10 Days in Yunnan: The Ultimate Itinerary for Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La & Lugu Lake

Planning your 10 Days in Yunnan adventure? You’ve chosen one of China’s most diverse travel destinations. This southwestern province boasts spectacular mountain scenery, rich ethnic cultures, and unique natural landscapes. This classic 10-day Yunnan itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors, covering the highlights of Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Lugu Lake, and Shangri-La. Our detailed guide provides day-by-day activities, essential tips, and attraction highlights to help you plan an unforgettable independent trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming – Start Your 10 Days in Yunnan

Your 10 Days in Yunnan adventure begins in Kunming, the “Spring City.”

Transport: Kunming Changshui Airport is about 40 km from the city center. Take the airport shuttle bus to destinations like Xiaoximen, Green Lake (Cuihu), or Beijing Road.

Accommodation: Stay near Qingnian Road, Beijing Road, Green Lake, or Nanping Street for convenient transport and amenities.

Activities: If time allows, visit Green Lake Park, Yunnan University, or stroll along Nanping Street. The area near the university has many small eateries to try local Yunnan snacks.

Tip: Kunming Railway Station is centrally located, making onward travel easy. Pre-booking an airport pickup can save you the hassle of finding your way with luggage.

Day 2: Kunming – Stone Forest – Dali

Stone Forest Trip: Take a bus from Kunming East Passenger Terminal to the Stone Forest Scenic Area (ensure your ticket says “Stone Forest Scenic Area,” not “Stone Forest County”). Alternatively, a private car takes about 1.5 hours.

This UNESCO site is famous for its impressive karst formations. Allow 3-4 hours to explore. You can rent an electric cart inside to save energy.

To Dali: Return to Kunming in the afternoon and take a train or pre-arranged car to Dali, continuing your 10-day Yunnan tour.

Tip: You’ll do a lot of walking at the Stone Forest. Wear comfortable shoes and use sun protection.

Day 3: Dali: Cycling or Driving Around Erhai Lake

A highlight of any 10 Days in Yunnan is exploring the stunning Erhai Lake.

Morning: Explore Dali Ancient Town and try a local breakfast snack like “Erkuai.”

Erhai Lake Loop Options (Choose one):

Bicycle: Ideal for fit, independent travelers. Note: The full loop takes 2 days. Protect yourself from the sun.

Private Car: Offers flexibility to stop for photos. Be aware drivers might suggest extra paid spots.

Tour Bus: A cost-effective option often including guides, photos, a horse-cart ride, and a boat trip, but with less freedom.

Erhai Lake Cruise: For a deeper experience of the lake’s beauty.

Sample Route: Dali Ancient Town → Caicun → West Erhai → Xizhou → Shuanglang → Xiaoputuo → East Erhai → back to town.

Evening: Travel to Lijiang.

Tip: Xizhou Town is known for Bai ethnic architecture and tie-dye. Shuanglang is one of the best spots for Erhai Lake sunsets.

Day 4: Lijiang – Lashihai Lake – Shuhe Old Town

Lashihai Lake: About a 30-minute drive from Lijiang Old Town.

Caution: The area has many private horse ranches. Avoid scams like “5 RMB ($0.70) taxi” or “free shuttle.” Entry usually requires paying for a activity or tour.

We recommend booking a reputable day tour in advance that includes horse riding and boating.

Shuhe Old Town: Quieter and more relaxed than Lijiang Old Town, perfect for a stroll and photos.

Accommodation: Stay on the outskirts of Lijiang Old Town to avoid damaging your suitcase wheels on the cobblestone paths.

Tip: Lashihai is difficult for independent travel; a tour is simpler. Shuhe Old Town is free to enter and great for trying local Pu’er tea.

Day 5: Lijiang – Lugu Lake

Transport: The journey takes about 4 hours. Tourist shuttle buses or private cars are best (public buses are slow and inconvenient).

Scenery En Route: Enjoy views of the Jinsha River Valley and the Liangshan Mountains.

