If you have 10 days to spend in Yunnan, how should you plan your trip? What travel recommendations are there? Find some inspiration in this article.
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Are 10 Days Enough for a Trip to Yunnan?
A 10-day trip is plenty of time to explore Yunnan. For a basic itinerary covering the main highlights, 7–8 days are usually sufficient.
However, with 10 days, you could slow down the pace, adding cultural experiences, such as visiting local villages to learn about ethnic minority cultures through exploring their characters or tasting and making traditional foods.
Between cities, there are rustic ancient towns and natural sites that are perfect for outdoor activities. With 10 days, you would have time to experience the relaxed atmosphere of these spots, offering a contrast to the lively city vibe.
Where to Go in Yunnan in 10 Days
For first-timers, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La are must-sees. These four cities are the most representative cities in Yunnan. Each would take 1 or 2 days to explore.
The rest of the time, you could arrange activities based on your interests:
- Go to Shaxi (1 day) if you prefer a peaceful ancient town.
- Hike in Tiger Leaping Gorge (1 or 2 days) if you love the outdoors.
- Visit Lugu Lake (3 days) if you are interested in a leisurely lake view and the unique Mosuo culture (the only matriarchal clan society still in existence in China).
A Classic 10-Day Yunnan Itinerary
This itinerary covers the must-visit cities in Yunnan and offers a wealth of experiences, including cultural activities and relaxing outdoor experiences.
The overall trip is easygoing and comfortable, making it ideal for most first-time visitors to Yunnan.
- Days 1–2: Kunming
- Days 3–4: Dali
- Day 5: Shaxi
- Days 6–7: Lijiang
- Days 8–9: Shangri-La
- Day 10: Departure
Days 1–2: Kunming
Feed eagulls in Dianchi Lake in winterUpon arrival in Kunming on the first day, you would be escorted to your hotel via our private transfer. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or take a stroll around the hotel area to get a first impression of Kunming.
The next day includes three stops — the Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake, and Kunming Old Street — which are Kunming's highlights.
First Stop: The Stone Forest
As Kunming's most famous attraction, the Stone Forest is known for its impressive karst stone peaks. However, it tends to be crowded due to its popularity.
Instead, we recommend visiting Naigu Stone Forest, which is less frequented by tourists and offers a more distinctive experience. Its black-and-gray stone peaks exude a rustic, ancient charm.
Second Stop: Dianchi Lake
This is a great spot to unwind after the Stone Forest. Take your time feeding the birds, strolling along the lakeside, and enjoying the breeze.
Third Stop: Kunming Old Street
After experiencing Kunming's scenic beauty, it's time to savor its flavors. Kunming Old Street, in the heart of Kunming, is a historic district where you could admire old architecture and sample local snacks, such as rice noodle salad and milk tea.
Days 3–4: Dali
Erhai LakeIn the morning, take a high-speed train to Dali, a journey of about 2½ hours.
Upon arrival, you would explore Erhai, driving along the more scenic eastern shore.
The eastern side offers expansive views and the lake is particularly stunning at sunset when the last light glows on the water.
There are also stops like Xiao Putuo and Shuanglang Ancient Town along the way, which are perfect for photos and short visits.
After Erhai, head to Dali Old Town for a leisurely stroll, where you could admire traditional architecture and try local snacks.
Insider tips:
Erhai is also great for cycling. If you prefer to explore by bike, we recommend cycling along the west shore, which has dedicated bike paths for added safety.
Along the way, you could enjoy not only the lake views but also the elegant white houses of the Bai ethnic minority villages.
The next day is dedicated to cultural immersion and hands-on activities, which are especially good for families with kids.
Start your morning in Zhoucheng, the largest Bai ethnic village in Dali. You would see local life up close by exploring their market and try traditional Bai tie-dyeing.
Next, visit Xizhou Ancient Town, where you could relax with a coffee in a local café and enjoy views of the surrounding wheat fields outside the window.
In the afternoon, head to a flower farm for a hands-on baking class to learn how to make Yunnan's famous flower pastries.
Kids could also play on the garden's swings, while parents could enjoy rose tea and unwind.
Day 5: Shaxi
Shaxi Ancient TownVisit Shaxi Ancient Town to explore the history of the Tea Horse Road.
Shaxi is the only surviving ancient market along this historic trade route, offering a more authentic and less commercialized experience compared to bustling Dali and Lijiang's old towns.
The Tea Horse Road once connected southwestern China with Tibet and South Asia for trade. You could visit a private museum dedicated to artifacts from this trade to gain a deeper understanding of its significance.
