Imagine wandering through ancient towns, cruising on serene lakes, and exploring majestic snow-capped mountains. Welcome to Yunnan, a province in southwestern China, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant ethnic cultures. This 9-day itinerary will take you through the enchanting cities and breathtaking scenery of Yunnan, starting and ending in the picturesque town of Lijiang.
9-Day Yunnan Itinerary FAQs
1. Is Yunnan Safe?
Yunnan is a safe destination for travelers.
2. When’s the Best Time to Visit Yunnan?
The ideal best time to visit Yunnan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months, at this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Try to avoid at Summer(July-August) as this time lots domestic visitors everywhere, everywhere is crowed. For winter, most places of Yunnan with warm weather compare with other places in China, also not so many visitors, so it is also a good time for visiting Yunnan.
3. How Do I Get to Yunnan?
Lijiang Sanyi Airport (LJG) is the main airport for this itinerary. You can fly directly from major cities in China like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arranged transfer to your accommodation in Lijiang.
4.How Do I Get Around Yunnan?
For this itinerary, hiring a private car or joining a guided tour is recommended for convenience and flexibility. Public buses and taxis are available but might not be as efficient for this multi-destination trip.
5. Do I Need to Know Chinese?
While knowing some basic Chinese phrases can be helpful, many tourist areas have English signage and guides. Using translation apps like Google Translate can also be very helpful.
6. How Do I Get Yuan?
You can exchange currency at the airport, banks, or use ATMs to withdraw Yuan. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but having some cash on hand for smaller establishments and markets is advisable.
9-Day Yunnan Itinerary
Arrival Day: Lijiang
– Arrival: Fly into Lijiang Sanyi Airport.
– Check-in: Settle into your accommodation in Lijiang.
– Evening: Explore the local area, enjoy a meal, and rest up for your adventure.
Please note that the arrival and departure days are not included in the 9-day itinerary. If you only have 9 days in total for the round trip to and from Yunnan, some attractions might need to be adjusted or reduced. So, if you are planning a trip to Yunnan and want to visit all the attractions, including travel time, you will need a total of 11 days.
Day 1: Shuhe Ancient Town, Baisha Ancient Town, Yuhu Village, The legend of Romance Show
– Breakfast: Start your day with a local breakfast.
– Morning:Visit Shuhe Ancient Town, known for its well-preserved architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
– Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Shuhe.
– Afternoon:Head to Baisha Ancient Town, famous for its ancient murals, and then to Yuhu Village at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
– Dinner:Dine at a local restaurant in Lijiang.
– Evening:Watch the Legend of Romance Show, a grand performance that showcases the culture and traditions of the local ethnic groups.
Shuhe Ancient Town
Baisha Ancient Town
Yuhu Village
The Legend of Romance show
Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley, Lijiang Ancient Town, Sifang Street Bonfire Party
– Breakfast:Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
– Morning: Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, take the cableway up, and enjoy the stunning views.
– Lunch: Have a picnic or dine at a nearby restaurant.
– Afternoon:Explore Blue Moon Valley, known for its crystal-clear blue waters and picturesque scenery.
– Evening: back to Lijiang Ancient Town, enjoy dinner, and participate in the bonfire party at Sifang Street.
Jade dragon snow moutain
Blue Moon Valley
Lijiang Ancient Town
local dancing at Sifang Street
Day 3: Travel to Shangri-La via Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Ancient Town, Guishan Park
– Breakfast: Have breakfast at your hotel.
– Morning: Depart for Shangri-La, stopping at Tiger Leaping Gorge en route to marvel at the dramatic canyon.
– Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant along the way.
– Afternoon: Continue to Shangri-La and visit Dukezong Ancient Town, known for its Tibetan architecture and culture.
– Evening: Explore Guishan Park and spin the world’s largest prayer wheel for good luck.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Dukezong Ancient Town
prayer wheel at Guishan Park
Day 4: Pudacuo National Park, Songzanlin Monastery, Napa Lake
– Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
– Morning:Visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, and then head to Napa Lake for a scenic walk.
