Destinations: Yunnan + Sichuan
China Southern Silk Road Adventure (Yunnan + Sichuan)
Highlight: Explore the lesser-known southern route, blending ethnic diversity, tropical landscapes, and ancient trade towns.
Begin in Kunming (Yunnan), visiting the Stone Forest and Green Lake Park. Travel south to Dali, a historic city surrounded by Erhai Lake - wander the ancient city walls, visit Three Pagodas, and experience Bai ethnic culture. Continue to Lijiang, where the UNESCO-listed Old Town boasts cobblestone streets, canals, and Naxi minority traditions. For adventure, add a side trip to Shangri-La (Zhongdian) to explore Tibetan monasteries and snow-capped mountains. End with a flight from Chengdu (Sichuan, accessible via high-speed train from Lijiang) to Shanghai, with a stopover to taste Sichuan cuisine and visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Day 1: Arrive in Kunming
Morning: Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport; private transfer to hotel.
Afternoon: Visit Stone Forest (UNESCO site; dramatic limestone karst formations).
Evening: Dine at a local restaurant (try Yunnan cross-bridge rice noodles); wander Green Lake Park.
Day 2: Kunming → Dali (4hr by high-speed train)
Morning: High-speed train to Dali; check into hotel (lake view recommended).
Afternoon: Wander Dali Ancient City (ancient walls, traditional Bai ethnic houses, and craft shops).
Evening: Take a sunset cruise on Erhai Lake; stay in Dali.
Day 3: Dali Cultural & Natural Highlights
Morning: Visit Three Pagodas (iconic Buddhist pagodas with stunning views of Erhai Lake).
Afternoon: Explore Xizhou Ancient Town (traditional Bai villages; visit a local family's home and try Bai-style tea).
Evening: Enjoy a Bai ethnic dance performance; stay in Dali.
Day 4: Dali → Lijiang (2hr by private car)
Morning: Drive to Lijiang; check into hotel in Lijiang Old Town (UNESCO site).
Afternoon: Wander Lijiang Old Town (cobblestone streets, canals, and Naxi minority architecture).
Evening: Visit Black Dragon Pool Park (stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain); stay in Lijiang.
Day 5: Lijiang Adventure & Culture
Morning: Day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (take a cable car to the summit; explore the alpine meadows).
Afternoon: Visit Naxi Dongba Culture Museum (learn about the Naxi minority's unique writing system).
Evening: Enjoy a Naxi folk music performance; stay in Lijiang.
Day 6: Lijiang → Shangri-La (3hr by private car)
Morning: Drive to Shangri-La (Zhongdian); check into hotel.
Afternoon: Visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery (Tibetan Buddhist monastery with stunning architecture).
Evening: Experience a Tibetan welcome ceremony (drink butter tea and eat yak meat); stay in Shangri-La.
Day 7: Shangri-La → Chengdu (2hr flight)
Morning: Flight to Chengdu; private transfer to hotel.
Afternoon: Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (watch pandas eat bamboo and play).
Evening: Dine at a local Sichuan restaurant (try mapo tofu and kung pao chicken); wander Jinli Ancient Street.
Day 8: Chengdu Cultural Highlights
Morning: Visit Wuhou Shrine (ancient temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a famous strategist).
Afternoon: Explore Dujiangyan Irrigation System (UNESCO site; 2,000-year-old water management system).
Evening: Farewell dinner with Sichuan opera performance (face-changing act).
Day 9: Depart Chengdu
Morning: Private transfer to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport; flight to Shanghai for international departure.
