Overview
Railway travel through the essence parts of central and northwest Yunnan
Kunming – Dali – Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge - Zhongdian
Raised from a fertile plateau amidst the verdant Cangshan Range and alpine Erhai Lake, the train, like a silver dragon, stretches ahead to the foot of snow-capped Jade Snow Dragon Mountain. This is the Dali-Lijiang train! Running since September 2009, the rail track is 164km long starting from Dali at the south and ending at Lijiang in the north, takes about 2.5 hours in between. In the future, the railway network would extend further northwards to Zhongdian and ultimately to Tibet. As the first railroad in northwest Yunnan, it straddles over the multiple ethnic groups areas including Bai, Naxi, Tibetan and Yi ect., and is a significantly fusion of the province’s most celebrated destinations. Meanwhile, it gives more flexible and beneficial option for travelers. Compares the used car driving, the train is more safe, comfort, efficient and cost-effective, while absolutely spares more budget and pace to explore each spots. This tour will get the begins by taking the overnight train to the ancient town of Dali from eternal spring Kunming, board the inter-city train to Yunnan’s gem of Lijiang, move forward to fabled ‘Shangri-La’ via the untamed Tiger Leaping Gorge. You have many opportunities to be closer to the region’s gorgeous aboriginal, variety of botanic and geological wonders. None of the important sights will be missed in this signature trip!
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival Kunming & Overnight Train to Dali (D)
Day 02 Dali Arrival & Sightseeing (B)
Day 03 Train to Lijiang & Leisure in Old Town (B)
Day 04 Lijiang & Around (B)
Day 05 Zhongdian via Tiger Leaping Gorge (B)
Day 06 Zhongdian Sightseeing (B)
Day 07 Zhongdian Departure (B)
Get Inspired
https://plateautours.com/destinations/yunnan/train-tour-of-yunnan-highlights#sigProId19e5b9d81c
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Kunming & Overnight Train to Dali (D)
Upon arrival in Kunming and transferred to hotel. After some rest visit Bamboo Temple, a Buddhist temple established during the Tang Dynasty, displayed exquisite 500 arhats sculptures. Then take a leisurely stroll along the Green Lake, a charming area of teahouses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and paintings. Later free wander the interesting flower market. Dinner will be served as the local flavor mushroom hot pot, one of Yunnan’s characters with infinite varieties. In the night, transfer to the Kunming train station and take the overnight train to Dali.
Day 02: Dali Arrival & Sightseeing (B)
The train arrives at Dali in the early morning. Later explore Dali from attending the fabulous morning market in the nearby Xizhou, witness old lifestyles long-standing among the local people. Complex of age-old Bai private houses is still well-preserved include Yan’s compound. Try local snacks of Xizhou Baba and the fragrant Three-course Tea, a tea drinking ceremony of the Bai minority. Visit Zhoucheng, a village famed for Bai’s Tie-dyeing art. Boating on Erhai Lake, gaze at the cormorant fishing in old ways. Then leisurely walk in Dali old town, step on flagstone streets, look around delicate courtyards, fall in beautiful handcrafts, hang out yourself in bars or tea houses in Foreigner’s Street, take an overlook for Three-pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, visit an interesting Catholic church built in 1927 and framed in typical Bai’s architecture features.
Day 03: Train to Lijiang & Leisure in Old Town (B)
Morning board the train to Lijiang, takes 2.5 hours ride. Rest time sink yourself in old town of Lijiang, famed for its brilliant ancient architectures, unique Dongpa pictographic script, excellent traditional music, and fabulous lifestyles of Naxi people. Explore the town through deep alleys spreading out in all directions, visit the Mu’s Palace, the former residence of the chieftain Mu Clan that ruled Naxi people for over 400 years. As the way up the hill behind it, get a finest bird’s view of panoramic Lijiang old town. Later visit Black Dragon Pond, where offers the best view of the majestic backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Get insight about Naxi Dongba cultures and traditions in Dongba Culture Museum. In evening time, many joyous Naxi square folk dances could watch in central Sifang Street, join them or just take a look.
Day 04: Lijiang & Around (B)
Today out of Lijiang to visit a pristine village of Yuhu (Jade Lake Village), where gains the name due to a nearby turquoise lake. Additionally, it is the ancient home of famed botanist Joseph Rock who lived here decades of earlier 20th century. Horse trek or moderate hike around for pretty countryside views. Next, visit Baisha village and see the ancient murals preserved there, fusion of Chinese Taoist, Tibetan and Naxi Buddhists and Dongba shamans. Another ancient town of Shuhe will also be visited in the late afternoon. Situated at the foot of Jade Snow Dragon Mountain, Shuhe is one of the earliest settlements for Naxi people and is a former staging post on the Tea-Horse trading route.
Day 05: Zhongdian via Tiger Leaping Gorge (B)
Today drive to Zhongdian, known as Shangrila for its natural beauty. On the way, stop at Shigu township for the U-shaped vista of the First Bend of Yangtze River. At town of Qiaotou, visit Tiger Leaping Gorge. Take short hike down to the bottom of the gorge, up-close view the raging Jinshajiang River plunges through sharp, large rocks and crashes down into the river forming swirling whirlpools. As the countryside changes to Tibetan barley fields and villages, Zhongdian is arrived. Free stroll in Gyalthang old town. In the evening around 7pm, there are often street dances at the central square, you can join them and have fun.
Day 06: Zhongdian Sightseeing (B)
Morning visit Gedan Sumtseling Monastery, built by the fifth Dalai Lama during 16th century, it is the most important site in Shangri-la. Later visit Shangri-La Institute sponsored by an international funds for universal education and ecology. Visit school facilities and interesting artworks made by local students. In the afternoon, drive northwest for about 20km for visiting a fascinated village of Nixi, is renowned for its black pottery made at home by village people, dating back some 1,000 years.
Day 07: Zhongdian Departure (B)
Transfer to the airport flying out for Lhasa, Kunming or Chengdu, or extend the trip to overland western Sichuan.
Experiences & Activities
- Overnight train to Dali & new railway to Lijiang, let trip ease & cost-effective
- Step back in time in flagstone streets of ancient Dali old town
- Get lost amongst the ancient and intriguing cobblestone town of Lijiang
- Explore Shangri-la by the hints from Lost Horizon at your own eyesight
- Lose breath for the fabulous, deep, and awe-inspiring Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Experience the unique Bai, Naxi & Tibetan cultures, religions, and lifestyles
