Travel · Tag
Ethnic Cultures
Tibetan, Naxi, Bai, and other cultures in highland towns and monasteries.
Cities for Ethnic Cultures
Yunnan
Kunming
昆明
Yunnan's main transport hub, with airport and high-speed rail connections across the province.
1-3 daysRecommended
Gateway cityMild weatherStone Forest
Qinghai
Xining
西宁
The usual starting point for the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop.
1-2 daysRecommended
Gateway cityFoodAcclimatization
Yunnan
Dali
大理
From Kunming by high-speed train in about 2-2.5 hours.
2-4 daysRecommended
Old townErhai LakeSlow travel
Qinghai
Ta'er Monastery
塔尔寺
A classic first stop south of Xining.
0.5 dayRecommended
Tibetan BuddhismArchitectureFirst stop
Yunnan
Lijiang
丽江
From Dali by train in about 1.5-2.5 hours, or by flight from major Chinese cities.
2-4 daysRecommended
Old townsJade Dragon Snow MountainNaxi culture
Yunnan
Shangri-La
香格里拉
From Lijiang by road in about 3-4 hours, with rail and flight options depending on schedule.
2-4 daysRecommended
Tibetan cultureMonasteriesHighland scenery