Old Kingdoms Tour

Kunming - Dali - Lijiang

7days / 6 nights

$ 1,050 USD

Old Kingdoms Tour

In this tour, we will see the beauty of those old kingdoms in Yunnan. As a border province, Yunnan is far from mainland China, which is why Yunnan has a unique history compared to other cities. Kunming is the capital of the Ancient Kingdom of Dian. Dali was the old capital of Nan Zhao. When the ancient kingdom of Dian dissolved and conquered Han armies from the north, new political entities were established there. Kunming became the site of a new administrative center.

As the capital city of Yunnan, Kunming's life and commerce are much as they are in other Chinese inland cities, but Kunming remains a more relaxing feeling than other busy inland cities. You can feel the agreeable climate, friendly population, and excellent restaurants here. As a transportation center, it is well connected to other parts of China and offers easy access to all the main attractions in the province, near and far.

Highlights

Start: KunMing

End: LiJiang

Airports & Travel details

Uncover Ancient Geological Wonders

Marvel at the Stone Forest’s surreal limestone spires and descend into Jiuxiang Karst Cave’s glowing subterranean world, where Yunnan’s 270-million-year-old secrets come alive.

Itinerary Summary

7days / 6 nights

Activity Level 4

Boutique Hotels

Private trip

Day 1 : Kunming

Stone Forest and Jiuxiang Karst Cave

Your saga begins in Kunming at 9:00 AM, as a private car whisks you to the Stone Forest, a UNESCO realm where limestone spires rise like relics of an ancient kingdom. Hear the Yi tale of Ashima, a heroine turned to stone, as you wander this geological marvel. Most Attractive Moment: Descend into Jiuxiang Karst Cave, a subterranean kingdom of glowing stalactites and rushing rivers, lit like a hidden palace. Feel the cool air and hear the drip of ancient waters, a secret world beneath Yunnan’s surface. Savor a Yi-inspired lunch of spicy rice noodles before returning to Kunming for a restful night, your heart buzzing with wonder.
Stone Forest (1.5-hour drive from Kunming, 2–3 hours Exploration); Jiuxiang Cave (30 minutes, ~2 hours)

Day 2 : Kunming — Dali

Three Pagodas and Dali Old Town

A high-speed train sweeps you from Kunming to Dali, the cradle of the Bai kingdom, with hills flashing past like pages of history. Marvel at the Three Pagodas, golden spires standing as sentinels of Bai Buddhist glory for over a millennium. Most Attractive Moment: As twilight falls, stroll Dali Old Town, where cobbled streets pulse with Bai artisans selling silver trinkets and rose cakes. Savor Erhai fish stew in a lantern-lit courtyard, the vibrant nightlife weaving you into the Bai kingdom’s living legacy. Sleep in Dali, dreaming of ancient courts.
High-speed train (2 hours Kunming-Dali); Three Pagodas (1 hour); Dali Old Town (evening)

Day 3 : Dali — Shaxi

Xizhou Old Town, Bai Tie-Dyeing, and Erhai Lake Cycling, Or Bai Three-course Tea Ceremony

Journey to Xizhou Old Town, a Bai stronghold where ornate courtyards echo the grandeur of old kingdoms. Most Attractive Moment: Immerse in a Bai tie-dyeing workshop, crafting vibrant indigo patterns with a local artisan, your hands weaving a piece of Bai heritage to carry home. Pedal along Erhai Lake’s cycling path, the turquoise waters and Cangshan peaks framing a ride through the Bai realm’s heart. Or you can also choose to savor the Bai Three Course Tea Ceremony, where bitter, sweet, and spiced teas unfold a poetic tale of life against Erhai’s glow. End in Shaxi Old Town, a tranquil outpost of the Tea and Horse Caravan Road, its stone streets aglow. Sleep in Shaxi, wrapped in history’s embrace.
Xizhou (30 minutes from Dali); tie-dyeing (1 hour); Erhai cycling (1–2 hours); Three Course Tea (1-2 Hours), Shaxi (2-hour drive).

Day 4: Shaxi — Lijiang

Shaxi Old Town Exploration

Dawn breaks over Shaxi Old Town, a living relic of Yunnan’s caravan trade empires. Most Attractive Moment: Wander its local market, where Bai and Yi vendors offer mountain herbs, handmade cheeses, and vivid textiles. Share a cup of yak butter tea with a local, their stories of ancient traders pulling you into Shaxi’s timeless tale. Drive to Lijiang, the Naxi kingdom’s heart, where rugged hills herald a new chapter. Arrive in Lijiang, the air humming with anticipation. Sleep in Lijiang, eager for Naxi legends to unfold.
Shaxi market (~1–2 hours); ~3-hour drive to Lijiang.

