Three generations
My parents loved the courtyards in Dali, and the kids were happiest exploring the lanes in Lijiang. Our guide helped us notice how the buildings changed from one town to the next. We were glad we had time to enjoy both.
Route map
Stops along the way
- Kunming
- Dali
- Lijiang
- Shangri-La
Explore this destination
Begin in Kunming
Use Kunming as the starting point for the journey and agree on how much time to spend there before continuing. Flight or rail arrival, hotel check-in and any first-day visit need to fit the actual arrival time. A relaxed opening can be preferable to adding a long transfer immediately after an overnight flight.
Continue to Dali
The next stage brings a different pace and setting. The program can be shaped around the old town and its surrounding landscape, with the individual visits and walking time selected during planning. The point of a private route is to leave room to look around rather than treat Dali simply as a stop between hotels.
Spend time in Lijiang
Lijiang forms another overnight base in the retained itinerary. Discuss whether you want more time for streets and local culture or a greater emphasis on excursions outside the town. Transfer days and sightseeing days are balanced before the number of nights is fixed.
Travel toward Shangri-La
The final stage reaches a higher-elevation environment. The route, accommodation and daily pace should reflect that change. Your proposal identifies the departure point for the end of the trip, whether you continue elsewhere in China or retrace part of the journey.
Illustrative family tour scenarios
These fictional examples show how families might experience this trip. The families and country labels are illustrative.
Parents with teenagers
The market in Kunming turned out to be our son’s favorite stop. Our guide helped him ask what a few ingredients were and how people cooked with them. By the time we reached Dali, he was pointing out things he recognized.
Planning your visit
We confirm the transport between each base and the attractions included at each stop. Share your interests, available nights and altitude concerns before the itinerary is priced.