresh seasonal fruit picking amidst Yunnan’s fertile countryside. Salat at the historic Shuncheng Mosque, after which a stroll leads to the iconic Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archways. The evening comes alive with a rich culinary walk through the bustling Chongren Muslim Food Street and Nanqiang Night Market, offering a delightful immersion into regional Halal flavors and local night life before a smooth night transfer to Kunming airport for the midnight flight home.

Seasonal Activity Note: Flower blooming and fruit picking experiences are subject to seasonal weather and climate conditions. If blooms are unavailable or crops are off-season during the visit, this activity will be smoothly substituted with an excursion to Kunming Waterfall Park, accompanied by a complimentary CHAGEE tea beverage for each traveler.