- Verified itinerary · Updated regularly
8-Day Yunnan Family Tour: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang & Shangri-La
Private Yunnan Tour with Kids | Stone Forest, Erhai Lake & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Explore a well-designed 8 day Yunnan family tour covering Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. Visit the Stone Forest (UNESCO World Heritage Site), walk through Lijiang Ancient Town, and enjoy stunning views at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Travel with a private local guide, ride the high speed train, and discover ancient towns, local markets, and authentic culture along the Ancient Tea Horse Road—perfect for a relaxed family trip.

Top Yunnan Highlights
Stone Forest, Erhai Lake, Blue Moon Valley & snow-capped mountains.
Ancient Town Experience
Lijiang Old Town, Dali Ancient Town & Shaxi Ancient Town.
Easy Travel
High speed train, private transfers & Kunming airport pickup.
Family-Friendly
Flexible pace, local snacks & cultural activities.

What Makes This Journey Different
A Hong Kong–registered travel group
Backed by a Hong Kong group, with local teams across China.
Secure payments
Pay safely by Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, PayPal, or bank transfer.
24/7 support
Real human assistance before, during, and after your journey in China.
Custom experiences
Activities and pacing tailored to your interests and travel style.
At-a-Glance: Your 8-Day Yunnan Family Tour Route
| Day | Destination | Experience Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Kunming | Explore the Stone Forest (UNESCO World Heritage Site), visit Dianchi Lake, feed black-headed gulls, and taste local snacks at Kunming Old Street |
| 3–4 | Dali | Walk through Dali Ancient Town, cycle along Erhai Lake, visit Zhoucheng Village, and enjoy a hands-on flower cake experience |
| 5 | Shaxi Ancient Town | Discover the last market town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, stroll cobblestone streets, and visit a private museum |
| 6–8 | Lijiang | Visit Black Dragon Pool Park, explore Lijiang Old Town, take a cable car to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Park, and experience Naxi culture in Yuhu Village |
Transportation Plan for Your Yunnan Family Tour
This 8-day Yunnan family tour combines high speed train travel and comfortable private vehicle transfers to ensure a smooth and relaxing journey between Kunming, Dali, Shaxi, and Lijiang.
Long-distance travel from Kunming to Dali is arranged by high speed train, offering a fast and comfortable experience. Within each destination, your private tour includes a modern vehicle with an experienced driver, allowing you to explore ancient towns, scenic lakes, and mountain landscapes with ease.
Travel longer distances in comfort and style

High-Speed Trains for Shorter Routes

Signature Family Experiences in Yunnan
Walk Through the Stone Forest – A Natural Wonder
Explore the dramatic Stone Forest (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with your private local guide. Wander through towering limestone formations and discover stories shaped by millions of years of geological change.
Meet the Black-Headed Gulls at Dianchi Lake
Enjoy a peaceful moment by Dianchi Lake, where flocks of black-headed gulls gather every winter. A perfect stop for families to relax, feed the birds, and take photos.
Taste Local Snacks in Kunming Old Street
Stroll through the lively Kunming Old Street, visit local shops, and taste authentic flavors like rice noodle salad, fried mushrooms, and traditional Yunnan snacks.
Cycle Along Erhai Lake with Mountain Views
Ride or walk along Erhai Lake, surrounded by rice fields, flower meadows, and the majestic Cangshan mountains. A truly relaxing experience for a family trip.
Discover Bai Culture in Zhoucheng Village
Visit Zhoucheng Village and experience traditional Bai tie-dye craftsmanship. Create your own handmade souvenir while learning about local culture.
Make Flower Cakes in a Hidden Bai Village
Step into a beautiful garden and learn to make Yunnan’s famous flower cakes. Enjoy your handmade dessert with tea in a serene countryside setting.
Explore Shaxi – The Last Market Town of the Tea Horse Road
Walk through Shaxi Ancient Town, the last remaining market town along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, with cobblestone streets and a peaceful historic atmosphere.
Ride a Cable Car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Take a cable car to the breathtaking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Park, and admire spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and alpine landscapes.
