Day 1: Kunming

As the capital of Yunnan province, Kunming is the best place to start your 5-day self-drive tour. On the first day, you can spend some time exploring the city and visit the popular attractions such as the Green Lake and the Yuantong Temple. You can also try the famous Yunnan cuisine, such as the Crossing-the-bridge noodles and the Yunnan rice noodles.

After that, you can drive to the Western Hills Forest Reserve, which is about 15 kilometers from Kunming. There, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and hike up the Dragon Gate to get a panoramic view of the city.

Day 2: Dali

The next day, drive to Dali, which is located about 350 kilometers from Kunming. Dali is famous for its ancient town, which has a rich history dating back to the Ming Dynasty. You can spend the day exploring the old town, walking along the streets and alleys, and visiting the famous attractions such as the Three Pagodas and Erhai Lake.

You can also try some of the local food, such as the stir-fried rice cakes and the Bai-style tofu. If you have time, you can also visit the nearby Cangshan Mountain, which offers great hiking trails and scenic views.

Day 3: Lijiang

The next day, drive to Lijiang, which is about 180 kilometers from Dali. Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its picturesque Old Town, which is made up of canals, bridges and cobbled streets. You can spend the day exploring the town and visiting the famous attractions such as the Mu Palace and the Black Dragon Pool.

You can also try some of the local food, such as the Lijiang Baba (a type of flatbread) and the Naxi-style hotpot. If you have time, you can also visit the nearby Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which offers stunning views and great hiking trails.

Day 4: Shangri-La

On the fourth day, drive to Shangri-La, which is located about 180 kilometers from Lijiang. Shangri-La is a Tibetan town that offers a unique cultural experience, with its colorful prayer flags, Tibetan-style architecture, and traditional dress.

You can spend the day exploring the old town and visiting the famous attractions such as the Songzanlin Monastery and the Pudacuo National Park. You can also try some of the local food, such as the yak meat and the butter tea.

Day 5: Tiger Leaping Gorge

On the last day of your self-drive tour, drive to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is located about 100 kilometers from Shangri-La. The gorge is one of the deepest in the world, with stunning scenery and great hiking trails.

You can spend the day hiking along the trail, taking in the breathtaking views of the gorge and the surrounding mountains. You can also try some of the local food, such as the wild mushrooms and the Tibetan-Miao barbecue.

After that, drive back to Kunming and return your rental car, ending your 5-day self-drive tour in Yunnan.