Day 1
Ease into Dali Ancient Town
Begin with Dali Ancient Town and a relaxed arrival. Confirm how you reach Dali; this reference does not include a separate Kunming sightseeing day.
Dali Ancient Town
Suggested overnight area: Dali
5 days
Five Days in Yunnan · Dali to Lijiang
A flexible planning reference. The days below describe sightseeing choices; they do not confirm availability, admission, transport or a shared-group departure. Match arrival and departure arrangements before agreeing a quote.
Custom itinerary reference
Use this route as a starting point for a custom trip. Dates, daily order, accommodation, transport and admission arrangements are confirmed in your individual quotation. It is not a scheduled departure or a fixed inclusion list.
Route overview
Dali → Erhai / Xizhou → Lijiang Dayan → Black Dragon Pool / Baisha → Shuhe → finish in Lijiang. Travel to Dali before this route, and plan onward departure from Lijiang.
- Suggested duration
- 5 days
- Start
- Dali
- Finish
- Lijiang
Plan the journey
Dali Ancient TownErhai LakeXizhouDayan Old TownBlack Dragon PoolBaishaShuhe
Your day-by-day route
Day 2
Erhai scenery and Xizhou
Choose an Erhai section and Xizhou with agreed pickup points. Avoid assuming a full circuit of the lake plus every village fits the day.
Erhai LakeXizhou
Suggested overnight area: Dali
Day 3
Move to Lijiang and discover Dayan
Move to Lijiang, handle luggage and check-in, then choose a short Dayan walk. Treat this as a transfer day with sightseeing, not a full sightseeing day.
Dayan Old Town
Suggested overnight area: Lijiang
Day 4
Black Dragon Pool and Baisha
Group Black Dragon Pool and Baisha according to the confirmed transport plan. A mountain excursion would replace part of this day and needs separate confirmation.
Black Dragon PoolBaisha
Suggested overnight area: Lijiang
Day 5
Shuhe and a relaxed finish
Visit Shuhe if the departure schedule permits. Choose the departure airport or station before finalising the last stop and hotel checkout.
Shuhe
Suggested overnight area: Route ends; accommodation by onward plans
Weather & seasonal planning
Match your dates to weather and walking preferences. This old-town and lakeside route does not depend on a snow-mountain cableway, flower season or a guaranteed mountain view.
- The route starts in Dali, not Kunming. Add the Kunming–Dali journey separately if you arrive through Kunming.
- Old streets can have stone surfaces and steps. Confirm luggage access and the exact hotel location, then select walking sections that suit your group.
Along the journey
Photos illustrate the region and the named route. Season, light and access can change the views. Only stops agreed in your final itinerary form part of your booking.
Before you book
Are Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge included?
They are not stops on this route. Ask about replacing a day or adding time; access, tickets and the physical demands require a separate discussion.
What is included in the price?
There is no fixed price on this page. Your dates, group size, hotel choices and transport determine the quotation. Only agreed items in the quotation and booking terms are included.
Can the route be adjusted?
Tell us about walking limits, children, luggage and your priority stops. Discuss fewer stops, extra nights or a different route before booking. Transport inside scenic areas may be separate from intercity transport.
Planning notes & service scope
These are suggested travel days and overnight areas, not confirmed reservations. Arrival and departure times may require extra nights. Request a written quotation specifying guides, transport, hotels, tickets and meals; none is automatically included by this page.
Compare another route
1 days
Kunming in One Day · Parks & Old Streets
A city-based introduction to Yunnan, combining Green Lake, the Yuantong Temple area and Kunming old streets. Keep the route compact and leave room for a relaxed meal.
Explore this route →3 days
Three Days in Yunnan · Kunming & Stone Forest
Stay in Kunming for three days of city walks, the limestone landscapes of Shilin and the shores of Dianchi Lake. A focused introduction without changing cities each night.
Explore this route →Make this journey yours
Share your dates, group size, arrival point and preferred pace. We can discuss the route and a quotation for the services you need.
How to use this reference itinerary
Choose the main visit for each day first, then agree optional stops. If travelling between cities or carrying luggage that day, reduce the sightseeing list before confirming bookings.
Read the destination planning guide
