Yunnan suits a Chinese New Year week because it is mild, scenic and easy to do at a slow pace. The catch is crowds, so you book early, keep each day short and plan meals ahead.
It is a lovely idea to spend the holiday somewhere different, and the family together matters more than the sightseeing. This plan keeps that in focus.
Who is this route for?
It suits Mandarin-speaking families, with grandparents, who want to celebrate away from home. It also suits anyone who prefers comfort over speed. If small children are coming too, Yunnan with kids gives extra pace tips.
When does the holiday fall?
China’s official 2026 Spring Festival holiday ran 15 to 23 February, nine days[1]. Lunar New Year’s Day in 2027 falls on 6 February[2].
As of 19 October 2026 the 2027 mainland holiday schedule had not been found, and it is normally published in early to mid November[3]. Check the official notice before you book flights.
Route at a glance
- Day 1: arrive in Kunming.
- Day 2: rail to Dali.
- Day 3: Dali, Erhai and Old Town.
- Day 4: rail to Lijiang.
- Day 5: Lijiang Old Town, early start.
- Day 6: rail back to Kunming.
- Day 7: fly home.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive in Kunming
Land, check in and rest. Kunming has a mild climate, averaging roughly 9 C in January[4], so a light jacket is enough in the day and warmer clothes at night. Have a simple family dinner near the hotel and book tomorrow’s train in advance.
Day 2: Rail to Dali
Book an early train. Dali has been linked to Kunming by high-speed rail since July 2018, with about one train an hour[5], but holiday trains fill early. Arrive at the station 30 to 40 minutes ahead for bag checks[6].
In the afternoon, take a slow walk by the Old Town walls. Keep dinner early and close to the hotel.
Day 3: Erhai and Old Town
Go to the lake in the morning, before crowds build, and eat a late lunch. Leave the busy Old Town streets for the evening, or skip them if a grandparent is tired. Read the Dali Old Town guide for quieter corners.
Day 4: Rail to Lijiang
Take the morning train and keep the arrival afternoon light. Lijiang’s Old Town sits at 2,400 m[7], so walk slowly and drink water. Lanes can be packed in the evening, so eat before the rush.
Day 5: Lijiang, early start
Go to the Old Town at opening time, when the lanes are calm. Spend the afternoon resting, and return for a gentle evening walk only if the crowd allows. A village stay outside the Old Town is quieter, and the Lijiang Old Town versus Baisha guide compares the two.
Day 6: Rail back to Kunming
Take a morning train, which high-speed rail covers in about 3 to 3.5 hours[8]. Eat dinner in Kunming and pack.
Day 7: Fly home
Leave extra time for the airport, because holiday queues are longer. Book a flight in the afternoon or evening, so the last morning stays calm.
What closes, and what fills?
Check these before you travel.
- Family-run restaurants and small shops, which may close for the first days.
- Hotels, which fill early, so confirm your room by message.
- Rail tickets, which sell out sooner than usual.
- Popular sights, which can use timed or real-name tickets.
Tickets usually go on sale 15 days before departure and cannot be bought earlier[9]. Set a reminder for the first morning, or use Trip.com’s pre-order, which only attempts the purchase when China Railway releases seats[10].
Where to stay
Choose a hotel near the station in Kunming. In Dali, the Old Town is lively at night, while a lakeside base is quieter. In Lijiang, stay at the edge of the Old Town so a taxi can reach your door.
How to adapt it
- Shorter: skip Day 3 and move straight to Lijiang.
- Longer: add a second night in Lijiang.
- Gentler: take taxis between the station and hotel, and keep one slow day.
- Warmer: pack layers, gloves and a hat.
Budget lines
Holiday prices rise, so count flights, rail tickets, hotels, taxis, tickets and meals separately. The budget planner lets you plug in today’s quotes. For other ideas, see the seasons topic hub and test pace with the pace checker.