Family Itinerary with Kids

Question

Hi all! My kids are age 5 and 9. We love outdoors, nature, adventurous activities such zipline, ATV, hiking. We are hoping to do not too touristy things and constantly keep the kids occupied with outdoor activities. We looking at travelling 12 days (last week of Nov to first week of Dec) in Yunnan (Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Shangrila - Xishuangbanna) and will love your feedback. We are hoping to do a night camping. We doesn't like to be in crowded place thus wondering if we should travel the usual NW of Yunnan or South of Yunnan.

Day 1 - Fly into Kunming and stay overnight

Day 2 - Train to Dali - Nanzhao Island, Little Putuo

Day 3 - Dali - Era Lake cycling

Day 4 - Lijiang - Jade dragon snow mountain / blue moon valley

Day 5 - Lijiang - Land of Wilderness

Day 6 - Shangrila

Day 7 - flight to Xishuangbanna

Day 8 - Xisuangbanna

Day 9 - Xishuangbanna - Dao Eco Park, Sino Botanical Garden

Day 10 - Xishuangbanna - Mangang Village , Mount Jinuo

Day 11 - Train to Kunming

Day 12 - Home sweet home

Feel free to share any feedbacks!

Answer

Hello! Your planned 12-day Yunnan itinerary looks exciting and well-paced for a family with young kids, especially given your interest in outdoor and adventure activities. Here is a detailed review and suggestions to optimize your trip, keeping your preference for less crowded areas in mind.

General Advice:

Northwest Yunnan (Dali, Lijiang, Shangrila) is more mountainous, cultural, and less tropical, offering stunning scenery with lakes, mountains, and Tibetan culture. However, some popular spots like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can get crowded.
Southern Yunnan (Xishuangbanna) is tropical, with rainforests, ethnic minority villages, and exotic wildlife. It is less crowded outside of public holidays and offers excellent outdoor activities for kids.
Travel in late November to early December is generally dry and cool in the north, and warm and pleasant in the south, which is good for outdoor adventures and camping.

Day-by-Day Feedback:

Day 1 – Kunming: Overnight in Kunming is fine. Consider visiting Green Lake Park or the Flower and Bird Market for a relaxing start.
Day 2 – Dali: Nanzhao Island and Little Putuo are scenic and kid-friendly. Renting bicycles or e-bikes around Erhai Lake can be fun, but make sure your kids are comfortable with cycling long distances.
Day 3 – Dali: Cycling around Erhai Lake is a great outdoor activity. Keep the route short for the kids and plan for plenty of rest stops and snacks. You may also explore smaller villages along the lake for less crowded experiences.
Day 4 – Lijiang: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley are beautiful but can get busy. Consider going early morning to avoid crowds. Cable car rides can make it manageable for children.
Day 5 – Lijiang: Land of Wilderness is an excellent choice for adventurous activities and hiking with kids. Check in advance for age-appropriate trails and any zipline or ATV experiences available.
Day 6 – Shangrila: Spend the day exploring the old town, Songzanlin Monastery, and nearby natural scenery. If you want a night camping experience, consider a safe, organized campsite in the surrounding mountains.
Day 7 – Flight to Xishuangbanna: Flying is the best option for saving time. Prepare for tropical weather and mosquitoes.
Day 8 – Xishuangbanna: Explore tropical rainforest parks and botanical gardens. Activities like canopy walks or small river excursions are perfect for kids.
Day 9 – Xishuangbanna: Dao Eco Park and Sino Botanical Garden are excellent for learning and interacting with nature. Kids can enjoy walking trails, wildlife spotting, and outdoor play.
Day 10 – Xishuangbanna: Mangang Village and Mount Jinuo offer cultural and nature experiences. Guided village tours can give children insight into local traditions, and short hikes are suitable for their age.
Day 11 – Train to Kunming: Allocate a full day for travel and relax upon arrival. You can optionally visit Kunming’s Stone Forest if the kids still have energy and interest in unique geological formations.
Day 12 – Home: Departure day. Ensure you have ample time for airport transfer and check-in.

Additional Tips:

Night camping can be arranged in Shangrila or Dali. Choose organized campsites with facilities and safety measures suitable for children.
Keep your activities flexible, especially with young kids, to allow rest or alternative options in case of weather changes.
Carry snacks, water, and sun protection for long outdoor activities.
For less touristy experiences, explore small villages and secondary trails rather than the main tourist spots, especially in Lijiang, Dali, and Shangrila.
Consider a local guide for specialized adventure activities (zipline, ATV) to ensure safety and proper equipment for kids.

Summary Recommendation:

Your itinerary balances nature, adventure, and cultural experiences well. Northwest Yunnan is perfect for scenic mountains and Tibetan culture, while Southern Yunnan provides tropical adventures and wildlife encounters. For a family avoiding crowds, prioritize early mornings and lesser-known spots, and organize the night camping in Shangrila or a remote village near Dali or Lijiang.

This plan will keep your kids engaged with outdoor activities, while giving the family a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation.