5 Days in Yunnan: The Ultimate Kunming, Dali, Lijiang Itinerary for an Unforgettable Adventure

Embarking on a 5 days in Yunnan trip is a perfect way to experience China’s stunning landscapes and diverse cultures. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Yunnan will amaze you with its breathtaking natural scenery, rich ethnic heritage, and unique local cuisine. This 5-day Yunnan itinerary covers the highlights—Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang—offering a compact yet immersive journey.

Trip Overview

Recommended Route: Kunming → Dali → Lijiang

Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to November for pleasant weather and clear skies.

Key Features: This 5 days in Yunnan route is well-connected by transport and packed with attractions, ideal for first-timers.

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming – Start Your 5 Days in Yunnan

Fly into Kunming Changshui Airport and check into a hotel near Dongfeng Square Subway Station for easy access.

Itinerary:

Green Lake Park: Free entry. From November to March, you can see thousands of red-billed gulls migrating from Siberia. Feed them with bread (avoid snacks).

Huanggong East Street & Duoyue Tower: These are popular photo spots with historic architecture and artistic vibes.

Kunming Old Street: Stroll here in the evening to try local snacks and soak up the city’s relaxed atmosphere.

Food Recommendations:

Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles: A Yunnan classic, costing about 50 CNY ($7) per person.

Steam-Pot Chicken: Tender chicken cooked in a special clay pot, around 80 CNY ($11) per person.

Practical Tips:

Kunming is called the “Spring City” for its mild climate. However, at 1,890 meters altitude, UV rays are strong—always use sunscreen.

If time allows, visit Dounan Flower Market, Asia’s largest wholesale flower market, where flowers are sold by weight.

Day 2: Travel to Dali – Discover Scenic Beauty on Your 5 Days in Yunnan

Take a morning high-speed train from Kunming to Dali (about 2 hours). Stay in Dali Old Town or Xiaguan area.

Itinerary:

Dali Old Town: Explore this 1,200-year-old town to experience Bai ethnic culture.

Erhai Lake: Cycle along the lake from Longkan Wharf. Rent a bike or e-bike for 15-20 CNY ($2-3) per day.

Xingsheng Bridge: Visit at dusk for stunning sunset views over this iconic landmark.

Food Recommendations:

Bai Ethnic Clay Pot Milk Tea: Around 50 CNY ($7) per person.

Bai Three-Course Tea: A cultural tea ceremony symbolizing “bitterness, sweetness, and aftertaste.”

Flower-Based Dishes: Try dishes made with edible flowers, about 70 CNY ($10) per person.

Practical Tips:

Rent bikes inside the wharf area, as outside vehicles aren’t allowed on the Erhai cycling path.

Skip crowded photo spots—scenic views are everywhere along the lake.

Day 3: Cangshan Mountain and Lijiang Old Town – A Highlight of Your 5 Days in Yunnan

Morning:

Cangshan Mountain: Take a cable car (ticket and cable car around 280 CNY / $39) to enjoy panoramic views of Dali and Erhai Lake.

Afternoon to Evening:

Travel by bus or train to Lijiang (about 3 hours). Visit Lijiang Old Town upon arrival.

Itinerary:

Lijiang Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site with free entry (but a maintenance fee may apply). It’s most charming in the evening.

Mu Palace: Ticket 40 CNY ($6). Once the residence of local rulers, it’s known as the “Lijiang Forbidden City.”

Food Recommendations:

Naxi Grilled Fish: About 80 CNY ($11) per person.

Wild Mushroom Hotpot: A Yunnan specialty with fresh fungi.

Practical Tips:

Stay near the old town instead of inside to avoid noise from bars.

Visit before 7 AM for a quiet, crowd-free experience.

Day 4: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley – A Must-Do in Your 5 Days in Yunnan

Full-Day Itinerary:

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Book tickets in advance online (around 480 CNY / $67 for entry and cable car). The cable car reaches 4,506 meters, and you can hike to 4,680 meters.

