Yunnan Vegan Fine Dining Trip Yunnan Multiple-day Eco Tour

「Tour Information」

Duration：8 days or more

Language：EN

While our tours can always be customized to fit your schedule, we recommend a 7–14 day journey for a truly in-depth Yunnan experience.

「Vegan Fine Dining in Yunnan: A Culinary Journey of Conscious Indulgence」

The vegan scene in Yunnan — and across China — is blossoming, with Kunming and Dali leading the way. These two cities have become vegan-friendly havens, offering everything from cozy local eateries to high-end fine dining experiences that redefine plant-based cuisine.

On this journey, you’ll experience Yunnan’s vibrant vegan culture through thoughtfully curated meals crafted by passionate chefs and food visionaries. Each dish highlights the province’s natural abundance — wild-foraged vegetables, mushrooms, mountain-grown herbs, artisanal tofu, and locally sourced ingredients — transformed into artful expressions of health, sustainability, and creativity.

From tranquil courtyard restaurants in Dali to innovative vegan kitchens in Kunming, this trip celebrates how plant-based dining can be both exquisite and deeply connected to the land.

「Sample 8-Day Trip」

Day 1

Arrive in Kunming

Check in your hotel and free time for leisure before dinner

Dinner - fine dining at a local vegan restaurant in Kunming and a living museum tour(inside the restaurant)

Veganism is on the rise in Yunnan, fueled by growing awareness around health and sustainability. Among the many vegan spots, there’s one fine dining gem in Kunming that truly stands out.

It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a living museum of Chinese culture and relics, where every corner tells a story. The passionate owner pours her heart into both the food and the cultural experience, always eager to share her knowledge.

Day 2

Food forest organic farm tour by Fuxian Lake

Morning — tour a permaculture food forest

Journey to a thriving permaculture farm overlooking the beautiful Fuxian Lake, home to over 100 varieties of herbs, fruits, vegetables, and edible flowers. Take a guided walk through the gardens, meet the growers, and handpick seasonal ingredients straight from the soil. Learn how the farm’s natural ecosystem creates balance, biodiversity, and abundance year-round.

Lunch — outdoor farm-to-table experience

Enjoy a peaceful outdoor lunch surrounded by the fields, with dishes made from the ingredients you helped harvest. Everything on your plate is fresh, seasonal, and grown just steps away — a true farm-to-table experience that celebrates Yunnan’s incredible biodiversity and mindful living.

Afternoon — create your own vegan treats

Back in the open-air kitchen, join the farm family in transforming your harvest into creative vegan bites — from flower-dusted rice cakes to banana-leaf-wrapped bundles. Experience the joy of cooking with what you just picked, using natural, plant-based ingredients straight from the source.

Fine dining dinner, a taste oftranquility — Zen Vegan Dining

Hidden in a quiet corner of Kunming, this fine dining vegan restaurant is more than just a place to eat — it’s a home filled with heart.

Run by a passionate couple who live upstairs, every dish here is crafted with care and intention, blending exquisite flavors with pure simplicity. The atmosphere feels like a gentle meditation — calm, beautiful, and deeply nourishing.

Before or after our meal, take our time to wander through their four-story home-restaurant, find a cozy tea table, sip warm tea, and chat in peace. It’s the kind of place where food, space, and soul flow together effortlessly.

Day 3

Morning vegan food tour at the most well-known wet market in Yunnan

Stepping into Zhuanxin Wet Market, Kunming’s most famous local market, feels like walking into a living botanical garden — alive with colors, aromas, and flavors. Stalls overflow with freshly harvested fruits, wild foraged vegetables, local grains, and regional specialties from every corner of Yunnan.

As we wander through the maze of food stands, our guide will invite you to sample exotic fruits, nuts, and snacks offered by local vendors, sharing stories behind the ingredients, their origins, and how they’re used in everyday Yunnan cooking.

We’ll also stop at a few favorite stalls to taste the best of Yunnan’s plant-based street food — from douhua mixian (Kunming’s signature rice noodles with tofu and spices) to buckwheat, corn, and purple rice cakes, and crispy lotus fritters fresh from the pan.

