Days 1–2
Kunming
Arrive in the spring city
Meet the group, explore a neighborhood market, and visit the Stone Forest with a local guide.
Stay: Moon & Chalice Hotel
Kunming · Small group tour · Max 14 travelers English · Mandarin
4.9(128 reviews)
Yunnan: old towns and high valleys
9 days · 8 nightsVerified hostYunnan Compass TravelMax 14 travelers
About this tour
A slower overland journey through market towns, Bai villages, and highland landscapes with a Yunnan-based team.
Over 9 unhurried days you'll travel from Kunming through Dali, Shaxi, Lijiang with a resident tour leader who lives and works in the region. Mornings begin ahead of the crowds at the sights that matter most, afternoons leave time to wander at your own pace, and evenings gather the group around locally sourced meals in family-run restaurants. Group size is capped so that everyone fits around one table and everyone gets heard.
Tour highlights
Two nights in preserved Shaxi
Bai family cooking lunch
Tiger Leaping Gorge walk
Locally owned boutique stays
Day by day
Your itinerary
Days 3–4
Dali
Life around Erhai Lake
Travel by fast train, cycle quiet lakeside lanes, and cook with a Bai family.
Stay: Dali Old Courtyard
Days 5–6
Shaxi
The old tea-horse road
Cross the mountains to Shaxi for village walks and an unhurried market morning.
Stay: Old Theatre Inn
Days 7–8
Lijiang
Gorge paths and Naxi stories
Walk a gentle section of Tiger Leaping Gorge and explore Lijiang with a Naxi cultural guide.
Stay: Amandayan Lodge
Day 9
Lijiang
Departure
Breakfast and included airport transfer.
Stay: Tour ends
What's included
Included
8 nights in character hotels
Daily breakfast and 5 local meals
Private transport
English-speaking tour leader
Listed activities and admissions
Hotel pickup on arrival day
Not Included
Flights to Kunming and from Lijiang
Travel insurance
Optional single-room supplement
Things to know
- Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure
- 50% refund 7–14 days before departure
- Moderate physical activity — includes walking 5–8 km/day
- Suitable for ages 12 and up
First time in China?
Check entry requirements and useful travel tips before you go.
View travel guide
Accessibility
This tour involves walking on uneven ground, cobblestones, and some stairs at heritage sites. We do our best to accommodate different mobility needs — please share requirements when you enquire and we'll advise honestly on suitability.
Private vehicle with step-assist available on request
Most hotels have elevator access; a few boutique stays are stair-only
Some sites (Great Wall sections, Tiger Leaping Gorge paths, old town lanes) are not wheelchair accessible
Guides trained to adjust pacing for travelers with limited mobility
Service animals
Service animals are welcome on this tour. Please let us know at the time of booking so we can coordinate with hotels, transport providers, and any heritage sites that may require advance notice or documentation for entry within China.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for China?
Most travelers need a tourist visa, though many nationalities now qualify for visa-free entry of up to 15 or 30 days. We'll send a country-specific guide after you enquire and can recommend a trusted visa service if needed.
What is the best time of year to join this tour?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable temperatures and clearest skies. Summer departures are warmer but come with lush landscapes; winter tours run less often and focus on quieter sites.
How physically demanding is the tour?
Moderate — expect 5–8 km of walking most days, some stairs at heritage sites, and a few longer walks on optional days. Rest days and slower-paced alternatives are built into the 9-day itinerary.
Are meals suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and allergy-aware menus can all be arranged with advance notice. Tell us at booking and your tour leader will coordinate with each restaurant.
What happens if a site is closed on my travel dates?
Your tour leader will propose a comparable alternative at no extra cost. In the rare event a major inclusion is unavailable and cannot be substituted, you'll receive a partial refund.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes — comprehensive travel insurance covering medical, evacuation, and trip interruption is required for all travelers. We can recommend providers if you don't already have coverage.
Reviews
4.9 · 128 reviewsUpcoming departures
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