The key highlight of this itinerary is to climb Haba Snow Mountain. Standing at 5396m, Haba is just above the snow-line and is covered with snow all the year round. This trip allows you to experience the typical process of climbing a snow mountain. It is not a hard climbing route. The most difficult is to overcome the high altitude sickness. For this 9 days Haba Snow Mountain tour, you will spend 2.5~3 days at pace for ascent and descent and requires spending nights on the mountain. If you often go to high altitude areas and if you want to have a try to reach the summit of a mountain at 5396m, please don’t hesitate to join our snow mountain climbing tour. Before reaching Haba Snow Mountain, have a stop to visitTiger Leaping Gorge.

Highlights:

Experience the typical process of climbing a snow mountain.
Hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge, and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the paths.
Visit local famous attractions in Lijiang and Shangri-la.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Lijiang Arrival
Day 2: Lijiang
Day 3: Lijiang – Qiaotou – Halfway Guesthouse
Day 4: Halfway Guesthouse – Tina’s House – Middle Rapids – Haba Village
Day 5: Haba Village – BC of Haba Snow Mountain
Day 6: BC – Summit – BC
Day 7: BC – Haba Village – Baishuitai – Shangri-La
Day 8: Shangri-La
Day 9: Shangri-La Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Lijiang (2400m)

Sightseeing and Activities: Arrive in Lijiang
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: None

You’ll begin our journey to Lijiang, which is the travel highlight of Yunnan. Your local guide will meet you in Lijiang airport or train station. And then transfer you to our hotel.

Day 2 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Ganhaizi Meadow, Yulong Snow Mountain, Spruce Meadow, Baishui River and Terraces, Baisha Village and Murals
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive about 30KM to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. You will reach Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M) firstly. Then take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishui River. Take the chairlift up to Spruce Meadow(3200M). Hike around 1 hour in the original forest in Spruce Meadow.

In the afternoon, you’ll stroll through Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Yunnan village. Visit the Baisha Murals about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Day 3 Lijiang (2400m) – Qiaotou (1800m) – Halfway Guesthouse (2500m)

Sightseeing and Activities:trekking
Accommodation: Half-way Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At 6:00, drive to Qiaotou Town, which takes 2 hours on the trip. Your hiking trip starts from the Qiaotou Primary School, trek two hours to Naxi Family and you will have lunch there.

The 28 zigzagging turns will be a real test. From the top of “28 turns” on the high path further uphill to a place of altitude above 3000m, you can have a view of the panorama of the entire Gorge. The go pass Tea Horse Guest House (5 hours) and arrive at Halfway Guesthouse (2500m) to finish today’s trekking. The total trekking route is 26 km, and it takes about 6-8 hours. Overnight at Halfway Guesthouse.

Day 4 Halfway Guesthouse (2500m) -Tina’s House-Middle Rapids (1800m)-Haba Village

Sightseeing and Activities: trekking
Accommodation: Haba Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the early morning, continue hiking to Tina’s Guesthouse (2 hours). After another hour walking down the steep cliff to the bank of Jinsha River to the Middle Gorge (Middle Hutiao or Middle Rapids), worship the dangerous shoal of “Starriness”, which is the most narrow part of the gorge, where a tiger can easily jump over the Jinsha River.

From Half way Guesthouse to Middle Hutiao or Rapids will take between 3 to 4 hours. Then climb up the gorge to Walnut Grove (Woody’s Guesthouse) using either the Tianti or Yixiantian route. Depending on how tired, choose the one to suit on the day. So from Middle Hutiao to Walnut Grove will take 2 or 3 hours and hence the total for the day from Halfway Guesthouse to Walnut Grove will be about 5 to 6 hours.

When you trek to Walnut Grove Garden, you will take the car to Haba Village, after dinner, prepare for Haba Snow Mountain climbing. Overnight at Haba Mountain Guesthouse.

Day 5 Haba Village (2600m)-the Base Camp at the 4200

Sightseeing and Activities:trekking
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Haba village, we need horses to take our bags and all the camping equipments up to the mountain. We just carry a small bag with some food and drinks, and it takes about five hours and half to hike up to the Lake, through villages, meadows, forests and small rivers. Heihai Lake with an elevation of 4170m, is in front of the Haba Mountain, and you can see the reflection of the Haba in water just from the camping site.

There are some small lakes, grasslands and mountain passes in the area near the Lake, so we spend the day here to walk around the lakes and climb up to the mountain passes to get acclimatized to the altitude here. There are different kinds of the flowers and plants which grow in the area, esp. azalea, and you will see the different sceneries in different seasons.

Day 6 Base Camp-the Summit-Base Camp

Sightseeing and Activities:the Base Camp at the 4200 m- the Camp 1 at 4800 of Haba Snow Mountain -the top of Haba Snow Mountain (5396m)-the Base Camp (4200M)
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Get up at 3:00 am, prepare for your equipment and have a simple breakfast. Examine your health condition before leaving for the top at 4:00 AM. You will leave most of your luggage at the Camp 1, just need to take your mountaineering tools, such as the rope, ice axe, ice pick, the bag, some solid food, a warm pot of water, clothe, headlight, climbing equipment for the climbing to the summit of Haba Mountain.

–Camp 1 is located just before the 2nd grey slab at about 4800 m. Usually people did not stay there but from what you could observe it seems quite unconfortable due to the very rocky and uneven surface. A small pond nearby provides water.

You will try to climb about 4 km to the top of the Haba Snow Mountain at the 5396m, which will take about 5 hours. It is the ice and snow trail from the camp 1 to the summit, the altitude up 500M. Usually, it will take you about 3 hours to the top. Enjoy the wonderful scenery of Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with Yangtze River in the middle, take the pictures as souvenir. Here will be an unforgettable station of your life.

After having a picnic lunch, you will trek down to Camp 1 to take your luggage, then continue trek down to the Base Camp. Our service clerk at the BC will prepare good meals and waiting for you. Overnight at the Base Camp at 4200M.

Day 7 Base Camp at the 4200 m-Haba Village-Baishuitai-Shangri-La (3300m)

Sightseeing and Activities: Baishuitai
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Trek down from Base Camp to the Long Wang Bian Village, with yaks taking your luggage, after lunch, drive to Shangri-La, you will visit Baishuitai (White Water Terrace).

After Baishuitai, you will drive about 100 Km more to Shangri-La. Then relax in Shangri La Old Town and enjoy Tibetan’s life.

Day 8 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Sogzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery has another alias – ‘the little Potala Palace ‘, so named because the whole monastery is in the traditional style with mysterious atmosphere.

And afterwards you’ll visit the tranquil Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park which is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species.

Visit Dukezong Tibetan Ancient Town in the late afternoon, climb up to the top of Guishan Hill or tortoise Hill, you will see the largest Prayer Wheel of the world and have a panoramic view of shangrila county and Dukezong Ancient Town. Finally, you will have an option to visit a Tibetan’s family to experience the local life in the bonfire party with Tibetan dance and music and you will try Tibetan home-made yak and cheese.

Day 9 Shangri-La Departure

Sightseeing and Activities:Shangri-La Departure
Accommodation:None
Meals:Breakfast

Free at leisure before be transferred to airport for the departure flight. Service ends.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostel
Lijiang	InterContinental Hotel Lijiang	Wangfu Hotel	Louwailou Hotel	Baisha Holiday Resort
Tiger Leaping Gorge	/	/	/	Halfway Guesthouse
Haba Village	/	/	/	Haba local hostel
Haba Snow Mountain	/	/	/	Base Camp
Shangri-La	Shangri-La Hotel	Zhaxidele Hotel	Shenqu Hotel	Wu Fu South Yunnan Boutique Inn

Service Included:

Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
Meals as listed in the itinerary;
Accommodation with breakfast as listed in the itinerary;
Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
Service charge & government taxes;
Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
Two bottles of mineral water each day;
Horse fee for luggage at Haba Snow Mountain.

Service Excluded:

Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
Chinese visa fees;
Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
Single room supplement;
Tips to guides and drivers;
Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
Personal travel accident insurance;
All optional programs.

All Haba Snow Mountain Climbing and Hiking Tours

The Most Popular Hiking Tours of Tiger Leaping Gorge

Haba Snow Mountain is about 3 hours from Lijiang. Standing at 5396 meters, Haba is just above the snow-line and is covered with snow all year round. Due to the broad slopes & well-established climbing routes, it is an ideal place for beginners who want to experience climbing a over 5000 meters snow mountain. This trip allows you to experience the typical process of climbing a snow mountain. From trekking to base camp, acclimatization climb, putting on crampons, using ice-axe, & the final summit push, you will be thrilled by the scenery on this mountain.

Highlights:

Relax yourself in Dali Old Town, the historical and cultural town lies between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake;
Experience climbing a snow mountain and challenge yourself.
Feel the unique charm of Lijiang Ancient Town and seek for Naxi Dongba culture;
Lose yourselves in Shangri-La, an earthly paradise with Snow Mountain, Buddhist monastery and forest park.
Meet the friendly ethnic groups, including Bai, Dai, Yi, Naxi and Tibetan minorities.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming Arrival
Day 2: Kunming-Dali
Day 3: Dali
Day 4: Dali-Lijiang
Day 5: Lijiang
Day 6: Lijiang-Haba Village
Day 7: Haba Village-Base Camp
Day 8: Base Camp-Summit of Haba-Base Camp
Day 9: Base Camp-Shangri-La
Day 10: Shangri-La
Day 11: Departure from Shangri-La

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Kunming Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities: Arrive in Kunming
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Lunch

Welcome to Kunming, the Spring City of China! Upon arrival at the Kunming airport/train station, the local tour guide and driver will meet you in the arrival hall and escort you to your hotel. You’ll begin your journey to the diverse and captivating Yunnan from the capital city, Kunming. You can enjoy a leisure time around Kunming, like strolling in Green Park.

Day 2 Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: Stone Forest, Flowers and Birds Market, Nanping Street
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, depart from Kunming and drive about 1.5 hours to make the tour of Stone Forest. An old local saying says that ‘If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.’ Truly, the Stone Forest is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan. Afterward, transfer back to Kunming, walk around Flower and Bird Market, go shopping at the shopping area – Nanping Street nearby,and go back to your hotel.

Day 3 Kunming – Dali

Sightseeing and Activities: the Three-pagoda in Chongshen Temple, Erhai Lake Cruise, Zhoucheng Village, Dali Old Town
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Early in the morning, take high speed train(2 hours) to Dali, arrive at Dali Railway station and meet with your local guide there. After that, visit the Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery , which has a history of over 1,800 years. It is located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain facing to the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle.

After lunch, you’ll cruise in Erhai Lake by the small boat to the Jinsuo Islet in the east Erhai Lake. There are 200 Bai ethnic families around 1000 people in Jinsuo Island. During Erhai Lake cruise, you will enjoy the green Cangshan Mountain and the Three Pagodas from a far, as well as lots of birds and seagulls flying over the lake.

Later visit Zhoucheng Village and the Bai people’s Tie-dying cloth workshop where you can take some special souvenirs with the Bai ethnic style. At last, you will visit the Dali Old Town, walk around the Foreigner Street and enjoy the relax time with local people. After climbing up to the City Wall of Dali, you will have panoramic view of the Erhai Lake.

Day 4 Dali-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Xizhou Town, Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang Old Town
Accommodation: Lijiang Old Town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit the morning market of Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste their fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture.

Afterwards, transfer to Lijiang(2-2.5 hours). Upon arrival, visit Black Dragon Pool, which is located at the foot of the Xiangshan Mountain (Elephant Hill) north of Lijiang City. As the water here is a lucid green color, it gained another name Jade Spring Park (Yuquan Park). There are many distinctive and ravishing sites in the park. Hiding in the lush trees or standing along the liquid pool are the antique and exquisite architectural pieces, which are in the style of Naxi. Then explore Lijiang Old Town. Lijiang Ancient Town has a history of more than 800 years; it was listed as the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997. Here you will see the wonderful wooden architecture of Naxi people. Enjoy your relax time in Lijiang Old Town.

Day 5 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishui River, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yak Meadow, Impression Lijiang Show, Baisha Old Town and Murals
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive about 30 km to Ganhaizi Meadow(3100 meters), you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River, then take the chairlift up to visit Yak Meadow of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cable-way will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around 1 hour in the original forest in Yak Meadow (3700 meters).

After lunch, you will enjoy the Impression Lijang Ethnic Show(regular seat) directed in Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M). A cultural show demonstrates the traditions and lifestyles of the Naxi, Yi and Bai people of the area. The show takes place in an outdoor theater of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Park at 3500 meters. The production itself was designed by Zhang Yimou, Fan Yue and Wang Chaoge, with a cast of over 500 people and a number of horses.

Later, you’ll stroll around Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Yunnan town. Visit the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Day 6 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Haba Village

Sightseeing and Activities:First Bend of the Yangtze River, the Iron Chain Bridge, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation: Haba Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

From Lijiang, we’ll drive about 60km to the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, and the Iron Chain Bridge in Stone Drum Town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble teblet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks. Continue the driving of 40KM more to visit the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river.

After the tour of Tiger Leaping Gorge, you will head to Haba Village for overnight.

Day 7 Haba Village-Base Camp

Sightseeing and Activities:trekking from Haba Village to Base Camp
Accommodation:Base Camp
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek up the Haba Mountain for about 15 km to the Base Camp at the 4200 m, which will take about 7 hours, with yaks taking your luggage. You will have a picnic lunch in Haba Snow Mountain. You only need to take some water, clothes, necessary food, the other equipment will be transferred by the horses to the Basic Camp.

This day you will hike up 1500M of the altitude, arrive at the Base Camp in the afternoon. Because of the high elevation, everyone will suffer the different altitude sickness. You should know how to adjust the situation and adapt to the high elevation. If you really feel not very well, please tell your escort.

Note: It is not allowed to sleep before 9:00 PM.
Overnight at the Base Camp or in the wooden hut(beds and quilt are available in the wooden hut).

Day 8 Base Camp-Summit of Haba-Base Camp

Sightseeing and Activities:trekking from Base Camp to Summit of Haba and back to Base Camp
Accommodation: Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Get up at 3:00 am, prepare for your equipment and have a simple breakfast. Examine your health condition before leaving for the top at 4:00 AM. Leave most of your luggage at the Camp 1, you just need to take your mountaineering tools, such as the rope, ice axe, ice pick, the bag, some solid food, a warm pot of water, clothes, headlight, climbing equipment for the climbing to the summit of Haba Mountain.

You will try to climb about 4 km to the top of the Haba Snow Mountain at the 5396m, which will take about 5 hours. It is the ice and snow trail from the camp 1 to the summit, the altitude up 500M. Enjoy the wonderful scenery of Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with Yangtze River in the middle, take the pictures as souvenir. Here will be an unforgettable station of your life.

After having a picnic lunch, you will trek down to Camp 1 to take your luggage, then continue trekking down to the Base Camp. Our service clerk at the Basic Camp will prepare good meals and wait for you. Overnight at the Base Camp at 4200M.

Day 9 Base Camp-Baishuitai-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: trekkind down to Long Wang Bian Village, Heihai Lake, Baishuitai
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Trek down from Base Camp to the Long Wang Bian Village, with yaks taking your luggage. Visit Heihai Lake with the original forest. After lunch, drive back to Shangri-La. Have a stop on the way to visit Baishuitai.

Day 10 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, Bita Lake & Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park, Dukezong Tibetan Ancient Town, Guishan Hill, Grand Prayer Wheel
Accommodation:Shangri-La
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery has another alias – ‘the little Potala Palace ‘, because the whole monastery is in the traditional style with mysterious atmosphere. And afterwards you’ll visit the tranquil Bita Lake & Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park , which is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species.

Visit Dukezong Tibetan Ancient Town in the late afternoon, climb up to the top of Guishan Hill or Tortoise Hill, you will see the largest Prayer Wheel of the world and have a panoramic view of shangri-La and Dukezong Ancient Town.

Day 11 Departure from Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: Departure from Shangri-La
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

Pick you up from hotel, transfer to Shangri-La airport for the departure flight. Service ends.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostels
Kunming	Sofitel Hotel	Jinjiang Hotel	Longteng Hotel	/
Lijiang	InterContinental Hotel	E-outfitting Hotel	Liwang Hotel	/
Shangri-La	Shangri-La Resort	E-outfitting Hotel	Bodhi Boutique Inn	/
Dali	Hilton Hotel	E-outfitting Hotel	Taiheju hotel	/

Service Included:

Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
Meals as listed in the itinerary;
Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
Service charge & government taxes;
Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
Free-bottled mineral water;
High speed train tickets from Kunming to Dali (2nd class seats).

Service Excluded:

Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
Chinese visa fees;
Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
Single room supplement;
Tips to guides and drivers;
Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
Personal travel accident insurance;
All optional programs.

All Haba Snow Mountain Climbing and Hiking Tours

The Most Popular Hiking Tours of Tiger Leaping Gorge

For most of the foreign travellers, Lijiang and Shangri-La are regarded as the most popular destinations of Yunnan Province. Lijiang is charming for its Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Old town, and Shangri-la is mysterious for its Ganden Sumtseling Monastery and Tibetan culture. Another impressive part is Tiger Leaping Gorge sightseeing which can not be missed if you visit Lijiang or Shangri-la.