Vegan lunch with a local family and traditional soy sauce making workshop

Step into the world of centuries-old culinary traditions with a hands-on experience at a local soy sauce making studio, nestled on a farmer's land just beyond the bustling streets of Kunming. Here, amidst the tranquil countryside, you'll discover the art of crafting soy sauce the way it has been done for generations.

At the studio, soy sauce isn't just a condiment; it's a labor of love and a testament to time-honored techniques. Using only the finest soybeans and wheat, carefully selected for their quality, each batch of soy sauce is meticulously brewed using a traditional fermentation process that spans over six months.

This isn't about mass production or shortcuts. It's about respecting the ingredients and allowing them to transform naturally, without the use of harmful chemicals or artificial additives. The result? A soy sauce that embodies the essence of soybeans, with a richness and depth of flavor that's simply unmatched.

Join us for a unique journey as we delve into the heart of soy sauce making, learning the secrets passed down through generations. Discover the joy of crafting something truly exceptional, and savor the satisfaction of knowing that you're preserving a piece of culinary heritage in an age of mass production.

Dinner-wild mushroom hotpot

Yunnan is China’s treasure chest of biodiversity — a land where every season brings new flavors. During the rainy season (June–October), markets and streets across the province overflow with freshly foraged wild vegetables and mushrooms that spring to life with the rain and humidity.

Among the many local delicacies, the Wild Mushroom Hotpot is the ultimate Yunnan dining experience — rich, aromatic, and naturally full of umami. Thanks to modern preservation methods, we can now enjoy this local favorite all year round, while still savoring its authentic flavors.

On this tour, we’ll visit a local restaurant that offers a vegan-friendly wild mushroom hotpot, prepared with seasonal mushrooms sourced directly from Yunnan’s forests. No artificial seasoning — just the pure, earthy depth of the region’s finest wild fungi simmered to perfection.

Day 4

Visit a herbal garden in Kunming, make our own herbal sachetand vegan lunch with the herbal garden family

Just outside Kunming, hidden among rolling hills and fresh mountain air, lies a tranquil herbal garden where nature and wellness meet. On this hands-on visit, you’ll walk through vibrant rows of fragrant medicinal herbs and edible plants, learning how Yunnan’s biodiversity has long supported traditional healing and daily life.

With guidance from the garden’s owner, you’ll pick your own herbs and craft a personalized herbal sachet — a traditional way to carry soothing scents and natural protection. Each herb you choose has its own story, aroma, and purpose.

After the workshop, sit down for a freshly prepared vegan lunch made entirely from seasonal ingredients harvested right from the garden — a perfect reflection of Yunnan’s farm-to-table philosophy.

Drive to Dali after lunch, check in a vegan hotel in Dali, fine dining seasonal vegan dinner at the hotel

After settling into a tranquil hotel just outside Dali Old Town, we’ll spend the evening immersed in a truly unique fine dining experience — a seasonal vegan dinner crafted by a local health-focused chef and foodphilosopher.

Using only fresh, seasonal, and foraged wild ingredients, he creates each dish with care and balance, blending flavors with homemade sauces and traditional wisdom. Every bite reflects Yunnan’s natural abundance and the belief that food itself is medicine.

Organic mindful skin care session

To conclude the day, we’ll join our local skincare friends from Dali for a mindful, organic skincare workshop designed to nurture both body and mind.

Using only locally sourced essential oils and moisturizing sprays, all ingredients are crafted from organic botanicals grown in Yunnan’s clean mountain air. Through gentle self-care rituals, deep cleansing, and guided mindfulness, you’ll learn how to reconnect with your senses while treating your skin with the purity it deserves.

This peaceful session blends nature, simplicity, and presence — the perfect way to unwind after a fulfilling day in Yunnan.

Day 5

Dali Yi ethnic minority traditional macrame bracelet making workshop, Yi singing and dancing experience, vegan lunch with the Yi family

This morning, we’ll drive to a Yi ethnic minority village nestled in the hills outside Dali Old Town. The Yi people, the largest ethnic minority group in Yunnan, have lived across the province’s mountains for centuries — known for their rich traditions of embroidery, singing, and dance.

We’ll be welcomed by a local Yi family and learn a few traditional Yi songs and dances, guided by villagers who keep these vibrant customs alive. Lunch will be a home-cooked vegan meal made from ingredients freshly picked from their garden — simple, nourishing, and full of local flavor.

In the afternoon, a Yi artisan will teach us to handcraft our own macramé bracelet, using patterns inspired by traditional Yi designs — a beautiful keepsake to carry a piece of Yunnan’s mountain culture home.

Farm to table fine dining dinner at a local organic farm in Dali

Tonight, we’ll enjoy a seasonal fine dining experience at a serene organic farm tucked in the Dali countryside. The owner — a food educator and aesthetic expert — curates a 24-season menu inspired by the rhythm of nature, inviting every guest to reconnect with food, the land, and themselves.

The family-run farm grows roses, rice, blueberries, and a variety of seasonal fruits and herbs. Each dish is crafted with ingredients freshly harvested from the fields, beautifully plated to celebrate nature’s simplicity and balance.

Day 6

Macrobiotic cooking workshop and fine dining lunch in Dali

Today, we’ll dive into the mindful world of Macrobiotic cuisine with local chef Carole, an expert in plant-based healing and holistic nutrition. The philosophy of Macrobiotics—rooted in yin-yang balance from ancient Chinese medicine—teaches that food is not just nourishment, but a bridge connecting humans with nature and all living beings.

In this hands-on workshop, Carole will guide us through the principles of seasonal eating and energy balance, using fresh, local, and lightly prepared ingredients that harmonize body and mind. Together, we’ll prepare a beautiful spring menu featuring fermented foods, wild greens, sea vegetables, and whole grains, designed to support liver health and awaken vitality after winter.

🌿 Workshop Highlights:

• Learn the philosophy of yin-yang balance in food and life

• Cook alongside the chef using organic and seasonal ingredients

• Discover the healing benefits of each ingredient and technique

• Enjoy a fine dining lunch you’ve helped create — from Black Truffle Tofu

Hotpot to Spring Detox Tonics and Pressed Seasonal Salads

Carole’s dishes are more than a feast for the senses — each bite embodies the wisdom that food is medicine, and mindful cooking is a way of life.

Hands-on tie-dye workshop in a historic Bai courtyard-Dali

Step into a century-old Bai ethnic courtyard house in Dali, where tradition, craftsmanship, and natural beauty meet. The Bai people, who have called this region home for millennia and once ruled Yunnan during the Dali Kingdom, are renowned for their artistry and harmony with nature. Among their many cultural treasures, tie-dyeing stands out as one of the most beloved and enduring crafts.

In this immersive hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the traditional Bai techniques of plant-based dyeing, passed down through generations. Using natural pigments extracted from foraged herbs, flowers, and tree bark, you’ll explore how the Bai people transform simple white fabric into vibrant works of art.

Experience Highlights:

• Visit a 100+ year-old Bai family courtyard filled with history and charm

• Learn the origins, symbolism, and techniques of Bai tie-dyeing

• Use natural, eco-friendly dyes made from locally foraged plants

• Create your own handcrafted piece — choose from a tablecloth, tote bag, scarf, or dress to bring home as a one-of-a-kind keepsake

Dinner - at a local vegan restaurant in Dali

Day 7

Woodcarving experience in Jianchuan, Dali and lunch at a local restaurant in Jianchuan, Dali

In the morning, we’ll drive to Jianchuan, a historic town in northwest Dali known as the woodcarving capital of Yunnan. For centuries, Jianchuan’s artisans have supplied finely crafted woodwork to temples, traditional homes, and heritage buildings across the province.

At a local workshop, you’ll learn about the town’s long carpentry and woodcarving traditions — from hand tools and carving techniques to the local woods used in construction and art. Guided by an experienced craftsman, you’ll try your hand at carving your own wooden spoon or plate to take home.

This hands-on experience offers a look into one of Yunnan’s most respected traditional crafts and the people who keep it alive today.

