Snow-covered mountain peaks beneath a clear blue sky in Yunnan

THE ESSENCE OF YUNNAN

8-Day Bespoke Yunnan Private Journey

A reference route through Erhai Lake, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri-La. We tailor the final itinerary to your interests, pace and dates.From US$799 per person for the complete 8 days
  • Tailor-made to your pace and interests
  • Private party · no shopping stops
  • 20% deposit refundable under written booking terms
Prefer email? Get My Trip Plan →From US$799 per person for the complete 8 days, based on two adults sharing a room. Final pricing depends on dates, hotels and party size; other lunches and dinners are not included.

At a glance.

  • 8 days / 7 nights

    • Kunming → Dali → Lijiang → Shangri-La → Kunming
  • Your journey

    • Private party
    • Driver-guide
    • No shopping stops
  • Meals

    • Hotel breakfast generally included
    • Other lunches and dinners are not
  • Guide price

    • From US$799 per person
    • Final total depends on dates, party size and hotel selection
Start Planning My Journey →

A PRIVATE PARTY

A private party at the 4,506 m Glacier Park platform on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
4,506 m platform
The same private party at Blue Moon Valley, below Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Blue Moon Valley

At the 4,506 m platform and Blue Moon Valley. These photographs are not tied to a named review.

Why travel with us?

  • Private party

    • Your own driver-guide and vehicle
    • No shopping stops
    • Arranged around your dates
  • Planned with Joy

    • Joy Liu plans from Kunming
    • Joy handles initial planning; Yunnan Meizhen handles the subsequent quotation, contract and local arrangements
    • He was born in Yunnan
  • Licensed agency

    • Yunnan Meizhen International Travel Agency
    • Permit L-YN-1017500
    • The contract and payments are with this agency
  • Guest notes

    • From guests on this journey
    • Your driver-guide is named in writing
    • Read them further down this page

Planned with Joy. Contracted with a licensed Kunming agency.

Joy Liu, travel consultant at Hidden China Travel

You’ll be planning with Joy.

Joy Liu was born in Yunnan and plans from Kunming. Joy handles initial planning; Yunnan Meizhen handles the subsequent quotation, contract and local arrangements.

Meet Joy →

Licensed agency

Yunnan Meizhen International Travel Agency Co., Ltd. (云南美珍国际旅行社有限公司). Permit L-YN-1017500. Office: Room 1915, Floor 19, Building 4, Dadu Motian Shopping Center, Xiaobanqiao Subdistrict, Guandu District, Kunming, Yunnan. The contract and payments are with this agency: 20% after you sign, 80% after your first pickup.

Operator documents →
WHO IT’S FOR

First-time visitors who want Yunnan’s classic lakes, old towns, snow mountains and Shangri-La in one private journey, and can accept a few longer transfer days.

WHEN TO GO

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Shangri-La is high and colder; winter can close some plateau roads and cable cars.

Signature experiences

A journey built around moments, local people and enough time to take them in.

Shuanglang village on a peninsula in Erhai Lake
01

Your own private party

Travel only with the people in your booking, without being combined with unrelated travelers.

The river and steep mountain sides at Tiger Leaping Gorge
02

Private transport

Private vehicles and a driver-guide make the connections between Yunnan’s major destinations easier.

Highland lakes and forest in Pudacuo near Shangri-La
03

Yunnan’s classic route

Experience lakeside towns, historic streets, snow mountains, dramatic gorges and the highlands of Shangri-La in one eight-day journey.

A quiet lane and tiled roofs in Shuhe Ancient Town
04

Practical local support

Receive help with pickups, route coordination, local recommendations and day-to-day travel arrangements.

YOUR 8 DAYS IN YUNNAN

Lakes, old towns, snow mountains and the plateau.

Use this as a starting point, not a fixed package. We will tailor the stops, pace, hotel category and services to your interests, dates and needs. Train times, weather and ticket availability may affect the final order.
Day 1

Arrival in Kunming

Airport pickup · First night in Kunming

Meet the local representative at Kunming airport and transfer by private vehicle to the hotel. No formal sightseeing is scheduled, leaving time to rest and prepare for the journey ahead. If you arrive early, you can walk near the hotel or try Yunnan food at your own pace.

THE DAY Overnight in Kunming. No meals included. Pace: relaxed.

Rooftops in Dali Old Town, with Cangshan behind
Rooftops in Dali Old Town, with Cangshan behind
Day 2

Kunming to Dali: Shuanglang beside Erhai Lake

High-speed train · Private transfer · Lakeside afternoon

After breakfast, take a second-class high-speed train to Dali and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring Shuanglang and Yuji Island beside Erhai Lake. If arrival time and energy allow, continue to Ideal State for lake views; otherwise, save it for a relaxed stop on another day. The final visit order is tailored to your train time and interests.

THE DAY Overnight in Dali. Breakfast included. Transport: high-speed train and private vehicle. Pace: moderate.