Highlights

Visit the famous attractions, such as Lijiang Old town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and Pudacuo National Park.
Experience the ethnic life and culture in Lijiang and Shangri-la.

Breif Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Lijiang
Day 2 Lijiang
Day 3 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shigu-Tacheng
Day 4 Tacheng-Cizhong
Day 5 Cizhong-Mingyong Glacier-Feilaisi
Day 6 Feilaisi-Benzilan-Shangri-La
Day 7 Shangri-La
Day 8 Departure from Shangri-La

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Lijiang Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Lijiang
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Lunch

Arrive at Lijiang, pick up from airport and transfer to hotel for check in.

–Lijiang, a well-preserved old city of ethnic minorities with brilliant culture, is a central town of the Lijiang Autonomous County of the Naxi Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Province. Located on the plateau which is 2,400 meters above the sea level and embraced by the tree-covered Lion Mountain in the west, Elephant and Golden Row Mountains in the north, vast fertile fields in the southeast and crystal clear water running through, the old Town looks like a big jade ink slab, therefore got the alias the Town of Big Ink Slab (Dayanzhen).

Day 2 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Baishui River, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yak Meadow, Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang Old Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive about 30 KM to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. You will take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River, take the chairlift up to visit Yak Meadow (3700m) of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cableway will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around 1 hour in the original forest in Yak Meadow (3700M).

After lunch, continue to visit Black Dragon Pool (Located at the foot of the Xiangshan Mountain (Elephant Hill) north of the city of Lijiang. As the water here is a lucid green color, it gained another name Jade Spring Park (Yuquan Park). There are many distinctive and ravishing sites in the park. Hiding in the lush trees or standing along the liquid pool is the antique and exquisite architectural pieces, which are in the style of Naxi.).

And explore Lijiang Ancient Town. Lijiang Ancient Town has a history of more than 800 years; it was listed as the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997. Here you will see the wonderful wooden architecture of Naxi ethnic people.

Day 3 Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shigu-Tacheng

Sightseeing and Activities:First Bend of the Yangtze River, Shigu Town,Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation: Tacheng
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

From Lijiang, you’ll drive about 60KM to theFirst Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery. Go on driving to visit theTiger Leaping Gorge(Shangri-La section), the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river.

After lunch, visit the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu Old Town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks.

Drive to Tacheng Town for overnight.

Day 4 Tacheng-Cizhong

Sightseeing and Activities:Tacheng Black Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park, Cizhong Church
Accommodation: Cizhong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, pay a visit to Tacheng Black Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park of Weixi County. Watch the feeding of the snub-nosed monkey in the park.

In the afternoon, drive to Cizhong. Visit the Tibetan Catholic Church built by French missionaries in 1867, the church is used by Tibetan, Naxi and Lisu people. They still have the grapes planted by missionaries and old the traditional way of making wine.

Day 5 Cizhong-Mingyong Village-Feilaisi

Sightseeing and Activities:Mingyong Glacier in Meili Snow Moutain, Feilaisi Temple
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive to Mingyong Village. Visit Mingyong Glacier (2600m) which is the low altitude glacier of the lowest latitude in the world. Then you will trek down directly to the edge of Meikong River(2,050m/6,724ft) . Walk along the Mekong Grand Canyon and arrive in Xidang Village(2,200m/7,216ft) where you can visit some scattered Tibetan houses in the village.

Arrive in Feilaisi in the late afternoon, you will have a nice sunset view of Meili Snow Mountain from the Sightseeing Platform, where you can see the 13 white pagodas meaning of the 13 peaks of Meili Snow Mountain over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) above sea level, known as the “Prince’s 13 peaks”.

Day 6 Feilaisi-Benzilan-Shangri-la

Sightseeing and Activities:sunrise view at Feilaisi Temple, Benzilan Town, Baimai Snow Mountain, First Bend of Jinsha River, Dukezong Old Town, Guishan Hill, largest Prayer Wheel
Accommodation: Shangri-la
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, enjoy the sunrise view at Feilaisi Temple. Then drive to Shangri-la. You will stop at Benzilan for lunch. Visit Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, you will be able to view Baimang Snow Mountain if the weather is clear, pass the top part of today at 4292m altitude at 156km.

After that, visit the First Bend of Jinsha River or Moon Bend, which is the boundary between Sichuan and Yunnan. This is different from the First Bend of Yangtze River in Lijiang City. The bend in Shigu Town changes the flow direction of the Yangtze River but in Benzilan, the Moon Bend is just a grand bend between the mountains with an impressive scenery.

Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. Stroll around Dukezong Ancient Town, an important town of the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet and India. Walk up to the top of Guishan Hill or Tortoise Hill, you will see the largest Prayer Wheel of the world and have a panoramic view of shangri-La county and Dukezong Ancient Town.

Check in your hotel.

Day 7 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Pudaocuo National Park, Ganden Sumtseling Monastery
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you’ll visit the tranquil Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park. It is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species.

Continue to visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery has another alias – ‘the little Potala Palace ‘, so named because the whole monastery is in the traditional style with mysterious atmosphere.

Day 8 Departure from Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Shangri-La
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

Pick up from hotel and move to airport for the departure flight.

Service Included:

Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
Meals as listed in the itinerary;
Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
Service charge & government taxes;
Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
Free-bottled mineral water;

Service Excluded:

Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
Chinese visa fees;
Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
Single room supplement;
Tips to guides and drivers;
Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff.
Personal travel accident insurance;
All optional programs;

This 20 Days Yunnan ethnic minority tour focuses on most famous cities and classic attractions in Yunnan Province and you will meet many ethnic groups to experience their culture and life during the tour.

Highlights

Appreciate the fabulous Yunnan natural scenery.
Meet colorful ethnic villages and tribal groups to appreciate the diverse ethnic cultures.
Visit anacient towns, historical heritage and ancient villages to discover the mysterious history of Yunnan.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Mangshi City
Day 2 Mangshi-Ruili
Day 3 Ruili-Longchuan-Yingjiang-Lianghe-Tengchong
Day 4 Tengchong
Day 5 Tengchong-Liuku
Day 6 Liuku-Gongshan
Day 7 Gongshan-Binglzhongluo
Day 8 Bingzhongluo
Day 9 Bingzhongluo-Biluo Snow Mountain-Cizhong
Day 10 Cizhong-Yanmen-Meili Snow Mountain-Feilaisi
Day 11 Feilaisi-Shangri-La
Day 12 Shangri-La
Day 13 Shangri-La – Baishuitai – Tiger Leaping Gorge
Day 14Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shigu Town-Lijiang
Day 15 Lijiang
Day 16 Lijiang – Shaxi-Dali
Day 17 Dali
Day 18 Dali-Yunnanyi-Chuxiong-Kunming
Day 19 Kunming
Day 20 Departure from Kunming

Google Map

Day 1 Mangshi Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities:Mangshi arrival
Accommodation:Mangshi
Meals:none

Take a flight to Mangshi. Meet your guide and driver. Then transfer to hotel.

Day 2 Mangshi-Ruili

Sightseeing and Activities:Wangdin, One Single Tree Forest, night market
Accommodation:Ruili
Meals:B,L

Drive from Mangshi to Ruili, on the way, visit Wangdin, a border town with Burma, and the One Single Tree Forest. Upon arriving Ruili, check in the Hotel. After dinner, visit the well-known night market.

Day 3 Ruili–Longchuan-Yinjiang-Lianghe-Tengchong

Sightseeing and Activities:minority villages and local markets, Jingpo Ethnic Village, Jingpo Square, Dayinjiang River, Tongbiguan Pass, Nandian Xuanwu Chieftain Office
Accommodation:Tengchong
Meals:B,L

Visit minority villages and local markets around Ruili. Arrive in Longchuan County, visit Jingpo Ethnic Village and Jingpo Square. Then drive to Yinjiang County. Visit Dayinjiang River and Tongbiguan Pass, a famous local scenic spot.

Drive to Lianghe County and visit the Nandian Xuanwu Chieftain Office, the ancient houses of the Chieftains in the past. Drive to Tengchong in the late afternoon.

Day 4 Tengchong

Sightseeing and Activities:Heshun Ancient Town, Beihai Lake Park
Accommodation:Tengchong
Meals:B,L

Visit Heshun Ancient Town including the Museum of Yunnan-Burmese Anti-Japanese War, Heshun Library, the Archway, Dragon Pool, the Wanlouzi Museum of Native Residence, Wenchang Daoist Palace, Clothes-washing Pavilions, Yuanlong Daoist Pavilion, the Philosopher Ai Siqi’s Former Residence, Guanyin Ancient Spruce Trees an so on.

Visit the Beihai Lake Park and cruise to the lake.

Day 5 Tengchong-Liuku

Sightseeing and Activities: The Cluster of Volcanoes, Nujiang River
Accommodation:Liuku
Meals:B,L

In the morning, visit Tengchong Cluster of Volcanoes. It is located in Tengchong and Lianghe County in the southwest of Yunnan Province. It is one of the four major volcanoes in China and has 97 volcanoes. The entire volcanic group covers an area of 221.36 square kilometers. The special geological structure has formed the unique volcanic landform, covering volcanic cones, volcanic caves, lava fields, volcanic lakes, dammed waterfalls etc. The volcanoes group is fantastic in terms of the large scale, diversity, integrity and good preservation. It enjoys high scientific research and ornamental value, and is known as the “Volcanic Geology Museum”.

After that, drive to Liuku for overnight. On the way, enjoy the scenery of Nujiang River and visit Nujiang River Bridge.

Day 6 Liuku-Gongshan

Sightseeing and Activities: Nujiang Grand Canyon, Flying Stones, Stone Moon
Accommodation:Gongshan
Meals:B,L

Drive from Liuku to Gongshan. On the way you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Nujiang Grand Canyon with the Flying Stones and the Stone Moon.

The 247-kilometer-long Nujiang River Gorge is flanked by two 4,000-meter-high mountains. The mountain peaks on the two sides have an average altitude of over 3,000 kilometers. The gorge is located in Yunnan Province in southwestern China, an area rich in ethnic minority culture. It is now a first choice for many domestic and foreign travelers.

Day 7 Gongshan-Bingzhongluo

Sightseeing and Activities: First Bend of Nujiang River(Salween River), the stone house of the Nu Nationality, Peach Island, the Tibetan Puhua Temple
Accommodation:Bingluozhong
Meals:B,L

One full day excursion to Bingzhongluo, sightseeing includes the First Bend of Nujiang River(Salween River), the stone house of the Nu Nationality, Peach Island, the Tibetan Puhua Temple. You will then have the chance to visit a minority household and experience the life of the local people.

Day 8 Bingzhongluo

Sightseeing and Activities: Ethnic village, Tea-Horse Caravan Route, Zhongding Catholic Church
Accommodation:Bingluozhong
Meals:B,L

There are easy and beautiful walks to nearby villages along the Nujiang. A few kilometers outside of town, the river widens and cuts through very deep and dramatic gorges. The road hugs the Nujiang and landslides occur from time to time along the way. It is said that the scenery is especially spectacular after rain, however this also increases potential delays and exacerbates the danger from landslides.

The most beautiful part of Nujiang Gorge starts from Binzhongluo, the northernmost town of the Gorge, where the essential attractions of the Nujiang Gorge are located. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the landscape and an average of 2.5 hours is needed for most tourists to reach the famous “Tea Horse Caravan Route.” Renting a mini bus at Bingzhongluo town is an alternative for the less adventurous sightseers.

On the way to the “Tea-Horse Caravan Route”, you can see the 100-year-old Zhongding Catholic Church built and founded by a French missionary. Shimen Pass is another fantastic section of the gorge along with Wengli (also called Wuli), another stunning landscape lying on a beautiful slope along the river bank. Very near to the Wengli, a carved path is seen on the other bank cliff, so-called “Tea-Horse Caravan Route”, a path used by traders ferrying their goods between Yunnan and Tibet. At the end of the trekking road, an old hanging bridge and a new bridge swing side-by-side.

Day 9 Bingzhongluo-Biluo Snow Mountain-Cizhong

Sightseeing and Activities: Biluo Snow Mountain, Cizhong Church
Accommodation:Cizhong
Meals:B,L

Drive from Bingzhongluo to Cizhong. You will drive along Degong Road and pass through Biluo Snow Mountain and enjoy the mountain scenery.

After arrived at Cizhong, visit the Tibetan Catholic Church built by French missionaries in 1867, the church is used by Tibetan, Naxi and Lisu people. They still have the grapes planted by missionaries and old the traditional way of making wine.

Day 10 Cizhong-Meili Snow Mountain-Feilaisi

Sightseeing and Activities: Feilaisi, Meili Snow Mountain, Mingyong Glacier
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive along Lancang River to Mingyong Village. Visit Mingyong Glacier (2600m) which is the low altitude glacier of the lowest latitude in the world.

Arrive at Feilaisi in the late afternoon, you will have a nice sunset view of Meili Snow Mountain from the Sightseeing Platform, where you can see the 13 white pagodas meaning of the 13 peaks of Meili Snow Mountain over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) above sea level, known as the “Prince’s 13 peaks”.

–Meili Snow Mountain (Meili Xueshan), also called Kawakarpo, is a UNESCO nature site located in Deqin County dividing Yunnan from Tibet, a wonderful place to hike and explore both nature and Tibetan culture.Rising between the Salween River and the Mekong River in the extreme edge of Northwest Yunnan, the Meili Snow Mt. region is part of Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas. Legend says that the Meili Snow Mountain is a god guarding Tibetan Buddhism. With 13 peaks over 6000m in the range, the main peak Kawakarpo (“Kawagebo” in Chinese) is a sharp snow mountain with an altitude of 6740m,which has never been conquered yet.

–Lancang River is the longest river flowing from north to south in China. It takes its source from the Zhaqu of the Guangguori Peak of Tanggula Mountain Range in Qinghai Province, China. It is called the Lancang River after it reaches Changdu. The river runs south until it leaves China at the Nanla Bay out of Yunnan Province and therefrom changes its name from the Lancang River to the Mekong River. The Grand Canyon of the Lancang River is famous for not only its deep and long vale, but also the rushing water. The river water is limpid and rushing in winter, but turbid and onrushing in summer. As the river becoming narrow in the Grand Canyon, high waves are striking against the banks and making a sound like thunder. What a fantastic spectacle! Such steep mountains, deep valley and miraculous geographic structure are seldom seen all over the world.

Day 11 Feilaisi-Shangrila

Sightseeing and Activities: Benzilan, Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, the First Bend of Jinsha River or Moon Bend
Accommodation: Shangrila
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive back to Shangri-la. You will stop at Benzilan for lunch. Visit Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, you will be able to view Baimang Snow Mountain if the weather is clear, pass the top part of today at 4292m altitude at 156km. After that, visit the First Bend of Jinsha River or Moon Bend, which is the boundary between Sichuan and Yunnan. This is different from the First Bend of Yangtze River in Lijiang City. The bend in Shigu Town changes the flow direction of the Yangtze River but in Benzilan, the Moon Bend is just a grand bend between the mountains with an impressive scenery.

Day 12 Shangrila

Sightseeing and Activities: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, Shudu Lake, Tibet Family
Accommodation: Shangrila
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery has another alias ‘the little Potala Palace ‘, so named because the whole monastery is in the traditional style with mysterious atmosphere. Walk around Songzanlin Monastery.

At noon, you will visit a Tibetan’s family to experience the local life and you will try Tibetan home-made yak and cheese.

And afterwards you’ll visit the tranquil Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park. Pudacuo National Park is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species.

Day 13 Shangrila-Baishuitai-Tiger Leaping Gorge

Sightseeing and Activities: Baishuitai, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation: Tiger Leaping Gorge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive to visit Baishuitai. Baishuitai or Baishui Tableland, also named the White Water Terraces, is known as one of the most attractive destinations in mysterious Shangri-La and is an ancient Chinese landform with a history of 200,000 to 300,000 years. The main attraction in the area is a large, white mineral deposit in the form of terraced pools, formed by calcium-rich water emanating from springs at the top of the formation. It is described as the largest feature of its type in China.

Then drive to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river.

Day 14 Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shigu-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Shigu, Lijiang Ancient Town, Mufu Palace, Sifang Street Square
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive to the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, visit the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks.

In the afternoon, drive to Lijiang. You’ll start a memorable tour from Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan Ancient Town). Pay a visit to Ming-dynasty style Mufu Palace, the “Forbidden City” of Lijiang to know Tusi’s ruling history and appreciate Naxi people’s brilliant culture and fine arts. Then, wander through the old alleys, old bridges, featured shops and bars to Sifang Street Square, a mingling ground to enjoy lively atmosphere and unwind yourself.

Day 15 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang Ancient Town, Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishuihe River, Impression Lijang Ethnic Show, Baisha Village, Baisha Mural
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy the sunrise of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town in the morning, drive about 30KM to Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M), you will take the sightseeig bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River, take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cableway will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around1 hours in the original forest in Spruce Meadow (3200M).