Visit Yuhu Village & Meet the Naxi People
Explore Yuhu Village, visit a local family, and experience daily life of the Naxi people. Learn traditional crafts like Dongba paper-making and ancient writing.
Optional Adventure at Tiger Leaping Gorge
For adventurous travelers, hike part of the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, with dramatic views of the Yangtze River and Haba Snow Mountain.
Real Moments from Our Yunnan Family Tour
Discover real experiences from this 8 day Yunnan family tour, from the Stone Forest and Erhai Lake to Lijiang Ancient Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
These moments show the beauty of Yunnan—ancient towns, local culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
8-Day Yunnan Itinerary: A Perfect Family Journey from Kunming to Lijiang
This 8 day Yunnan family tour itinerary follows the classic Kunming Dali Lijiang Shangri La route, combining natural wonders, ancient towns, and cultural experiences. It offers a relaxed and immersive family trip across Kunming Dali and into the Dali Lijiang Shangri La region.
Day 1 – Kunming Arrival | Easy Start to Your Family Trip
Meet your private local guide at the arrival hall of Kunming Airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a smooth check-in and a relaxed evening in the city center.
Day 2 – Kunming | Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake & Local Snacks
Visit the less crowded Naigu Stone Forest, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national geological park. Walk among dramatic rock formations and let your imagination run wild.
Continue to Dianchi Lake, where you can feed black-headed gulls and enjoy lakeside views. End the day at Kunming Old Street, tasting local snacks like rice noodle salad and exploring local markets—an essential part of the Kunming Dali journey.
Day 3 – Kunming to Dali | High Speed Train & Erhai Lake
Take a high speed train from Kunming to Dali. Drive along Erhai Lake, with views of rice fields and snow-capped mountains.
Explore Dali Ancient Town (Dali Old Town), known for its ancient city walls, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved traditional Bai architecture—an important stop along the Kunming Dali route.
Day 4 – Dali | Bai Culture, Zhoucheng Village & Flower Cakes
Visit Zhoucheng Village, famous for traditional Bai tie-dye craftsmanship. Experience local life at a bustling local market and learn ancient craft techniques.
In the afternoon, join a hands-on activity to make Yunnan’s famous flower cakes in a beautiful countryside garden. Relax and enjoy a peaceful rural atmosphere.
Day 5 – Dali to Shaxi | Ancient Tea Horse Road Journey
Travel to Shaxi Ancient Town, the last remaining market town along the Ancient Tea Horse Road.
Walk through this quiet historic town with cobblestone streets, visit a private museum dedicated to the Tea Horse Road trade, and enjoy a leisurely walk through the idyllic countryside.
Day 6 – Shaxi to Lijiang | Black Dragon Pool & Lijiang Old Town
Arrive in Lijiang and visit Black Dragon Pool Park (Black Dragon Pond Park) for classic views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Explore Lijiang Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site), wandering through cobblestone streets, traditional Naxi architecture, and local shops. You may also visit Baisha Village, known for its well preserved traditional architecture.
This part of the journey connects the Dali Lijiang Shangri La route, leading toward highland destinations such as Shangri La.
Day 7 – Lijiang | Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Yuhu Village
Take a cable car to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Park, reaching high-altitude viewpoints with breathtaking alpine scenery and snow capped mountains.
Continue to Blue Moon Valley, one of the most scenic highlights along the Dali Lijiang Shangri La route.
Visit Yuhu Village, an authentic ethnic village where you can meet a local family and experience the daily life of the local Naxi people.
Optional: Visit the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons along the Yangtze River, often included in extended Dali Lijiang Shangri La tours toward Shangri La, with views of Haba Snow Mountain and rugged wilderness.
Day 8 – Lijiang Departure | End of Your Yunnan Tour
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey. Your memorable Yunnan family tour ends here.
Hotel Options & Location
We select clean, quiet, and well-located hotels to keep transfers short and rest quality high. Exact hotel names are confirmed after booking and tailored to your style.
- 4-star comfort in the best locations (standard).
- 5-star / star hotel upgrades or boutique hotels on request.
- Family rooms or connecting rooms available (subject to availability).
