An 8-day Southwest China loop for a foreign passport holder works as four bases: three nights in Chengdu, one near Leshan/Emei, two in Kunming, and two in Dali (or Lijiang). High-speed rail stitches the region together, and each city has licensed hotels that register foreigners — but mountain and old-town inns vary, so confirm the licence each time you book.
The shape of the loop
Southwest China is huge, yet the Chengdu–Kunming–Dali spine is train-friendly. You avoid backtracking by flying into Chengdu and out of Kunming (or vice versa), or by returning to Chengdu. Sleeping in four bases means you are never doing a brutal same-day transfer; each move is a half-day train at most.
Every hotel must register foreign guests with public security. Big city hotels do it smoothly; small mountain lodges and some old-town inns may not be licensed for foreign passports. Confirm before paying — see can foreigners stay in Chinese hotels.
Day 1 — Arrive Chengdu, central base
Fly into Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) or Shuangliu (CTU). Settle in a hotel in Jinjiang or Qingyang (near the river or the Wide and Narrow Alleys). Evening hotpot and a walk. Sleep in Chengdu for three nights.
Day 2 — Chengdu pandas and lanes
Morning at the panda base (book ahead, go early), afternoon at the Wide and Narrow Alleys and Jinli. Sleep in Chengdu. For area picks, see best area to stay in Chengdu.
Day 3 — Leshan or Emei day trip
Train or driver to Leshan for the Giant Buddha, or to Emei Shan for the mountain. Return to Chengdu for the night — keep your base.
Day 4 — Train to Kunming, change base
High-speed train Chengdu–Kunming (~5–6 hours). Check in to a Kunming hotel near the center or the station. Registration resets; show your passport. Evening at Green Lake.
Day 5 — Kunming sights, then rest
Stone Forest is a popular day trip; or keep it urban with the Botanical Garden and temples. Sleep in Kunming.
Day 6 — Train to Dali, change base
Train Kunming–Dali (~2 hours). Check in to a Dali hotel on the Old Town or Erhai shore. Sleep in Dali for two nights.
Day 7 — Dali countryside
Three Pagodas, Xizhou, and an Erhai bike ride. Sleep in Dali.
Day 8 — Depart or extend to Lijiang
Fly out from Dali or train to Lijiang and onward. Eight nights, four bases.
Night-by-night base plan
| Night | Base area | Why here | Transfer note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chengdu (Jinjiang/Qingyang) | City hub | Metro/taxi from TFU/CTU |
| 2 | Same Chengdu base | Pandas, alleys | On foot or metro |
| 3 | Same Chengdu base | Leshan/Emei day | Train or driver, return |
| 4 | Kunming (center/station) | Rail gateway | HSR Chengdu–Kunming |
| 5 | Same Kunming base | City or Stone Forest | Driver, return |
| 6 | Dali (Old Town/Erhai) | Lake base | HSR Kunming–Dali |
| 7 | Same Dali base | Countryside | E-bike or taxi |
| 8 | Same Dali base | Depart or extend | Flight or HSR to Lijiang |
Choosing each base
Chengdu’s Jinjiang and Qingyang districts hold the most foreigner-licensed hotels and the best Metro access. Kunming’s center near the lake is calm and central. Dali’s Old Town is lively; the Erhai shore is quiet. Match the base to your energy — busy town or calm water.
Payment and booking notes
Chengdu and Kunming international hotels take foreign cards; Dali boutiques often prefer cash or Alipay. Book Dali ahead in peak season. For area detail, read best area to stay in Chengdu, which lists the districts that reliably accept foreign passports.
Frequently asked questions
Is eight days enough for Southwest China?
For Chengdu–Kunming–Dali, yes, with no rushing. Add Lijiang or Shangri-La only if you drop something else.
Can I do it by train only?
Mostly. The Chengdu–Kunming and Kunming–Dali legs are high-speed. A few mountain sights need a driver.
Do Dali inns take foreigners?
Licensed ones do; many small ones don’t. Confirm, or book a known chain inside the town.
Will my card work in Kunming?
At international hotels, yes. At smaller places, often no. Carry cash.
Is the altitude a problem?
Dali and Kunming are moderate; nothing like Tibet. Hydrate and take it easy the first day.
Should I fly in and out of different cities?
Yes — open-jaw tickets (Chengdu in, Kunming out) save a return train. Compare on best OTA for foreigners.
When is best to visit?
Spring and autumn are ideal. Summer is rainy; winter is dry and cool but sunny in Yunnan.
