Yunnan itinerary

Question

I am planning a 14 day trip in the Yunnan province of China. I'll be arriving in Kunming at around 6pm (27may) and leaving China at around 7pm (11june). I plan to use the first and last day of my trip to walk around the city of Kunming, therefore I still have 14 days for me to explore the province. I am a chinese speaker so I can use baidu maps with ease and language wouldn't be a problem for me.

My plan is to travel up north from Kunming, to Dali, then to Lijiang, and finally to Shangri-la. However, I am unsure if its better for me to buy a domestic flight back to Kunming from shangri-la or travel via public transport.

If it is better and feasible to travel back to Kunming via public transport, is it recommended that I stop by Panzhihua to have a look? or it is too ambitious?

Lastly, I am interested in Shaxizhen, near Lijiang, shoul I also visit that?

Would be glad if you can share your experiences and opinions with me!

Answer

Your 14-day plan for Yunnan from Kunming to Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-la is very feasible, especially since you are a Chinese speaker and can navigate with ease. Here is a detailed breakdown and advice for your trip.

Kunming (Arrival and Departure Days)

Arrival evening: Explore Kunming’s Green Lake Park area, local street food, and try the night markets.
Departure evening: If time allows, visit the Flower and Bird Market or walk along the Cuihu area for a relaxed morning before heading to the airport.

Kunming to Dali

High-speed trains and buses connect Kunming to Dali efficiently. The train takes around 2.5–3 hours; buses are slightly longer.
Dali is great for exploring the old town, Erhai Lake, and surrounding villages. 3–4 days is ideal for a relaxed pace.

Dali to Lijiang

High-speed trains take roughly 2 hours. Bus options are available but slower.
Lijiang Old Town, Black Dragon Pool, and nearby villages like Baisha are highlights. 3–4 days will allow you to explore comfortably.
Shaxi Town (Shaxizhen) is about 2–3 hours from Lijiang. It is a charming ancient town along the old Tea Horse Road, less touristy than Lijiang. A 1–2 day detour is worthwhile if you enjoy historic towns and a quieter atmosphere.

Lijiang to Shangri-la

Highway buses take about 4 hours. Flights are also available but often not much faster than the bus once you consider airport check-in times.
Shangri-la is ideal for 2–3 days to explore the old town, Songzanlin Monastery, and surrounding Tibetan scenery.

Returning to Kunming from Shangri-la

Domestic flights: Fast and convenient, taking about 1.5 hours. Useful if you prefer to save travel time for sightseeing or want to avoid long bus rides.
Public transport: Bus or train via Lijiang is possible, but will take 8–10 hours, making it a full day of travel. This is feasible if you enjoy scenic drives but may reduce relaxation time.
Panzhihua: Including Panzhihua in your return route is ambitious. It is located far west and would require additional 1–2 days. If your priority is exploring Yunnan, it might be better to skip it.

Recommendation: Use high-speed trains or buses between Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang. Consider visiting Shaxi Town if you like quieter historic towns. Take a domestic flight back from Shangri-la to Kunming to save time. Skip Panzhihua unless you specifically want to explore Sichuan/Yunnan border areas.

With this itinerary, you can balance cultural exploration, scenic spots, and travel efficiency without feeling rushed.