9 Days Yunnan Family Tour
Tour Overview
If you’re looking for a fun family trip, this 9-day Yunnan family tour will be perfect for you!
Explore the Naigu Stone Forest in Kunming to see the different forms of stones. In Dali, ride along the Erhai Lake and take family photos with the scenery as your backdrop. Experience tie-dye making with your kids at Zhou Cheng Village. Afterward, admire the magnificent view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang.
Then hike Tiger Leaping Gorge in Shangri-La for an exciting experience. Learn to make a unique Thangka painting with your kids at Dukezong Ancient Town. Finally, visit a Tibetan family and take family photos dressed in Tibetan costumes.
Travel destinations: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La
Suitable for: Families, Nature Lovers, Culture Lovers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Visit Naigu Stone Forest and explore stones in different forms.
- Bike around the Erhai Lake to enjoy the beautiful lake view.
- Experience tie-dye activities with your children at Zhou Cheng Village.
- Learn about minority cultures at the UNESCO-listed Lijiang Ancient Town.
- Enjoy the magnificent scenery and abundant wildlife at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
- Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge and stroll through alpine meadows.
- Explore traditional Tibetan crafts at Dukezong Ancient Town.
- Visit a Tibetan family and take family photos dressed in traditional costumes.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kunming
Kunming, also known as “Spring City”, is the capital of Yunnan Province. Upon arrival, the local guide and driver will take you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax at the hotel or explore the city on your own.
Stroll around Green Lake Park with your family to enjoy the stunning cityscape. Or taste local snacks at the pedestrian street.
Accommodation: in Kunming
Lotus Flowers in Green Lake Park - Day 2: Kunming to Dali Tour by Bullet TrainWitness Strange Stones in Various Forms
After breakfast, drive about 1 hour to Naigu Stone Forest. The stone pillars here are towering, shaped like a black forest. Walk through the stone forest to observe many stones of different shapes and forms. Also see the rocky peaks reflected in the lake, creating a beautiful picture with the surrounding trees.
Naigu Stone Forest Afterwards, move to Kunming Railway Station to take a bullet train to Dali. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the local hotel for rest.
Accommodation: in Dali
- Day 3: Dali TourAdmire the Stunning Scenery of the Erhai Lake
Today embark on your Dali cycling tour. You can bike around the Erhai Lake with your family and admire the beautiful scenery. Along the lake, enjoy the sparkling lake with the Cangshan Mountain reflected in the lake, forming a picturesque landscape. And your guide will find a beautiful place for you to take family photos, with Three Pagodas of the Chongsheng Temple in the background.
Take a leisurely bike ride around Erhai Lake In the afternoon, your guide and driver will take you to a local flower farm. Here capture colorful flowers and taste fresh flower cakes, a traditional Yunnan dessert. And learn the craft of making flower cakes with your children.
Accommodation: in Dali
- Day 4: Dali to Lijiang TourZhoucheng Village, Tie-dying, Lijiang Old Town
In the morning, head to Zhou Cheng Village, the largest Bai village in China. The dwellings are enclosed, reflecting the distinctive culture of the Bai people. Walk along the village road to immerse in the wonderful scenery with your family. Tie-dye products are a traditional local craft and you can participate in a tie-dye workshop with your children.
Experience Bai ethnic batik After lunch, drive to Lijiang to start your Lijiang tour. Upon arrival, explore the Lijiang Ancient Town, which is built against the mountains and beside the water. There are many well-preserved historical sites and beautiful natural landscapes. Admire the exquisite ancient architecture at Mu Fu Mansion and climb the Lion Peak for a full view of the ancient city. Also, wander along the Sifang Street and select exquisite ethnic handicrafts for your family.
Accommodation: in Lijiang
- Day 5: Lijiang Exploration TourMarvel at the Magnificent Snow Mountain and Learn about the Naxi Culture
After breakfast, continue your Yunnan tour from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, famous for its magnificent natural landscape and abundant creatures. Take a cable car to ascend to Spruce Meadow with your family to enjoy the spectacular views of the snow mountain. Visit Blue Moon Valley, where the lake is blue and the valley is shaped like a crescent. Your children can observe precious wildlife and plants.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang Have lunch at a Naxi family restaurant. After that, you will learn how to make Naxi pancakes with your kids. Visit the shaman’s house to learn Naxi characters and listen to ancient Naxi music. You and your family will learn more about the colorful ethnic culture.
Accommodation: in Lijiang
- Day 6: Lijiang to Shangri-La TourExperience an Exciting Canyon Hike
After breakfast, you will be escorted to Shangri-La to start the Shangri-La hiking tour. Move to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the top 10 most iconic hiking locations in the world. Entering the scenic area, you will experience a thrilling hike to the wonderful viewing deck.
Then your guide will lead you to hike the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge to admire the roaring rivers and towering cliffs. Also, your children will witness the 13-meter-high Tiger Leaping Rock, a large boulder in the middle of the river.
Tiger Leaping Gorge After lunch, move to Haba Snow Mountain for a leisurely 2-hour hike on alpine grasslands. On the way, see the magnificent views of the snow mountain, dense forests and herds of yaks.
In the evening, arrive at your hotel in Shangri-La. Choose to rest or join the bonfire party with your family (optional).
Accommodation: in Shangri-La
- Day 7: Shangri-La Culture TourMajestic Temple Architecture and Unique Tibetan Culture
In the morning, visit the grand Songzanlin Temple, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. The architectural complex is modeled on the design of the Potala Palace in Tibet and is built on the mountain. Admire the majestic temples and colorful Buddhist murals. Also observe precious Buddhist artifacts such as Buddha statues, thangkas, and scriptures.
Later go to Dukezong Ancient Town, the largest Tibetan residential area in China. The ancient town has a long history and is known for its Tibetan culture and history. See traces left by the ancient caravans, such as horseshoe prints and saddles. Your guide will lead you to experience Thangka painting with your kids to create your own artistic masterpiece.
Accommodation: in Shangri-La
Thangka Painting - Day 8: Shangri-La Tibetan Family Experience TourVisit a Local Tibetan Family and Enjoy a Fun Family Time
Today you can have a fun Shangri-La family tour with your families. After breakfast, visit a traditional Tibetan family. Interact with the Tibetan people to know about their customs and taste the authentic Tibetan cuisine.
Depending on the season, you and your children will have the opportunity to participate in picking matsutake mushrooms or collecting firewood to learn about the daily life of the locals.
Experience picking matsutake In the afternoon, change into traditional Tibetan clothes and take photos at a Tibetan manor to record the cozy family time. As night falls, you and your family can join the bonfire party, enjoy Tibetan performances and immerse in the lively atmosphere.
Accommodation: in Shangri-La
- Day 9: Departure from Shangri-La
The 9-day Yunnan family tour is over today. After breakfast, the guide and driver will escort you to the airport to your next destination.
Accommodation: N/A