Cultural experience in Ancient Tea Horse Road town-Shaxi

After lunch, we’ll take a short drive to Shaxi, one of the most beautifully preserved towns along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Once a bustling caravan stop linking Yunnan and Tibet, Shaxi still retains its centuries-old cobblestone streets, wooden courtyard houses, and laid-back charm.

We’ll stroll through the old town, exploring local shops and stone bridges that have stood for generations. The highlight of our visit will be meeting a local Bai ethnic band, where you’ll learn about traditional Bai folk music and their signature instrument — the dragon-head three-stringed plucked lute.

You’ll have the chance to join in a song or two with the musicians, experiencing firsthand how music continues to connect the Bai people to their history and daily life.

Fine Dining Dinner back in Dali

Day 8

Dali Vegan community experience/vegan food tour, lunch at thevegan community or vegan food street nearby

Dali is known as one of China’s most vegan-friendly and culturally diverse regions, and it’s also home to a vibrant vegan community unlike anywhere else in the country. Here, veganism goes beyond food — it’s a lifestyle rooted in mindfulness, sustainability, and connection to nature.

This morning, we’ll explore Dali’s largest vegan community, a lively neighborhood filled with local vegan restaurants, bakeries, cafés, organic shops, handicraft studios, and wellness spaces. As we stroll through, you’ll have the chance to sample a variety of plant-based treats — from locally grown Arabica coffee and vegan rice milk tea, to freshly baked goods, rice-based ice cream, and handmade vegan dumplings and noodles. Along the way, you’ll meet the people behind these creations — chefs, bakers, and artisans — who are shaping Dali’s growing vegan culture with creativity, passion, and care for the planet.

Check out of your hotel and continue your Yunnan journey at your own pace, or transfer to the airport or train station for your journey home.

Yunnan is unlike anywhere else in China — a land where food, nature, and culture blend seamlessly. Its biodiversity is unmatched: fertile valleys, wild mountain forests, and year-round spring-like weather give rise to an incredible variety of ingredients. From wild mushrooms and edible flowers to heirloom grains and native herbs, Yunnan’s produce forms the foundation of its rich culinary identity.

But what truly sets Yunnan apart is its deep-rooted food philosophy — one that values freshness, balance, and harmony with nature. Here, chefs don’t just cook; they craft dishes that tell stories of the land, the seasons, and the people who live close to it.

In cities like Dali and Kunming, a new generation of chefs and wellness advocates are redefining vegan cuisine. They combine local traditions with global techniques to create plant-based dishes that are as nourishing as they are artistic — each meal an exploration of taste, sustainability, and mindful living.

Get in touch and let us craft your custom vegan fine dining trip — a flavorful journey that nourishes both body and soul.

Best Season: Yunnan’s plant-based paradise is open year-round, thanks to its mild “eternal spring” climate and incredible biodiversity. But for vegan travelers, the rainy season (June–September) offers something extra: wild mushrooms in full bloom, lush foraging trails, and overflowing village markets.

*We offer tours across all regions of Yunnan, for more extended eco tours in Yunnan, feel free to get in touch with us.

「Helpful Information」

Departure:We will commence our vegan fine dining journey in Kunming. Kindly ensure your arrival in Kunming for first dinner and hotel check-in.

Food:We prioritize locally sourced, ecological, and organic ingredients, advocating for a low-carbon, eco-friendly, and healthy diet. The meals provided during a vegan fine dining trip will only consist of plant-based options. We accommodate gluten-free or other requests.

Restrooms:Throughout the tour, public or local-style restroom facilities are accessible, while western-style toilets are predominantly available in hotels and large shopping complexes.

Environmental Awareness:During this tour, our guide will introduce you to our plastic-free lifestyle. We will assist you in minimizing the use of single-use plastic disposables by encouraging refusal and offering alternatives.

「What to Pack」

Ensure you pack comfortable footwear, waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, a swimsuit, towels, a toothbrush. Additionally, we suggest bringing along a reusable shopping bag.

Reusable bowls, bamboo chopsticks, spoons will be provided for guests. However, we strongly encourage you to bring your own reusable items.

