Yunnan is home to China's largest number of ethnic minorities, and the Kunming-Dali-Lijiang loop is the classic highland route — 8 unhurried days for travelers who love nature and culture together.
Days 1-2, Kunming: watch seagulls on Dianchi Lake, marvel at the karst formations of the Stone Forest (a UNESCO site), and try crossing-the-bridge noodles.
Days 3-4, Dali: about 2 hours by train. Cycle or drive around Erhai Lake, take the Cangshan cable car above the clouds, and explore the Bai architecture of Dali Old Town and Xizhou.
Days 5-7, Lijiang: about 1.5 hours by train. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site; take the big cable car on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain up to the 4,506 m viewpoint; and catch a Naxi orchestra performance at night.
Day 8, return: Lijiang Sanyi Airport flies direct to most major cities. The plateau sun is strong — bring sunscreen; Lijiang's entrance-policy rules change, so check the latest before you go.
