2 Days Xinping County Tour with Huayaodai Ethnic People and Ailaoshan Mountain Discovery

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kunming (Return to Kunming after tour)

8:00 AM: Depart from Kunming, gathering at Home2 Suites by Hilton in Xishan
Journey towards Xinping County (新平县) (181 km, 3-hour drive).

11:30 AM: Arrive in Xinping County (新平县), starting the day with a visit to the Ethnic Culture Plaza (民族文化广场). Take a walk through the Colorful Pavilion (五彩楼阁) and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant.

2:30 PM: Nanjian Ethnic Cultural Ecological Village (南碱民族文化生态村) - Explore Nanjian Village (南碱村), home to the Huayao Dai people (花腰傣). This village is one of the few places where you can experience the authentic Huayao Dai culture (花腰傣文化). Visit the Huayao Dai Cultural Heritage Center (花腰傣文化传习馆) to learn about the cultural evolution, ancient agricultural tools, traditional costumes, and marriage customs of the Huayao Dai people.

4:30 PM: Continue the journey to Gasa Town (嘎洒镇), also known as the "Little Hong Kong" of the region.
Explore the Binglang Garden (槟榔园), a pristine spot where the locals live in harmony with nature, followed by a visit to the Chu Orange Manor (褚橙庄园), where you can learn about the famous Chu Orange (褚橙) and its cultivation process.

6:30 PM: Enjoy the Huayao Dai performance (花腰傣表演), featuring traditional songs and dances, followed by a flower banquet (花腰宴) dinner in Gasa Town (嘎洒镇).

8:00 PM: Experience Flower Street (花街) and the Flower Street Waterfront (花街水岸), a lively area with bars, restaurants, and live performances. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront while indulging in some local snacks and drinks.

9:30 PM: Return to Kunming (昆明) for overnight accommodation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: None (End of tour)

7:30 AM: After breakfast, head to the Ailao Mountain Scenic Area (哀牢山风景区) to experience the natural beauty of the region, which is known for its majestic terraced fields (哀牢梯田), cloud seas (哀牢云海), and stunning waterfalls (瀑布).

8:30 AM: Begin your exploration with a visit to the Ailao Terraces (哀牢梯田), an ancient marvel that showcases traditional farming methods that have been passed down through generations. Learn how the terraced fields have shaped the local communities and ecosystems.

9:30 AM: Nanen Falls (南恩瀑布) – One of the Ailao Mountain's (哀牢山) most breathtaking features, Nanen Falls (南恩瀑布) is the largest waterfall (最大瀑布) in the region. The waters cascade dramatically down the cliffs, creating a majestic and serene view that is perfect for photography.

11:00 AM: Proceed to Longxi Manor (陇西李氏庄园) to learn about the Li Clan’s (李氏) history, as well as their deep connection to the Ailao Mountains.

12:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant with stunning mountain views.

1:30 PM: Visit Shimen Gorge (石门峡), often referred to as the “Jiuzhaigou of Ailao Mountain” (哀牢山的九寨沟), known for its vibrant blue waters (蓝水), majestic cliffs (雄伟悬崖), and lush landscapes that resemble Jiuzhaigou Valley (九寨沟) in Sichuan. Walk through the gorge, taking in the beauty of the natural environment.

3:00 PM: Visit the historical Longxi Family Manor (陇西李氏庄园) and Li Runzhi's Former Residence (李润之故居), which offer insights into the legacy of Li Shimin's descendants (李世民后代). Explore the area, which holds significant cultural and historical value, and learn about the rise of influential figures like Li Shimin (李世民), whose impact extended far beyond the region.

4:30 PM: Depart from Ailao Mountain (哀牢山) and make your way back to Kunming (昆明).

7:00 PM: Arrive in Kunming (昆明), marking the end of your Xinping County (新平县) and Ailao Mountain (哀牢山) Discovery tour.