As part of our eco-friendly initiative, we will furnish you with an eco-travel gift box for use during the tour. This includes items such as a bamboo toothbrush, tooth tablets, and soap bars.

「Outdoor Activities 

Personal Safety Disclaimer」

Voluntary Participation & Risk Awareness

Participation in all outdoor activities is entirely voluntary, and you may choose to withdraw at any time. By joining, you acknowledge that such activities inherently involve risks — including illness, injury, disability, death, and/or loss or damage to personal property — which may result from natural elements, unforeseen events, or negligence (whether known or unknown). These risks may occur before, during, or after the activity.

Minors & Guardianship

Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. By bringing a minor, the guardian confirms they understand and accept the potential risks of outdoor activities, and agree that neither the organizers nor the guides can be held legally or financially responsible for any accidents or injuries during the trip.

Safety Measures & Responsibility

Our team will provide a basic first-aid kit and arrange outdoor travel insurance for all participants. However, each participant is ultimately responsible for their own safety. In the event of an accident, fellow participants and organizers will assist to the best of their ability, but are not legally liable for the incident itself. All members are expected to cooperate in organizing any necessary rescue or support, without legal or financial obligation.

「About Us」

Yunnan Eco Tours offers immersive, off-the-beaten-path journeys across one of China’s most biodiverse and culturally rich regions. Our small-group tours combine eco-conscious travel, local food, and hands-on cultural experiences—from visiting vibrant ethnic farmer’s markets to craft workshops in remote communities. We work closely with local families, support traditional ways of life, and keep sustainability at the heart of every adventure. Whether you’re pressing your own tea cake, foraging wild mushrooms, or dancing with villagers under the stars—this is travel that connects deeply and gives back.

To explore and protect the hidden beauty of Yunnan through responsible travel—supporting local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and treading lightly on the land.

We lead tours that are:

Rooted in authentic local experiences

Designed with a low carbon footprint

Aligned with nature and biodiversity conservation

Plant-forward, healthy, and delicious

「Meet Your Eco Expert」

Leo has spent the past six years promoting sustainability and eco-tourism across Yunnan. He has organized hundreds of community-based environmental events and worked closely with villages, artisans, organic farmers, and local organizations. With deep knowledge of Yunnan’s diverse landscapes and cultures, Leo designs each tour to preserve tradition, support local livelihoods, and minimize environmental impact — inspiring travelers to explore Yunnan in harmony with nature.

「Sustainability Practices」

We don’t just talk about sustainability—we design for it at every level. From food and transport to accommodation and waste, our tours are built to reduce impact, restore ecosystems, and empower communities.

Zero-Waste Mindset

We provide every guest with a reusable eco-kit (bamboo toothbrush, soap bar, chopsticks, water bottle, etc.) Single-use plastic is avoided during the trip. Guests are encouraged to refuse disposables and compost food waste where possible.

Plant-Forward, Local Food

Our meals are 80–100% plant-based, seasonal, and sourced from local farms. We support regenerative agriculture and forest-friendly wild food practices. Special diets (vegan, gluten-free) are welcomed.

Clean Transport

We use electric vehicles whenever possible. Yunnan’s grid is mostly powered by renewable hydro and solar energy. For longer distances, we encourage group/shared travel to reduce emissions.

Eco Stays

We partner with locally owned eco-lodges and homestays, not chains. Accommodations avoid plastic items and use local materials. Staff are hired from nearby communities, and supplies are locally sourced.

Cultural Sustainability

All workshops and cultural activities are hosted by locals. We support heritage preservation through skill-sharing, not performance tourism. You’ll experience living traditions, not staged shows.

Nature & Wildlife

We follow Leave No Trace principles on hikes and visits to protected areas. We work with community rangers in places to protect endangered species. Guests are educated on Yunnan’s unique biodiversity and the importance of conservation.

Carbon Awareness

While no travel is impact-free, we aim to be climate-conscious and regenerative. Every part of our journey—from the tofu mill to the mountain lodge—is designed to contribute to a better future.

Inquiries or Sign Up for A Tour

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