Shuanglang on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake
Shuanglang on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake
Day 3

Dali to Lijiang: Old Town, Xizhou and the high-speed train

Bai heritage · Afternoon train to Lijiang

Explore Dali Ancient Town, then visit Xizhou for Bai courtyard architecture and local craft traditions. In the afternoon, take the high-speed train to Lijiang and transfer to your hotel. Longkan Wharf or the Erhai S-Bend can be added if your train time and preferred pace allow.

THE DAY Overnight in Lijiang. Breakfast included. Transport: private vehicle and high-speed train. Pace: moderate.

Historic streets in Dali Ancient Town
Historic streets in Dali Ancient Town
Day 4

Lijiang: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley

Cable car · Full high-altitude day

Spend the day at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley, with the Yunshanping cable car and Impression Lijiang performance arranged when operating and tickets are available. This is a full high-altitude day, so we keep other visits flexible. Shuhe Ancient Town can be added or substituted to match your interests and the day’s conditions.

THE DAY Overnight in Lijiang. Breakfast included. Transport: private vehicle, scenic transport and cable car. Pace: full.

Blue Moon Valley below Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Blue Moon Valley below Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Day 5

Lijiang to Shangri-La via the First Bend and Tiger Leaping Gorge

Mountain road · Longer transfer day

Travel north by private vehicle, stopping at the First Bend of the Yangtze and Tiger Leaping Gorge on the way to Shangri-La. These visits and the mountain drive already make a full day, so Pudacuo is left out of this reference schedule and can be added by extending the trip or changing the pace. Roadside stops depend on weather and road conditions.

THE DAY Overnight in Shangri-La. Breakfast included. Transport: private vehicle. Pace: active.

The river and steep mountain sides at Tiger Leaping Gorge
The river and steep mountain sides at Tiger Leaping Gorge
Day 6

Shangri-La: Songzanlin Monastery, Dukezong and Napa Lake

A full highland day · Second night in Shangri-La

Visit Songzanlin Monastery and Dukezong Ancient Town, with time for a local cultural visit. If conditions and your interests allow, continue to Napa Lake–Yila Grassland, whose scenery changes with the seasons. Horse riding is optional and costs extra. Stay a second night in Shangri-La, so sightseeing is not squeezed around a long transfer. The final stops are personalized to your pace and the season.

THE DAY Overnight in Shangri-La. Breakfast included. Transport: private vehicle. Pace: moderate.

Highland scenery near Shangri-La
Highland scenery near Shangri-La
Day 7

Shangri-La to Kunming by direct high-speed train

Around five hours by train · Hotel transfer in Kunming

Take a direct high-speed train from Shangri-La to Kunming and transfer to your hotel. The rail journey takes around five hours on current schedules; exact times and service availability vary by date. Keep the rest of the day flexible for the train and arrival.

THE DAY Overnight in Kunming. Breakfast included. Transport: high-speed train and private vehicle. Pace: relaxed.

Shangri-La to Kunming by direct high-speed train
Shangri-La to Kunming by direct high-speed train
Day 8

Departure from Kunming

Private airport transfer · End of the journey

Enjoy free time after breakfast before the private transfer to Kunming airport.

THE DAY Breakfast included. Transport: private airport transfer. Pace: relaxed.

Departure from Kunming
Departure from Kunming

TRAVELER STORIES

What Travelers Remember

Notes from guests on this journey. The driver-guide for your dates is the person named in the proposal.

“The private journey was fantastic. We saw beautiful scenery and spent time with ethnic minority cultures. Our driver-guide drove steadily, was kind and patient, and looked after us properly. Yunnan is truly beautiful.”
— Mark & Susan T.Australia
“I finished an 8-day private journey with Hidden China Travel, from Kunming to Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. I felt happy and relaxed every day, and Yunnan itself is stunning. I completely fell in love with it.”
— Peter & Jenny K.Germany

Names may be shortened. Some notes were translated and edited for clarity.

Get a quote for your dates.

After you sign, the deposit is 20%. The other 80% is due after your first pickup.

Start Planning My Journey
  • ✓Personalized itinerary
  • ✓Handpicked hotels
  • ✓Private driver-guide
  • ✓Flexible travel dates

Or send the same details by email.

INCLUDED

What’s included

  • Private vehicle for the listed itinerary, including fuel, tolls and parking

  • High-speed train tickets and Kunming airport pickup and drop-off

  • Seven hotel nights in selected 4–5-star hotels with breakfast; confirmed properties named in the proposal

  • Entrance tickets for attractions listed in the confirmed itinerary, including applicable scenic-area transport and cable cars

  • One dedicated Chinese- or English-speaking driver-guide throughout, included in the quoted price

  • Muslim-friendly arrangements as standard — help finding halal meals and prayer-time reminders

NOT INCLUDED

What’s not included

  • Flights to and from Yunnan

  • Lunches and dinners not listed as included

  • Personal expenses, single-room supplements and hotel upgrades

  • International travel insurance — buy medical and evacuation cover before you travel

  • Optional extras such as the Tibetan dinner and Napa Lake horse riding

The People and Places Behind Your Journey

Every journey is private. Your driver-guide, vehicle, and hotels are selected to match your dates, group size, and travel style.

