
Yunnan by air via Beijing — Erhai and Bai culture around Dali (including Shuanglang and “Santorini” viewpoints), Lijiang's Lashi Lake and Shuhe, then overland to Shangri-La through Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Monastery, and Napa Lake before returning to Auckland via Beijing.
Next Departure
10 Sept 2026
Returns 20 September 2026
All departure dates
Dates refer to scheduled group departures — confirm at booking.
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · speak to a real person, no form needed

Yunnan is where I send travellers who want colour and minority culture without altitude extremes everywhere — Lijiang, Dali, and Kunming balanced with driving days that make sense. I tweak seasons in the brief so you are not fighting the rain for nothing.
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Amend dates or travellers at no fee until 60 days before departure.
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Speak to a Kiwi consultant in Auckland — one team, enquiry to return.
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CTS Tours NZ has run Kiwi-led tours from Auckland since 2000 (25 years), backed by China Travel Service (founded 1928) — hotels, guides, transport we run ourselves.
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Make your own way to Auckland Airport and take your international flight to Beijing.
Yunnan by air via Beijing — Erhai and Bai culture around Dali (including Shuanglang and “Santorini” viewpoints), Lijiang's Lashi Lake and Shuhe, then overland to Shangri-La through Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Monastery, and Napa Lake before returning to Auckland via Beijing.
Single supplement: NZD $340
International flights routed Auckland — Beijing — Dali, returning Lijiang — Beijing — Auckland
Dali: Erhai Park, Ideal State “Santorini,” Wenbi Village, and Shuanglang Ancient Town
Optional full-day Haixi-line experience in Dali (extra charge; minimum numbers may apply)
Lijiang: Black Dragon Pool, Lashi Lake wetland, Silk Bedding exhibition, and Shuhe ancient tea-horse town
Road journey to Shangri-La via Tiger Leaping Gorge (incl. elevators); Dukezong Old Town, Guishan Park, and giant prayer wheel
Ganden Sumtseling Monastery (“Little Potala”), Napa Lake wetlands, Highland Barley Avenue
Optional Naxi village & Yuzhu Qingtian scenic day in Lijiang (extra charge; minimum numbers may apply)
Bai, Naxi, and Tibetan cultural landscapes in one journey
Included meals (14)
8
Breakfasts
4
Lunches
2
Dinners
Accommodation (8 nights)
4 carefully selected properties
Sample hotels detailed below — final selection confirmed at booking.
Representative properties for this tour — actual hotels may vary by departure date and are confirmed at booking.
Dali hotel or similar (4-star)
Lijiang hotel or similar (4-star)
Elong Hotel Shangri-La or similar (4-star)
Jixiangyuan Hotel or similar (local 4-star), 11–15 Jiqing Road, Gucheng District, Lijiang — Tel +86 888 5577777
Official guides and destination hubs to help you prepare—visa timing, seasons, and places on this route.
Interested in China Discovery — Colorful Yunnan? We'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Cherie Fairley
21 Jun 2026
“We went on a recent trip to Dali and Lijiang from 19th to 30th May 2026. Well, what amazing places they are. Plus the nearby city of Shangrila. We both had an amazing time walking and exploring with only our phone app to translate, since little or no English was spoken or written. Contrary to what the Lonely Planet guidebook said! Everything worked out well which is why we want to thank Baker at CTS personally for an awesome trip, the trip of a lifetime. If any other tours, guided or unguided come up please let us know. This is Mikes second time holidaying with CTS and we will certainly highly recommend your company to friends. Mike Brooker & Cherie Fairley”
GReview from GoogleMaryam Absh
6 Jul 2026
“The china journey was well‑organized, I actually enjoyed all the moments without worrying about anything. Highly recommend the tour of tale of two cities china”
GReview from GoogleMurray Middendorf
16 Jun 2026
“Just came back from a tour of Xinjiang and a stopover in Xian. We had a fantastic time, the culture and scenery in Xinjiang is stunning and the tour was led by an experienced guide with excellent English. Highly recommended.”
GReview from GoogleGroup departures from New Zealand (dates as published). Contact us to reserve a seat or request a private departure.
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