After lunch, you will enjoy the Impression Lijang Ethnic Show directed in Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M). A cultural show demonstrating the traditions and lifestyles of the Naxi, Yi and Bai peoples of the area. The show takes place inside Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Park at 3500m in an outdoor theater specifically designed to showcase the mountain which is used as a backdrop. The production itself was designed by Zhang Yimou, Fan Yue and Wang Chaoge, a cast of over 500 people, and a number of horses. In the afternoon, you’ll stroll through Baisha Village, which is an enchanting traditional Yunnan village. Visit the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Day 16 Lijiang-Shaxi-Dali

Sightseeing and Activities: Shibaoshan Mountain, Shizhong (Stone Bell) Hills, Shaxi Old Town, Dali Old Town, Foreigner Street, Erhai Lake
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning , pick up from your hotel in Lijiang , drive to visit Shibaoshan Mountain. Located 25 km southwest of Jianchuan County, the Shibao (Stone Treasure) Hills are also called the Shizhong (Stone Bell) Hills. Built during the Tang and Song Dynasties, it is considered an official historical site.

Later go ahead to visit Shaxi Old Town The remains of an ancient market town and once an active trade stop on the Southern Silk Road that connected Tibet and China with Southeast Asia and on to Europe. This Road is actually older than the more famous Silk Road (in the North), predating it by at least 300 years. Shaxi has been listed by the World Monuments Fund as one of the world’s 100 most endangered sites.

After the tour , drive to Dali. Visit Dali Old Town. Walk around the Foreigner Street and enjoy the relax time with local people. After climbing up to the City Wall of Dali, you will have panoramic view of the Erhai Lake.

Day 17 Dali

Sightseeing and Activities: Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery,cruise in Erhai Lake, Xizhou Town, Xizhou Town,
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Visit the Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery which has a history of over 1,800 years located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain facing to the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle.

After lunch, you’ll cruise in Erhai Lake by the small boat to the Jinsuo Islet in the east Erhai Lake. There are 200 Bai ethnic families around 1000 people in Jinsuo Island.In Erhai Lake cruise, you will enjoy the green Cangshan Mountain and the Three Pagodas from a far as well as lots of birds and seagulls flying over the lake.

After landing, you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste their fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture.

Day 18 Dali-Yunnanyi-Chuxiong-Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: Yunnanyi Old Town, Yiren Old Town
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive from Dali to Yunnanyi. Yunnanyi is located in Xiangyun County of Dali Prefecture, about four hours’ drive from Kunming. As the earliest place named Yunnan(the place to the south of the colorful cloud), Yunnanyi is the former site of Yunnan County of West Han Dynasty and Yunnan Prefecture of Wei and Jin Dynasties; in the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, Yizhan (remount or post stations) were set here, so it is named Yunnan Yi. Due to its significant geographic location, Yunnan Yi used to be a must-take position since it can connect Dali, Chengdu, Kunming, South and West Yunnan; a time-honored ancient passage stretches through the small village with well conserved folk residences of Bai.

After lunch, drive to Yi Ren Old Town in Chuxiong City. The Yi Ren old town located at the west of Chuxiong economic development zone, Yunnan. And it is fuses both China and Yi minority national traditional culture as the main key of the antique construction. With fully Yi national minority’s characteristic the entire old town selects material from Yi national minority’s modeling, totem and the color.

In the afternoon, drive to Kunming for overnight.

Day 19 Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: Stone Forest, Birds and Flowers Market, Green Lake
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals: B, L

Drive about 85km to the Stone Forest. An old local saying says that ‘If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.’ Truly, the Stone Forest is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan.

In the afternoon, drive back to Kunming to visit Birds and Flowers Market. After that, stroll around the Green Lake, and enjoy local dancing and music.

Day 20 Departure from Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: Depart from Kunming
Accommodation:none
Meals: Breakfast

Depart from Kunming. Service ends.

Service Included:

Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
Meals as listed in the itinerary;
Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
Private English-speaking tour guide;
Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
Service charge & government taxes;
Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;.

Service Excluded:

Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
Chinese visa fees;
Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
Single room supplement;
Tips to guides and drivers;
Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
Personal travel accident insurance;
All optional programs.

Tiger Leaping Gorge is recognized as one of the most famous scenic attractions for hiking in the world and one of the must-visit hiking itineraries in Yunnan recommended by ‘Lonely Planet’. It can not be missed if you like hiking. Besides this hiking as the highlight of this tour, we will also visit famous attractions in Lijiang and Shangri-La, such as the holy mountain-Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang Old Town, and Ganden Sumtseling Monastery. It’s a special experience to visit local family and have yak-buttered lunch in their house.

Highlights:

Hike along Tiger Leaping Gorge, as well as feel the grotesque and raging rapids of the magnificent gorge.
Relax yourself in mysterious and charming Shangri-La and Lijiang.
Visit the holy mountain in Lijiang-Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Watch ethnic show by seating in front of the snow moutain.
Pay a visit to a Tibetan family and have local cuisine.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Lijiang Arrival
Day 2: Lijiang
Day 3: Lijiang Old Town
Day 4: Lijiang – Qiaotou – Bendiwan Village
Day 5: Bendiwan Village-Middle Gorge-Shangri-La
Day 6: Shangri-La
Day 7: Shangri-La Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Lijiang Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities:Lijiang Arrival
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: None

Arrive at Lijiang airport , then drive to Lijiang hotel for check in.

Day 2 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishui River, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Spruce Meadow, Impression Lijang Ethnic Show, Baisha Old Town and Baisha Murals
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, drive about 30KM to Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M), you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River, take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take a cablecar to Spruce Meadow. You will hike around 1 hour in the original forest in Spruce Meadow (3200M).

After lunch, you will have an option to enjoy the Impression Lijang Ethnic Show (Tickets:190 Yuan not included) directed in Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M). A cultural show demonstrating the traditions and lifestyles of the Naxi, Yi and Bai peoples of the area. The show takes place inside Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Park at 3500m in an outdoor theater specifically designed to showcase the mountain which is used as a backdrop. The production itself was designed by Zhang Yimou, Fan Yue and Wang Chaoge, a cast of over 500 people, and a number of horses. In the afternoon, you’ll stroll through Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Yunnan town. Visit the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Day 3 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Museum, Lijiang Old Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Morning, you will head to visit Black Dragon Pool, enjoy the wonderful reflection view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the pool. Visit the Dongba Museum and explore the Naxi ethnic culture. At night, join in the singing competition party at the bank of ancient streams which wind through the town. Then go to stroll and enjoy the relax time in the Ancient Town of Lijiang, which is a largely Naxi settlement first built 800 years agao, located at the foot of the Lion Hill and completely surrounded by the new city of Lijiang. In December 1986, the State Council designated it a famous ancient historical and cultural city of national caliber. In 1997, UNESCO made Lijiang a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Day 4 Lijiang – Qiaotou – Bendiwan Village

Sightseeing and Activities:the First Bend of Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation: Half-Way Guest House
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Trekking Duration:6-7 hours

In the morning, drive about 100KM to Qiaotou Town(Tiger Leaping Gorge Town). Drive along the Naxi ethnic villages and the upper Yangtze River, with a panoramic view of the First Bend of Yangtze River on the way. You will start the trekking of Tiger Leaping Gorge, as one of the world’s four great gorges, which is honored as one of the deepest and most marvelous gorge with 3900 meters in depth.

Start the trekking form the Qaiotou Primary School, after half an hour, arrive in Changsheng Village, pay a visit to Changsheng Hope Primary School. Arrive in Zhong Nuoyu village at noon and have lunch in Naxi Family Guesthouse. After lunch, you will start the most difficult part of the trekking to the 28 Zigzag Bends trail and reach the top peak at the elevation of 2670m.

You will arrive at Half-Way Guest House to finish today’s trekking. There is a nice platform on the roof of Halfway Guesthouse, after dinner, you will enjoy the wonderful Jade Dragon Snow Mountain facing to Bendiwan Village with couples of drinks.

Note: While you are walking in the gorge, our support team will take all of your luggage to meet you at Tina’s Guest House, so you only need to carry two bottles of water, some chocolate and your camera on the trip.

Day 5 Bendiwan Village-Middle Gorge-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Tina’s Guest House, Teacher Zhang’s Guesthouse, Walnut Grove Garden, Baishuitai Terraces
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Get up in the early morning, hiking down to Tina’s Guest House, passing a small but high waterfall on the way. Then we will trek further down to the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge and get back, which will take you about three hours. You will firstly trek from Tina’s Guesthouse down to Teacher Zhang’s Guesthouse, where you can have a nice view of the middle gorge looks like a big gate. It is quite steep trail from Teacher Zhang’s Guesthouse down to the Middle Rapids.

From the Middle Rapids, there are two small trails back to the road. The first one is to climb the Tianti or “Sky Ladder”, which is a challenge, vertical and dangerous climbing. Usually we choose the lower trail and trek to the Walnut Grove Garden. This is a nice trekking along the Yangtze River. Transfer along the Haba Snow Mountain to Shangri-La, visit Baishuitai Terraces on the way.

Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, as the most perilous section, features a huge drop in water level. Six km away from the upper gorge is a waterfall where the river crashes down over 100 meters hitting the rocks in the river bed and creating violent currents. In 100-meter section are numerous reefs, and the current is torrential. The gorge is rarely traversed by humans, but on the slope between the Middle and Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge there is a small village — Hetaoyuan Village, which has little contact with the outside, where villagers lead a simple and natural life, dwelling in stone-plate houses.

Day 6 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, Bita Lake & Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park, visit a Tibetan’s family
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

At noon, visit a Tibetan family to experience the local life and try Tibetan home-made yak and cheese.

And afterwards you’ll visit the tranquil Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park. Pudacuo National Park is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species.

Day 7 Departure from Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Shangri-La
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

Free at leisure before be transferred to airport for the departure flight. Service ends.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star
Lijiang	InterContinental Lijiang	Wangfu Hotel	Louiwailou Hotel
Tiger Leaping Gorge	/	/	Half-way Guesthouse
Shangri-La	Shangri-La Hotel	Zhaxidele Hotel	Shenqu Hotel

Service Included:

Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
Meals as listed in the itinerary;
Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
Private English-speaking tour guide;
Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
Service charge & government taxes;
Luggage transfers between airports and hotels.

Service Excluded:

Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
Chinese visa fees;
Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
Single room supplement;
Tips to guides and drivers;
Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
Personal travel accident insurance;
All optional programs.

During this 10 days Yunnan classic tour, you will visit Kunming Stone Forest, Dali Old Town, Lijiang Old Town, Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La Songzanlin Monastery and Meili Snow Mountain(Kawa Karpo Kora). Also have the chance to explore the Yis, Naxis, Bais and Tibetan minorities. The Tiger Leaping Gorge, the First Bend of the Yangtze River and the Meili Snow Mountain will be the most impressive part of your trip in Yunnan Province.

Highlights:

Discover the natural beauty of Yunnan: the Stone Forest, Erhai Lake, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Napahai Lake.
Try circle tour around Nanjiluo and Biluo Snow Mountain Hiking.
Enjoy the real life of local people in the ancient towns and villages: Dali Old Town, Zhoucheng Village, Xizhou Old Town, Lijiang Old Town, Baisha Old Town, Dukezong Old Town, Tibetan villages.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming Arrival
Day 2: Kunming-Stone Forest-Kunming
Day 3: Kunming-360KM-Dali
Day 4: Dali-183KM- Lijiang
Day 5: Lijiang
Day 6: Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri-La
Day 7: Shangri-La
Day 8: Shangri La – Deqin-Feilaisi
Day 9: Feilaisi-Deqin-Shangri-La
Day 10: Shangri-La Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Kunming Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities:Green Lake
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: None

The Green Lake Park(Cuihu Park) in Kunming

You will take a leisurely stroll along the Green Lake, a charming area of tea houses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and beautiful local paintings. If time permits, you will have a Kunming city tour.

Day 2 Kunming-Stone Forest-Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:the Stone Forest, Dali Old Town
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

You will drive 86 km to the Stone Forest. An old local saying says that ‘If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.’ Truly, the Stone Forest is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan. After lunch, we will take the speed train from Shilin Station to Dali.
Meet your local guide in Dali and transfer to the hotel in Dali Old Town. You will be free to explore Dali Old Town at night.

Day 3 Dali

Sightseeing and Activities: Three-pagodas in Chongshen Temple, Erhai Lake Cruise, Dali Ancient Town
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, take the high speed train to Dali which is a historically and culturally famous city of China, it is renowned for her historical interest and Bai ethnic culture. You will visit the Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery which has a history of over 1,800 years and located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain facing to the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle.

After lunch, you’ll cruise in Erhai Lake by the small boat to the Jinsuo Islet in the east Erhai Lake. There are 200 Bai ethnic families around 1000 people in Jinsuo Island. In Erhai Lake cruise, you will enjoy a view of the green Cangshan Mountain and the Three Pagodas from a far as well as lots of birds and seagulls flying over the lake.

At last, you will visit the Ancient Dali Town, walk around the Foreigner Street and enjoy the relax time with local people. After climbing up to the City Wall of Dali, you will have a panoramic view of the Erhai Lake.

Day 4 Dali-183KM- Lijiang by Private Car

Sightseeing and Activities: Xizhou Town, Zhoucheng Village, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Museum, Lijiang Ancient Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast , you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste their fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture. Visit Zhoucheng Village and the Bai people’s Tie-dying cloth workshop where you can take some special souvenir with the Bai ethnic style.

Drive about 180KM to Lijiang with the beautiful farmlands and ethnic villages on the way. After lunch you’ll head for the scenic Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Museum to explore the rich Naxi minority culture.

In the late afternoon, explore Lijiang Old Town. Lijiang Old Town has a history of more than 800 years; it was listed as the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997. Here you will see the wonderful wooden architecture of Naxi ethnic people.

Day 5 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Yulong Snow Mountain, Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishui River and Terraces, Baisha Old Town and Murals
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Enjoy the sunrise of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town in the morning, drive about 30KM to Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M), you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River and Blue Moon Valley, take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cableway will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around 1 hour in the original forest in Spruce Meadow (3200M).

After lunch, you will enjoy the Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show directed in Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M). A cultural show demonstrating the traditions and lifestyles of the Naxi, Yi and Bai peoples of the area. The show takes place inside Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Park at 3500m in an outdoor theater specifically designed to showcase the mountain which is used as a backdrop. The production itself was designed by Zhang Yimou, Fan Yue and Wang Chaoge, with a cast of over 500 people and a number of horses.

In the afternoon, you’ll stroll through Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Yunnan town. Visit the Baisha Murals about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Day 6 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: Shigu Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Old Town, Guishan Hill Park, Giant Prayer Wheel
Accommodation: Shangri La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

From Lijiang, you’ll drive about 60KM to the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, visit the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks.

Visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha River in this area because you can find gold in the river.

Afternoon, you’ll head for Shangri La, the former Zhongdian which is well-known as the paradise destination for every tourist. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will enter the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. Walk around Dukezong Ancient Town, an important town of the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet and India. Pay a visit to Guishan Hill Park and Giant Prayer Wheel.

Day 7 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, Bita Lake & Shudu Lake, Tibetan Village
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery has another alias – ‘the little Potala Palace ‘, so named because the whole monastery is in the traditional style with mysterious atmosphere. And afterwards you’ll visit the tranquil Bita Lake & Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park. Pudacuo National Park is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, but more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species. Then drive to visit A Tibetan Village.

Day 8 Shangri-La – Deqin-Feilaisi

Sightseeing and Activities:Bengzilan Town, the Moon Bend of Jinsha River, Dongzhulin monastery and Baima Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After traversing the mountain ranges, you will make a short stop and have lunch at Benzilan town, take some shots on the first bend of Jinsha(Yangtze) River, Dongzhulin monastery and Baima (white horse) Snow Mountain. The view along the way is fantastic with different kinds of trees, streams down the valley, prayer flags and stupas, and Tibetan villages.

Stay at Feilaisi.

Day 09 Feilaisi-Deqin-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Feilaisi Monastery, the sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain, Lancang-Mekong Grand Canyon, Mingyong Glacier Park
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Try to get up early in the morning, enjoy the magic sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain. Visit Feilaisi Monastery and enjoy the sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain in the early morning, then drive back to Shangri-La, have a nice experience of Yangtze River Grand Canyon, Baima Snow Mountain again on the way back.

Then drive another 1.5-hour to Mingyong village, where you will walk on the trails for about 4km to Mingyong Glaciers of Meili Snow Mountain, walk another one your or so, you will get to Tibetan Taizi Monastery – another good spot to view the magnificent Mingyong Glaciers. (optional: You can choose to hire a horse to go up to the glacier on your own expense in order to save your energy). After Mingyong Glacier in Mingyong Village, you will do some trekking along the Lancang River Grand Canyon as well as some Tibetan villages. This will be your most impressive part of your trip to Yunnan.

Drive 4 hours back to Shangri La via Baima Snow Mountain in the afternoon.

Day 10 Shangri-La Departure

Sightseeing and Activities: Shangri-La Departure
Accommodation: None
Meals: None

Free at leisure before be transferred to Shangri La Airport or Shangri La Railway Station for the departure flight.
We can take the speed train form Shangri La to Kunming (5 hours); or take the flight from Shangri La to Kunming (40 minutes) to continue your next destination.
Service ends.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostel
Kunming	Crown Plaza Kunming City Centre	Wenhui Hotel	Baiyun Hotel	Kunming Yijia Hostel
Dali	Hilton Dali Resort And Spa	Landscape Hotel	Gnosis Hotel	Dali Wuhai Hostel
Lijiang	Hilton Garden Inn	Wangfu Hotel	Louwailou Hotel	Ecolife Hostel
Shangri-La	Hylandia by Shangrila	Zhaxidele Hotel	Shenqu Hotel	Laniancang Hostel
Deqin	Deqin Songzan Meili Hotel	Benzilan Lishi Hotel	Kawaboge Hotel	Shenchuan Hostel
Feilaisi	/	Feilaisi Mingzhu Hotel	Flying Charm Grang Hotel	Guanjing Hotel

Service Included:

Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
Meals as listed in the itinerary;
Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
Private English-speaking tour guide;
Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
Service charge & government taxes;
Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
High speed train tickets from Kunming to Dali (2nd class seats).

