Upon arrival in Kunming, your local guide will be waiting at the arrival hall exit with your name sign. Hop on your private vehicle for the 1.5-hour drive to the Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating folklore about the area—feel free to ask questions anytime!

Wander through this otherworldly landscape of jagged limestone pillars, the crown jewel of south China’s karst topography. Let your imagination run wild as you spot stone formations shaped like animals, giants, and mythical creatures, with your guide regaling you with legendary stories and pointing out the best photo spots. Spend 2–3 hours exploring the iconic Big Stone Forest and the more serene Small Stone Forest areas.

Historical Fact: Formed over 270 million years ago from a prehistoric sea bed, the Stone Forest has been hailed as the “First Wonder of the World” since the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

Savor a flavorful Yunnan-style lunch at a local restaurant, then opt for a visit to the vibrant Flowers and Birds Market. Wander down bustling lanes filled with blooming fresh flowers, chirping songbirds, and colorful tropical fish perfect for home aquariums. This market is also a treasure trove for antique lovers, where you can browse curios, ancient coins, jade jewelry, ink stones, porcelain wares, stone carvings, and marble crafts. If you want to pick up souvenirs, your guide will share pro tips for haggling like a local.

Historical Fact: A beloved Kunming institution for decades, the Flowers and Birds Market reflects the city’s long-standing tradition of appreciating nature and handicrafts.

Alternatively, explore Cuihu Park—a tranquil urban oasis centered around a picturesque lake. Stroll along tree-lined paths and across arched bridges, where you’ll see locals in ethnic minority costumes dancing, playing traditional instruments, sipping tea, and chatting with friends. The park’s scenery shifts with the seasons: tulips bloom in spring, lotus flowers carpet the lake in summer, and flocks of black-headed gulls gather to play in winter.

Historical Fact: First established in the Qing Dynasty, Cuihu Park has been a favorite gathering spot for Kunming residents for over 300 years.

After the day’s adventures, your driver will transfer you to your Kunming hotel for a restful night.

Meals Included: Lunch

Head straight to the Chongsheng Three Pagodas, three majestic Buddhist towers standing tall against the backdrop of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Stroll through the peaceful temple courtyards, admire the intricate architecture of the 1,800-year-old main pagoda, and learn about its role as a spiritual landmark for local Buddhists.

Historical Fact: Built in the Tang Dynasty (618–907), the Chongsheng Three Pagodas are a national treasure and a living record of Buddhism’s spread in southwest China.

Continue your journey to Dali Ancient Town, a well-preserved walled city with cobblestone streets and traditional Bai ethnic minority houses. Wander at your leisure, soak up the town’s laid-back vibe, and stop for lunch at a cozy local eatery serving Bai-style delicacies.

Historical Fact: A key stop on the ancient Southwest Silk Road, Dali Ancient Town served as Yunnan’s political and military hub for centuries.

In the evening, hop on your private vehicle for the 2-hour drive to Lijiang. Relax and enjoy the mountain views along the way before checking into your hotel in Lijiang Old Town.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Meet your guide at your Lijiang hotel lobby for the 1-hour drive to the breathtaking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain—the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. From a distance, its 13 snow-capped peaks look like a jade dragon winding through the clouds, hence its name.

Take a scenic cable car up to the 4,506-meter viewing platform, where you’ll be awestruck by the sweeping glacier and mountain vistas. For the adventurous, hike the wooden stairs up to 4,680 meters for an even more spectacular panoramic view.

Historical Fact: Revered as a sacred mountain by the Naxi people for centuries, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a symbol of Lijiang’s natural and cultural heritage.

Enjoy a hearty lunch at a mountain-side restaurant, then experience the unforgettable Impression Lijiang open-air show. Set against the stunning backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, this performance features over 500 non-professional peasant actors from 16 local villages and 10+ ethnic minorities, plus more than 100 horses. Their authentic, heartfelt movements and folk songs bring the region’s rich culture, history, and traditions to life. You can choose your preferred seat when booking.

