Yunnan: Ethnic Cultures
& Snow Mountains
Suggested Length
7 days
€1423 / $1705 per person
Price From
LIMITED TO 8 GUESTS
Group Size
Whole year
Season
On this journey, we travel to Yunnan, the province with the greatest diversity of ethnic minorities and one of the most geographically varied regions in China.
From Dali to Shangri-La, ending in Lijiang, blends iconic landscapes with intimate cultural moments. You'll cycle beside Erhai Lake, learn traditional Bai tie-dye, and wander through Shaxi Ancient Town in misty mornings and star-filled nights.
Stand before the raw power of Tiger Leaping Gorge, turn the biggest prayer wheels and climb through golden morning mist at Songzanlin Monastery. Witness alpenglow, hike or ride on horseback into the peaks, and paint your own Baisha mural.
Step into the lives of the Bai, Naxi, and Tibetan communities, sharing their everyday rhythms and truly experiencing life beneath the snow mountains.
This journey invites you into the utopia held in the hearts of the Chinese, living within the landscape itself, and embracing the romance of Yunnan’s timeless wind, flowers, snow, and moon.
HIGHLIGHTS of the Journey
Slow Cycling by Erhai Lake
Cycle around Erhai Lake, feeling the gentle breeze and romance of the lake, then relax by the water with a coffee and sweeping lake views.
Handmade Bai Tie-Dye
Experience traditional tie-dye with local Bai women in Xizhou, learning a Chinese intangible cultural heritage craft and taking home a piece of blue dyed by your own hands.
Visit a local Naxi family
Make tofu, fire-pit gatherings, handmade papermaking, local language and dress, and dancing together in a mountain courtyard.
Turning the Wheels of Faith in Shangri-La
Join locals to turn the world’s largest prayer wheels, a massive cylinder that requires dozens of people to move together. Seek the shape of faith in Shangri-La, where belief is woven into everyday life.
Ride a horse to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Travel to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, take in the scenery along the way and experiencing the traditional life of the Tea Horse caravan.
Painting the Baisha Mural
Create your own Baisha mural in an ancient town beneath the snow mountains, and learn about the history of Naxi murals, a tradition regarded as equally significant as the Dunhuang frescoes.
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Arrive in Dali and enjoy a smooth airport transfer to your hotel, where our guide will be waiting to welcome you. In the evening, gather for a warm welcome dinner to meet your travel companions and set the tone for the journey ahead. If time allows, wander through Dali Ancient Town, sampling local flower pastries and street snacks while observing the unhurried rhythms of Bai daily life.
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Today, we'll dive deeper into Bai culture. Step into a women-run tie-dye studio to craft your own hand-dyed keepsake using natural pigments. Cycle along the shores of Erhai Lake, feeling the breeze and sunlight as the water stretches beside you. Explore Xizhou Ancient Town, admire classic Bai architecture, and enjoy a local Bai lunch. By evening, wander through the quiet lanes of Shaxi Ancient Town, once a Tea Horse Road hub, now steeped in calm history.
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Today, the journey takes a dramatic shift as we head deep into the Himalayas and step into the heart of Tibetan culture. Wake early to watch mist drift across Shaxi Ancient Town, then wander its silent lanes before the crowds arrive. Stand beside the thunderous Jinsha River at Tiger Leaping Gorge, where sheer cliffs and roaring water reveal nature at its most raw. Continue to Shangri-La to encounter towering prayer wheels, and end the day in Dukezong Ancient Town, joining locals in evening Guozhuang dance beneath the highland sky.
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Gaze across drifting morning mist toward Songzanlin Monastery, then climb its stone steps to explore the grand halls of Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Travel to Yuhu Village, a hidden stone village nestled beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, known for its timeless beauty and close connection to the surrounding peaks.Visit a Naxi family, hand-make stone-ground tofu, try papermaking, learn Dongba pictographs, and share songs and dances before watching sunset glow on the snow peaks and stars fill the alpine night sky.
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Ride on horseback across the remote backside of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, setting out after sunrise turns Longnv Lake gold. Following little-used caravan routes, you'll experience the mountain from an exclusive perspective, far from tourist trails and crowds, moving through quiet alpine meadows and hidden valleys rarely seen by visitors.
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At the foot of the snow mountains, Baisha Ancient Town preserves its history in a uniquely quiet way, with murals that tell silent stories of the past. Here, you'll paint your own mural by hand, turning your memories into something vivid and lasting.
Later, visit a park beneath the snow peaks to watch Yunnan sunset, then end the journey in Lijiang Old Town, listening to one last folk song and carrying home a heart full of unforgettable memories.
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Enjoy a final cup of tea in the soft Lijiang sunshine as the town slowly wakes. Watch locals practise morning exercises, chat beneath old trees, and begin their day at an unhurried pace, a quiet glimpse into everyday life. At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for your onward flight, concluding the journey with calm memories and a gentle farewell to Yunnan.