Service Excluded:

Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
Chinese visa fees;
Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
Single room supplement;
Tips to guides and drivers;
Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
Personal travel accident insurance;
All optional programs.

Yuanyang County is renowned for its Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces, a part of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, sculpted by bare hands by the Hani people one thousand years ago, transforming a barren valley into a humid Eden; perfect for rice crops. The 1000 m of mountain slopes of terraces is still in use today, claiming to be the world’s most spectacular and extensive terraces. It is a self sustaining ecosystem and a perfect example of a symbiosis with nature. Discoverd by French tourists last century, Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces are the most popular destination in south Yunnan Province. Different from the Longji Rice Terraces, the Yuanyang Rice Terraces do not have so many layers, but they are outstanding for their grandiose area with shallower slopes. If you do not have enough time, you can choose 3 Days Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Photography Tour from Kunming as a short visit of Jianshui and Yuanyang.

Highlights:

Trekking along Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces and have a bird view the overwhelming landscape.
Step into ethnic villages to experience Hani Culture and their authentic life.
Lose yourself into the enthralling sunrise view of Duoyishu Rice Terraces and sunset view of Laohuzui.
Explore Jianshui Ancient Town and experience the confucius culture in Jianshui Confucius Temple.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming Arrival
Day 2: Kunming – Fuxianhu-Jianshui
Day 3: Jianshui – Yuanyang
Day 4: Yuanyang-Mengzi
Day 5: Mengzi – The Stone Forest – Kunming
Day 6: Kunming Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Kunming Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities:Kunming Arrival
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Lunch

You’ll begin your journey to the diverse and captivating province of Yunnan from the capital city, Kunming. Upon arrival at the Kunming International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. You will take a leisurely stroll along the Green Lake, a charming area of teahouses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and beautiful local paintings. If time permits, you will have a Kunming city tour.

Day 2 Kunming -Jianshui

Sightseeing and Activities:Tuanshan Village, Garden of Family Zhang, Jianshui Old Town, Chaoyang Gateway Tower
Accommodation: Jianshui
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Drive to Jianshui (4-5hrs ). You will visit Shuanglong Birdge and Tuanshan Village as well as the Garden of Family Zhang in Tuanshan Village. Tuanshan Village is a rare surviving example of an intact-albeit neglected-traditional walled Yunnan village compound in southwestern China, and has been added to the 2005 list of internationally significant sites by the World Memorial Fund for Architecture (WMF), an international fund for the protection of world heritage sites. Later , you’ll visit the Jianshui Old Town and the Chaoyang Gateway Tower, which was built in Ming Dynasty (1389). It is also known as ‘Miniature Tian’an men’ because the out shape of it is similar to Tian’anmen Square in Beijing.

Day 3 Jianshui-Yuanyang

Sightseeing and Activities:Jianshui Confucius Temple, Zhu Family Garden, the sunset of Laohuzui Terrace Field
Accommodation: Yuanyang
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, visit Jianshui Confucius Temple, which has a history of 700 years. It is the second largest Confucius Temple in China. Then visit Zhu Family Garden.

In the afternoon, you will transfer to Yuanyang and enjoy the sight of terraced fields of Laohuzui (Tiger Mouth) at sunset.

–Yuanyang is about 300km south of Kunming, renowned for its rice terraces, which claimed as the world’s largest and most spectacular one, crafted out by bare hands by the Hani people one thousand years ago and is still in use today. The rice farmers have had to practice ecology and land preservation centuries before those concepts were widely accepted around the world. Without hard work maintaining the terrace walls and irrigation system, the precious top soil would wash down the hillsides into the rivers.

Yuanyang Rice Terrace is a self sustaining ecosystem. During winter to early spring, the entire field is irrigated with spring water from the forest above to rejuvenate and getting prepared for the next season. The Hani people have repeated this for more than a thousand years. There is only one harvest in a year for the Yuanyang Rice Terrace; planting is from March to Oct./Nov. every year.

Day 4 Yuanyang-Mengzi

Sightseeing and Activities:the sunrise of Duoyishu Rice Terrace Field, Doyishu Village, Qingkou Hani Ethnic Village, Bada Rice Terrace, Shengcun Market, the sunset of Longshuba Rice Terraces
Accommodation: Yuanyang
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Get up very early in the morning, you’ll drive to visit Duoyishu Village and enjoy the sunrise of Duoyishu Rice Terrace Fields when the sun appears above the eastern horizon. The terraced fields are ring upon ring and cascade one by one. They go along the hillside up to the sky. You will see the scenery of the terraced fields from the top of the mountains to the bottom. They are all farms under the sunshine and cloud and mist. The landscape is spectacular. And then, you will visit Qingkou Village and rice terraces where Hani people for generations inhabit. Visit Bada Hani Rice Terrace, Shengcun Market as well. You will enjoy the sunset of Longshuba Rice Terraces in the late afternoon about 5KM away from Xinjie Town.
Transfer to Mengzi City in the late afternoon.

Day 5 Mengzi-The Stone Forest-Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Yuanyang-The Stone Forest-Kunming
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the Morning, Visit Bisezhai Railway Station of Yunnan-Vietnam Railway;

TRansfer to Shilin County, you will visit the Stone Forest( 5-6hrs ). There is a local saying: ‘It is a waste of time not to visit the Stone Forest while visiting Kunming’, which vividly expresses the deep love of the local people toward this world wonder. The quintessential karst landscape makes every tourist lost in it’s wonder. After the tour, drive back to Kunming (1.5hrs ) in the late afternoon.

Day 6 Kunming Departure

Sightseeing and Activities:Kunming Departure
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

Pick up from hotel and transfer to airport for the departure flight to next place.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostels
Kunming	Crown Plaza Kunming City Centre	Wenhui Hotel	Baiyun Hotel	Kunming Yijia Hotel
Jianshui	Linan Hotel	Zhu Family Garden Hotel	Jianshui Hotel	Jianshui Hantig Hotel
Yuanyang	Duoyishu Landscape Hotel	Yunti Hotel(Shengcun Village)	Yunti Hotel(Xinjie Town)	Yuayang Shuiting Hotel

Service Included:

Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
Meals as listed in the itinerary;
Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
Private English-speaking tour guide;
Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
Service charge & government taxes;
Luggage transfers between airports and hotels.

Service Excluded:

Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
Chinese visa fees;
Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
Single room supplement;
Tips to guides and drivers;
Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
Personal travel accident insurance;
All optional programs.

Travel Tips:

Visitors are advised to always carry changes of clothing due to the large variations in temperature between day and night.
The climate is relatively dry, so drink more water every day.
Protecting oneself from strong UV radiation at high altitude.
Protecting oneself from altitude sickness. Lessen the effects of altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise and have plenty of rest.
Respect local customs , habits, and religious beliefs.
Do not forget to take an umbrella or a raincoat when go out.
When take photos, please pay attention to your safety, do not shoot in dangerous areas.

Travel and Tours Packages of Honghe and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces

The land in Dongchuan and the terraced rice paddies in Yuanyang are the masterpieces cultivated by the industrious ethic groups in the long river of time. The beauties are breathtaking, gorgeous and magnificent! During this superlative visual feast photography tour, you’ll lose yourselves in the peerless scenery and special folk customs.

Highlights:

Enjoy the charm and beauty of Yuanyang.
Lose yourself into the magnificence of Dongchuan Red Land.
Step into ethnic village to meet ethnic people’s culture and life.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming Arrival
Day 2: Kunming-Dongchuan
Day 3: Dongchuan-Shilin
Day 4: Shilin-Yuanyang
Day 5: Yuanyang
Day 6: Yuanyang-Jianshui
Day 7: Jianshui-Kunming
Day 8: Kunming Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Kunming Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities:Flowers and Birds Market, the Green Lake
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: None

If time permits, you will have a Kunming city tour to visit the Flowers and Birds Market in the downtown of Kunming. You will take a leisurely stroll along the Green Lake, a charming area of teahouses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and beautiful local paintings.

Day 2 Kunming-Dongchuan

Sightseeing and Activities:Dongchuan Photography Sites:Yueliang Tian,Luoxiagou,Jinxiu Yuan,Damakan,Qiannian Gushu
Accommodation: Dongchuan
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, drive from Kunming to Dongchuan (about 3.5 hours) to enjoy the beautiful red land, known as the “Color Palette of the Earth”. Drive along the sky way, you can take photos as you like on the way. Arrive at the Red Land, enjoy the sunset if the weather allows. Recommended photography sites: Yueliang Tian, Luoxiagou, Jinxiu Yuan, Damakan, Qiannian Gushu and so on.

Note: the weather will be comfortable, but please take care that it will be cold in the early morning and evening. When photographing the red land, wide-angle and long-lens are necessary! Please understand that, there is no high-level hotel in Dongchuan, we arrange you on local hotel clean with bath and air-conditioner.

Day 3 Dongchuan-Shilin

Sightseeing and Activities:Dongchuan Photography Sites: Qicai Po,Red Land Daguan,Luosi Wan,Yuepu Ao and Waliang Houses in Xintian Village
Accommodation: Shilin
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, enjoy the sunrise (if weather allows) at Damakan; then the colorful Qicai Po, visit Red Land Daguan, Luosi Wan, Yuepu Ao and Waliang Houses and so on in Xintian Village; if the weather allows, you can overlook the Jiaozi Snow Mountain.

After lunch, transfer around 4.5 hours to Shilin County.

Day 4 Shilin-Yuanyang

Sightseeing and Activities:Stone Forest, terraced fields of Laohuzui
Accommodation: Yuanyang
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Drive to visit the Stone Forest. There is a local saying: ‘It is a waste of time not to visit the Stone Forest while visiting Kunming’, which vividly expresses the deep love of the local people toward this world wonder. The quintessential karst landscape makes every tourist lost in the wonder.

In the afternoon, you will transfer to Yuanyang and enjoy the sight of terraced fields of Laohuzui (Tiger Mouth) at sunset.

Yuanyang Rice Terrace is a self sustaining ecosystem. During winter to early spring, the entire field is irrigated with spring water from the forest above to rejuvenate and getting prepared for the next season. The Hani people have repeated this for more than a thousand years. There is only one harvest in a year for the Yuanyang Rice Terrace; planting is from March to Oct./Nov. every year.

Day 5 Yuanyang

Sightseeing and Activities:the sunrise view of Duoyishu Rice Terraces, Shengcun Market, Bada Rice Terraces, Qingkou ethnic village, Qingkou Rice Terraces, the sunset of Longshuba Rice Terraces
Accommodation: Yuanyang
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Today you have a full day to visit the terraces belonging to the Hani and Yi people. These rice terraces – carved out of the mountainsides by generations of Hani people – are said to be among the most magnificent in the world. Get up very early to see the sunrise over the terraces at Duoyi village and then visit the local Hani and Yi people. During the day you will visit different areas of the huge valley to see the amazing engineering and beautiful formations of the terraces. There are lots of rice terraces in Yuanyang, you will choose the most beautiful parts of them to visit.

In the late afternoon, drive back to Xinjie Town, enjoy the sunset view of Longshuba Rice Terraces and villages.

Day 6 Yuanyang-Jianshui

Sightseeing and Activities:Jianshui Swallow Cave, Jianshui Ancient Town, Zhu Family Garden, Confucius Temple
Accommodation: Jianshui

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast in the hotel, drive about 3 hours to Jianshui County. On the way back, visit Jianshui Swallow Cave which is the largest karst formation cave in Asia. There are usually thousands of swallows flying around in this aptly named cave.You will follow a guide in the cave to see the striking caverns and also to see the bare hand rock climbing performance in the cave. Walk into the cave and visit the colorful Karst landform and take the small boat cruise out of the cave.

Arrive in Jianshui Ancient Town in the afternoon, pay a visit to Jianshui Ancient Town, Zhu Family Garden and Jianshui Confucius Temple. Visit the famous Confucius Temple with its interesting history. Confucious was born in Shandong province 2,500 years ago and taught more than 3,000 students in his lifetime, among them 72 were outstanding. He is the greatest teacher in China’s history and has worldwide influence.

Day 7 Jianshui-Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Zhang Family Garden in Tuanshan Village, Double Dragon Bridge, Xingmeng Mongolian Village
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Drive to Tuanshan Village about 15KM away from Jianshui Ancient Town, visit the Zhang Family Garden, the ancient houses and the Double Dragon Bridge. Visit Tunshan village with hundred-year-old houses built by the family of Zhang. In the village, you will see the different standards of houses built by rich and poor families, and also the family temple which plays an important role for education, family history, and Chinese culture, which says that people should always remember their ancestors and maintain community traditions.

After lunch, drive back to Kunming. On the way, visit Xingmeng Mongolia Village in Tonghai County of Yuxi City.

Day 8 Departure from Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Kunming
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

Departure from Kunming. Service ends.

Recommended Hotels

City	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star
Kunming	Crown Plaza Kunming City Centre	Wenhui Hotel	Baiyun Hotel
Dongchuan	/	Shanju Hotel	Spring&Autumn Hotel
Shilin	Days Hotel Shilin	Shilin Bosheng Holiday Hotel	Shilin Hotel
Yuanyang	Duoyishu Landscape Hotel	Yunti Hotel(Shengcun Village)	Yunti Hotel(Xinjie Town)
Jianshui	Linan Hotel	Zhu Family Garden Hotel	Jianshui Hotel

Service Included:

1. Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
2. Meals as listed in the itinerary;
3. Accommodation with breakfast as listed in the itinerary;
4. Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
5. Service charge & government taxes;
6. Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
7. Two bottles of mineral water each day;
8. Travel Agency’s Responsibility Insurance.

Service Excluded:

1. Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
2. Chinese visa fees;
3. Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
4. Single room supplement;
5. Tips to guides and drivers;
6. Personal expenses and gratuities to service staffs;
7. Personal travel accident insurance;
8. All optional programs;

Travel and Tours Packages of Honghe and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces

The 9 Days Yunnan (China) – Vietnam Overland Tour from Kunming to Hanoi offers an incredible journey through the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Southwest China and Northern Vietnam. Starting in the vibrant city of Kunming, you’ll explore the stunning Stone Forest and the historic sites of Jianshui. As you travel to Yuanyang, witness the iconic rice terraces that come alive during sunrise and sunset, showcasing the region’s agricultural beauty. Crossing the border into Vietnam, you’ll experience the scenic charm of Sapa, where terraced fields and ethnic minority villages await. Finally, conclude your adventure in the bustling capital of Hanoi, where you can immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere, history, and delicious cuisine. This tour promises a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences, making it a perfect getaway for travelers seeking to explore these two remarkable destinations.

Highlights

Kunming Exploration: Discover the vibrant city of Kunming, known for its pleasant climate and rich culture. Visit the iconic Jinma Biji Archway and local markets.
Stone Forest: Explore the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring unique limestone formations that create a mesmerizing landscape.
Jianshui Ancient Town: Visit Jianshui, a well-preserved ancient town. Explore the Zhu Family Garden and the historic Confucius Temple, learning about Confucian teachings and local culture.
Yuanyang Rice Terraces: Witness the stunning Yuanyang Rice Terraces, famous for their breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset. Experience the Hani culture and traditional farming methods.
Crossing the Border: Travel from Yunnan into Vietnam, crossing the Hekou-Lao Cai border, and experience the transition from Chinese to Vietnamese culture.
Sapa Adventures: Explore the picturesque town of Sapa, known for its lush landscapes and ethnic minority villages. Enjoy hiking through terraced rice fields and interacting with local tribes, such as the Hmong and Dao.
Scenic Views of Longshuba Rice Terraces: Enjoy the stunning sunset views at Longshuba Rice Terraces, capturing the beauty of the landscape.
Cultural Immersion in Hanoi: Conclude your journey in Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital. Explore the Old Quarter, sample delicious street food, and visit historical sites, including Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature.
Traditional Performances: Experience a traditional Water Puppet Show in Hanoi, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Local Cuisine: Indulge in local delicacies throughout the tour, from Yunnan’s unique dishes to Hanoi’s famous street food.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming Arrival
Day 2: Kunming – Stone Forest-Jianshui
Day 3: Jianshui-Yuanyang
Day 4: Yuanyang
Day 5: Yuanyang – Hekou – Sapa
Day 6: Sapa
Day 7: Sapa-Hanoi
Day 8: Hanoi
Day 9: Departure from Hanoi

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Kunming
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:

Upon your arrival at Kunming airport, our guide will greet you outside the baggage claim area and transfer you to the hotel. The remaining of the day is on your own to explore the city or have a rest at the hotel.

In the morning:
- Green Lake (Cuihu Park): Enjoy a leisurely stroll around this scenic park, famous for its clear waters and beautiful lotus flowers. You can also spot various birds in the area.
- Flowers and Birds Market: Visit this vibrant market, where you can explore a variety of local flowers, plants, pets, and handicrafts. It’s a great place to experience local culture.