Historical Fact: Directed by the renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou, Impression Lijiang has been captivating audiences with its raw, unscripted charm since 2006.

Travel to Baisha Ancient Town, a quiet Naxi village nestled at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This is the place to experience authentic Naxi life away from the crowds. Stroll through cobblestone lanes with your guide, visit centuries-old courtyard houses, and admire the famous Baisha Murals—a stunning fusion of Han, Tibetan, and Naxi art styles depicting Buddhist stories. Then explore Dabaoji Palace and Fuguo Temple to learn more about the blend of Tibetan Buddhism and Naxi culture.

Historical Fact: Founded in the Tang Dynasty (618–907), Baisha was Lijiang’s political, economic, and cultural center before the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and the birthplace of the powerful Mu clan rulers.

After the tour, return to your Lijiang hotel for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Meet your guide at your hotel to dive into the magic of Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s best-preserved ethnic minority towns. Wander its maze-like cobblestone streets, lined with traditional Naxi houses with sloping roofs and wooden balconies, and breathe in the scent of jasmine from hanging flower baskets.

Historical Fact: Founded in the late Song Dynasty (960–1279), Lijiang Old Town’s unique architecture blends Han, Bai, and Tibetan styles, reflecting 800 years of multi-ethnic cultural fusion.

Stop at the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture to uncover the secrets of the Naxi people. Learn about their ancient pictographic language—one of the last surviving hieroglyphic systems in the world—and explore exhibits about their animist Dongba religion, traditional rituals, and art.

Historical Fact: The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Naxi Dongba manuscripts, offering a rare glimpse into this ancient ethnic group’s wisdom and heritage.

Visit the grand Mufu Palace, the former residence of the Mu clan—rulers of Lijiang for 22 generations and 470 years, from the Yuan to the Qing Dynasty. Marvel at its stunning architecture, which combines Ming Dynasty imperial style with Tang and Song Dynasty influences, plus unique Bai and Naxi decorative details. The palace is also a hidden botanical garden, filled with ancient trees and exotic plants, with a garden blending imperial grandeur and Suzhou-style elegance. Let your guide share tales of the Mu clan’s rise and fall.

Historical Fact: Originally built in the Ming Dynasty, Mufu Palace was destroyed in the 1960s and rebuilt in 1996, restoring its status as Lijiang’s most iconic historical palace.

Explore Black Dragon Pond Park, a serene garden dotted with ancient monuments—including Longshen Temple, Deyue Pavilion, Suocui Bridge, and Hanyue Stage. The park’s calm waters offer a postcard-perfect reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on clear days.

If you choose to return to Beijing, your driver will transfer you to Lijiang Airport for your connecting flight via Kunming.

Note: No lunch is provided for this departure option.

Historical Fact: Black Dragon Pond Park has been a sacred site for Naxi people since the Ming Dynasty, where they once held water-worshipping ceremonies.

Climb to the mountaintop and visit Wangu Pavilion, a stunning five-story all-wooden tower with elegant upturned eaves, hailed as China’s No.1 domed wooden structure. Bring your camera—this is the best spot for panoramic views of Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and the surrounding Naxi villages.

Historical Fact: First built in the Qing Dynasty, Wangu Pavilion was rebuilt in 1999 and has since become Lijiang’s most popular viewpoint.

Finish your tour at Wenchang Palace, a historic building constructed in 1725 during the Qing Dynasty that once served as a venue for imperial exams and folk lectures. Then wander to Twin-Stone Garden, home to a giant waterwheel and bas-reliefs celebrating Naxi civilization. If you have other spots in mind, just let your guide know—your tour is fully customizable!

Historical Fact: Wenchang Palace was a cornerstone of Lijiang’s education system in the Qing Dynasty, shaping the region’s intellectual and cultural development for centuries.