Yunnan is the part of China that makes people slow down. Kunming is the easy arrival, Dali is the lake, and Lijiang is the mountain backdrop. The route works because the train legs are short and the bases are long.
Route at a glance
Kunming (2 nights) → Dali (3 nights) → Lijiang (4 nights) → Kunming (1 night)
- Kunming–Dali: about 2–2.5 hours by train.
- Dali–Lijiang: about 1.5–2 hours.
- Lijiang–Kunming: about 3–3.5 hours.
- Check 12306 for current times; station names matter.
Day 1: Arrive in Kunming
Check in near Green Lake or the city centre. Kunming is a gateway, not a checklist city: eat, walk, sleep.
Day 2: Kunming
- Green Lake and the flower market.
- Yunnan Provincial Museum, if it is open on your day.
- Crossing-the-bridge noodles for lunch.
Day 3: Train to Dali
Morning train to Dali. Stay in the old town or near the lake, depending on whether you want walkability or views.
- Walk the old town in the afternoon.
- Dinner away from the busiest squares.
Day 4: Erhai Lake
- Cycle or drive a section of the lake.
- Stop in a village for lunch.
- Return for sunset.
Do not try to circle the entire lake in one day; pick a section and enjoy it.
Day 5: Dali, slowly
Use the day for a market, a temple, or a long café stop. Dali rewards the unplanned afternoon.
Day 6: Train to Lijiang
Morning train to Lijiang. Check in outside the busiest old-town lanes if you want quiet at night.
- Walk the old town in the late afternoon.
- Dinner and an early night; the altitude can take a little adjustment.
Day 7: Lijiang old town
- Old town lanes and the market.
- Black Dragon Pool for the mountain view, if the weather is clear.
- Keep the afternoon light.
Day 8: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Book transport and tickets in advance. Go early, take the cable car if you want the high view, and respect the altitude.
If the mountain is clouded in, swap the day for a village or a museum; the weather decides.
Day 9: Lijiang, slowly
A free day for a village, a walk, or a long lunch. Do not add Shangri-La unless you have another night and want more altitude.
Day 10: Train back to Kunming
Take the train back to Kunming and stay near the station or the airport for an easy departure.
Day 11: Departure
Fly out or continue by train. Leave a buffer for the airport transfer.
Where to stay
Kunming: Green Lake or the centre. Dali: old town for walking, lake villages for views. Lijiang: outside the oldest lanes for quiet, inside for atmosphere.
Booking notes
- Altitude: Lijiang is about 2,400 m and Jade Dragon is much higher. Go slowly, drink water, and skip the summit if you feel unwell.
- Weather: mountain views are not guaranteed; keep a flexible day.
- Trains: passport required; check 12306 and book the Lijiang–Kunming leg early.
- Entry: check the current visa-free rules before booking.
Sources & timing references
Train times and opening hours change. Re-check before booking. Last route review 29 October 2026.
Same shape, different pace.
We can adjust the cities, add a rest day, swap a museum for a food walk, or turn the whole thing into a family-friendly route.