Day 5 : Lijiang

Tiger Leaping Gorge and Baisha Old Town

Venture from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the Jinsha River roars through cliffs, a natural fortress of the Naxi realm. Most Attractive Moment: Hike a gentle trail, standing at a lookout where the river’s thunder echoes the myth of a tiger’s daring leap, its raw power stirring your soul. In the afternoon, explore Baisha Old Town, the Naxi kingdom’s ancient capital, where vibrant murals blend Buddhist and local artistry. Savor Naxi pork pancakes in a quiet courtyard. Sleep in Lijiang, enchanted by the day’s saga.
Tiger Leaping Gorge (2-hour drive, 1–2-hour hike); Baisha (30 minutes, ~1 hour exploration)

Day 6 : Lijiang

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Yuhu Village

Your tale crescendos at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Naxi’s sacred peak, its snow-capped summit the closest to the equator. Ascend to Yunshanping Meadow by cable car, where alpine vistas steal your breath. Most Attractive Moment: In Yuhu Village, step into a Naxi home to learn Dongba script, carving ancient symbols with an elder, each stroke a thread in the Naxi kingdom’s story. Savor a warm Naxi meal, the flavors as bold as the mountain’s presence. Sleep in Lijiang, your heart full of royal splendor.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (1-hour drive, 2–3 hours including cable car); Yuhu (30 minutes, ~1 hour).

Day 7 : Lijiang Departure

Your final chapter dawns in Lijiang, the Naxi kingdom’s living heart. Most Attractive Moment: Stroll Lijiang Ancient City, a UNESCO gem, one last time, its canals and stone bridges glowing in the morning light. Sip yak butter tea as you bid farewell to the Naxi realm’s charm. A private car whisks you to Lijiang Train Station or airport for your departure, carrying tales of ancient kingdoms—stone forests, sacred peaks, and vibrant markets—back home.
Lijiang Ancient City (1 hour); departure via train (4 hours to Kunming) or flight.

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High Altitude Reaction:

1. the average altitude in Yunnan is 1894 meters. Kunming: 1890 meters. Dali: 2050 meters. Lijiang: 2400 meters, Jade Dragon Mountain: 4506 meters. Shangri-La: 3280 meters. We strongly suggest our consumers thoroughly prepare for high-altitude reactions and intense ultraviolet rays. By preparing these, you can take high-altitude reaction medicines or bring some Oxygen Can before you depart.

2. If you suffer any diseases, please advise your doctor before you depart.

There are various kinds of heart disease, high blood pressure, blood diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, diseases of the respiratory system, and so on.

3. We don’t suggest our guests take showers in the first two days in a high-altitude area. If they get cold, it may easily lead to pulmonary edema and encephaloma.

4. Please don’t drink any alcohol, especially any strong liquids, since alcohol will lead to a high severe altitude reaction.

The price excludes：

1. Other personal expenses during the journey.

2. Our accommodation prices are for twin rooms (two people live in one room, with a separate bed/one bed). There will be an extra cost if consumers require a separate room for each person.

3. Chinese Visa Fees.

4. The extra expense is due to transportation delays, cancellations, wars, natural accidents, and strikes.

5. Meals (lunch and dinner)

Accommodations

We pick suitable and tasteful hotels for your requirements.

Transfer

We provide your own private and comfortable vehicle.

Guide/Driver service

Professional driver and Chinese/ English speaking guide.

Activities

All the activities listed in this program.

Local Knowledge

Our staff are locals with true love and knowledge of our hometown.

Entrance tickets for the sightseeing places listed in this program.

Tickets

Personalized Consultant Service

we provide one-on-one professional consultant service to all travelers to meet your demands.

Insurance

Travel accident insurance and Travel Agency’s Responsibility insurance.

How’s the weather? What should we wear?

Yunnan is dominated by the subtropical monsoon climate. Integrating low latitude, highland, and monsoon, the climate in Yunnan has four characteristics: first, there is a slight difference in annual temperature but a significant difference in daily temperature. Second, there is a big contrast between the rainy and dry seasons. Third, the climate alters according to the change in altitude. Fourth, the frost-free period is extended.
When you travel to Yunnan, the best advice for your wardrobe is to bring all kinds of clothes. A jacket, scarf, raincoat for the rainy season, and sunglasses are essential.

How’s the accommodation?

We believe that staying in a beautiful boutique hotel is one of the most essential parts of the journey. We strongly advise guests to choose hotels with comfortable service and tasteful design. Due to the diversity of ethnic culture, Yunnan has some extraordinary hotels that can bring you the most unforgettable memories. We offer various accommodation choices, from famous international brands to local boutique resorts.

How’s the road?

Because the significant landscape in Yunnan is mountainous, the mountain area has bumpy roads and steep slopes. Even on the expressway, there are always sharp turns. So we strongly suggest our guests fasten their seat belts before they depart.

How’s the meal?

Most hotels will provide breakfast in both American and Chinese. During the travel, we will recommend featured local dishes and street food for our consumers. We also encourage our consumers to explore the local food they like since eating is essential for a journey. Our guide will suggest a suitable restaurant to our consumers.

Design my trip

Quality Guide Of KiKi

Accommodations

Being in a beautiful boutique hotel is one of the most essential parts of a journey. We strongly advise guests to choose hotels with comfortable service and tasteful design. Due to the diversity of ethnic cultures, Yunnan has some extraordinary hotels that can bring you unforgettable memories. We offer various accommodation choices, from famous international brands to local boutique resorts.