Itinerary: Explore China Yunnan Region in 8 Days

Day 01: KUNMING 

0230H: Arrives into Kunming

0830H: Depart to Stone Forest

1430H: Arrive back to Kunming

1500H: Buy train ticket for the night to Lijiang

1630H: Visit Nanping Business Street (Shopping, local street food)

2100H: Arrive Train station

2200H: Take overnight train (K9616) to Lijiang

Day 02: KUNMING – LIJIANG  

0632H: Arrive Lijiang; Breakfast

0745H: Take first bus departure, Bus #18 to Lijiang Old Town (15 min, 10km away)

0800H: Arrive Lijiang Old Town

Visit:

– Black Dragon Pool: (With the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background and the Five Arch bridge overlooking, good to take photos)

– Shuhe Ancient Town:  Naxi culture is a lot more prominent in Shuhe, place of interest for travellers curious about these minority cultures.

– Baisha Old Town: One of the most famous signs would be the Baisha frescoes, situated in the Dabaoji Palace.

– Square Street of Lijiang Old Town: many dazzling shops, tea houses, unique bars and restaurants cluster.

1800H: Overnight in Lijiang Old Town

Day 03:  LIJIANG – JADE SNOW MOUNTAIN- SHANGRI-LA 

0700H: Wake up, Breakfast

0830H: Take bus from Lijiang to Jade Snow Mountain

0930H: Arrive Jade Snow Mountain

1030H: Catch a cable car at the lower station to the top of Glacier Park

1130H: Visit Blue Moon Valley, Ganhaizi (Dry Sea)

1430H: Board bus from parking bay near “Lijiang Impression” area, back to Lijiang

1530H: Arrive Lijiang, take bags from hostel & head to bus terminal

1620H: Bus depart Lijiang to Shangri-La Bus Terminal (every half an hour, last bus at 1710H) 

2000H: Arrive Shangri-La; overnight

Day 04: SHANGRI-LA 

1000H: Head to Pudacuo National Park, visit the national park by clockwise:

Firstly, to Shudu Lake – Militang Pasture – Bita Lake – Exit. Whole visiting route is 69 km. Sightseeing buses are served at each place, from entrance gate, scenic areas to exit. It takes about 4 to 6 hours for visiting the whole area of Pudacuo National Park.

By Bus: At Shangri-La Bus Station, there are buses running to Pudacuo National Park at 08:00, 08:30, 09:30 and 10:00. Travelers can take the bus to get back at 14:00, 14:30, 15:00 and 16:30.

By Van: At the square in Dukezong Old Town, there are mini vans taking you to Pudacuo. Before you get on the van, discuss the price with the drivers.

1600H: Arrive and explore Shangri-La Old Town

1800H: Overnight Shangri-La

Day 05: SHANGRI-LA –  Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡)

0730H:  Bus from shangri-la bus station to Tiger Leaping Gorge every day (departs at 07:30, fare: 44 CNY)

1030H: Arrive Qiaotou (桥头) in Hutiaoxia County (3 hours bus ride from Shangri-la).

1200H: Hike from Hutiaoxia Town to Naxi Family Guest House (takes 1.5 hours)

1330H: Arrive Naxi Family Guest House, lunch

1430H: Climb up some steep narrow paths, such as the challenging hiking section of Tiger Leaping Gorge – the 28 Bends. Arrive Tea Horse Guest House

1700H: Stay in Tea Horse Guest House (茶马客栈)

 Day 06: Tiger Leaping Gorge – Lijiang

0930H: Hike back to Tina’s Guesthouse. If time permits, you may climb the stairs down to the gorge to see the rushing waters

1530H: Bus to Lijiang leaves from Tina’s guesthouse at 3:30pm everyday

1930H: Arrive Lijiang

Day 07: Lijiang – Lugo Lake 

0700H: Pick up by private van to Lugo Lake

1230H: Arrive Lugo Lake

1300H: Check into hotel @ Lugo Lake (Recommended to stay in  大落水村 due to more food outlets and easy access)

1500H: Explore Lugo Lake region by private van

Head to 格姆女神山 (mountain top to have bird eye view )

Head to  里格半岛 (base of mountain, beautiful)

2000H: Dinner @ 大落水村

Day 08: Lugo Lake –  Lijiang – Kunming

1300H: Private van pick up from Lugo Lake – Lijiang

1700H: Explore Lijing area

2240H: Take train from Lijiang- Kunming (Train # K9604)

Categories: Asia Region, Itinerary

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