– Lunch: Have a picnic in the park or dine at a nearby restaurant.
– Afternoon: Visit Pudacuo National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna and stunning landscapes.
– Dinner: Return to Shangri-La and dine at a local restaurant.
Pudacuo National Park
Songzanlin Monastery
Napa Lake
Day 5: Lugu Lake, Zhucao Boat Ride, Caohai Walk Marriage Bridge, Mosuo Culture
– Breakfast: Have breakfast at your hotel.
– Morning:Depart for Lugu Lake, known for its pristine beauty and cultural significance.
– Lunch: Enjoy a local meal on the way to Lugu lake.
– Afternoon:Take a Zhucao boat ride to see the flower sea, walk across the Caohai Marriage Bridge, and learn about Mosuo culture.
– Evening:Explore the area, dine at a lakeside restaurant, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Day 6: Lige Peninsula, Gemu Goddess Mountain Cableway
– Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
– Morning:Visit Lige Peninsula, known for its stunning views and traditional Mosuo houses.
– Lunch:Have lunch at a local restaurant on the peninsula.
– Afternoon: Take the cableway up Gemu Goddess Mountain for panoramic views of Lugu Lake.
– Dinner: Return to your accommodation and enjoy a local dinner.
Lige Peninsula
view from Gemu Goddess Mountain
Day 7: Lugu Lake to Dali, Dali Ancient Town
– Breakfast: Have breakfast at your hotel.
– Morning: Depart for Dali, a journey that offers beautiful views.
– Lunch: Enjoy lunch en route or upon arrival in Dali.
– Afternoon: take a scenic loop around Erhai Lake, visiting the western shores or eastern shores of Erhai Lake.
– Evening:Explore Dali Ancient Town, enjoy dinner, and soak in the lively night atmosphere.
Erhai Lake
Dali Ancient Town
Day 8: Cangshan Mountain Cableway or Jade Belt Hiking Trail, Chongsheng temple
– Breakfast:Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
– Morning:Choose between taking the cableway up Cangshan Mountain or hiking the Jade Belt Trail for breathtaking views.
– Lunch: Have a picnic or dine at a mountain restaurant.
– Afternoon:Continue exploring Cangshan Mountain and its scenic spots or go to Chongsheng temple for a visit.
– Evening:Return to Dali Ancient Town, dine at a local restaurant, and enjoy the evening.
Erhai Lake
Dali Ancient Town
Three Pagodas at Chongsheng temple
Day 9: Dali to Lijiang via Shaxi Ancient Town
– Breakfast:Have breakfast at your hotel.
– Morning: Depart for Lijiang, stopping at Shaxi Ancient Town, a charming old town with a rich history.
– Lunch: Enjoy lunch in Shaxi.
– Afternoon:Continue to Lijiang, taking in the scenic views along the way.
– Evening:Arrive in Lijiang, check into your accommodation, and have a farewell dinner.and ready flying to next destination next day.
Shaxi Ancient Town
Shaxi Ancient Town
This 9-day itinerary covering Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La offers a well-rounded experience of Yunnan’s most popular attractions. The daily schedule is thoughtfully planned, allowing ample time at each destination without feeling rushed. Also, the route has been carefully designed to optimize travel distances and time, helping you avoid unnecessary detours and maximize your enjoyment of the trip while gaining a deeper understanding of Yunnan.
This guide primarily focuses on private car travel, as the distances between the major attractions are significant. While public transportation is available, it often requires more time, which could impact your overall experience. Therefore, a private car is recommended for more convenience and flexibility.
As for accommodation, you’ll find a wide range of options in Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, from budget hotels to boutique inns and luxury stays. I recommend choosing local guesthouses or boutique hotels that reflect the charm and culture of the region.
I invite you to embark on a beautiful journey through my home province, Yunnan, and explore the magic it has to offer. Enjoy your magical 9-day journey through Yunnan.
