Private Day Tour to Lijiang and Shuhe Old Town from Kunming by Bullet Train 1
Private Day Tour to Lijiang and Shuhe Old Town from Kunming by Bullet Train 2
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Private Day Tour to Lijiang and Shuhe Old Town from Kunming by Bullet Train

(5)
Lijiang, China
Adventure ToursArts & Culture

About this activity

Experience two of Yunnan's most significant cultural landmarks in a single day: UNESCO-listed Lijiang Old Town and the charming Shuhe Ancient Town. Travel by high-speed bullet train from Kunming with a private guide, exploring over 2,000 years of Naxi minority heritage through traditional architecture, narrow lanes, and authentic local life.

Lijiang Old Town is a cultural heritage inscribed on the UNESCO list in Yunnan Province, with its well-preserved city construction and Naxi minority culture. This private day tour will let you travel from Kunming to Lijiang by round-way bullet train, visiting the fantastic Lijiang Old Town and Shuhe Ancient Town with a local guide. Pickup time is 6am from your centrally located Kunming hotel. Please note this is a long day tour.

At 6am, you will be picked up in the hotel lobby of your centrally located Kunming hotel. Then you will be transferred to catch 3-hour bullet train to Lijiang. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the renown Lijiang Old Town, which is inscribed on the UNESCO cultural heritage list with a long history of over 2000 years. It is also a minority Naxi town, with their unique culture. There are old houses, lanes, city gate, and Mu Palace etc. 

A quick lunch is included.

Then you will take a car ride to Shuhe Ancient Town that is about 8km from Lijiang. It is smaller than Lijiang, but it is interesting to view the well-preserved houses, Naxi minority dress, and the layout of the town etc. with a local guide. 

Later, you will be transferred to Lijiang Railway Station to catch the bullet train back to Kunming. Upon arrival, you will be transferred back to your Kunming hotel where the day tour concludes.

Highlights

  • ✓3-hour bullet train journey from Kunming to Lijiang (round-trip included)
  • ✓UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lijiang Old Town with historic city gates and Mu Palace
  • ✓Shuhe Ancient Town – quieter, well-preserved alternative with traditional Naxi houses
  • ✓Private local guide providing cultural context on Naxi minority traditions
  • ✓Lunch included during the tour
  • ✓Hotel pickup/drop-off from central Kunming accommodation

Insider tips

  • ★Shuhe Ancient Town is less crowded than Lijiang – arrive mid-afternoon for fewer tourists and better photography light
  • ★Ask your guide about traditional Naxi clothing and customs; many locals in Shuhe still wear traditional dress daily
  • ★The bullet train offers scenic views of Yunnan's landscape – book a window seat if available

Good to know

  • •This is a full-day commitment (14 hours total); early 6am pickup and evening return required
  • •Wear comfortable walking shoes – both old towns involve exploring uneven cobblestone streets and multiple lanes
  • •Bring sunscreen, hat, and water; high altitude (Lijiang sits at ~2,400m) may cause mild altitude effects
  • •Private tour means personalized pacing, but you'll be with your guide and small group only

Who it's for

Culture and heritage enthusiasts interested in UNESCO sites and minority culturesHistory buffs keen to explore 2,000+ years of Naxi civilizationPhotography-focused travellers seeking authentic architectural and cultural subjectsVisitors based in Kunming wanting an immersive day trip without self-driving

Best time to visit

Visit during spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) for pleasant weather and clear visibility. Early morning arrival in Lijiang allows maximum exploration time before the return train; aim to depart Kunming on morning departures.

Frequently asked questions

From
€436
per person