At noon:
- Western Hills: Visit the Western Hills, known for their beautiful scenery and panoramic views of Dianchi Lake.
- Dianchi Lake: Take a leisurely walk along the shores of Dianchi Lake, enjoying the peaceful environment.

Day 2 Kunming – Shilin-Jianshui

Sightseeing and Activities:the Stone Forest, Jianshui Ancient Town, Chaoyang Gate Tower, Zhu Family Garden
Accommodation:Shilin
Meals:B,L

Morning:

Transfer to Stone Forest: Depart from Kunming in the morning and enjoy a scenic drive to the Stone Forest. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its remarkable limestone formations that resemble a forest made of stone. Take your time to walk through the unique rock formations and capture stunning photographs.

Midday:

Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, experiencing Yunnan’s unique culinary flavors.

Afternoon:

Drive to Jianshui: After lunch, continue your journey to Jianshui.
Visit Chaoyang Gate Tower: Explore the Chaoyang Gate Tower, an ancient structure that offers insights into the town’s history and architecture.
Zhu Family Garden: Visit the Zhu Family Garden, known for its beautiful traditional architecture and serene gardens, showcasing the elegance of Chinese design.

Evening:

Jianshui Old Town: In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through Jianshui Old Town. Enjoy the charming streets illuminated at night, shop for local handicrafts, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this ancient town.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Jianshui, where you can relax and enjoy the local culture further.

Day 3 Jianshui-Yuanyang

Sightseeing and Activities: Jianshui Confucius Temple, Tuanshan Village, Zhang Family Garden
Accommodation:Yuanyang
Meals:B,L

Morning:

Visit Jianshui Confucius Temple: Start your day by visiting the Confucius Temple in Jianshui. Explore this historical site, which is dedicated to the great philosopher Confucius and features beautiful architecture and serene gardens.

Midday:

Drive to Tuanshan Village: After the temple, take a short drive to Tuanshan Village, known for its traditional architecture and rich cultural heritage. Stroll through the village to experience the local way of life.
Zhang Family Garden: Visit the Zhang Family Garden, a well-preserved example of traditional Yunnanese architecture with intricate designs and lush gardens.
Double Dragons Bridge: Continue your journey to the Double Dragons Bridge, an ancient stone bridge that showcases unique architectural features and provides picturesque views of the surrounding area.

Afternoon:

Drive to Yuanyang: Depart for Yuanyang, known for its stunning rice terraces.

Evening:

Enjoy Sunset at Longshuba Rice Terraces: Arrive at Longshuba Rice Terraces in the late afternoon to catch the breathtaking sunset. Witness the vibrant colors reflecting off the rice fields, creating a spectacular view that highlights the natural beauty of the region.

This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and stunning landscapes, making for a memorable day in Yunnan.

Day 4 Yuanyang

Sightseeing and Activities:Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces
Accommodation:Yuanyang
Meals:B,L

The first destination of this day will be a local market, a brilliant scene in Yuanyang when the locals flock in from all quarters wearing their colorful costumes and dresses. The narrow streets will also be full of assorted vending booths selling local products. Later, you will come to Duoyishu, another famous scenic area of Yuanyang Rice Terraces, to visit its local village and terraced fields. Here, you will find many dotted mushroom-shaped houses, like a scene in the fairy-tale world as well as the cloud-decorated terraced fields, presenting a traditional Chinese ink wash drawing. The last destination is the terraced fields in Laohuzui (Tiger’s Mouth), distributed in a deep valley and resembling a huge flower. At the end of the day, we will transfer you back to the hotel.

Early Morning:
- Rise early and drive to Duoyishu Village to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Duoyishu Rice Terrace Fields. As the sun rises above the eastern horizon, the terraced fields will be illuminated, creating a stunning landscape of cascading rice paddies that stretch along the hillside.
Morning:
- Explore the picturesque terraced fields, taking in the views from the top of the mountains down to the valley below. Experience the beauty of the fields bathed in sunlight, enveloped by clouds and mist.
Midday:
- Visit Qingkou Village, where the Hani people have lived for generations. Take a stroll through the village and admire the surrounding rice terraces.
Afternoon:
- Continue to Bada Hani Rice Terrace and explore the local Shengcun Market, where you can experience the local culture and perhaps purchase some handmade crafts.
Late Afternoon:
- Head to Longshuba Rice Terraces, located about 5 km away from Xinjie Town, to enjoy the sunset over the terraces. Witness the changing colors of the sky and the landscape as the day comes to a close.

Day 5 Yuanyang-Hekou-Sapa

Sightseeing and Activities: Trecking through the terraced fileds, Cat Cat, Sin Chai.
Accommodation:Sapa
Meals:B,L

This morning, we will depart from Yuanyang at 08:00 and drive for around 4 hours to reach Hekou. After lunch, we will go through the security check and continue our journey to Sapa, which takes half an hour. From here, you will be escorted by our Vietnamese guide. In the afternoon, a two-hour trekking trip is arranged through the terraced rice fields. Visit the local famous villages of Cat Cat and Sin Chai. Stay overnight at a local nice hotel.

Morning:

Drive Along the Red River: Begin your day with a scenic drive along the Red River to the Hekou Border. Enjoy the picturesque views as you travel.
Cross the China-Vietnam Border: Arrive at the Hekou Border and complete the border crossing from Hekou to Lao Cai. Ensure you have your documents ready for a smooth transition into Vietnam.
Drive to Sapa: After crossing into Vietnam, continue your journey with a drive to Sapa, renowned for its stunning landscapes and ethnic diversity.

Afternoon:

Trekking Trip: Upon arrival in Sapa, embark on a two-hour trekking trip through the breathtaking terraced rice fields.
Visit Local Villages: Along the trek, visit the famous villages of Cat Cat and Sin Chai, where you can experience the local culture, interact with the ethnic minority communities, and admire the beautiful scenery.

Evening:

Overnight Stay: After an exciting day, check in to a comfortable hotel in Sapa, where you can unwind and enjoy the local ambiance.

This tour provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the natural beauty and rich culture of the Sapa region.

Day 6 Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Sa Pa

Sightseeing and Activities:Y Linh Ho Village, Muong Hoa Valley, Lao Chai Village, Ta Van Village
Accommodation:Sa Pa
Meals:B,L

08:30 AM: Depart for Y Linh Ho Village, home to the Black Hmong people. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful valleys nestled between the mountains.
Lunch: Enjoy a local meal before continuing the journey.
Afternoon:
- Hike into Muong Hoa Valley and visit Lao Chai Village, where the Black Hmong community resides. Take in the fresh air while observing the terraced fields and streams along the way.
- Engage with the welcoming local people and learn about their unique culture and customs.
Later: Walk to Ta Van Village, where various ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong, Giay, and Red Dao, coexist. Visit a local Catholic church to gain insight into the community.
Return: After the tour, drive back to Sapa to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences.

Day 7 Sapa – Ta Phin – Silver Waterfall – Heaven Gate – Sa Pa-Hanoi

Sightseeing and Activities:Ta Phin Village, the Silver Waterfall, Heaven Gate
Accommodation:Sa Pa
Meals:B,L

Morning:
- At around 08:30 am, depart for Ta Phin Village, the closest village of the Red Dao ethnic group in the Sapa area.
- Explore the village and admire the unique, handcrafted brocades created by the locals, featuring vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
Midday:
- After lunch, continue your tour to the Silver Waterfall. Known as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam, the water cascades down, shimmering like silver, which is how it got its name.
Afternoon:
- Proceed to Heaven Gate, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscape, including dense forests and the contrasting views of Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces.
Evening:
- After the tour, transfr to Laocai Railway Station to catch the train to Hanoi, overnight in the train.

Day 8 Hanoi

Sightseeing and Activities:Ba Dihn Square, Ho Chi Minh Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, Presidential Palace,Temple of Literature, Quan Thanh Temple, the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda and West Lake, Water Puppet Show
Accommodation: Hanoi
Meals:B.L

Arrive in Hanoi in the morning. Our local tour guide will wait for you at the train station on time. Breakfast is arranged at Cosiana Hotel (3 stars) which is very close by the railway station. After breakfast, we begin a full day city tour right after breakfast. We will first proceed to Ba Dihn Square to visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and stilt house), the nearby One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace. Afterwards, we explore the Temple of Literature, Quan Thanh Temple, the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda and West Lake. We also have chance to visit one of the city’s museums, either the History Museum or the Ethnology Museum based on your interests. A lively traditional Water Puppet Show is scheduled for you next. You will then be driven to the railway station to take an overnight train to Lao Cai.

Morning:
- Start your day with breakfast before embarking on a full-day city tour.
- First, visit Ba Dinh Square to explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his stilt house.
- Next, visit the nearby One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace.
Midday:
- Continue your tour at the Temple of Literature, a stunning example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
- Visit Quan Thanh Temple, known for its serene atmosphere, and then head to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, located by West Lake.
Afternoon:
- Choose to visit one of the city’s museums based on your interests: either the History Museum or the Ethnology Museum for insights into Vietnam’s rich heritage.
Evening:
- Enjoy a lively traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique cultural experience showcasing Vietnam’s folklore.
Enjoy the opportunity to discover the local culture, cuisine, and attractions that this bustling city has to offer. In the evening, you can embark on a night tour to explore Hanoi’s lively nightlife.Night Tour of Hanoi:
- Old Quarter Night Market: Stroll through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, where you can shop for souvenirs, taste local delicacies, and experience the vibrant atmosphere.
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Visit the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, beautifully illuminated at night, and take a leisurely walk around its peaceful surroundings.
- Night Food Tour: Sample Hanoi’s famous street food, including pho, banh mi, and egg coffee, at various street food stalls and local eateries.
- Historic Sites: See historic sites like the St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the Hanoi Opera House lit up against the night sky, providing a stunning backdrop for your evening exploration.
- Live Music Venues: End your night at one of Hanoi’s live music venues or bars, where you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese music or contemporary performances.

Day 9 Hanoi Departure

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Hanoi
Accommodation: None
Meals:B

Morning:

After breakfast, our guide will collect you from your hotel and assist you with your luggage.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Hanoi International Airport for your return flight.

End of Service:

Your 9-day Yunnan (China) – Vietnam Overland Tour concludes here. Thank you for traveling with us, and we wish you safe travels on your journey home!

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostels
Kunming	Sofitel Hotel	Jingjiang Hotel	Long Teng Hotel	Tu Tu Inn
Jianshui	Ting Ziyun Hotel	Lin An Hotel	Res Sky Hotel	Huiyuanlou Inn
Yuanyang
Sapa

Service Included:

Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
Meals as listed in the itinerary;
Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
Private English-speaking tour guide;
Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
Service charge & government taxes;
Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;.

Service Excluded:

Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
Chinese visa fees;
Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
Single room supplement;
Tips to guides and drivers;
Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
Personal travel accident insurance;
All optional programs.

Join our Yunnan classic tours and find a place to celebrate life. Spring city Kunming with the Stone Forest, traditional architecture complex of Bai minority in Daili and tranquil Lijiang old town. All of these will captivate you and leave a deep impression for your tour in Yunnan. Take Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La as the most popular destinations of Yunnan Province.

Highlights

Appreciate the fabulous natural sceneries, including the world natural heritage-the Stone Forest, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Pudacuo National Park.
Meet diverse Yunnan ethnic cultures of Bai, Tibetan and Naxi.
Explore the profoud history of Yunnan in ancient towns.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming Arrival
Day 2: Kunming
Day 3: Kunming – Dali
Day 4: Dali – Shaxi – Tiger Leaping Gorge
Day 5: Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La
Day 6: Shangri-La
Day 7: Shangri-La – Lijiang
Day 8: Lijiang
Day 9: Lijiang Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Kunming Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities:the Green Lake if time permits
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:None

Welcome to Kunming, the Spring City of China! Upon arrival at the Kunming airport/train station, the local tour guide and driver will meet you in the arrival hall and escort you to your hotel.You’ll begin your journey to the diverse and captivating province of Yunnan from the capital city, Kunming.

After a short rest, stroll in the most picturesque park in Kunming urban area – the Green Lake Park, a charming area of teahouses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and beautiful local paintings. Here you can share the happiness of local people’s doing tai chi, performing local opera, and other vibrant activities. If you visit the park in November or December, you will see the grandeur of huge flocks of red-beaked seagulls that migrate there from Siberia.

Day 2 Kunming-Stone Forest-Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:the Stone Forest, Qixing Village, the Flowers and Birds Market
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:Breakfast, Luch

After breakfast, you’ll be driven 86 km to the renowned Stone Forest, the ‘First Wonder of the World’. You’ll marvel at its natural stone masterpieces and be bewitched by the intricate formations. You will feel like come into a ‘stone world’.

Afterwards, visit Qixing Village of Sani Ethnic People, to admire their colorful minority costumes and exotic tradition cultures. You’ll have a nice chance to listen to the touching love story of Ashima told by local old people. The Sani minority people are one group of the branches of the Yi. The Sani Minority Villages around the Stone Forest cluster many small Yi ethnic villages.

After the tour, be transferred to Kunming and visit the Flowers and Birds Market in the downtown. Then, drive back to the hotel for rest.

Day 3 Kunming-Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:the Three-pagoda in Chongshen Temple, Erhai Lake Cruise, Xizhou Town, Zhoucheng Village, Dali Ancient Town
Accommodation:Dali
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, take high speed train to Dali (2 hours), upon your arrival, you driver and tour guide will pick you up and then take you to visit the Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery which has a history of over 1,800 years located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain facing to the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle.

After lunch, you’ll cruise in Erhai Lake by the small boat to the Jinsuo Islet in the east Erhai Lake. There are 200 Bai ethnic families around 1000 people in Jinsuo Island.In Erhai Lake cruise, you will enjoy the green Cangshan Mountain and the Three Pagodas from a far as well as lots of birds and seagulls flying over the lake.

After landing, you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste their fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture. Visit Zhoucheng Village and the Bai people’s Tie-dying cloth workshop where you can take some special souvenir with the Bai ethnic style.

At night, you can visit the Dali Ancient Town by yourself, walk around the Foreigner Street and enjoy the relax time with local people. After climbing up to the Ancient City Wall of Dali, you will have a panoramic view of the Erhai Lake.

Day 4 Dali-Shaxi-Tiger Leaping Gorge

Sightseeing and Activities:Shaxi Old Town, Shibaoshan Mountain,the Ancient Grottoes of Shizhong Temple, Baoxiang Hanging Temple, Shigu Old Town, the Stone Drum, the First Bend of Yangtze River, the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation:Tina’s Guesthouse
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, drive to visit Shaxi Old Town. Shaxi is the last remaining ancient market town of its kind on the Tea & Horse Caravan Trail. This trail is a trading route that connected Tibet, Sichuan, and Yunnan to countries in southeast Asia, also called the Southern Silk Road.The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has listed Shaxi as one of the 100 most endangered sites in the world in 2001.

Then drive to Shibaoshan. The most prominent sight at Shi Bao Shan is the Stone Bell Temple with its 139, well preserved stone carvings. These magnificent stone carvings can date back as far as 1300 years to the once powerful Nanzhao Kingdom during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Explore the ancient temple complex including Baoxiang Temple, Haiyun Temple, Shizhong Temple and the Ancient Grottoes. If you are lucky enough, you can also see a lot of wild monkey group around Baoxiang Temple.

Afterwards, go to the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, visit the Iron Chain Bridge and the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu Old Town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks.

Visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river.

Tonight you will stay overnight at Tina’s Guest House.

Day 5 Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Tiger Leaping Gorge trekking tour, Dukezong Old Town, Guishan Hill Park, the Giant Prayer Wheel
Accommodation:Shangri-La
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you can have your free time around Tina’s Guest House.

Optional: you can also take the Tiger Leaping Gorge trekking tour. Start from Tina’s Guest House passing a small but high waterfall on the way and trek to Half-way Guesthouse, you can enjoy the wonderful Jade Dragon Snow Mountain facing to Bendiwan Village, then have a rest. Go on trekking to a place named 14 Gongli(14km). The driver will pick you up there. Afterwards drive to visit Walnut Grove Garden Village.

Afternoon, you’ll head for Shangri-La, the former Zhongdian which is well-known as the paradise destination for every tourist. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. Walk around Dukezong Ancient Town, an important town of the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet and India. Walk up to the top of Guishan Hill or Tortoise Hill, you will see the largest Prayer Wheel of the world and have a panoramic view of shangri-La county and Dukezong Ancient Town.

Day 6 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery, the Bita Lake & Shudu Lake, Pudacuo National Park, Dabao Monastery
Accommodation:Shangri-La
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

And afterwards you’ll visit the tranquil Bita Lake & Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park. Pudacuo National Park is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species.

Visit Dabao Monastery on the way back from Pudacuo National Park. Then drive back to the hotel.

Day 7 Shangri-La – Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Lijiang Old Town, Black Dragon Pool, Shuhe Old Town
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Drive to Lijiang. You will be relaxed around Lijiang Old Town, a well-preserved old city of ethnic minorities with brilliant culture, is a central town of the Lijiang Autonomous County of the Naxi Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Province. Located on the plateau which is 2,400 meters above the sea level and embraced by the tree-covered Lion Mountain in the west, Elephant and Golden Row Mountains in the north, vast fertile fields in the southeast and crystal clear water running through, the old town looks like a big jade ink slab, therefore got the alias-the Town of Big Ink Slab (Dayanzhen).