Blue Moon Valley: Included in the mountain ticket, plus a 20 CNY ($3) shuttle fee. The valley has four lakes with turquoise water due to minerals.

Recommended Route: Start at Shuiyue Pavilion → Jade Liquid Lake → Mirror Lake → Blue Moon Lake → Listening Waves Lake. It takes 2-3 hours.

Evening:

Shuhe Old Town: A quieter alternative to Lijiang, perfect for an evening walk.

Zhongyi Market: Experience local nightlife and snacks, about 70 CNY ($10) per person.

Food Recommendations:

Naxi Barbecue: Around 100 CNY ($14) per person.

Practical Tips:

At high altitude, carry oxygen (buy in Lijiang for cheaper prices), sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Avoid the mountain if traveling with elderly or children; Blue Moon Valley is a great alternative.

Acclimatize slowly to prevent altitude sickness.

Day 5: Lake Lugu Day Trip – A Scenic Finale to Your 5 Days in Yunnan

Hire a car from Lijiang to Lake Lugu (about 4 hours, 200 CNY / $28). This high-altitude lake straddles Yunnan and Sichuan, known as a “fairyland.”

Itinerary:

Jinsha River Eighteen Bends: Stop for photos of the winding mountain road.

Lake Lugu Viewing Platform: Get a bird’s-eye view of the lake.

Lovers’ Beach & Lige Peninsula: Circle the lake for different perspectives.

Pig-Trough Boat Ride: Cost 30-50 CNY ($4-7) at Luoshui Wharf. Visit Liwubi Island.

Food and Activities:

Chicken Hotpot: Lunch, about 75 CNY ($11) per person.

Mosuo Hand-Grabbed Rice: Dinner, around 90 CNY ($13) per person.

Bonfire Party: Join a Mosuo ethnic bonfire for 30 CNY ($4).

Practical Tips:

Lake Lugu is at 2,690 meters altitude. Nights can drop below 0°C—pack warm clothes.

Consider staying overnight (hotels around 400 CNY / $56) for sunrise views.

Negotiate boat prices in advance.

Alternative Itinerary: Shangri-La

If you prefer highland scenery and Tibetan culture, add a 2-day trip from Lijiang to Shangri-La.

Highlights:

Tiger Leaping Gorge: Hike to “Meditation Rock” for dramatic river views.

Napahai Lake: Drive clockwise along the lakeside road for grassland and lake scenery.

Songzanlin Monastery: Golden roofs glow in the sun—great for photos.

Dukezong Old Town: See the world’s largest prayer wheel, illuminated at night.

Practical Tips:

Shangri-La is at 3,300 meters altitude. Avoid bathing on the first day to reduce altitude sickness risk.

The air is dry—bring moisturizer. Wear layers for temperature shifts.

General Tips for Your 5 Days in Yunnan

Transport: Use high-speed trains or flights between cities. For local travel, hire cars or use ride-hailing apps.

Accommodation:

Kunming: Near Dongfeng Square.

Dali: Dali Old Town or Caicun.

Lijiang: Areas around the old town.

Altitude Advice:

Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for strong UV protection.

Moisturize regularly due to dry air.

Dress in layers for temperature changes.

Avoid strenuous activity and drink water to prevent altitude sickness.

Shopping and Costs:

Bargain for souvenirs like silverware or tea.

Recommended gifts: wild mushrooms, flower cakes, Pu’er tea.

Best Experiences:

Don’t over-schedule—relax by Erhai Lake or in an old town café.

Interact with locals to learn about ethnic cultures.

Try non-touristy activities, like Bai tie-dye workshops.

Yunnan is a place to savor slowly. Even with just 5 days in Yunnan, this classic itinerary will show you why so many travelers fall in love with the region. Pack comfortable shoes and a camera to capture unforgettable memories!