03 / YOUR HOTELS

Your Hotels Along The Journey

Premium hotels are included throughout the journey. The examples shown here reflect the style and standard you can expect.

Good To Know

Driver-guide service

Choose a Chinese- or English-speaking driver-guide at no extra language charge. One dedicated driver-guide accompanies your group for the full itinerary, handling driving, route coordination and local context. This is not a separate attraction lecturer inside every site. A specialist site guide can be discussed in advance and arranged separately.

Private vehicles

A five- or seven-seat vehicle is arranged according to group size, luggage, the route and vehicle availability. A specific brand or model cannot be requested. Vehicle service is usually from 08:00 to 18:00, with flexibility around the confirmed itinerary. Vehicles may change between destinations or around high-speed train transfers; your assigned driver-guide accompanies your group throughout.

Hotels

Seven hotel nights in selected 4–5-star hotels with breakfast are included: two in Kunming, one in Dali, two in Lijiang and two in Shangri-La. The starting price assumes two adults sharing one twin or double room. Confirmed hotel names, 4–5-star category and room types are listed in the formal quotation. Single occupancy can be requested when you enquire.

High altitude

The journey includes high-altitude destinations around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Shangri-La. Assess your health before booking and tell the travel planner about any medical, mobility or support requirements.

Children

Children’s pricing depends on age, height, whether a bed is required and attraction policy. A child may share an existing bed where the hotel allows it. One adult traveling with one child may still be priced as a full room.

Meals

Apart from the meals listed as included, lunches and dinners are at your own expense. The driver-guide can suggest restaurants according to the day’s route and your preferences.

Itinerary changes

Weather, roads, attraction opening, cable cars, performances and tickets may affect the itinerary. Reasonable changes will be discussed before they are made. Extra transport, tickets or overtime from added or cancelled visits will be explained before the change is made.

Shopping and optional extras

There are no mandatory shopping stops. Activities marked as optional, including the Tibetan-style dinner and Napa Lake horse riding, are entirely voluntary and do not affect the other confirmed services if you skip them.

Is this a private tour or a group tour?

This is a private journey for your own party. You will not be combined with travelers from other bookings.

Does the driver-guide come into the attractions with us?

The driver-guide looks after transport, route coordination and local context. This is not a separate attraction lecturer inside every site. A specialist site guide can be added in your proposal.

How do payment and cancellation work?

After you confirm the written itinerary and travel contract, pay a 20% deposit to Yunnan Meizhen International Travel Agency Co., Ltd. by Alipay, WeChat, or bank transfer. The account name matches the company on the contract. The deposit is refundable. The remaining 80% is due after your first pickup, when the journey starts.

Is travel insurance included?

Your own international medical and evacuation insurance is not included. Buy it before you travel. The agency holds a separate 2026 liability policy with China Pacific Property Insurance, number AKUM0AC10625QAAA1R9T, up to RMB 1.8 million per person for injury the agency is legally responsible for. It applies after your name and passport number are registered. Ask Yunnan Meizhen for the applicable policy details with your written quotation.

Can the itinerary be adjusted?

This is a reference itinerary, not a fixed package. We can redesign the route, visits, pace, hotel category and included services around your dates, interests, mobility and budget. Any price change is shown in the written quotation before you book.

Is US$799 the price per day?

No. US$799 is a reference starting price per person for the complete 8-day journey, based on two adults traveling together and sharing one room. The final quote depends on your dates, group size and hotel preferences. It is not a daily rate.

How are lunch and dinner arranged?

Apart from the meals listed as included, other main meals are your own choice. The driver-guide can suggest local restaurants.

Can you arrange a Muslim-friendly journey?

Yes. It is a standard feature on every private journey, not a special package. Tell Joy at enquiry. Hotel breakfast is generally included and you can choose suitable items or skip it. For lunches and dinners, the driver-guide helps you find a restaurant or takeaway. Prayer-time reminders and a quiet place or mosque can be arranged when the route allows. We do not claim certified-halal hotel kitchens.

When are the hotels and trains confirmed?

Hotel names, room types, train times and the final services are listed in the formal quotation and booking confirmation. Example photographs by city are in the hotels section on this page.

What language is the service in?

Chinese- and English-speaking driver-guide service is included. One dedicated driver-guide serves your group throughout; choose Chinese- or English-speaking service at the same price. Other languages need to be confirmed in advance.

Who provides the contract and operates the trip?

Hidden China Travel is a travel-planning brand founded by Joy Liu. Joy handles initial enquiries and route planning. For Yunnan private journeys, Yunnan Meizhen International Travel Agency Co., Ltd. (云南美珍国际旅行社有限公司) handles subsequent quotations, contracting and on-the-ground arrangements. Confirmed services follow the written proposal and contract.

CDC high-altitude travel guidance ↗Read the full booking and service note →

Your plans don’t have to fit a set itinerary.

A family trip, a slower pace, or more time in a place you love. Let’s shape your Yunnan journey around it.Start Planning My JourneyPrefer email? Get My Trip Plan →A different date or route? Explore tailor-made Yunnan →
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