7-Day Yunnan Highlights: Kunming, Dali & Lijiang

Day 1 Arrive Kunming

Destination: Kunming
Meals Included: Dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodations: 4-star Wanjinan Hotel Kunming (Muslim friendly hotel)

Your professional Muslim expert tour guide will meet you at the arrival hall of the airport with your private vehicle on standby and assists you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Known as the ‘Spring City’ for its equable climate, Kunming has long been recognized as one of China’s most habitable cities.

Day 2 Transfer to Dali, Dali Old Town

Destination: Dali 
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Dali Nanmen Mosque
Accommodations: 4-star Dali Zhonghefang Hotel

Dive into the tapestry of Yunnan, weaving through time and terrain on a 5-hour odyssey from Kunming to Dali. Dali, once the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms (738 – 1253), served as the political, economic, and cultural center of ancient Yunnan for over 500 years. Following Salat at Dali Nanmen Mosque, immerse yourself in the enduring allure and history of Dali Old Town, nestled between the serene Erhai Lake and the majestic Cangshan Mountains. Wander in the old town, taking in the city gates, ancient towers, old streets, temples, museums, and shops. The cobbled streets of Dali Old Town echo stories of bygone dynasties, while the vibrant Bai architecture offers a glimpse into the present.

Day 3 Dali, Xizhou Old Town, Transfer to Lijiang, Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang Old Town

Destinations: Dali, Lijiang
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants.
Salat Prayer: Lijiang Mosque
Accommodations: 4-star Bestli Hotel Lijiang (Muslim friendly hotel)

Morning visit to the historic town of Xizhou, once a bustling hub on the Tea Horse Road. Delve into the unique Bai architecture of Xizhou, marked by intricate gateways and honeycomb designs. Discover the art of crafting Rushan, a local cheese, from the Bai community. Proceed along the Ancient Tea and Horse Road to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang. Upon reaching, take a leisurely walk around the picturesque Black Dragon Pool. Here, you are greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, its snowy peaks beautifully reflected in the pristine water. Navigate through the narrow lanes and canals that crisscross Lijiang Old Town, known for its ancient cobblestone streets, stone bridges, and canals powered by water wheels adorned with flowers. Ascend the slopes of Lion Hill for a sweeping view of the old town and the surrounding mountains.

Day 4 Lijiang, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Impression Lijiang Show, Blue Moon Valley

Destination: Lijiang
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants. 
Salat Prayer: Lijiang Mosque
Accommodations: 4-star Bestli Hotel Lijiang (Muslim friendly hotel)

Set off on an unforgettable journey to the towering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred haven standing tall at an elevation of 5596 meters, majestically piercing the sky. Begin your adventure with a thrilling cable car ride that takes you to the Glacier Park at an elevation of 4506 meters. From there, challenge yourself with a trek to the elevation of 4680 meters. As you ascend, take in the awe-inspiring vistas of the snow-capped peaks. Next, dive into the local culture with a live performance of ‘Impression Lijiang’. This spectacular show, set against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, is a vibrant display of the region’s traditions and folklore. Wander along the enchanting Blue Moon Valley. Tucked away in the foothills of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, this valley is a hidden gem with its tranquil blue lakes and lush greenery. Salat prayer at Lijiang Mosque. 

Day 5 Transfer to Dali, Muslim Village, Transfer to Kunming

Destinations: Dali, Kunming
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants.
Salat Prayer: local mosque
Accommodations: 4-star Wanjinan Hotel Kunming (Muslim friendly hotel).

Unwind on a scenic land journey back to Kunming. Along the way, make a delightful stop at a charming Muslim Village. The village, once the home of Muslim caravan traders traversing the ancient Tea and Horse Road, unveils a tapestry of fascinating history and vibrant culture. Step into a unique architectural blend where traditional Chinese elements seamlessly embrace Islamic influences. Immerse yourself in Arabic language lessons and join a class alongside local Muslim women at the village mosque Madrasah. Connect with a welcoming Hui Muslim family, sharing tea and engaging in heartfelt conversations about their daily lives and traditions. After Salat prayer at the village mosque, continue the journey to Kunming (approx. 5 hours).

Day 6 Kunming, Stone Forest, Astaxanthin Farm

Destination: Kunming
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants.
Accommodations: 4-star Wanjinan Hotel Kunming (Muslim friendly hotel).

Embark on a scenic drive to the Stone Forest (approx. 80 km, about 1.5 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a geological marvel. Walk through labyrinthine paths flanked by majestic stone pillars, sculpted by millions of years of erosion into shapes that resemble ancient trees, mythical creatures, and even human figures. Let your imagination run wild as you marvel at the sheer scale and majesty of this natural masterpiece. Take a break and delve into the Small Stone Forest. Here, intricate rock formations create a maze-like landscape, perfect for a leisurely stroll and a closer look at the delicate details carved by nature’s hand. Next, visit the world class 80-acre Astaxanthin farm, which employs advanced technology with 100% glass-tube photobioreactors to produce the world’s highest quality algae-based Astaxanthin.

Day 7 Explore Kunming, Depart China 

Destinations: Kunming
Salat Prayer: Yongning Mosque
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants.

Start your day with a visit to Baoshutang Pharmacy, renowned for its production of Chinese herbal cream that addresses various skin ailments such as pain, itching, fungal infections, and wounds. Then, enjoy a relaxed walk through the Dounan Flower Market, the largest flower market in China and Asia, with over 5,000 species of flowers and millions of flowers sold every day. Dubbed the “City of Flowers”, Kunming boasts a stunning variety of floral beauty, thanks to its unique climate that encourages blooms all year round. After lunch, treat yourself to a shopping adventure at the bustling Luosiwan wholesale market. As the day winds down, take in the iconic sight of Kunming, the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archways. Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Kunming at the Nanqiang Night Market before heading to the airport for your mid-night departure flight.