Sofia Gonzalez
April 19, 2026
Customized China Tours Tailored Just for You
Explore the breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Southwest China’s Yunnan on this 7-day curated small group adventure, capped at just 16 guests for an intimate, comfortable travel experience. This hand-picked itinerary visits Yunnan’s most iconic beloved destinations, weaving together ancient towns, dramatic highland landscapes and memorable local encounters across the region. Delivering excellent value and secure, trusted payment processes, this hassle-free packaged tour lets you focus fully on soaking up Yunnan’s one-of-a-kind adventurous charm.
This 7-day curated adventure winds through the most breathtaking corners of southwest China’s Yunnan province, starting in the laid-back lakeside city of Dali before climbing north to the misty Tibetan plateau town of Shangri-La, then looping back south to the iconic ancient town of Lijiang. Along the way, you’ll glide past Erhai Lake’s blue waters, hike through primeval alpine forests, stand on the cliffs of one of the world’s deepest gorges, and experience warm hospitality from both Bai and Tibetan ethnic communities, all on an intimate, slow-paced journey that highlights the very best of Yunnan.
🌟 Day 1: Dali Arrive in Dali at your own leisure and check into your comfortable Landscape Hotel 🏨. The rest of the day is completely free to help you settle in after your travels—grab local street snacks, wander nearby neighborhoods, or simply relax and get your first taste of Dali’s slow, sunny vibe.
🌟 Day 2: Dali Start your first full day of exploration with a hearty included breakfast 🍽️, then head out with your expert local guide to visit the iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a 1,000-year-old Buddhist landmark set against the backdrop of Cangshan Mountain. Wander the sprawling temple grounds, explore the grand Mahavira Hall, and soak in the area’s serene spiritual atmosphere. After your temple tour, climb aboard an electric cart for a leisurely ride along Erhai Lake’s scenic ecological corridor, with unobstructed views of the lake and distant peaks. End the day with free time to explore Dali Ancient Town on your own, before returning to the Landscape Hotel 🏨 for the night.
🌟 Day 3: Dali → Xizhou → Zhoucheng → Shangri-La Wake up to an included breakfast 🍽️ before setting off on your northern journey through Yunnan’s countryside. Your first stop is Xizhou’s bustling morning market, where you can browse fresh local produce, handmade snacks, and traditional handicrafts sold by local vendors. Take a leisurely walking tour of ancient Xizhou, then step inside the historic Yan Family Compound, a perfectly preserved traditional Bai residence that showcases classic local architectural craftsmanship. Next, experience the iconic Bai Three Courses Tea ceremony, learning about the cultural symbolism behind this beloved ritual before traveling to Zhoucheng Village. In Zhoucheng, you’ll visit local tie-dye workshops and watch skilled artisans demonstrate traditional Bai embroidery, getting an up-close look at this centuries-old craft. By evening, you’ll arrive in Shangri-La and check into your Ramada by Wyndham Diqing accommodation 🏨.
🌟 Day 4: Shangri-La Fuel up for a day of alpine exploration with an included breakfast 🍽️, then set off on a scenic drive through rolling plateau meadows to Pudacuo National Park. Board a sightseeing bus to reach the crystal-clear shores of Shudu Lake, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely, gentle hike around the lake’s perimeter, breathing in fresh pine air and soaking in postcard views. Next, the sightseeing bus takes you to Bita Lake, where a short hike lets you explore the lake’s shores, ringed by primeval forest and snow-dusted peaks. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Songzanlin Monastery (often called the “Little Potala Palace”) to explore its three grand main halls, and even get the chance to quietly witness Tibetan monks chanting and meditating in the monastery’s peaceful halls. Return to your Ramada by Wyndham Diqing accommodation 🏨 for the night.
🌟 Day 5: Shangri-La → Lijiang Leave the Shangri-La plateau behind this morning, starting with an included breakfast 🍽️ before traveling south toward Lijiang. Your first stop is the dramatic Upper Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest river gorges on Earth. Take a scenic walk along the famous cliff-side plank road, feeling the roar of the Yangtze River thundering far below you. Next, stop at the First Bend of the Yangtze River observation deck for panoramic views and photos of the river’s iconic sweeping turn. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Lijiang, where you’ll have free time to explore Lijiang Old Town independently. Wander the cobblestone lanes, browse handicraft shops, and visit the bustling central Sifang Street before checking into your Lijiang Wangfu Hotel 🏨 for the night.
🌟 Day 6: Lijiang Today is dedicated to exploring the stunning natural landscapes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, starting with an included breakfast 🍽️. Hop on a 10-minute cable car ride up to Spruce Meadow, a high-altitude alpine meadow ringed by ancient spruce forests, with jaw-dropping views of the snow-capped mountain peak. Spend time wandering the meadow and surrounding forest trails, breathing in crisp mountain air, before taking the cable car back down the mountain. After your descent, board a sightseeing bus to the iconic Blue Moon Valley, where bright turquoise glacial waters pool at the foot of the mountain for one of Yunnan’s most photographed views. End your day with an included hot pot lunch 🍽️ served right at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with unbeatable views of the peak while you eat, before returning to your Lijiang Wangfu Hotel 🏨 for the night.
🌟 Day 7: Lijiang Departure After checking out of your hotel, your 7-day Yunnan adventure comes to an end. Depart Lijiang at your own convenience, with endless memories of southwest China’s stunning natural and cultural beauty to take home.
Min 2 · Max 20 people per group
Traveler reviews
April 19, 2026
Stunning views, great guide, and the perfect small group size for an unforgettable Yunnan adventure.
February 10, 2026
My consultant Sunny from HelloChinaTrip helped me adjust my pre-tour accommodation plans last minute and was so helpful the whole time. The 7-day Yunnan tour itself exceeded all my expectations, with the small group size making every day feel relaxed instead of rushed.
September 14, 2025
As someone who hates big bus tours, the max 16 traveler cap on this trip was a total game-changer. We got to stop at small family-run restaurants in Lijiang that big tours can’t access, and got a much more authentic taste of local life. The natural scenery around the region took my breath away every single day, from snow-capped peaks to ancient old town streets. If you’re looking for a curated, low-stress way to see the best of Yunnan, this is the tour for you.
May 21, 2025
I came into this tour not knowing what to expect from small group travel, but the 16 person max cap meant we never felt crowded or herded from spot to spot. The mix of natural scenery and cultural experiences around Lijiang was perfectly balanced, so I never got tired of hiking or city stops. Our guide shared so many interesting stories about Naxi culture that I never would have learned just visiting on my own. I’d recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see the best of Yunnan without the stress of planning everything themselves.
April 2, 2025
Worth every penny, I’d book this tour again in a heartbeat.
March 12, 2025
This Yunnan small group tour was absolutely perfect from start to finish.
January 18, 2025
The itinerary and our local guide were knowledgeable and well-organized, but we had unseasonably heavy rain the first three days that cut into our planned outdoor hikes around Lijiang. Even so, the small group size let us adjust plans easily, so it was still a great trip.
December 28, 2024
Small group size made this so much more intimate than any big tour I’ve done before. Our guide knew all the best hidden spots around Lijiang that most tourists never get to see.
December 5, 2024
The 7-day itinerary was paced perfectly, with enough free time to explore on your own if you wanted. The small group meant we got to make friends with other travelers without feeling overwhelmed by too many people. It was easily one of the best trips I’ve taken in Asia.
