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🧳✨ 7 Days in Yunnan, China 🇨🇳 | Kunming, Dali, Lijiang & Shangri-La ✨🧳

📍Visited: Early September | Route: SG ✈️ Kunming ➡️ Dali ➡️ Lijiang ➡️ Shangri-La ➡️ Lijiang ➡️ Kunming ➡️ SG

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Just came back from a 7-day trip across Yunnan, and it was super scenic and culturally rich (boasting more than 20 minority tribes).

We flew from Singapore to Kunming, then took the high-speed train to Dali, where we met our private driver who took us through Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, before looping back to Lijiang and taking the train back to Kunming.

We went with a local private tour package that covered accommodation, attraction tickets, transport, and a dedicated driver — super convenient, but next time I’d totally just go free and easy. There are sooo many beautiful and affordable boutique stays we couldn’t book because the tour had fixed hotels 😩

👉🏼 If you’re up for a bit of planning, this route is very doable on your own. I’d personally book my own hotels next time and just hire a private driver for once we’re in each city!

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🗓️ When to Go

We went in early September, and while the weather was still warm, I’d recommend going in late Sept or early Oct (outside of Golden Week) for cooler temps.

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📍 Highlights

🌆 Kunming (1N at start & end)

We explored the Old Town (Gucheng) and took a half-day trip to the Stone Forest (Shilin) – worth it if you like natural rock formations and a bit of walking.

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🏞️ Dali (2N)

Dali was one of the highlights of the trip – breezy lakeside vibes with mountain backdrops and a slower pace.

What we did:

• Explored Dali Ancient Town (great for shopping + cafes)

• 🚴‍♀️ Biked along Erhai Lake – tons of photogenic stops

• 🏞️ Went to Tiger Leaping Gorge otw to Shangrila – absolutely stunning scenery

Would have loved more time just to chill here!

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🏯 Lijiang (2N)

Lijiang is known for its cobblestone streets and Naxi architecture.

Highlights:

• Wandered Lijiang Old Town (pretty but touristy) - a UNESCO world heritage site

• Explored Baisha Old Town (白沙古镇) — hands-down my favourite! Think mountain views, peaceful vibes, and the loveliest courtyard cafes 😍

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🏔️ Shangri-La (1N)

Shangri-La was unlike anywhere else — Tibetan influence, high altitude, and wide-open alpine views.

What we did:

• Strolled around Dukezong Old Town – loved the Tibetan-style buildings and prayer flags

• 🏞️ Visited Potatso National Park – lakes, forests, and grazing yaks 🐮

Altitude here is no joke (over 3,000m), so take it slow! Would recommend staying 2 nights instead to slowly enjoy the place.

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🚆 Transport & Tour Notes

• Trains between cities are super efficient and clean

• Having a local driver was very helpful for getting around small towns

• Our tour made things easy but had fixed hotels — next time I’ll 100% book my own stays and just arrange a driver

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💡 Final Thoughts

This Yunnan route is perfect for first-timers — great mix of culture, nature, and food.

Next time I’d:

✔️ Stay longer in Shangrila or Baisha

✔️ Book my own boutique hotels

✔️ Skip some of the touristy spots on the packaged tour

More in-depth posts coming soon on each city:

➡️ What to do vs. what to skip

➡️ Where to stay

➡️ My favourite hidden gems 🌿

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📍Save this post if you’re planning a Yunnan trip

& comment below if you have any questions! 💬👇

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