Then visit the Black Dragon Pool(also Heilongtan), or Jade Spring(Yuquan) Park is the main headwater of the Yushui River which goes through the Old Town. People believe that the gods of the Naxi people are living in the chestnut woods, beside the mouth of springs, behind the carved doors and below the bridges. The springs come from the god-protected mountains and gather in this place and finally form the dragon pool. Then water goes down a waterfall and becomes the Yuhe River, pouring life to the Old Town.

Afterwards, visit Shuhe Old Town. It is not only a very important town in the Tea-horse Road that leads to Tibet, but also a famous cobbler town. The cobblers here are as skillful as those in Italy. The leather products that they made are the best seller in Tea-horse Road. Because of trading activities along this road, the Naxi people gradually gave up the nomadic life and settled for farming and later started to do business.

Day 8 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yuhu Village and the Former Residence of Joseph Rock, Baisha Village and Murals
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy the sunrise of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town in the morning, drive about 30KM to Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M), you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River, take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cableway will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around 1 hour in the original forest in Spruce Meadow(3200M).

After lunch, you you’ll visit Yuhu Village and the Former Residence of Joseph Rock who was an Austria-American botanist and explorer, lived in Yuhu village and other places in that region from 1922 to 1949. He was also a naturalist and Photographer, and the first foreign scholar to introduce Lijiang ethnic culture to the western world.

Stroll through Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Naxi style old town. Visit the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Day 9 Lijiang Departure

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Lijiang
Accommodation:None
Meals:Breakfast

Today, drive to the airport in Lijiang and departure from Lijiang. Service ends.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostels
Kunming	Sofitel Hotel	Jingjiang Hotel	Long Teng Hotel	Tu Tu Inn
Dali	Hilton Dali Resort and Spa	E-outfitting Boutique Hotel	Gnosis Hotel	Fengxuegucheng
Shangrila	Shangri-La Hotel	E-outfitting Boutique Hotel	Bodhi Boutique Hotel	Wu Fu South Yunnan Boutique Inn
Lijiang	InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort	E-outfitting Boutique Hotel	Liwang Hotel	Flowers Hall Inn

Service Included:

Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
Meals as listed in the itinerary;
Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
Private English-speaking tour guide;
Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
Service charge & government taxes;
Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;

Service Excluded:

Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
Chinese visa fees;
Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
Single room supplement;
Tips to guides and drivers;
Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
Personal travel accident insurance;
All optional programs.

Yunnan province is famed for its multitude of ethnic groups, whose diverse customs can still be seen today. Of China’s fifty-five officially recognized ethnic minorities, twenty-five can be found in Yunnan: about one-third of the population is not ethnic Han-Chinese. Three Parallel Rivers area is reputed to be the “Biological Gene Bank of the World.” Because it was not covered by the Quaternary glaciers and most mountains lie from north to south, the area has become a main passage and sanctuary for biological species of the Eurasian Continent. This Yunnan Panorama tour will take you explore most of Yunnan beauties.

Highlights

Visit spectacular sceneries including blues lakes, white snow mountians, rapid rivers, grand cayons, charming valleys, acres of rice terraces, tropical rainforest and other attractive wonders.
Meet diverse ethnic cultures, colorful tribal groups and profoud tea cultures of Yunnan.
Hike the holy Meili Snow Mountain, the grand Tiger Leaping Gorge and Three Parallel Rivers area.
Spend leisure time in ancient towns and villages to explore the profound history of local people.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming Arrival
Day 2: Kunming – Chuxiong – Dali
Day 3: Dali
Day 4: Dali – Weishan – Dali
Day 5: Dali – Shaxi – Lijiang
Day 6: Lijiang
Day 7: Lijiang – Lugu Lake
Day 8: Lugu Lake – Baoshan Stone Village
Day 9: Baoshan Stone Village – Bendiwan
Day 10: Bendiwan – Shangrila
Day 11: Shangrila
Day 12: Shangrila – Feilaisi
Day 13: Feilaisi – Xidang
Day 14: Xidang – Yubeng
Day 15: Yubeng – Ice Lake – Yubeng
Day 16: Yubeng – Holy Waterfall – Yubeng
Day 17: Yubeng – Ninong Vally – Cizhong
Day 18: Cizhong – Gongshan – Bingzhongluo
Day 19: Bingzhongluo
Day 20: Bingzhongluo – Gongshan – Dulongjiang
Day 21: Dulongjiang River Valluy Hiking
Day 22: Dulongjiang River Valluy Hiking
Day 23: Dulongjiang – Gongshan – Liuku
Day 24: Liuku – Tengchong
Day 25: Tengchong
Day 26: Tengchong – Yingjiang – Ruili
Day 27: Ruili – Mangshi
Day 28: Mangshi – Yonghe
Day 29: Yongde – Zhenkang – Cangyuan
Day 30: Cangyuan
Day 31: Cangyuan – Shuangjiang – Ximeng
Day 32: Ximeng – Lancang – Jingmai
Day 33: Jingmai – Menghai – Jinghong
Day 34: Jinghong
Day 35: Jinghong – Menglun – Mengla
Day 36: Mengla – Jiangcheng – Lvchun
Day 37: Lvchun – Yuanyang
Day 38: Yuanyang
Day 39: Yuanyang – Jianshui
Day 40: Jianshui – Yanshan – Babao
Day 41: Babao – Guangnan – Bamei
Day 42: Bamei – Guangnan – Puzhehei
Day 43: Puzhehei
Day 44: Puzhehei – Luoping
Day 45: Luoping – Shilin – Kunming
Day 46: Departure from Kunming

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Kunming
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:

Pick you up at Kunming airport. Meet your local guide and driver. Transfer to hotel.

Day 2 Kunming-Chuxiong-Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:Kunming-Chuxiong-Dali
Accommodation:Dali
Meals:B,L

In the morning, drive to Chuxiong and visit Yiren Ancient Town, Chuxiong Museum and enjoy the Yi ethnic life with local people. Then drive to Dali. Visit Dali Old Town. Walk around the Foreigner Street and enjoy the relax time with local people. After climbing up to the City Wall of Dali, you will have panoramic view of the Erhai Lake.

Day 3 Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery, Erhai Lake, Xizhou Town, Zhoucheng Village.
Accommodation:Dali
Meals:B,L

Take the morning flight to Dali which is a historically and culturally famous city of China, is renowned for her historical interest and Bai ethnic culture. You visit the Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery which has a history of over 1,800 years located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain facing to the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle.

After lunch, you’ll cruise in Erhai Lake by the small boat to the Jinsuo Islet in the east Erhai Lake. There are 200 Bai ethnic families around 1000 people in Jinsuo Island. In Erhai Lake cruise, you will enjoy the green Cangshan Mountain and the Three Pagodas from a far as well as lots of birds and seagulls flying over the lake.

After that, you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste their fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture. Visit Zhoucheng Village and the Bai people’s Tie-dying cloth workshop where you can take some special souvenir with the Bai ethnic style.

Day 4 Dali-Weishan-Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:Weishan Old Town, Donglianhua Village
Accommodation:Dali
Meals:B,L

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to visit Weishan Old Town. Weishan old town was the cradle of Nanzhao kingdom(a kindom established by Yi Minority), the history can be traced back to 7th centuary. Its a very nice old town and not touristic. It was a important town on the ancient tea and horse road. You will also enjoy the traditional Bai people’s building design.

Then visit Donglianhua Village in Weishan County.These villages were founded by Muslim soldiers from Central Asia sent to Yunnan by the first emperor of China’s Mongol dynasty of the Yuan(1271-1368). During the Ming and Qing dynasties, they became involved in trade as caravan leaders on the Tea and Horse Road (茶马古道). The courtyards and mansions of village of Donglianhua (东莲花) shows how successful these Chinese Muslims traders were.

Drive back to Dali for overnight.

Day 5 Dali-Shaxi-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Shaxi Old Town, Lijiang Old Town
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:B,L

Drive from Dali to Shaxi Old Town. Walk around this town. Explore the ancient culture and architectures. The remains of an ancient market town and once an active trade stop on the Southern Silk Road that connected Tibet and China with Southeast Asia and on to Europe. This road is actually older than the more famous Silk Road (in the North), predating it by at least 300 years. Shaxi has been listed by the World Monuments Fund as one of the world’s 100 most endangered sites.

In the afternoon, explore Lijiang Old Town. Lijiang Old Town has a history more than 800 years; it was listed as the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997. Here you will see the wonderful wooden architecture of Naxi ethnic people.

Day 6 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishuihe River, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, ‘Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show’, Baisha Old Town, Baisha Murals
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:B,L

Enjoy the sunrise of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town in the morning, drive about 30KM to Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M), you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River, take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cableway will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around 1 hours in the original forest in Spruce Meadow (3200M).

Day 7 Lijiang-Lugu Lake

Sightseeing and Activities:Holy Lugu Lake, Liwubi Island, Mosuo Culture Museum, Mosuo Bonfire Party.
Accommodation:Lugu Lake
Meals:B,L

In the morning, drive 4-5 hrs on the spectacle mountain road to visit the mysterious Lugu Lake. On the way, enjoy the beautiful view among the huge mountains and rivers. We plan to start your walking from Jin’anqiao Bridge to Shudi along the road at the bank of Yangtze River. You will see the beautiful canon and Yi ethnic people’s villages in the steep mountains. After 1 hour walking in the canon, we will continue the driving and we can stop in many Yi villages.

In the late afternoon, you will take the canoes to visit Liwubi Island and Heiwawu Island in Lugu Lake. Pay a visit toMosuo Culture Museum and learn the Mosuo ethnic custom in the museum. Enjoy the sunset wonder of Luguhu Lake in Luoshui Village. In the evening, take part in Mosuo Bonfire Party with ethnic dance and singing performance.You will dance and sing with Mosuo boys and girls around a big bonfire in the outdoors theatre.

Day 8 Lugu Lake-Baoshan Stone Village

Sightseeing and Activities:Labo Township, Baoshan Stone Town
Accommodation:Baoshan Stone Town
Meals:B,L

Drive 3.5 hours to Labo Township(拉伯乡). Then have an 1 hour boat trip to Baoshan Stone Town. On the way, enjoy the valley landscape around Jinsha River. This tour will be impressive and amazing. After arriving at Baoshan Stone Village, walk aroung this village and then have your leisure time with local people. Tonight, enjoy home stay with ethnic people.

Day 9 Baoshan Stone Village-Daju-Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge-Bendiwan

Sightseeing and Activities:Tina’ Guest House, Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge-Bendiwan
Accommodation:Halfway Guesthouse
Meals:B,L

Drive from Baoshan Stone Village to Daju Township. Take a ferryboat across a river. Then drive to Tina’s Guesthoue in Tiger Leaping Gorge area. You will start your hiking from here. Hike about 1.5 hours to Halfway Guesthouse for overnight. Relax yourself and enoy the beautiful secenery of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Day 10 Bendiwan Village-Nuoyu Village-Qiaotou-Shangrila

Sightseeing and Activities:28 Zigzag Bends, Zhong Nuoyu Village, Naxi Family Gusthouse, Dukezong Ancient Town.
Accommodation:Shangrila
Meals:B,L

Hike from Halfway Guesthouse to Nuoyu Village. On the way, you will pass through a waterfall. You will start the most difficult part trekking to the 28 Zigzag Bends trail and reach the top peak at the elevation of 2670m. Arrive at Nuoyu Village and have lunch at Naxi Family Guesthouse. Hike to Qiaotou Primary School to finish your trekking today.

Drive to Shangri-la in the late afternoon. Upon arrival in Shangri La, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. Walk around Dukezong Ancient Town, an important town of the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet and India.

Day 11 Shangrila

Sightseeing and Activities:Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, Pudacuo Nsational Park.
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:B,L

Day 12 Shangrila-Benzilan-Feilaisi

Sightseeing and Activities:Baima Snow Mountain, Dongzhulin Monastery, First Bend of Jinsha River
Accommodation:Feilaisi
Meals:B,L

In the morning, drive 4 to 5 hours to Deqin County (3400m altitude) which is 187km away from Zhongdian via Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, where you will be able to view Baima Snow Mountain if the weather is clear, pass the top part of today at 4292m altitude at 156km.

After traversing mountain ranges, you will make a short stop and have lunch at Benzilan town, take some shots on the Moon Bend of Jinsha(Yangtze) River, Dongzhulin monastery and Baima Snow Mountain. The view along the way is fantastic with different kinds of trees, streams down the valley, prayer flags and stupas, and Tibetan villages.

Stay at Feilaisi.

Day 13 Feilaisi-Mingyong Glacier-Xidang

Sightseeing and Activities:sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain, Mingyong Glaciers, Taizi Monastery.
Accommodation: Xiding
Meals:B,L

Get up early in the morning, enjoy the magic sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain. Then drive another 1.5 hours to Mingyong village, where you will walk on the trails for about 4km to Mingyong Glaciers of Meili Snow Mountain, walk another one or so, you will get to Tibetan Taizi Monastery-another good spot to view the magnificent Mingyong Glaciers. (optional: You can choose to hire a horse to go up to the glacier on your own expense in order to save your energy).

Drive to Xidang for overnight.

Day 14 Xidang-Yubeng

Sightseeing and Activities:Xidang Village, Hike to Yunbeng Village
Accommodation:Upper Yubeng Village
Meals:B,L

Early in the morning , you could enjoy the golden mountain ,on top of which the sunrise touches its snow capped peak. weather permitting. After breakfast, drive along Mekong River to reach trail head. You will get off the car at Xidang Village, then hike up to and over a mountain pass to Yubeng, with picnic lunch (5-7 hours, with several steep sections). Arrive in Upper Yubeng village; dinner in a traditional Tibetan living room, overnight in Yubeng. Today you will need a horse to carry your luggage. Stay overnight in local guest house.

Day 15 Yubeng-Ice Lake-Yubeng

Sightseeing and Activities:Hile to visit Binghu Ice Lake, Mt. Kawagebo Glacier
Accommodation:Upper Yubeng Village
Meals:B,L

Enjoy the sunrise of the Mt. Kawagebo glacier from the guesthouse, then walk up to Binghu Ice Lake of the Meili Snow Mountain. Walk through the original forest from Yubeng Village, you will see some horses and yaks, as well as some wild animals if you are lucky enough. A beautiful river originate from the Glacier Park, walk along the river with some wooden bridges and spruce trees, you will have a wonderful view of Mt. Kawagebo Glacier. At last, arrive at the Ice Lake which is located at the foot of the glacier. Trek back to Upper Yubeng . Stay overnight in local guest house.

Day 16 Yubeng-Holy Waterfall-Yubeng

Sightseeing and Activities:Yubeng-Holy Waterfall-Yubeng
Accommodation:Upper Yubeng
Meals:B,L

If the weather is good, we will wake up to a clear view of the Mt.Kawagebo glacier. After breakfast we will hike to the Holy Waterfall (7km, 2-3 hours), from which Yubeng’s name originated. Buddhists coming to this area on pilgrimages circumamnbulate the waterfall 13 times with the belief. Then walk back to Upper Yubeng. Stay overnight in local guest house.

Day 17 Yubeng-Ninong Valley-Cizhong

Sightseeing and Activities:Yubeng Hiking, Ninong Village
Accommodation:Cizhong
Meals:B,L

This morning, you need a horse to carry your luggage. Walk along the least traveled path of Yubeng, from Yubeng Village to Ninong Village. After lunch, drive to Cizhong for overnight. On the way to Cizhong, you will see grand canyon and idyllic secenry.Stop to view at a distance.

Stay overnight in Cizhong.

Day 18 Cizhong-Gongshan-Bingzhongluo

Sightseeing and Activities:Cizhong-Gongshan-Bingzhongluo
Accommodation:Bingzhongluo
Meals:B,L

Drive along the newly built road from Cizhong to Gongshan County,the road is bumpy but the scenery is so fantestic because the view of Mekong River and Nujiang River grand cayons as well as the Biluo Snow Mountain. Arrive in Gongshan County and continue the driving along Nujiang Valley to Bingzhongluo. Stop to visit the First Bend of Nujiang River on the way to Bingzhongluo.

Biluo Snow Mountain is located at Lanping churchyard which I continuous 145KM. There are 15 snow mountains, which stand 4000 meter above sea level. The Laowo Mountain is the most beautiful a highest mountain than the others, which is 4500 meters above sea level. It is 3200 meters higher compared with the Lantsang. The original ecosystem has been preserved. The climate changes unconventionally in the mountain. The flowing waterfall is densely6 covered, edelweiss and lakes are gathered, and it is called the mountain with thousand waterfalls and thousand lakes.

Day 19 Bingzhongluo

Sightseeing and Activities:Bingzhongluo Hiking
Accommodation:Bingzhongluo
Meals:B,L

You will have a beautiful hiking tour in Bingzhongluo including the attractions of Qiunatong Village,Wuli Village,Dimaluo Village,Chongding Catholic Church and Nujiang River Grand Canyon.

The most beautiful part of Nujiang Gorge starts from Binzhongluo, the northernmost town of the Gorge, where the essential attractions of the Nujiang Gorge are located. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the landscape and an average of 2.5 hours is needed for most tourists to reach the famous “Tea Horse Caravan Route.” Renting a mini bus at Bingzhongluo town is an alternative for the less adventurous sightseers.

