9-Day Spectacular Yunnan and Lugu Lake Tour

Photo Source: Klook

Yunnan province is an ideal holiday destination in China. Today, we recommend a classic Yunnan tour exploring major destinations like Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang. The tour includes the charming Lugu Lake which is located at the border between the Ninglang county of Yunnan and the Yanyuan county of Sichuan province. The Mosuo people who are a branch of the Naxi ethnic minority group inhabit the area around Lugu Lake, and call it “Mother Lake”. They have a matriarchal culture, and it is known as “The Kingdom of Women”. From the tour, you will not only enjoy the extraordinary scenery and discover Yunnan’s history, but will also experience the minorities’ unique customs.

9-Day Spectacular Yunnan and Lugu Lake Tour Highlights

Price Per Person

Price upon request.

Recommended Hotels:

Day 1 Arrival in Kunming (No meal included)

Upon arrival in Kunming Changshui International Airport, you will be greeted by a local English-speaking guide with a welcome board. Then, your Chinese-speaking driver will pick you up and transfer to your hotel in the city center.

Day 2 Kunming - Stone Forest - Kunming by private vehicle (B, L)

After enjoying your breakfast, you will be driven to Lunan County and it takes approx. 1.5 hour by driving. You will explore the Stone Forest which is a typical karst formation and listed part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting, you will be driven back to Kunming, and enjoy your own evening!

Day 3 Kunming - Dali by flight (B, L)

After enjoying your nice buffet breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport to take a morning flight to Dali. Upon arriving in Dali airport, you will be picked up by a local guide and transferred to take a cruise in the beautiful Erhai Lake, which covers an area of 251 square kilometers. It is one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China and the second largest lake in Yunnan. After that, you will pay a visit to ZhouCheng Village, about learn about the ethnic Bai People's method of tie-dyeing cloth with wax.

After enjoying your Chinese lunch at a local restaurant, you will travel to Xizhou Township to see the traditional dwellings of the Bai People. Then, you will go to the Chong Sheng Temple which is noted for its Three Pagodas. Here you can explore Dali Ancient Town. Later on, you will be driven to your hotel to enjoy the evening on your own.

Day 4 Dali-Lijiang by private vehicle (B, L)

After enjoying your nice buffet breakfast at your hotel, you will be driven to Lijiang, which takes around 3.5 hours by driving.

Upon arrival in Lijiang, you will go to your hotel for check-in first. After a short rest, you will take a visit to Lijiang Ancient Town which includes Sifang Street and Square Market etc. Lijiang Ancient Town is also named "Dayan Ancient Town" and quite well-known for its architectural layout and crystal-clear rivers. Square Market is the site of a major bazaar for local residents to stock up on necessities such as meat, vegetables, oil and herbal medicine.

Afterward, you will be transferred to your hotel and enjoy the evening on your own.

Day 5 Lijiang (B, L)

Today, you will have the entire day to explore the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Baisha Murals and the Ancient Shuhe Village of the Naxi People. The landscape of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain includes one of the southernmost glaciers in the world, with 13 peaks one of which soars 5,596 meters above sea level. In the Naxi People’s language, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain means "the place for lovers that die for their love".

Day 6 Lijiang-Lugu by private vehicle (B, L)

After having your breakfast, you will be driven to Lugu Lake and it takes approx. 6 hours on the way. En route to the beautiful Lugu Lake, you will have a wonderful view of the stunning mountains and rivers.

Day 7 Lugu-Lijiang by private vehicle (B, L)

In the morning, you will take a wooden boat on the Lugu Lake to explore the Liwubi Island and the Headman's Island. Since many Mosuo families live on the island, it is really a good opportunity for visitors to experience their traditional life here.

After lunch, you will be driven back to Lijiang.

Day 8 Lijiang-Kunming by flight (B, L)

After enjoying your breakfast at your hotel in Lijiang, you will be transferred to the airport to fly back to Kunming. Upon arriving at Kunming Airport, you will be picked up and driven for your day-tour. Today’s tour includes visits to the Dragon Gate in the Western Hills, Haigeng Park by the Dianchi Lake, Golden Temple, the Bamboo Monastery, and explore the Bird-Flower Market, and the Jinma Biji Archway.

Day 9 Departure from Kunming (B)

After enjoying your nice breakfast at your hotel, you will be driven to Kunming Changshui International Airport, thus ending your memorable and spectacular journey in Yunnan province of China!