Tip: Share your preferences (location, breakfast, gym/pool, quiet rooms) and we’ll recommend the best match.
Tour Price & Inclusions
FromUS$1,229
per person
Tour Code:YN-KDLJ-SHGR-8D
- Indicative price for a private tour (2 adults) with well-located 4-star hotels.
- Price includes basic travel insurance and a complimentary translation device for easy local interaction.
- Final pricing depends on travel dates, group size, room type, and hotel level (boutique / star hotel upgrades on request).
- Domestic flights and/or high-speed train tickets are arranged based on the confirmed itinerary.
Comfort-first private touring
Private guide & driver in each city — flexible pace.
Designed around you
We tailor sights, timing, and hotel level to you.
Clear pricing, no surprises
Inclusions confirmed before you book.
What’s Included
Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver for all scheduled transfers
English-speaking local guide for all included sightseeing
All entrance tickets and activities listed in the confirmed itinerary
Domestic flights and/or high speed train tickets between itinerary cities (as per plan)
Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast (4-star standard; boutique hotels / star hotel upgrades optional)
Government taxes and service charges
24/7 support while you are traveling
What’s Not Included
International flights to and from China
China visa fees (if applicable)
Meals not specified in the itinerary (many lunches are included; dinners often flexible)
Personal expenses and optional experiences
Booking & Payment Details
- Deposit: 20% to confirm your booking. The deposit is refundable within 48 hours after confirmation if plans change.
- Balance: Due 15–20 days before arrival, or upon confirmation for late bookings.
- Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, PayPal, or bank transfer.
- Changes: Free minor itinerary adjustments up to 14 days before the trip starts.
- Cancellation: Flexible cancellation policy. Specific terms will be confirmed based on travel dates and hotel selection.
Visa-Free & Travel Tips
- China Visa-Free Policy 2026 — check visa-free entry rules and 240-hour transit options.
- China Visa Guide — understand tourist visa basics, documents, and application steps.
- First Trip to China Guide— learn about payments, apps, transport, and practical travel tips.
- China Weather in June — see weather tips, packing advice, and seasonal travel ideas.
Create Your Custom Yunnan Family Tour
Share your travel plans, and our local experts will design a personalized Yunnan itinerary covering Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La—with a tailored quote within 24 hours.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Private tour only
- No forced shopping
FAQs About the 8-Day Yunnan Family Tour
Is this 8-day Yunnan family tour suitable for children?
Yes. This 8 day Yunnan family tour is designed with a relaxed pace, easy walking routes, and engaging activities such as visiting ancient towns, making flower cakes, and exploring local markets—perfect for a comfortable family trip.
What destinations are included in this Yunnan tour itinerary?
This tour follows the classic Kunming Dali Lijiang Shangri La route, covering Kunming, Dali, Shaxi Ancient Town, and Lijiang, with optional extension to Shangri La. You will explore highlights like the Stone Forest, Erhai Lake, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Tiger Leaping Gorge.
How do we travel between cities in Yunnan?
Transportation includes high speed train travel from Kunming to Dali and private vehicle transfers across the Kunming Dali Lijiang Shangri La route, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience throughout your private tour.
What is the best time to visit Yunnan?
The best time for a Yunnan family tour is from March to October, when the weather is mild and ideal for visiting destinations along the Kunming Dali Lijiang Shangri La route, including Lijiang Ancient Town and Erhai Lake.
Are meals included in this tour package?
Daily breakfast is included, while lunch and dinner are flexible so you can taste local snacks and explore local restaurants in places like Kunming Old Street and Dali Ancient Town.
Can this Yunnan tour be customized?
Absolutely. This is a fully private tour, which means the itinerary, hotels, activities, and travel pace can all be customized based on your family’s interests and preferences. This itinerary can also be extended deeper into Shangri La, including Dukezong Ancient Town and Tibetan cultural experiences.
How to Choose the Right China Tour
- Private Tour vs Group Tour in China
- Best China Tours for First-Time Visitors
- How Long Should a First China Trip Be?
Not exactly what you’re looking for?
Every journey can be adjusted to your pace, interests, and travel style.





