Arriving in Kunming and leaving from Lijiang, or flying round trip to Lijiang, can both be starting points. Choose using real flights, destinations and six overnight stays rather than a fixed airfare saving. Both source outlines include Shangri-La; fewer cities are an alternative if fewer hotel changes matter more.
Option A: Kunming arrival, Lijiang departure
- Day 1: arrive in Kunming. Discuss Dianchi or Western Hills only if arrival timing allows; overnight in Kunming.
- Day 2: Kunming to Dali and Dali Old Town; overnight in Dali.
- Day 3: Erhai Lake, Xizhou and Shuanglang; overnight in Dali.
- Day 4: Dali to Lijiang and Lijiang Old Town; overnight in Lijiang.
- Day 5: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley; overnight in Lijiang.
- Day 6: Lijiang to Shangri-La and Dukezong; overnight in Shangri-La.
- Day 7: the source outline places Pudacuo before returning to Lijiang airport. Check the flight and transfer timing first, and adjust sightseeing if the connection does not allow enough time.
This route progresses through Kunming, Dali and Lijiang, but still returns from Shangri-La to Lijiang. It is not entirely free of backtracking. A final-day park visit plus an intercity airport transfer needs a workable flight connection.
Option B: Lijiang round trip
- Day 1: arrive in Lijiang and visit the old town.
- Day 2: Lijiang to Shangri-La and Dukezong.
- Day 3: Pudacuo, then return to Lijiang.
- Day 4: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley; overnight in Lijiang.
- Day 5: Lijiang to Dali and the old town.
- Day 6: Erhai Lake activities; overnight in Dali.
- Day 7: Dali to Lijiang for departure.
One airport simplifies flight comparison, but Dali and Shangri-La are in different directions. Include transfers, luggage and hotel changes when comparing the options.
Compare hotel-to-hotel transport
A train journey is not the whole transfer. Check services for your date on 12306, then add station procedures and local transfers. For a vehicle, confirm stops, passengers and luggage. A fixed total driving time is not a promise for the trip.
Choose in three steps
- Check flight timings to establish usable time on arrival and departure days.
- Allocate six nights. Adding time in one place means removing another transfer or activity.
- Compare the complete cost: flights, trains, transfers, touring vehicles, rooms, admissions and meals.
Travelling with family
Share walking, stair, rest and room requirements before choosing the route. Age or route order cannot guarantee altitude tolerance; seek professional advice before high-altitude travel if you have health concerns.
Adding Lugu Lake
Remove existing activities or extend the trip. The nine-day shared-group reference and seven-day private reference are separate products with their own dates and service scope.
Choose your Yunnan route
Compare Yunnan travel options, then send your dates, party size and room needs. The written proposal identifies hotels, transport, admissions, meals and booking terms.