9-Day Private Yunnan Tour: Weishan, Dali, Shaxi & Lijiang

Leave Kunming and travel west to Weishan. After checking in inside the old town, explore the streets around Gongchen Tower and Xinggong Tower with time to notice the arcades, courtyards and everyday shops between the landmarks.

When opening hours allow, the Nanzhao Museum adds context to the region’s early history. Try local er si or yi gen mian; if your dates align with a suitable local event, a Yi song-and-dance gathering may also be included.

Begin with one traditional making experience selected around your interests and the practitioners available. It might be indigo tie-dye, Jia Ma woodblock printing or the making of a Yunnan tile cat—not every activity compressed into one morning.

Continue to Dali in the afternoon. After checking in, take an introductory walk through Dali Old Town as the busiest daytime period begins to ease.

Travel towards the Gantong Cableway area for a mountain morning shaped by current access. Jizhao An and a gentle section of the Jade Belt Cloud Road can open broad views across Erhai without turning the day into a demanding hike.

Return to the western shore in the afternoon and choose a quieter lakeside area such as Chongyi, Majiuyi or another suitable village. Finish with the changing light over Erhai.

Choose a day led by Erhai’s landscapes or spend more time with Bai culture and living traditions. Both versions are selective, with depth and a comfortable pace taking priority over a rushed full-lake circuit.

Drive north to Shaxi and settle inside the old town. Walk through Sideng Street towards the old theatre stage and Xingjiao Temple, then continue towards Yujin Bridge as the afternoon cools.

Fire-roasted tea may be arranged in the evening. Staying overnight matters: once day traffic eases, the square and lanes settle into a rhythm that a brief visit rarely reveals.

When your stay includes Friday, begin at Shaxi market as families from surrounding villages arrive with vegetables, herbs, cheese and mountain produce. On other dates, the morning can focus on the lanes before they become busy.

One suitable making experience may be arranged, with time left for the Pioneer Bookstore, surrounding fields, tea and independent walking.

Travel to the Lijiang area and use Shuhe or another quieter neighbourhood as your base. Continue to Baisha for old streets, family courtyards and mountain views when the weather is clear.

Arrange one deeper introduction to Naxi tradition—such as Dongba writing, traditional paper or metalwork. Naxi ancient music can be considered when a suitable performance is scheduled.

Travel into Laoyao Mountain with someone familiar with current local conditions. The standard walk is approximately four to six kilometres and takes around three to four hours, moving through forest, pasture and seasonal rhododendrons at elevations approaching 3,400 metres.

When visibility allows, there may be distant views towards Yulong and Haba Snow Mountains. Route, timing and distance change with weather, road access, fitness and altitude response.