Interested in a similar itinerary but want to Travel Privately?
Our Travel Experts are here to craft your perfect tailor-made holiday.
Interested in a similar itinerary but want to do a Self-Guided Tour?
From €140 per person per day, enjoy a seamless, worry-free self-guided journey, supported by our trusted local guides, professional drivers, and access to unique local experiences.
Featured Stays
We’ve hand-selected a range of accommodations to suit different preferences, each offering a distinctive experience deeply connected to the local land and culture.
We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.
Huajian Mansion
Boutique
Shangri-la
Boutique
Yuhu Village
Boutique
Giving Back
Responsible travel at our hearts
We give back by supporting bird conservation efforts across China. Through monthly donations to the "Protect Habitats, Free Flying Wings" Charity program, we contribute directly to the protection of bird habitats. We also commit to reinvesting a portion of the revenue from this journey into ongoing conservation initiatives, helping safeguard birdlife and ensuring that every pair of wings can continue to soar freely.
What’s Included:
Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
All transportation during the trip, including vehicle, fuel, tolls, parking fees, and driver costs
All meals as listed in the itinerary
Dedicated service team throughout the journey
Guide arrangement:
For groups of up to 3 guests, the trip is led by a driver-guide
For groups of 4 guests or more, services include a Chinese-speaking driver and a professional English-speaking guide
Private airport pick-up and drop-off service
All experiences and activities listed in the itinerary
Entrance tickets to all scheduled attractions
One bottle of oxygen per person per day (high-altitude support)
Travel insurance during the trip
What’s Excluded:
International or domestic flights to Chengdu and onward flights departing from Chengdu
Entrance fees to attractions or sites not explicitly listed in the itinerary, including any optional or minor admission tickets
All personal expenses incurred during free time or independent activities
Any items, services, or expenses not specifically listed under “What’s Included”
Group Departure Dates:
11–17 April 2026 — €1,423 / 1,705 USD / 2,152 SGD per person
30 May–5 June 2026 — €1,423 / 1,705 USD / 2,152 SGD per person
4–10 July 2026 — €1,642 / 1,959 USD / 2,483 SGD per person
15–21 August 2026 — €1,642 / 1,959 USD / 2,483 SGD per person
18–24 October 2026 — €1,423 / 1,705 USD / 2,152 SGD per person
19–25 December 2026 — €1,423 / 1,705 USD / 2,152 SGD per person
Group tour with fewer than 8 people. Private tour available upon request.
Send us an inquiry
Begin Your Unique Journey Through China.
FAQ
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Yunnan is one of China’s most culturally and geographically diverse provinces. Here, snow mountains meet tropical forests, ancient caravan towns sit alongside rice terraces, and dozens of ethnic cultures continue to shape daily life. It feels relaxed, colourful, and deeply human — less monumental, more lived-in.
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Classic routes include Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, offering a balance of old towns, mountain scenery, and Tibetan-influenced culture.
Southern Yunnan (such as Xishuangbanna) feels more tropical, while northwestern Yunnan is cooler, higher, and more alpine.
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Absolutely. Yunnan is often considered one of the easiest and most pleasant regions for first-time travellers thanks to its relaxed pace, friendly atmosphere, walkable old towns, and well-developed boutique accommodations.
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Most of Yunnan sits between 1,500–3,300 meters. Dali and Lijiang are generally well tolerated. Shangri-La is higher, and some travellers may feel mild altitude effects. We design itineraries with gradual ascent and rest time to minimise discomfort.
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The best seasons are March–June and September–November, with mild temperatures and clear skies.
July–August is greener but rainier. Winter is dry and sunny, especially in Dali and Lijiang, with fewer crowds.
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Most experiences involve easy walks, old-town strolling, lakeside paths, and scenic viewpoints. Hiking is optional and always adjustable. Yunnan suits travellers who prefer a slower, more immersive rhythm.
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Yunnan is famous for its boutique hotels, courtyard guesthouses, and design-led mountain lodges. Comfort is generally high, with strong emphasis on atmosphere, views, and local character rather than large chain hotels.
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Yunnan cuisine is fresh, diverse, and light, featuring wild mushrooms, rice noodles, herbs, flowers, and ethnic flavours. Meals are usually not spicy and very approachable for international travellers.
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Yes. Yunnan shines in everyday culture, morning markets, village life, tea drinking, local music, slow afternoons, and conversations with hosts. It’s less about ticking landmarks and more about atmosphere and connection.
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Yunnan has a gentle, unhurried, and deeply grounding atmosphere. Days unfold slowly here — mornings in old towns, afternoons by lakes or in mountain cafés, evenings filled with soft music and warm lights. It’s a place where travellers naturally slow down, breathe deeper, and feel more connected to both nature and everyday life.
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