A curated escape blending heritage boutique stays, ancient rituals, and pristine natural wonders. Savor the fusion of cultures and cuisines along the ancient trade routes of Dali, Tengchong, and Mangshi.
Kunming 2 nights → Dali 4 nights → Tengchong 4 nights → Mangshi 2 nights
Heritage boutique stays: Bai courtyards in Xizhou and Shaxi, Heshun townhouses, riverside retreats in Mangshi
Ancient rituals: Temple bell walks, incense moments, tea meditation, roasted tea around old towers
Pristine nature: Erhai lakeside paths, Cang Mountain temples, Gaoligong forest, wetlands and volcano fields, tropical palms
Trade‑route flavors: Caravan market day in Shaxi, Yunnan mushroom dishes, rice‑noodle craft, border‑influenced street foo
Day 1 — Arrive Kunming: Winter blossoms, markets, lake mood
Arrive and settle near Dianchi or central park districts
Stroll avenues with winter cherry blossoms and neighborhood parks
Local markets for seasonal fruit and Yunnan snack
Day 2 — Dianchi Seagulls & Xishan Longmen
Morning with winter seagulls along Dianchi’s promenades
Xishan Longmen walkway for panoramic views of lake and city
Easy afternoon: lakeside bookstores, tea, and photo hour
Day 3 — Dali: Erhai & Xizhou craft heritage
Transfer Kunming → Dali (high‑speed rail or flight). Check in to a Bai‑style courtyard in Xizhou or by Erhai
Lakeside amble or gentle bike between villages on Erhai
Hands‑on tie‑dye workshop in a historic Bai courtyard in Zhoucheng
Day 4 — Cang Mountain temples & Jizhaoan vegan tasting
Morning quiet at Jizhaoan, a secluded nunnery with serene grounds and vegan tastings
Cable car up Cang Mountain to visit temples and take in Erhai panoramas
Golden‑hour stroll on Fengyang Ancient Road among traditional stonework and local life
Day 5 — Shaxi: Sunrise, caravan market, horseback trek
Private sunrise balcony at Sideng Square for coffee and photos before crowds
Insider Friday Market experience with Yi and Bai traders
Horseback ride on the Ancient Tea Horse Road to a secluded picnic spot
Day 6 — Shaxi slow day: courtyard living, tea, and countryside walk
Late morning courtyard breakfast and unhurried town ramble
Optional Jiama (rubbing) workshop with a local artisan
Short countryside walk to fields and riverside, afternoon tea in a quiet nook
Day 7 — Tengchong arrival & Rehai Hot Spring forest
Fly or drive to Tengchong; check in to hot‑spring resort or Heshun townhouse
Rehai Hot Spring Scenic Area: forest boardwalks, fumaroles, turquoise pools
Optional private soak before dinner
Day 8 — Heshun Ancient Town linger
Coffee then cobblestone wander: Library, Museum of Overseas Chinese, tea house overlooking paddies
Sunset viewpoint over tiled roofs and fields
Day 9 — Volcano field & Beihai Wetland
Morning: Tengchong Volcano Geothermal National Park for crater rims and lava terrain
Optional hot‑air balloon for aerial views (weather‑dependent)
Afternoon: Beihai Wetland bamboo boat across floating mats; birdwatching
Day 10 — Gaoligong Mountain hike
Guided nature day in Gaoligong
Choose distance: 7 km easy, 12 km classic, or 16 km extended
Forest waterfalls, butterflies, birds; frequent photo and tea stops
Day 11 — Mangshi: Golden pagodas & tropical markets
Transfer to Mangshi; slow coffee and orientation among palms
Menghuan Golden Pagoda and Silver Pagoda: barefoot temple strolls, bell chimes, skyline views
Tropical market browsing and easy street‑food supper
Day 12 — Dai village rhythms, sunset stillness, depart
Easy morning in a Dai village: bamboo weaving demo and tea on a shaded terrace
Midday siesta or palm‑lined lane walk
Golden‑hour return to hilltop pagoda or riverside viewpoint before departure
Hotel Selection
Culinary & ritual notes
Trade‑route table: wild mushrooms, Erhai fish, rice‑noodle craftsmanship, border spices
Tea moments: courtyard tastings in Dali and Shaxi, meditative pours in Heshun
Gentle practice: optional 20–30 minute tea meditation or mobility session on Days 6, 8, or 12
Practical details
Logistics: Private vehicle most days for flexibility; rail or short flights between hubs
Gear: Light layers, slip‑on shoes for temples, swimsuit for hot springs, sun hat
Etiquette: Shoulders and knees covered at temples; move quietly around worshippers
Guide options: English‑ or Chinese‑speaking guides available for cultural days and hikes
Soulful Side of Yunnan
10 - 14 days
From $3,600 pp / twin share
This is a sample plan. We customise every activity to suit your needs.