If you enjoy walking, consider hiking along the Tea Horse Road from Shaxi to a nearby village, where you could take in the picturesque countryside along the way.
Insider tip:
Shaxi Ancient Town is located between Dali and Lijiang and doesn't have direct high-speed train access.
The best way to get there is by private transfer. The drive from Dali to Shaxi takes about 2 hours, while the journey from Shaxi to Lijiang is about 1½ hours.
Days 6–7: Lijiang
Blue Moon Valley in Jade Dragon Snow MountainIn the morning, depart from Shaxi Ancient Town for Lijiang. This day's schedule could be more relaxed to save energy for tomorrow's visit to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Start with a visit to Black Dragon Pool Park for stunning photos of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background.
Afterward, stroll through Lijiang Old Town to admire its ancient architecture and try some local snacks.
Day 7: In the morning, head to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Ascend to Glacier Park at an altitude of 4,680 m (15,350 ft).
If you're traveling with children or the elderly and are concerned about altitude sickness, we recommend skipping Glacier Park and visiting Blue Moon Valley and Spruce Meadow instead.
In the afternoon, visit Yuhu Village at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. There, you could dress in traditional Naxi clothing and learn about Naxi culture by making Dongba paper and writing in the mysterious Dongba script.
Insider tips:
If you enjoy hiking, don't miss Tiger Leaping Gorge, situated between Lijiang and Shangri-La.
This spot is perfect for trekking, offering a chance to walk through the gorge while feeling the powerful river rushing between snowcapped peaks.
For sightseeing, allow a day; for hiking, plan 1 day for an easy route, or 2 days for a more challenging trail.
If you have only 10 days and prefer hiking, consider skipping Shaxi Ancient Town and opting for Tiger Leaping Gorge instead.
Our tours are customized. Just contact us to tell us your interests and requirements. We will make an itinerary based on that.
Days 8–9: Shangri-La
Songzanlin Monastery in the early morningIn the morning, travel from Lijiang to Shangri-La.
Given the higher altitude in Shangri-La (3,280 m/ 10,761 ft), we recommend taking it easy to adjust gradually, with minimal activities planned for the day.
You could rest at the hotel first, then take a gentle stroll through Dukezong Ancient Town.
Day 9: Begin the day with a visit to Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in Yunnan.
For a deeper insight into Yunnan's Buddhist culture, we could arrange for you to interact with resident Tibetan monks in their dormitory, where you could learn about their daily life.
You could also visit the lesser-known hill behind the monastery, offering a unique view of Songzanlin. There, you could learn about the Weisang ceremony at the pagoda, tie a prayer flag, and offer prayers.
In the afternoon, head to Pudacuo National Park to enjoy the scenic alpine meadows and lakes.
Insider tips:
Pudacuo National Park is ideal for a leisurely visit, with options for a lake boat ride or a stroll along the lakeside paths to take in the scenery.
If you're more active and looking for additional adventure, we recommend cycling around Napahai. Embark on a 1½-hour ride through the picturesque landscapes of Napahai, where you would experience a variety of breathtaking views.
Day 10: Departure
Catch your flight. If you're flying in the afternoon or evening, you could also wander around on your own.
Accommodation Tips
For your hotel selection, we suggest choosing one hotel per destination to avoid frequent moves, making the trip more relaxing.
We recommend selecting hotels in central areas for convenience and access to more dining and entertainment options. Here are our recommendations by city:
- Lijiang: Stay in Lijiang Old Town.
- Dali: Stay in either Dali Old Town or Xizhou Ancient Town (a quieter option).
- Kunming: Stay near Jinma Biji Archway (in the city center).
- Shangri-La: Stay in Dukezong Ancient Town.
- Shaxi: Since Shaxi is small, the location doesn't make much difference; just choose a high-quality hotel.
- Tiger Leaping Gorge: If you're only visiting for a day, an overnight stay isn't needed. For the 2-day hiking route, Halfway Guesthouse is always the most popular choice.
Insider tip:
Many scenic spots in Yunnan are dispersed and many natural attractions are located quite far out. Even when staying in convenient city centers, having a private car could save time and simplify transportation.
Costs
The estimated cost for a private tour based on a family of 3–5 people is 190–220 USD per person per day. (Children aged 2 to 11 would be charged 70% to 80% of the adult price.)
The price would include flights/trains within Yunnan, 4- or 5-star hotels, lunches, attractions, guides, and private transport.
Therefore, the total cost for 10 days in Yunnan could be about 2,000 USD per person. This is just a reference price. We will provide a more detailed quote based on your specific itinerary, hotel requirements, and group size. Feel free to contact us.