From the lakeside charm of Dali to Lijiang’s mountain scenery and Shangri-La’s highlands, browse 20 experiences—including five extra family-friendly ideas in Dali.
We share the ideas. Trip.com or the individual activity provider handles your booking.
Five favorite sights and cultural outings, plus five extra ideas for families. Choose a relaxed day or plan something more adventurous.
01Mountain sceneryRide up into the Cangshan mountains for a different perspective on Dali. A lovely choice for a clear-weather day.
The ticket page will show the specific cableway and available options.
Check prices & availability ↗
02History & cultureExplore one of Dali’s best-known landmarks: three historic pagodas and the surrounding temple grounds.
A good cultural stop to pair with time in the Old Town.
Check prices & availability ↗
03On the waterEnjoy Erhai from the water, with open views of the lake and mountains. An easygoing option for a scenic afternoon.
Cruise routes and departure points depend on the selected ticket.
Check prices & availability ↗
04Convenient day outSee more of the lakeside area without having to organize each transfer yourself. Particularly appealing for a first visit.
See the listing for the day’s route, pickup arrangement and guide language.
Check prices & availability ↗
05Hands-on local cultureTry the distinctive Bai tradition of tie-dye, and make something to take home from your time in Dali.
A fun change of pace between sightseeing stops.
Check prices & availability ↗These five extra ideas work well for families, multigenerational trips or anyone who wants more variety than a standard sightseeing route.
06Scenic family outingA gentle miniature-train experience near Xizhou with countryside scenery. A fun change of pace for families and anyone who enjoys a slower outing.
Check operating days and seasonal scenery on the booking page.
Check prices & availability ↗07Play & adventureAdd a little excitement to your Dali itinerary with a dedicated luge-themed attraction. A good choice for active families looking for something different.
Look at the provider’s age, height and safety requirements before booking.
Check prices & availability ↗08Nature & gardensVisit the well-known Butterfly Spring scenic area for a leisurely cultural and nature stop that pairs nicely with a northern-Erhai day.
Seasonal butterfly sightings are not guaranteed.
Check prices & availability ↗
09Hands-on food activityTry making Yunnan-style flower cakes for a memorable local activity and a treat to enjoy afterward.
Use the booking page for location, duration and participation details.
Check prices & availability ↗10Indoor family optionAn aquarium-style attraction that can add variety to a family itinerary, especially when you want a change from lakeside and mountain sightseeing.
Check current exhibitions, admission types and opening details on Trip.com.
Check prices & availability ↗Choose a scenic mountain outing, a dramatic day trip, a cultural show or a hands-on cooking class. These ideas pair beautifully with a stay in Lijiang Old Town.
01Mountain panoramaHead into the dramatic mountains north of Lijiang for sweeping alpine scenery and spectacular snow-capped peaks.
This is a high-altitude destination; the booking page explains which scenic areas and transport options are included.
Check prices & availability ↗02Full-day scenic tourCombine snow-mountain scenery, the vivid waters of Blue Moon Valley and an open-air cultural performance in one organized day.
This overlaps with the mountain-only option above: choose one or the other based on your interests.
Check prices & availability ↗
03Dramatic landscapesTravel beyond Lijiang for deep river gorges, mountain viewpoints and varied scenery along the route toward Shangri-La.
Tour routes and return or drop-off destinations can vary by booking option.
Check prices & availability ↗
04Food & local cultureExplore a local market, learn about Naxi ingredients, and make three traditional dishes in a hands-on cooking class.
A relaxed alternative to sightseeing, and a chance to learn through cooking.
Check prices & availability ↗
05Live cultural entertainmentEnjoy theatrical performances inspired by Lijiang’s history and the cultures of northwest Yunnan.
The park offers different performances; check your chosen ticket for the included show and time.
Check prices & availability ↗Discover an iconic monastery, tranquil nature, dramatic gorges and distinctive mountain landscapes. Choose a gentle outing or make a full day of it.
01Monastery & cultureVisit the striking monastery complex overlooking the Shangri-La area and discover one of the region’s best-known cultural landmarks.
See the booking page for ticket options and any transport included.
Check prices & availability ↗
02Lakes & natureEnjoy highland forests, lakes and sweeping mountain landscapes in one of the area’s signature nature destinations.
Walking routes and accessible sections depend on current park arrangements.
Check prices & availability ↗03Organized scenic dayAn organized outing combining dramatic gorge scenery with scenic stops around Napahai and colorful prayer flags.
Review the listed meeting point and return route to see whether it fits your travel plans.
Check prices & availability ↗
04Unusual landscapesDiscover the layered white mineral terraces of Baishuitai, a distinctive landscape with cultural significance to the Naxi people.
This site is outside Shangri-La town, so allow a substantial part of the day for travel.
Check prices & availability ↗05Gorges & mountainsExplore dramatic mountain-and-gorge scenery, with impressive highland views and a memorable sense of scale.
Allow time for the journey; see the listing for what transport and admission are included.
Check prices & availability ↗Photographs give a sense of the destination; individual activities may look different from the images shown.
We are curating experiences in Kunming. Explore the destination guide in the meantime.
Our paid guides bring together practical daily routes, transportation tips and food ideas across Yunnan, so planning the rest of your days feels easier.
Browse our Classic, Elevated and Luxury hotel picks in Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La.
