Mountains and countryside along a Yunnan journey

A PRIVATE YUNNAN JOURNEY

Kunming, Dali, Shaxi & Lijiang

Move from Kunming into the lakeside villages of Dali, slow down on the Ancient Tea Horse Road in Shaxi, and finish beneath the mountains of Lijiang.Start with your dates and preferred pace. No pressure to book.
DURATION6 days / 5 nights
ROUTEKunming → Dali → Shaxi → Lijiang
STYLEPrivate journey
GUIDE PRICEFrom US$523 per person
Fields and mountains near Dali
OUR WAY OF TRAVELLING

Remember how Yunnan felt, not just where you went.

A quiet evening in an old Tea Horse Road town. A conversation inside a traditional tie-dye workshop. A slow breakfast overlooking Erhai Lake.

The best memories are rarely made in a hurry.
A quiet riverside scene in Shaxi
IS THIS YOUR KIND OF JOURNEY?

For travelers who would rather go deeper than go faster.

You’ll probably love it if you value…

Experiences over checklists

Local culture and daily life

A comfortable, unhurried pace

Stories worth bringing home

It may not be for you if you want…

The maximum number of sights

A fast-paced coach tour

The lowest-cost package

A rigid, minute-by-minute schedule

THE MOMENTS THAT STAY WITH YOU

Signature experiences

Not additions made to fill an itinerary—moments chosen to give you more time with a place.

Wake up beside Erhai Lake
01 · EXPERIENCE

Wake up beside Erhai Lake

Leave room for a quiet lakeside morning, changing light and the everyday rhythm of Dali's villages.

Meet Dali's living traditions
02 · EXPERIENCE

Meet Dali's living traditions

Step inside a traditional Bai tie-dye workshop and meet the people keeping the craft alive.

Slow down in Shaxi
03 · EXPERIENCE

Slow down in Shaxi

Stay after the day visitors leave, when the old Tea Horse Road square grows quiet and lanterns begin to glow.

Stand beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
04 · EXPERIENCE

Stand beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

End among Yunnan's high peaks, moving from quiet countryside to dramatic alpine scenery.

YOUR 6 DAYS IN YUNNAN

A rhythm of arrival, discovery and rest.

This is a starting point rather than a rigid package. We can adjust the route around your dates and preferred pace.
Day 1

Kunming to Dali

High-speed train · Private arrival transfer

Begin in Kunming and travel west to Dali. Your local driver meets you on arrival, helps you settle in and gives you time to find your bearings before the journey properly begins.

Day 2

Erhai Lake and a Bai tie-dye workshop

Easy pace · Breakfast included

Enjoy a slower morning beside Erhai Lake, followed by a hands-on visit to a traditional Bai tie-dye workshop and time in the villages around Dali.

Days 3–4

Travel to Shaxi and the Tea Horse Road

Private drive · Two nights in Shaxi

Follow the mountain road to Shaxi. With time to stay rather than pass through, experience the old square after day visitors leave and explore the living heritage of the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

Days 5–6

Lijiang and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Private drive · Mountain scenery · Departure

Continue to Lijiang for old-town life and a day beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, then finish the journey with support for your onward departure.

MAKE THE ROUTE YOURS

More time in Dali—or an extra night in Shaxi?

ASK JOY TO ADJUST THIS ROUTETell us what you would slow down, add or leave out.

PRIVATE TRAVEL, LOCAL SUPPORT

Your journey, with the difficult parts made easier.

Your route remains personal and flexible, while trusted local people handle the logistical details behind it.
01

Private by design

Travel with your own party, never a coach group of strangers.

02

Local people

Experienced drivers and English-speaking guides are arranged where they add real value.

03

No shopping stops

Your time goes to places, people and experiences—not commission-led detours.

04

Clear responsibility

A licensed local travel partner provides the final quote, contract and on-the-ground operation.

Joy Liu, founder of Hidden China Travel
YOUR LOCAL CONNECTION

A Yunnan journey shaped by someone who calls it home.

“Living abroad taught me how different a place feels when you have someone local you can trust.”

Joy Liu was born and raised in Yunnan. She helps you shape the route around what matters to you, then connects you with licensed local partners who arrange and operate the journey.

MEET JOY →
PRICING & TRAVEL STYLES

Choose the comfort level that fits you

Three accommodation levels, with the same private and unhurried foundation.

Essential

From US$523 per person

For travelers who value comfort, authenticity and good value.

  • Comfortable 3-star hotels
  • Private transportation
  • Local experiences
  • Journey support
IDEAL FORFriends · Couples · First-time visitors

Premium

From US$678 per person

For travelers who prefer boutique stays and a more refined experience.

  • Selected 5-star hotels
  • Private transportation
  • Local experiences
  • Journey support
IDEAL FORHoneymooners · Special occasions · Comfort-focused travelers

Prices are shown in USD and are intended as a guide. Final pricing depends on travel dates, group size, hotel availability and any route customizations. Your licensed local travel partner will provide the final proposal and contract.

THE DETAILS

What’s included

Accommodation matched to your selected travel style

Private transportation and local drivers

High-speed train tickets within the itinerary

Listed local experiences

Support before and throughout the journey

GOOD TO KNOW

What’s not included

International and domestic flights not listed

Lunches and dinners

Personal expenses

Optional activities and upgrades

Frequently asked questions

Is this a private tour or a group tour?+

This is a private journey for couples, friends, families and small groups traveling together. You will not join a coach tour with strangers.

Can the itinerary be customized?+

Yes. This route is a starting point, not a rigid package. You can spend longer in Shaxi, add Shangri-La or adjust the pace around your interests.

Is it suitable for first-time visitors to China?+

Yes. The journey combines well-known Yunnan destinations with local experiences while keeping transfers, tickets and language-related logistics easier to manage.

Do I need to speak Chinese?+

No. Local partners experienced in assisting international travelers support the journey, and English-speaking guides can be arranged where appropriate.

What kind of accommodation is included?+

Hotels and guesthouses are matched to your selected travel style, with an emphasis on useful locations, comfort and local character. Specific properties are confirmed in your proposal.

Are meals included?+

Breakfast is included. Lunches and dinners remain flexible so you can choose local restaurants that suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Are there any shopping stops?+

No. There are no mandatory shopping stops, tourist factories or commission-led detours in the itinerary.

Who arranges and operates the journey?+

The journey is quoted, contracted and operated by a licensed local travel partner. Hidden China Travel helps you shape the route and connect with the right local team.

LIKE THIS ROUTE, BUT WANT TO MAKE IT YOURS?

Planning starts with a conversation.

Send Joy your dates, group size and preferred travel pace. We’ll help you decide whether this journey is the right fit.PLAN THIS JOURNEY
PLAN THIS JOURNEY