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 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

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

Not Included

Flights to Kunming and from Lijiang

Travel insurance

Optional single-room supplement

Meet your host

Yunnan Compass Travel

Verified guide

Leading tours since 2006 · 200+ small-group tours

Based in Kunming, our team has decades of guiding across the region. Known for deep local knowledge, patient pacing, and taking the time to answer every question.

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

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.