15 Days Yunnan Panorama Travel Itinerary

If you have 15 days, you can include most of the highlights in your Yunnan itinerary without rushing. You can stay 2-3 nights in each place instead of packing up and moving every other day, which allows for a more relaxed experience of each city's main attractions and cultural highlights.

If you would like to customize a 15-day Yunnan itinerary, we would be happy to assist you!

15 Days South and Northwest  Yunnan Itinerary

Yuanyang Terraced Field

Day 1: Arrive in Kunming

Arrive via Kunming Changshui International Airport or train station, settle in, relax, and explore local markets (e.g., Nanping Street) or take a stroll at Green Lake Park.

Hotels: Holiday Inn 4* or Sofitel Kunming 5*

Day 2: Kunming

Visit the Yunnan Ethnic Village or the Yuantong Temple. For nature lovers, the Western Hills (Xishan) offers great hiking and views of Dian Lake.

Day 3: Kunming to Dongchuan Red Land (3-4 hours)

Visit Luoxiagou Valley and Qicaipo for sunset photography of the beautiful red fields.

Hotels: Sunset House Inn

Day 4: Dongchuan to Kunming

Optional stops at scenic spots like Damakan for sunrise photography. Return to Kunming for relaxation.

Day 5: Kunming to Stone Forest to Jianshui

Visit the Stone Forest (Shilin) en route (2 hours from Kunming), then head to Jianshui (3-4 hours). Explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, a stunning limestone karst landscape. In Jianshui, visit the Jianshui Confucian Temple or Zhu Family Garden.

Accommodation recommendation: Ting Zi Yun Resort

Day 6: Jianshui to Yuanyang Rice Fields (3-4 hours)

Afternoon visit to the Bada Rice Terraces for sunset views.

Hotels: 12 Manor Xiangdian Hotel, Oness Resort Yuanyang Terrace 5*

Day 7: Yuanyang Rice Fields

Start early at Duoyishu for sunrise, visit Laohuzui (Tiger Mouth), and explore the local Hani ethnic villages. Evening photography at Bada or Qingkou Hani Village.

Day 8: Yuanyang to Kunming (6-7 hours)

Spend the afternoon visiting the Bird and Flower Market or explore Dianchi Lake.

Day 9: Kunming to Dali by High-speed train (2-3 hours)

Explore Dali Old Town, visit Erhai Lake, or check out Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple.

Hotels: Hilton Dali Resort & SPA 5*, The Linden Centre, The One Resort Dali

Day 10: Dali

Take a boat ride on Erhai Lake, visit Cangshan Mountain for a cable car ride and hike, or cycle around the lake to nearby villages like Xizhou or Shuanglang.

Day 11: Dali to Shaxi Ancient Town (2-3 hours)

Explore the charming Shaxi Ancient Town and its well-preserved ancient architecture. Don't miss the Friday Market if your trip coincides.

Hotels: Landscape Hotel Shaxi 4*, Shaxi Jixiashan Sunyata Hotel

Day 12: Shaxi to Lijiang (2-3 hours)

Explore Lijiang Old Town, visit the Mu Family Mansion, and enjoy a relaxing evening at a tea house or café.

Hotels: The Bivou, Banyan Tree Lijiang, LUX* Tea Horse Road Lijiang

Day 13: Lijiang

Take a trip to Black Dragon Pool Park or Shuhe Ancient Town. Option for a day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for hiking or taking the cable car for panoramic views.

Day 14: Lijiang to Shangri-La (3-4 hours)

Along the way, stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge for breathtaking views and a short hike. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, visit the Dukezong Ancient Town.

Hotels: Banyan Tree Ringha, Songtsam Linka Shangri-La

Day 15: Shangri-La and Departure

Visit the Songzanlin Monastery (Little Potala Palace), and take in the natural beauty at Pudacuo National Park. In the afternoon, transfer to Diqing Shangri-La Airport for departure.

15 Days Highlights of Yunnan

Lijiang Ancient Town

Day 1: Kunming Arrival

Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport. Relax and explore Green Lake Park or visit Nanping Street for some local shopping and street food.

Day 2: Kunming City Tour

Visit the Western Hills (Xishan) and Dragon Gate, offering panoramic views of Dianchi Lake. Explore the Yunnan Provincial Museum to learn about the region’s history and culture.

Day 3: Kunming to Stone Forest and Back (1.5-2 hours each way)

Spend the day exploring the stunning limestone formations of the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Return to Kunming in the evening.

Day 4: Kunming to Xishuangbanna by Flight (1-1.5 hours)

Visit the Tropical Flower and Plant Garden in Jinghong or take a stroll along the Mekong River.

Day 5: Xishuangbanna

Visit the Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park for a jungle trek, see the Wild Elephant Valley, or experience the local Dai culture by visiting a traditional Dai minority village.

Hotels: Double Tree Resort By Hilton, InterContinental or Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort

Day 6: Xishuangbanna Adventure

Take a boat trip along the Lancang River (Mekong), or visit Manting Park to experience local ethnic performances and cultural shows. Visit the Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden for more nature exploration.

