8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour

Eight days across Yunnan covered an incredible range, the Stone Forest near Kunming, Dali's old town by Erhai Lake, Lijiang's canals, and the thin mountain air of Shangri-La with its Tibetan monastery. The diversity of landscapes and cultures in one trip was the whole appeal, and the private pacing nailed it.

Each Yunnan city had its own character. Dali was laid-back by the lake, Lijiang's old town magical at night, and Shangri-La felt like stepping into Tibet. Eight days let us breathe at each stop. Our guide adjusted the Shangri-La days for the altitude.

A great Yunnan overview from Kunming all the way up to Shangri-La. Lots of ground covered so there's travel between cities, but the scenery in between is part of the show. Lijiang and Dali were highlights. Shangri-La altitude surprised a couple of us.

Loved how this trip climbs from Kunming's gardens up through Dali and Lijiang to Tibetan Shangri-La, the cultures shift as you go. The ethnic diversity of Yunnan really comes alive over eight days. Private guide and car made the long stretches comfortable.

One of the best-value tours we did in China. Four very different destinations, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, with a guide who clearly loved his home province. The Erhai Lake views at Dali and the Songzanlin monastery at Shangri-La stand out.