10-Day Epic Yunnan Motorcycle Road Trip

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrival in Kunming & Free Leisure Time in the City⌄

   Upon your arrival in Kunming, our pickup service will bring you to downtown Kunming. After checking into your hotel, take a short rest to acclimatize to the high-altitude environment; our team will assist you with setting up internet access and downloading essential apps such as WeChat. Depending on your arrival time, take a walk through central pedestrian areas and experience the city's local atmosphere. Suggested places include Nanping Street and the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archways.

   Overnight: Hotel in downtown Kunming

2. 2Permit Application & Safety Training⌄

   Complete travel insurance and temporary driving permit procedures with assistance from the local team. Attend a motorcycle safety briefing covering Yunnan road conditions, high-altitude riding and emergency procedures. After lunch, collect your motorcycle, complete a vehicle inspection and take a test ride. Visit Dianchi Lake Park if time permits, followed by a welcome dinner.

   Meals: Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and prepare for the day. · Lunch: Enjoy authentic Yunnan cuisine at a local restaurant in Kunming. · Dinner: Enjoy a welcome dinner near Dianchi Lake or in central Kunming, with a departure ceremony for the upcoming ride.

   Overnight: Hotel in downtown Kunming

3. 3Ride from Kunming to Lijiang⌄

   Leave Kunming and ride northbound for around 300 km to Lijiang along the Hangrui and Huashang Expressways. This winding route cuts through highland mountain ranges and deep valleys with steadily climbing elevation. The landscape shifts from vast flat plateaus and farmlands to rolling foothills, mountain basins and quaint ethnic minority hamlets. In the evening, you’ll have free time to wander UNESCO-listed Lijiang Ancient Town. Stroll its cobblestone lanes and iconic sites including Sifang Street and the Giant Waterwheel. Soak in the glow of lit ancient alleyways and immerse yourself in authentic Naxi ethnic culture.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast will be served at the hotel before departure for the long-distance ride to Lijiang. · Lunch: Lunch will be served at a highway service area or a restaurant in a town along the route.

   Overnight: Hotel in or near the Old Town of Lijiang

4. 4Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley⌄

   Visit one of Yunnan’s most famous snow mountains and take the major cableway to an elevation of approximately 4,506 meters. Subject to weather and physical condition, travelers may continue on foot to the viewing platform at approximately 4,680 meters for panoramic mountain views.

   Walk beside the vivid blue lakes formed by snowmelt from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Enjoy views of the turquoise water, surrounding forests and snow-covered peaks, with time for photography.

   Return to Lijiang Old Town in the evening to explore its streets, local shops and nightlife. Travelers may also try local snacks during their free time.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast will be served at the hotel before the excursion to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. · Lunch: Lunch will be served at a restaurant inside the Yulong (Jade Dragon) Snow Mountain scenic area.

   Overnight: Hotel in or near the Old Town of Lijiang

5. 5Ride from Lijiang to Shangri-La⌄

   Visit one of the world’s deepest river gorges and see the Jinsha River rushing between steep mountain slopes. Travelers can walk through the scenic area, view the dramatic gorge landscape and take photographs from designated viewpoints.

   Stop at a roadside viewpoint near Tiger Leaping Gorge for distant views of Haba Snow Mountain, which rises to approximately 5,396 meters.

   Explore the Tibetan-style streets and traditional architecture of Dukezong Ancient Town. Travelers can walk through the old town, visit Guishan Park and enjoy panoramic views, especially during the late afternoon and evening.

   See the approximately 21-meter-high Giant Prayer Wheel and join other visitors in turning it clockwise as part of a traditional blessing ritual.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast will be served at the hotel before the motorcycle ride to Shangri-La. · Lunch: Lunch will be served in Tiger Leaping Gorge Town or at a restaurant along the route.

   Overnight: Hotel in Shangri-La

6. 6Shangri-La Sightseeing⌄

   Visit Yunnan’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, known for its golden rooftops, traditional religious architecture and highland setting. Travelers will walk through the monastery complex while learning about Tibetan Buddhist culture and local customs.

   Explore a high-altitude national park featuring alpine lakes, primeval forests, wetlands and open meadows. Depending on the operating route, travelers may walk along the Shudu Lake boardwalk and visit areas near Bita Lake and Militang alpine pasture.

   As an optional alternative to Pudacuo National Park, travelers can take two cableways up Shika Snow Mountain, passing alpine pasture before reaching the summit viewing area at approximately 4,449.5 meters.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast will be served at the hotel before the day’s sightseeing in Shangri-La. · Lunch: Lunch will be served at a restaurant near Songzanlin Monastery.

   Overnight: Hotel in Shangri-La

7. 7Ride from Shangri-La to Dali⌄

   Enjoy lakeside views of Erhai Lake, Yunnan’s second-largest highland freshwater lake. Depending on the final route, travelers may visit Longkan Wharf, Caicun Wharf or part of the ecological corridor for sightseeing and photography.

   Walk through Dali Ancient City and experience Bai culture and the town’s relaxed atmosphere. Travelers can see landmarks such as Wenxian Tower, Wuhua Tower, the South Gate and Foreigner Street and try local snacks during their free time.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast will be served at the hotel before departure for Dali. · Lunch: Lunch will be served in Jianchuan or at a restaurant in another town along the route.

   Overnight: Hotel in or near Dali Ancient Town

8. 8Cangshan Mountain and Film City⌄

   Take cable cars both up and down Cangshan Mountain. Admire layered mountain vistas and sweeping panoramic outlooks of Erhai Lake throughout your trip.

   Following lunch, explore Tianlong Babu Film City, a filming complex themed after the classic Chinese novel and hit TV series Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. Wander reconstructed palaces, royal mansions and authentic architectural backdrops recreating the ancient Dali Kingdom, Liao Dynasty and Western Xia realm.

   Return to Dali Ancient City in the evening to explore the illuminated streets, local shops and nightlife and sample local snacks.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast will be served at the hotel before the Cangshan Mountain excursion. · Lunch: Lunch will be served at a restaurant in Shuanglang, with the opportunity to try local dishes from the Erhai Lake area.

   Overnight: Hotel in or near Dali Ancient Town

9. 9Return Ride from Dali to Kunming⌄

   After returning to Kunming and checking in, travelers will have free time to rest, shop or explore the city center. In the evening, they will attend a farewell dinner and may experience Kunming’s nightlife.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast will be served at the hotel before the return motorcycle ride to Kunming. · Lunch: Lunch will be served at a highway service area or a restaurant in a town along the route. · Dinner: A farewell dinner will be arranged in Kunming, giving travelers an opportunity to share memories from the journey.

   Overnight: Hotel in downtown Kunming.

10. 10Departure from Kunming⌄

    Enjoy breakfast according to your flight schedule. A private transfer will take you from your hotel in downtown Kunming to Kunming Changshui International Airport. International travelers are advised to arrive at the airport approximately three hours before departure.

    Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast will be served at the hotel according to the traveler’s flight departure time.