Day 7: Xishuangbanna to Dali by Flight (1 hour)

Explore Dali Old Town in the afternoon. Walk along the cobblestone streets and visit Foreigner Street for lively shops and cafes.

Day 8: Dali

Take a boat ride on Erhai Lake, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, or hike up Cangshan Mountain for stunning views of the town and lake. You can also visit the nearby villages of Xizhou or Shuanglang for a more rural experience.

Day 9: Dali to Shaxi Ancient Town (2-3 hours)

Wander through Shaxi Ancient Town, once a key stop on the Tea Horse Road. Explore the Sideng Market Square, visit Xingjiao Temple, and enjoy the tranquil vibe of this well-preserved town.

Day 10: Shaxi to Lijiang (2-3 hours)

Spend the afternoon exploring Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Mu Family Mansion and stroll along the winding canals and streets.

Day 11: Lijiang

Visit Black Dragon Pool for a serene escape with a backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Alternatively, take a day trip to Shuhe Ancient Town, a quieter version of Lijiang, or go hiking in Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Day 12: Lijiang

Explore Baisha Village to see the ancient Baisha Frescoes or take a guided hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world.

Day 13: Lijiang to Shangri-La (3-4 hours)

Stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge for a short hike and stunning views. Arrive in Shangri-La and explore Dukezong Ancient Town.

Day 14: Shangri-La

Visit the Songzanlin Monastery, often called the Little Potala Palace, and then explore Pudacuo National Park, where you can see stunning lakes, grasslands, and Tibetan culture.

Day 15: Shangri-La Departure

Transfer to Diqing Shangri-La Airport for your departure.

15 Days Best of Yunnan and Meili Snow Mountain Adventure

Meili Snow Mountain Hiking

Day 1: Kunming Arrival

Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport. Relax and explore Green Lake Park or visit Cuihu Park to enjoy the evening atmosphere.

Day 2: Kunming City Exploration

Visit the Western Hills (Xishan) for panoramic views of Dianchi Lake, and explore the Yunnan Provincial Museum for insights into the region’s history and ethnic diversity. In the evening, take a stroll through the bustling Nanping Street for food and shopping.

Day 3: Kunming to Dali by Train (2-3 hours)

Arrive in Dali and explore Dali Ancient Town. Walk along Foreigner Street and visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple.

Day 4: Dali

Take a boat trip on Erhai Lake, or visit nearby villages like Xizhou to see traditional Bai architecture. Alternatively, take a cable car to Cangshan Mountain for hiking and spectacular views over Dali and Erhai Lake.

Day 5: Dali

Spend the day cycling around Erhai Lake, visiting small fishing villages, or exploring the Dali Museum and local markets. You can also enjoy a relaxing day visiting tea plantations in the surrounding hills.

Day 6: Dali to Shaxi Ancient Town by Private Transfer (2-3 hours)

Explore Shaxi Ancient Town, walk through Sideng Market, and visit Xingjiao Temple. Enjoy the peaceful countryside and spend the evening experiencing Shaxi’s tranquil vibe.

Day 7: Shaxi to Lijiang by Private Transfer (2-3 hours)

Arrive in Lijiang Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage site). Stroll through the narrow, cobblestone streets, visit the Mu Family Mansion, and enjoy a tea house by the canals.

Day 8: Lijiang

Visit the scenic Black Dragon Pool Park and enjoy views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. You could also explore Shuhe Ancient Town for a quieter cultural experience, or visit Baisha Village to see the ancient murals.

Day 9: Lijiang

Take a day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for hiking or a cable car ride for stunning mountain views. You could also hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge for an adventurous day.

Day 10: Lijiang to Shangri-La (3-4 hours)

Along the way, stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge for breathtaking views and a short hike. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, visit the Dukezong Ancient Town, and visit Tortoise Hill for panoramic views of the town. Relax in a traditional Tibetan tea house.

Day 11: Shangri-La

Visit the magnificent Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. In the afternoon, explore Pudacuo National Park, known for its lakes, forests, and rich Tibetan culture.

Day 12: Shangri-La to Meili Snow Mountain by Private Transfer (4-5 hours)

En route, stop at scenic spots like the Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve. Arrive in Feilai Temple for sunset views of Meili Snow Mountain, particularly Kawagebo Peak.

Day 13: Meili Snow Mountain

Wake up early for sunrise at Feilai Temple, offering breathtaking views of Meili Snow Mountain. Visit Mingyong Glacier for a short trek or head to the Yubeng Village for deeper exploration into Tibetan culture and pristine landscapes.

Day 14: Meili to Shangri-La by Private Car (4-5 hours)

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring more of Dukezong Ancient Town, or visit Napa Lake for a tranquil walk through the wetland landscape.

Day 15: Shangri-La Departure

Transport: Transfer to Diqing Shangri-La Airport for your departure.

Customize Your Unique Yunnan Tour

If you are interested in one of the Yunnan itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Yunnan Tour, please visit our Yunnan Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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Pudacuo National Forest Park, Shangri La

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