Lake Loop Sights: Visit Grass Sea, Walking Marriage Bridge, Lige Peninsula Viewing Platform, and Lovers’ Trees.

Accommodation: Stay in Da Luoshui Village (lively) or Lige Peninsula (quiet and scenic).

Tip: Lugu Lake straddles Yunnan and Sichuan. Respect the local Mosuo people and their unique “walking marriage” culture.

Day 6: Lugu Lake – Lijiang

Morning: If the weather is clear, wake up early for a spectacular sunrise over the lake. Take a traditional Mosuo “Pig-Trough Boat” to the islands.

Afternoon: Return to Lijiang. The evening is free for you to explore.

Tip: Confirm your return transport time in advance.

Day 7: Lijiang – Shangri-La (Napahai Lake – Dukezong Old Town)

Transport: A 4-hour drive by private car or bus. You’ll pass Tiger Leaping Gorge (stop if open) and Yi ethnic villages.

Napahai Lake: A beautiful combination of wetlands, grassland, and mountains. You can horseback ride or take a car (private car approx. 500-1000 RMB / $70-140).

Dukezong Old Town: Visit the world’s largest prayer wheel. The view at dusk is magnificent.

Altitude Sickness Alert: Shangri-La is at 3,300 meters. Avoid strenuous activity. Have oxygen and warm clothes ready.

Food: Try local specialties like matsutake chicken hotpot, yak meat dishes, and butter tea (sip slowly, don’t drink it all at once).

Day 8: Shangri-La – Pudacuo – Songzanlin Monastery – Lijiang

Pudacuo National Park:

The altitude is high (3,500-4,200 m). It’s cold; you can rent winter coats and oxygen.

Currently, only the Shudu Lake section is open. Plan for a 3-4 hour visit.

Songzanlin Monastery: The largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, often called “Little Potala Palace.”

Return to Lijiang: Take an evening bus or car back to Lijiang, a key transit point on your 10 Days in Yunnan route.

Tip: Wear anti-slip shoes for walking in Pudacuo. Observe temple etiquette at Songzanlin; no photos inside halls.

Day 9: Lijiang – Kunming

Transport: Take a high-speed train or flight back to Kunming. Book tickets in advance.

Free Time: Explore Kunming’s old streets or buy souvenirs like rose-petal pastries and Pu’er tea.

Day 10: Kunming – Departure

Head to Kunming Changshui Airport for your flight home, concluding your amazing 10 Days in Yunnan.

General Tips for Your 10-Day Yunnan Trip

Transport:

Attractions are spread out. Use high-speed trains or private cars for long distances. Use ride-hailing apps in cities.

Renting a car can be economical for groups, especially around Dali and Shangri-La.

Accommodation:

Kunming: Near Green Lake or Nanping Street.

Dali: Ancient Town or Shuanglang.

Lijiang: Outskirts of the Old Town.

Lugu Lake: Lige Peninsula or Da Luoshui.

Altitude & Climate:

Sun protection is crucial! Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.

The climate in Shangri-La and Lijiang is dry. Pack moisturizer and lip balm.

Nights can be cold, even in summer. Bring a warm jacket.

Booking & Avoiding Scams:

Book tickets for popular spots like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Pudacuo National Park online in advance.

Steer clear of suspiciously cheap tours. Opt for independent travel or vetted local guides.

Cultural Respect:

Don’t be loud inside Tibetan temples.

Sip butter tea slowly instead of drinking it all at once.

Conclusion

This carefully planned 10 Days in Yunnan itinerary perfectly blends the province’s most iconic natural scenery and deep cultural experiences. From the convenient transit hub of Kunming to the serene beauty of Erhai Lake, from the unique Mosuo culture of Lugu Lake to the Tibetan plateau secrets of Shangri-La, this 10-day Yunnan tour is ideal for travelers seeking a mix of nature and culture. We hope this guide helps you plan the perfect 10 Days in Yunnan adventure. Stay flexible, keep a relaxed pace, and you are sure to make unforgettable memories on your journey.