On the way to the “Tea-Horse Caravan Route”, one can see the 100-year-old Zhongding Catholic Church built and founded by a French missionary. Shimen Pass is another fantastic section of the gorge along with Wengli (also called Wuli), another stunning landscape lying on a beautiful slope along the river bank. Very near to the Wengli, a carved path is seen on the other bank cliff, the so-called “Tea-Horse Caravan Route”, a path used by traders ferrying their goods between Yunnan and Tibet. At the end of the trekking road, an old hanging bridge and a new one-year-old bridge swing side-by-side.

To those wanderlusts, some trekking routes are worthy of spending days or even weeks longer between Gongshan and Bingzhongluo. Getting 90km further west to the Drung River from Gongshan reveal beautiful virgin forests as well as the kind-hearted Drung ethnic people living their old way of life.

Day 20 Bingzhongluo-Gongshan-Dulongjiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Bingzhongluo-Gongshan-Dulongjiang
Accommodation:Dulongjiang
Meals:B,L

It is 3 hours driving today with the rough road in the virgin forest. Nu ethnic minority lives mainly in Yunnan Province’s Bijiang, Fugong, Gongshan and Lanping counties, which comprise the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture. Others are found in Weixi County in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The Nu people are mainly engaged in agriculture, but also hunt and gather wild plants. Their main crops include corn, buckwheat, barley, potatoes and beans. Some Nu people support themselves through cottage industries such as weaving, wine brewing, iron forging, etc.

Visit Bukawa Village and enjoy the fantastic scenery of Dulongjiang Valley in the afternoon.

Day 21 Dulongjiang River Valley Hiking

Sightseeing and Activities:Dulongjiang River Valley Hiking
Accommodation:Dulongjiang
Meals:B,L

Drive about 30 kilometers southward to Maku Village. Get into Maku Village and start a fantastic trekking trip to Dulongjiang River Region. You will see the Haba Waterfall from Maku Pass and then trek along the virgin forest down to Qinlangdang Village. Arrive in Qinlangdang Village in the afternoon and trek about 1 kilometer to arrive at Haba Waterfall, here is the only way to Myanmar from Dulongjiang River.

Drive back to Kongdang.

Note: There are lots of leeches in the virgin forest in summer, so you should take some medicine to keep them away.

Day 22 Dulongjiang River Valley Hiking

Sightseeing and Activities:Dulongjiang River Valley Hiking
Accommodation:Dulongjiang
Meals:B,L

Drive about 30 km to Longyuan Village, visit the original villages as well as the old tattoo women, if you want to take photos for them, you have to give the tips. Come back to Kongdang.

Day 23 Dulongjiang-Gongshan-Liuku

Sightseeing and Activities:Dulongjiang-Gongshan-Liuku
Accommodation:Liuku
Meals:B,L

Leave for Gongshan and drive 110 km through the fascinating mountain areas to Fugong. Sightseeing includes a visit to a suspension bridge and a glide cable. Special Lishu food will be served during dinner. In the evening you will take part in a party with the local people.

Return to Liuku. Enjoy your last day at Nujiang Grand Canyon and visit Laomudeng Village and the bathhouse of Lishu minority. It is a tradition to welcome new year that all people take a bath together in the open hot springs by the banks of the river.

Overnight in Liuku.

Day 24 Liuku-Tengchong

Sightseeing and Activities:Liuku-Tengchong
Accommodation:Tengchong
Meals:B,L

Enjoy your last day at Nujiang Grand canyon and visit Laomudeng Village and the bathhouse of Lishu Nationality. It is a tradition to welcome new year that all people take a bath together in the open hot springs by the banks of the river.

Drive to Tengchong County, visit Nujiang River Bridge in Lujiang Basin, drive along the Gaoli Gongshan Mountain and arrive in Tengchong at noon. After lunch, you will visit Heshun Ancient Town including the Museum of Yunnan-Burmese Anti-Japanese War,Heshun Library, the Archway, Dragon Pool,the Wanlouzi Museum of Native Residence, Wenchang Daoist Palace, Clothes-washing Pavilions,Yuanlong Daoist Pavilion,the Philosopher Ai Siqi’s Former Residence, Guanyin Ancient Spruce Trees an so on.You will enjoy the Lisu Ethnic Show and Lisu Family visiting in Jade Spring Garden at night. You can dance and sing with Lisu ethnic people as well have some snacks.

–“Heshun” means peace and harmony. You could walk leisurely around the historical old town, built in earlier days by overseas Chinese as a location for their retirement. The remaining old town is a very beautiful place with many ornamental structures such as pavilions, memorial halls, archways, and balustrades, and also with lotus ponds and outlands with many birds. The library in this town is worth mentioning-set up in 1924, it possesses over 60,000 volumes of books, many of which are rare editions of ancient works.

Day 25 Tengchong

Sightseeing and Activities:Tengchong
Accommodation:Tengchong
Meals:B,L

Visit Laifeng Mountain National Forest Park in the early morning, climb up to the half mountain, pay a visit to Laifeng Temple bult in Tang dynasty; Climb to the top of the mountain, visit Wenbi Pagoda and the panoramic view of Dianyue Town of Tengchong County.

Visit the Graveyard of the National Heroes, and Dieshuihe Waterfall Park in the town, then drive to Beihai Wetland Park, you will take a small boat to the lake for a nice view. After lunch, drive back to Tengchong, and visit Rehai hot spring Park.. You will have an option to enjoy the hot spring in the park.

–Tengchong is one of China’s three major geothermal areas, known as “Land Abounding in Geothermal Resources”. There are plenty of springs of hot water and hot vapour, called “Hot Sea”. There are quite a number of hot fields as well. Tengchong is a resort where people can travel, take a bath and have medical treatment. The Hot Sea, with an area of 9 square kilometers, lies 20 kilometers away southwest of the county seat and in the center of the geothermal area.

Day 26 Tengchong-Yingjiang-Ruili

Sightseeing and Activities:Tengchong-Yingjiang-Ruili
Accommodation:Ruili
Meals:B,L

In the morning drive 1 Km to visit the Dieshuihe Waterfall, 1 Km to visit the Graveyard of the National Heroes. Sightseeing at the Pagoda wrapped inside tree, then drive to Ruili, on the way, visit Wanding, the smallest city in China, which is also a border with Burma. Also stop at the One Single Tree Forest, which is a very big banyan looks like a forest.

Day 27 Ruili-Mangshi

Sightseeing and Activities:Ruili-Mangshi
Accommodation:Manghsi
Meals:B,L

Visit a waterfall in the forest which is not far away from Burma, then visit a Dai village and a Jingpo village. After dinner, visit the prosperous Night Market which is really an attraction of Ruili, you will meet many businessmen from Burma, Laos, Thailand, India, Pakistan and Nepal. Many travelers come to this market to buy jade products.

Day 28 Mangshi-Yongde

Sightseeing and Activities:Mangshi-Yongde
Accommodation:Yongde
Meals:B,L

Enjoy your free morning in Mangshi. After lunch, drive to Yongde for overnight. On the way to Yongde, visit some ethnic villages.

Day 29 Yongde-Zhenkang-Cangyuan

Sightseeing and Activities:Yongde-Zhenkang-Cangyuan
Accommodation:Cangyuan
Meals:B,L

Drive 2 hours to visit the Nangun River Nature Reserve which is for the protection of wild elephants. (The Nangun river is the border between China and Burma), then continue drive along the border road to Zhengkang county. On the way, visit several ethnic villages.

Day 30 Cangyuan

Sightseeing and Activities:Cangyuan
Accommodation:Wengding Wa Ethnic Village
Meals:B,L

Drive to visit Menglai Grand Canyon. Menglai Grand Canyon is also called Thousand-Meter Gallery , situated at the middle part of the scenic spot. The rock paintings in the area is about 3KM. The cliff is about 80-180 meters high and the highest one is about 280 meters. Some of the cliff surface is ragged like a honeycomb, and some are flat and smooth as if cut by the axe, while some are just like the terraced fields. Due to the erosion of some special materials and the decoration of the climbing plants, the surface the cliff becomes colorful just like a giant rock paintings reflecting the vicissitudes of the nature.

Visit Cangyuan Cliff Painting. The cliff paintings of Cangyuan is said to take on different colors as the time, weather and humidity change. According to the proverb of the local Wa and Thai people that the cliff painting changes three times a day: in the morning the color is red, at noon lighter and in the evening purple. Nowadays the paintings have already been designated as the key historical relic protection unit at the provincial level.

Drive to visit Mengka Dai Ethnic Village.

Stay overnight at Wengding Wa Ethnic Village.

Day 31 Cangyuan-Shuangjiang-Ximeng

Sightseeing and Activities:Cangyuan-Shuangjiang-Ximeng
Accommodation:Ximeng
Meals:B,L

Walk to visit Wending Wa Ethnic Village this morining. Then drive to Ximeng. If you are lucky enough, you could see the sea of clouds. Visit Dragon Pool, a picturesque lake with around 38 sq. meters, combined with wetland, lotus pond, queer rocks, charming mountains, pretty temples, charming pavilions

Day 32 Ximeng-Lancang-Jingmai

Sightseeing and Activities:Ximeng-Lancang-Jingmai
Accommodation:Jingmai
Meals:B,L

Tour to the Jingmai-Mangjing Ten-thousand-mu Millenary Ancient Tea Plantation, the most famous and biggest Puer Tea Plantation in the world.Visit the Wengji Village of Bulang Minority, Nuo Gan Water Village.

Day 33 Jingmai-Menghai-Jinghong

Sightseeing and Activities:Jingmai-Menghai-Jinghong
Accommodation:Jinghong
Meals:B,L

Drive to Menghai. Pay visit to Menghai Tea Factory. The factory is well known for its old raw pu-erh cakes and is highly reputed in the tea industry of China. Further transfer into the old Aini village near Nannuoshan, visit Aini people’s market selling pu’er tea, local vegetables, fruits and hand-made crafts.Then 20 minutes driving to the Aini vellage where we start to walk or start walk up from the foot of the mountain. 2 hours walking on a jungle path to see the old Pu er tea tree plantation in forest and a huge bush tea plantation. All the tea trees are between 300 and 800 years old. At noon, drink local tea and have packed lunch at a place with nice view.

Drive to visit a Dai ethnic village where the local people make paper for wrappering Pu’er Tea with a priminal method.

Transfer to Jinghong City for overnight.

Day 34 Jinghong

Sightseeing and Activities:Jinghong
Accommodation:Jinghong
Meals:B,L

Today , drive to Ganlanba, visit Galanba (Olive Dam) with an elevation of 530 meters above the sea level, a small town where you will see typical Dai bamboo cabins, Dai ethnic villages, Mangting Park, tropical plants and colorful fruits.

Then drive to visit Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park. Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park, also called Xishuangbanna Virgin Forest Park, is 8 kilometers east of the Jinghong City and north of the Lancang River. Situated in a river valley of 720 to 1,355 meters above sea level, the forest park has an area of 1,700 hectares of which 98％ is covered by trees, and is thus the largest comprehensive ecological place of interest in the prefecture.

Afterwards, visit Dry Dai ethnic village.

Day 35 Jinghong-Menglun-Mengla

Sightseeing and Activities:Jinghong-Menglun-Mengla
Accommodation:Mengla
Meals:B,L

In the morning, drive to visit Jinuo Mountain.Visit Jinuo People, who uniquely belongs to this region, is the last ethnic nationality classified by Chinese Government in 1979. See the ancient tea plantations around Jinuo village, which used to be one of Six Great Tea Mountains reputed as the cradles of famous Pu’er Tea, try Wrap-charcoaled Tea and Salad Tea Jinuo people prepare in their traditional way.

Drive to Mengla County. Visit Menglun Botanical- Menglun tropical botanical garden is the largest tropical botanical garden in China. It was established in 1959 by Chinese famous botanists including Prof. Cai Xitao, who devoted all his life to related scientific research with remarkable achievements. The garden boasts more than 4000 species of tropical plants covering an area of 900 hectares, quite a few of which are rare elsewhere, forming a colorful botanical landscape.

Day 36 Mengla-Jiangcheng-Lvchun

Sightseeing and Activities:Mengla-Jiangcheng-Luchun
Accommodation:Lvchun
Meals:B,L

Drive from Mengla to Lvchun. On the way, you have some stops to visit ethnic villages and enjoy tropical scenery.

Day 37 Lvchun-Yuanyang

Sightseeing and Activities:Luchun-Yuanyang
Accommodation:Yuanyang
Meals:B,L

This morning, visit rice terraces in Lvchun. Then drive to YuanyanYou have time to tour around Xinjiezhen to trek along Longshuba Rice Terrace and see kinds of Mushroom-shaped Houses. Stay overnight in Yuanyang.

Longshuba Rice Terrace: Located 5 km from Xinjiezhen(Yuanyang Old Town), Longshuba Rice Terrace is only accessible by foot in around 40 minutes, which is the solo scenic spot comparing with other terraces. After you arrive there, you will be surprised by the unique red duckweed and colorful rice terraces.

Mushroom-shaped Houses: Where there are Hani people, there is Mushroom-shaped House. Inspire by the Mushroom, the Hani people built their houses. Nowadays, numbers of mushroom houses spread in Hani Villages, making a wonderful landscape with peaks, sea of clouds and diverse rice terraces.

Day 38 Yuanyang

Sightseeing and Activities:Yuanyang
Accommodation:Yuanyang
Meals:B,L

You have whole day to view the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, including Duoyishu Rice Terrace, Bada Rice Terrace and Laohuzui (Tiger Mouth) Rice Terrace which are the best scenes to sightseeing and photograph-shooting. Visit local ethnic market. Stay overnight in Yuanyang.

Day 39 Yuanyang-Jianshui

Sightseeing and Activities:Yuanyang-Jianshui
Accommodation:Jianshui
Meals:B,L

Drive to Jianshui (4-5hrs ). Visit Shuanglong Birdge and Tuanshan Village as well as the Garden of Family Zhang in Tuanshan Village. Tuanshan Village is a rare surviving example of an intact-albeit neglected-traditional walled Yunnan village compound in southwestern China, and has been added to the 2005 list of internationally significant sites by the World Memorial Fund for Architecture (WMF), an international fund for the protection of world heritage sites. Later , you’ll visit the Jianshui Old City and the Chaoyang Gateway Tower, which was built in Ming Dynasty (1389). It is also known as ‘Miniature Tian’an men’ because the out shape of it is similar to Tian’anmen Square in Beijing. Visit the Confucius Temple, which has a history of 700 years. It is the second largest Confucius Temple in China. Then visit Zhu Family Garden.

Day 40 Jianshui-Yanshan-Babao

Sightseeing and Activities:Jianshui-Yanshan-Babao
Accommodation:Babao
Meals:B,L

Drive from Jianshui to Babao. On the way, have a stop at Yanshan County to have your lunch. When you enter Babao, visit Sanla Waterfall. Stay overnight at Babao.

Day 41 Babao-Guangnan-Bamei

Sightseeing and Activities:Babao-Guangnan-Bamei
Accommodation:Bamei
Meals:B,L

This morning, drive to Guangnan County, then take a boat to Bamei village by passing through the caves. After landing, visit Bamei village and theBig Banyan Tree, enjoy the peaceful life of Zhuang ethnic people.

Day 42 Bamei-Guangnan-Puzhehei

Sightseeing and Activities:Bamei-Guangnan-Puzhehei
Accommodation:Puzhehei
Meals:B,L

This morning, walk around in Bamei village and visit Bamei River. Take the boat to get out of the village from another cave. Then drive to Puzheihei.

Day 43 Puzhehei

Sightseeing and Activities:Puzhehei
Accommodation:Puzhehei
Meals:B,L

In the morning, take a small boat to visit the Karst landscape and rurality and lakes. If you come to Puzhehei on June, July and August, you will see large scale of lotus flowers on the lake. Then disembark at the Qinglongshan wharf and climb Qinglong Mountain to see the panorama of Puzhehei. After that, walk to visit the Torch Cave and Kwan-yin Cave.

Then visit the “Swan Lake”.

Day 44 Puzhehei-Luoping

Sightseeing and Activities:Puzhehei-Luoping
Accommodation:Luoping
Meals:B,L

Drive to Luoping. Visit Luositian (Snail Farms). The fields here are of smaller scale. The flowers are grown in circular rings following the contours of the slopes and the fields look like the rings of a snail’s shell. Then visit Jinjiling in time for sunrise photography. Jinjifeng(Golden Rooster Hill), the most famous spot for photographing rapeseed flowers. It offers an excellent and expansive view of the fields and hills. Lingyi Temple, located in the middle of the hill, offers a perfect platform for photographing the fields and sunset.

Day 45 Luoping-Shilin-Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Luoping-Shilin-Kunming
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:B,L

Our tour guide pick up you from your hotel lobby, then you’ll be driven 1.5 hrs to the renowned Stone Forest, the ‘First Wonder of the World’. You’ll marvel at its natural stone masterpieces and be bewitched by the intricate formations. You feel like come into a ‘stone world’.

Drive back to Kunming.

