Stay at Yunnan Secret Realm Homestays, a 7-day family-friendly circular tour.
Traveling with kids in Yunnan? Don’t just visit Lijiang and Dali! This 7-day secret circular route through the Nujiang, Dulongjiang, and Jinshajiang rivers takes your family into a different side of Yunnan. Experience canyons, snow-capped mountains, ancient villages, and hidden gems with fewer crowds, stunning scenery, and no commercialization—immerse yourself in the ultimate northwest Yunnan landscape.
🗺 7-Day Family Circular Itinerary
DAY 1: From all over the country → Dali
Gather in Dali from various locations. Recommended free activities with kids include relaxing and strolling by Erhai Lake, enjoying the views of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, and easily adapting to Yunnan’s climate.
DAY 2: Dali → Liuku → Laomudeng
Along the way, check in at Nujiang Grand Canyon, Zaotanghui Ruins, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and Feilaishi (Flying Rock). Arrive in Laomudeng by evening, enjoy panoramic views of the Nujiang Gorge, tell kids the geological stories of Nujiang, and stay overnight in Laomudeng.
DAY 3: Laomudeng → Dulongjiang
Stop to see the Stone Moon wonder, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Dulongjiang River all the way, arrive at Longyuan Village, take kids to find the Dulong women with facial tattoos, learn about the disappearing ethnic culture, and provide kids with cultural enlightenment. Overnight in Dulongjiang.
DAY 4: Dulongjiang → Bingzhongluo
Morning visit to Pukawang scenery and the U-shaped bend of Nujiang River. In the afternoon, hike the ancient Tea Horse Road section at Wuli Village, walk the primitive cliffside trail with kids, see the ancient village in the morning mist, and immerse in the history of the Tea Horse Road. Overnight in Bingzhongluo.
DAY 5: Bingzhongluo → Feilaisi
Along the way, visit Shimen Pass, Qiunutong Village, the Yunnan-Tibet border marker, and Gongdang Sacred Mountain. Cross the Degong Highway and enjoy the scenery of the Three Parallel Rivers. Arrive at Feilaisi by evening, face the Meili Snow Mountain directly, and stay overnight at Feilaisi.
DAY 6: Feilaisi → Shangri-La
Early morning, watch the spectacular sunrise on Meili Snow Mountain with kids. Along the way, visit the Jinshajiang Great Bend and Napa Lake viewing platform. Arrive at Dukezong Ancient Town by evening, take kids to spin the world’s largest prayer wheel, and stay overnight in Shangri-La.
DAY 7: Shangri-La → Lijiang
Morning visit to China’s “Cotton Castle” Baishuitai to see the stunning travertine pools. In the afternoon, visit Tiger Leaping Gorge to witness the mighty Jinshajiang River. Then arrive in Lijiang, concluding a perfect journey.
📍Must-visit secret highlights for families
🌊 Nujiang Grand Canyon: Wilder than the Colorado River, with emerald-green waters, perfect for immersive geography lessons for kids.
🏚 Zhiziluo: A small town lost in time, where kids can feel the traces of old architecture.
👵 Dulongjiang: Learn about the Dulong women’s facial tattoo culture and appreciate the precious ethnic heritage.
🚶 Tea Horse Road Hiking: Easy light hiking suitable for children, experiencing deep historical roots.
💧 Baishuitai: No need to go to Turkey to see stunning travertine pools, fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, perfect for amazing family photos.
Accommodation
🏨 Dali Jinfa Hotel
A high-end hotel on the south shore of Erhai Lake, facing Erhai and Cangshan Mountain, with complete family room options and excellent facilities, very convenient for transfers and travel.
🏨 Hotel Bingzhongluo
Located in the heart of Bingzhongluo, facing Nujiang Gorge, spacious family rooms, full surrounding facilities, very convenient for travel and sightseeing.
🏨 Meili Snow Mountain Jixia Mountain Hotel
A top luxury scenic hotel next to Feilaisi, facing the main peak of Meili Snow Mountain, where you can watch the sunrise on the mountain right from your bed, with complete family facilities.
🏨 Diqing Moonlight City Indigo Hotel
A high-end hotel inside Dukezong Ancient Town, blending Tibetan style with modern aesthetics, overlooking the entire ancient town, with full family room options.