Day 46 Departure from Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Kunming
Accommodation:
Meals:B,L

Departure from Kunming. Service ends.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostels
Kunming	Sofitel Hotel	Jingjiang Hotel	Long Teng Hotel	Tu Tu Inn
Dali	Hilton Dali Resort and Spa	E-outfitting Boutique Hotel	Gnosis Hotel	Fengxuegucheng
Lijiang	InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort	E-outfitting Boutique Hotel	Liwang Hotel	Flowers Hall Inn
Lugu Lake	Ocean Paradise Hotel	Anyue Boutique Hotel	Shi Lily Touring Hotel	Bai Ge Lan Diao
Shangrila	Shangri-La Hotel	E-outfitting Boutique Hotel	Bodhi Boutique Hotel	Wu Fu South Yunnan Boutique Inn
Feilaisi	Guanjing Tiantang Hotel	Deqin County Temple Pearl Hotel	Deqin County Temple Pearl Hotel	Deqin Yunling Inn
Xiding	/	/	/	/
Cizhong	/	Songtsam Cizhong Lodge	Hiker Home	/
Bingzhongluo	/	/	Nu Xia Hotel	Fusheng Manor Inn
Dulongjiang	/	/	Nu Xia Hotel	Fusheng Manor Inn
Liuku	/	/	Shengshi Hongbang Hotel	/
Tengchong	Guanfang Hotel Tengchong	Pumi Wenlv Zhang’s Courtyard (Hepan)	Yongle Holiday Resort and Spa	Yonder Way Hostel
Ruili	Jing Cheng Earthsea SPA Holiday Center	Ruili Sidawo Hotel	Hesheng Hotel	Lingfeng Inn
Mangshi	Huafeng Peacock Lake Hotel & Resort	Mangshi Dabo Hotel	Mangshi Hotel	Xiaochenggushi Inn
Yonghe	Huafeng Peacock Lake Hotel & Resort	Mangshi Dabo Hotel	Mangshi Hotel	Xiaochenggushi Inn
Cangyuan	Mengluo Hotel	Jialinsai Hotel	Jingwa Hotel	Eighteen Tribe Hotel
Ximeng	/	Mijing Wazhai Rice Field Manor	Qiansheng Hotel	/
Jingmai	/	/	/	Princess Bulang Inn
Jinghong	Hermit Hotel	Xile Hot Spring Hotel	Tai’ anmeng Holiday Hotel	Rainforest Paradise Inn
Mengla	Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort	Hejing Hotel	Hailun Holiday Hotel	Shuibian Dai Inn
Lvchun	/	/	Yunti Hotel	/
Yuanyang	Yuanyang Twelve Manor	Yunti Hotel	Shuiyunjian Hotel	Guanjing Heaven Hotel
Jianshui	Ting Ziyun Hotel	Lin An Hotel	Res Sky Hotel	Huiyuanlou Inn
Puzhehei	/	Yi Da Inn	/	Guyue Lakeview Inn
Luoping	/	Xicheng Hotel	Flower Whisper Hotel and Resort	Flowers Inn

Service Included:

Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
Meals as listed in the itinerary;
Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
Private English-speaking tour guide;
Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
Service charge & government taxes;
Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;.

Service Excluded:

Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
Chinese visa fees;
Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
Single room supplement;
Tips to guides and drivers;
Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
Personal travel accident insurance;
All optional programs.

Spring is the season of flowers, especially March and April are the best times to enjoy the sea of flowers. So we want to recommend some attracting places for enjoying flowers in Yunnan. Luoping Rape Flower Cultural Tourism Festival is held between February and March, presenting golden fields of rape, magnificent waterfalls, and the exotic customs of Buyi people. Besides, the famous attractions in this tour include the Stone Forest, Hani Rice Terraces and Jianshui Ancient Town. This spring photograph tour will lead you discover more beautiful scenery hiding in the mountains.

Highlights:

Have a wonderful stay in Spring City and stroll around the Green lake.
Be attracted by the spectacular stone wonderland in Stone Forest.
Explore the ethnic villages and meet the friendly ethnic groups, Yi, Miao, Hani, Zhuang, Mongol on the way.
Lost yourself in the the sea of rapeseed flowers.
Visit Yuanyang Hani Rice Terrace to witness the splendid terrace view, sunrise and sunset.
Step into the profound Jianshui Ancient Town and feel the millennium history.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming Arrival
Day 2: Kunming-Luoping
Day 3: Luoping
Day 4: Luoping-Puzhehei
Day 5: Puzhehei-Bamei
Day 6: Bamei-Yanshan
Day 7: Yanshan-Yuanyang
Day 8: Yuanyang
Day 9: Yuanyang-Jianshui
Day 10: Jianshui-Kunming
Day 11: Kunming Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: the Green Lake
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals:

You’ll begin your journey to the diverse and captivating Yunnan Province from the capital city, Kunming. Upon arrival at the Kunming International Airport, you will meet your local guide and then transfer to the hotel.

You will take a leisurely stroll along the Green Lake, a charming area of tea houses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and beautiful local paintings.

Day 2 Kunming-Stone Forest-Luoping

Sightseeing and Activities: the Stone Forest, Luoping Rape Flowers
Accommodation: Luoping
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

In the morning, we will drive 86 km to the Stone Forest. An old local saying says that ‘If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.’ Truly, the Stone Forest is one of the most popular attractions of Yunnan. Stone Forest is known as the ‘First Wonder of the World’. You’ll marvel at its natural stone masterpieces and be bewitched by the intricate formations.

After lunch, drive to Luoping and visit the Sea of Rapeseed Flowers. The dense cluster of karst around Luoping is stunning at any time of the year. But when rape flowers turns the fields into a sea of gold, more and more photographers are attracted by the view.

Day 3 Luoping

Sightseeing and Activities: Jinjiling and Niujie Rape Flowers Fields, Jiulong Waterfalls
Accommodation: Luoping
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Get up early in the morning, enjoy the nice view of vast rape fields from the top of Jinjiling Mountain. Every year in February, when rape flowers bloom, what shows before your eyes is the biggest garden in the world and a sea of yellow flowers measuring over 130 square kilometers. This gorgeous view make Luoping, a remote small county, become the most popular destination in spring.

Move to Niujie for different types of rape fields view, the farmlands there are cultivated in spiral shapes. NiuJie is a few kilometers to the north of Luoping county. The farms there are of smaller scale. The flowers are grown in circular rings following the contours of the slopes.

In the afternoon, visit Jiulong Waterfalls, it is regarded as one of China’s biggest and most beautiful waterfalls, as well as an excellent place to photograph. Firstly, take a cable car or climb up the hill to the platform overlooking the valley and the waterfalls and photograph the grand vista. Secondly, walk down the hill to the biggest waterfall (56 meters high and 112 meters wide) to photograph it up closely.

Day 4 Luoping-Puzhehei

Sightseeing and Activities:Luobuge Gorge, Duoyihe River, ethnic villages
Accommodation: Puzhehei
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Hike to Lubuge Gorge (known as “Small Three Gorges”) and the picturesque Duoyi River with waterfalls at different levels, where you can also have a glimps of the water mills which shows how the ancient people made use of the natural water resources. Duoyi River is the main residential area of Buyi ethnic people, you can visit their villages and learn about their traditions and folk custom.

After lunch, drive to Puzhehei and visit the ethnic villages on the way.

Day 5 Puzhehei-Guangnan-Bamei

Sightseeing and Activities:Puzhehei Scenic Resort
Accommodation: Bamei
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

In the morning, take the boat cruise to visit Puzhehei Scenic Resort. Puzhehei in northwest Qiubei County is a fairyland in which visitor can have a panoramic view of clear lakes and pond full of lotus, emerald mountains and enchanting karst landscape. This charming countryside is also an ideal place to view the pomp in festivals of the Yao, Miao and Yi minorities. July to August is the best time to admire the most beautiful country landscape of Puzhehei, because the lotus blossoms are in their florescence.

Puzhehei means the lake with many fish and shrimps in the language of the Yi people. The lake water is limpid and you can even see the bed of the lake. Rowing the boat on the lake, the tourists can see many fish and shrimps swimming in the water. Up till now the local people still keep the habit of holding water with hands to ease the thirst. In the scenic spot there are 312 peaks standing independent from each other, 56 lakes which are clear and without any pollution, 83 kinds of caves, a great many water lilies which give off faint scents.

In the afternoon, drive to Bamei Village, which is reputed as “Xanadu” or “Arcadia”, access by boat from the cave. Take the boat cruise into the village and enjoy the peaceful life of Zhuang ethnic people. Stay overnight at the local hostel.

Day 6 Bamei-Yanshan

Sightseeing and Activities: Bamei Village, Bamei River, Yanshan Lake
Accommodation: Yanshan
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

In the morning, walk around Bamei Village and visit Bamei River. You have a nice experience of Zhuang ethnic people’s life in the village.

Reputed as one of the most isolated communities of Zhuang minority in Guangnan, Bamei is a village without roads. Even up to now, the Bamei River is still the only access in and out of the village. Due to inconvenient location and hard transit, the village escaped bother of outsiders and the influences of the modern world, staying as unadorned and pure as they always were.

When night falls, villagers light their oil lamps. Bonfires are built to welcome tourists. As the local children run about in the glow of the flames, one cannot wonder if this fairyland, once hidden but now on the map, may soon lose its innocence and become another contrived tourist attraction.

Drive to Yanshan County in the afternoon. Visit Yanshan Lake on the way.

Day 7 Yanshan-Yuanyang

Sightseeing and Activities: Malipo Miao ethnic village, Yi and Hani ethnic villages, the sunset of Laohuzui Rice Terraces, Mengnong Chieftain Palace
Accommodation: Yuanyang
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Drive about 5 hours to Yuanyang via Kaiyuan and Gejiu, you will visit Malipo Miao Ethnic Village one the way. After lunch, continue the driving to Panzhihua Township, enjoy the sunset of Laohuzui Rice Terraces there and visit some Yi and Hani ethnic villages around Panzhihua Town and Mengnong Chieftain Palace. Laohuzui Rice Terraces are situated about 20 kilometers from the Yuanyang county. The best moment to enjoy the marvelous rice terraces view is during the sunset period. Literally translated from Chinese, Laohuzui means ‘Tiger Mouth’. It seems it is possible to distinguish the form as a tiger mouth in the rice fields; while some others think it’s kind of the shape of a horse.

Day 8 Yuanyang

Sightseeing and Activities: the sunrise of Duoyishu Rice Terraces, Shengcun Market, Bada Rice Terraces, Qingkou ethnic village, Qingkou Rice Terraces, the sunset of Longshuba Rice Terraces
Accommodation: Yuanyang
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

This day, you have a full day to visit Rice Terrace. These rice terraces -carved out of the mountainsides by generations of Hani people- are said to be among the most magnificent in the world.

Get up early in the morning to watch the sunrise at Duoyishu Rice Terrace and then visit the local Hani and Yi people. During the day you will visit different areas of the huge valley to see the amazing engineering and beautiful formations of the terraces.

Duoyishu Rice terrace in Yuanyang is one of the best places to photograph in Yunnan. The Sea of cloud and the water field rice terrace are unique during winter and early spring. As the sun rises, the terraces come alive with the sky’s reflection. In the winter, the fields are irrigated in order to plow and plant for the new season. The rising sun creates an amazing reflection off the water in the terraces.

In the late afternoon, drive back to Xinjie Town, enjoy the sunset view of Longshuba Hani Rice Terraces and villages. Yuanyang Rice Terrace is a self sustaining ecosystem. From winter to early spring, the entire field is irrigated with spring water from the forest above to rejuvenate and getting prepared for the next season. The Hani people have repeated this for more than a thousand years. There is only one harvest in a year for the Yuanyang Rice Terrace; the growing period is from March to Oct./Nov. every year.

Day 9 Yuanyang-Jianshui

Sightseeing and Activities: Jianshui Swallow Cave, Jianshui Ancient Town, Zhu Family Garden, Confucius Temple
Accommodation: Jianshui
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

After breakfast in the hotel, drive about 3 hours to Jianshui County. On the way, visit Jianshui Swallow Cave which is the largest karst formation cave in Asia. There are usually thousands of swallows flying around in this aptly named cave. You will follow a guide in the cave to see the striking caverns and also to see the bare hand rock climbing performance in the cave. Walk into the cave and visit the colorful Karst landform, then take the small boat cruise out of the cave. Arrive in Jianshui Ancient Town in the afternoon, pay a visit to Jianshui Ancient Town, Zhu Family Garden and Confucius Temple. Visit the famous Confucius Temple with its profound history. Confucious was born in Shandong province 2,500 years ago and taught more than 3,000 students in his lifetime, among them 72 were outstanding. He is the greatest teacher in China’s history and has worldwide influence.

Jianshui is a state historic and cultural city. The climatic condition here is pleasant, neither hot in summer nor cold in winter. Moreover, it is one of the earliest developed cities in south Yunnan that enjoys the fame of being an ancient cultural city and important gateway.

Day 10 Jianshui-Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: Zhang Family Garden in Tuanshan Village, Double Dragon Bridge, Xingmeng Mongolian Village
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Drive to Tuanshan Village about 15 KM away from Jianshui Ancient Town, visit the Zhang Family Garden, the ancient houses and the Double Dragon Bridge. Visit Tunshan village with hundred-year-old houses built by the Zhang family. In the village, you will see the different standards of houses built by rich and poor families, and also the family temple that plays an important role for education, family history, and Chinese culture.

After lunch, on the way back to Kunming, visit Xingmeng Mongolia Village in Tonghai County of Yuxi City. It is the one and only Mongolia village in Yunnan.

Day 11 Kunming Departure

Sightseeing and Activities: Departure from Kunming
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

Transfer back to Kunming International Airport for departure flight. Service ends.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	4 Star	Hostels
Kunming	Sofitel Hotel	Jinjiang Hotel	Longteng Hotel	/
Luoping
Puzhehei
Bamei
Yanshan
Yuanyang	The Twelve Manors	Yunti Hotel	Shuiyunjian	/
Jianshui	Tingziyun Hotel	Lin’an Hotel	Hongmantian Hotel	/

Service Included:

Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
Meals as listed in the itinerary;
Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
Private English-speaking tour guide;
Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
Service charge & government taxes;
Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

Service Excluded:

Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
Chinese visa fees;
Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
Single room supplement;
Tips to guides and drivers;
Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
Personal travel accident insurance;
All optional programs.

Travel and Tours Packages of Honghe and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces

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Tour

Kampala

9 Days Lijiang and Shangrila Adventure Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking and Haba Snow Mountain(5396M) Climbing

Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Haba Snow Mountain-Baishuitai-Shangrila

Haba Snow Mountain Climbing Tours Veiw

11 Days Yunnan Classic Tour with Haba Snow Mountain (5396M) Climbing Adventure

Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Haba Snow Mountain-Shangri-La

Haba Snow Mountain Climbing Tours Veiw

8 Days Yunnan Three Parallel Rivers Circle Tour Adventure (Lijiang-Shangri-La)

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Three Parallel Rivers Tours Veiw

20 Days West Yunnan and Three Parallel Rivers Overland Tour

Mangshi-Ruili-Longchuan-Yingjiang-Lianghe-Tengchong-Lushui-Fugong-Gongshan-Bngzhongluo-Cizhong-Feilaisi-Deqin-Benzilan-Shangrila-Baishuitai-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shigu-Lijiang-Baisha-Shaxi-Dali-Xiangyun-Chuxiong-Kunming

Minority Discovery Veiw

7 Days Lijiang and Shangri-La Paradise Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure

Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Baishuitai-Shangrila

Lijiang-Shangri-La Tours Veiw

10 Days Yunnan Classic Tour with Meili Snow Mountain Pilgrimage (Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri La-Feilaisi)

Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangrila-Deqin-Meili Snow Mountain-Shangrila

Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La Tours Veiw

6 Days Kunming Jianshui Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Photography Tour

Kunming-Jianshui-Yuanyang-Shilin-Kunming

Kunming-Jianshui-Yuanyang Tours Veiw

8 Days Yunnan Photography Tour to Kunming-Dongchuan-Shilin-Jianshui and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces

Kunming-Dongchuan-Shilin-Yuanyang-Jianshui-Kunming

Kunming-Jianshui-Yuanyang Tours Veiw

9 Days Yunnan (China)-Vietnam Overland Tour from Kunming to Hanoi

Kunming-Shilin-Jianshui-Yuanyang-Hekou-Sapa-Hanoi-Halong Bay-Hanoi

Yunnan (China)-Indochina Tours Veiw

9 Days Kunming-Dali-Shaxi-Lijiang-Shangri-La High Speed Train Tour

Kunming-Dali-Shaxi-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangrila-Lijiang

Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La Tours Veiw

46 Days Yunnan Panorama Photography Tour with 25 Ethnic Minorities Discovery and Three Parallel Rivers Hiking Adventure

Kunming-Chuxiong-Dali-Lijiang-Lugu Lake-Baoshan-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangrila-Deqing-Nujiang-Tengchong-Ruili-Mangshi-Cangyuan-Jinghong-Yuanyang-Jianshui-Bamei-Puzhehei-Luoping-Kunming

Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La Tours Veiw

11 Days Yunnan Spring Photograph Tour With Luoping Rapeseed Flowers, Bamei Village And Yuanyang Hani Rice Terrace Field

Kunming-Shilin-Luoping-Puzhehei-Bamei-Yanshan-Yuanyang-Jianshui-Kunming

February Tours Veiw

Contact Info

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