Take a transformative journey through Yunnan Province, known for its rich Muslim heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant ethnic diversity. This 7-day tour is designed specifically for those interested in exploring Muslim culture, historical mosques, and the unique beauty of Yunnan’s natural wonders. From visiting iconic mosques to experiencing the breathtaking Yuanyang Rice Terraces, you’ll immerse yourself in the beauty and history of this region. Along the way, you’ll discover local Muslim communities, observe daily prayer practices, and enjoy insightful cultural experiences.

Tour Overview

This tour offers an extraordinary combination of Muslim cultural exploration and natural beauty. You’ll visit historical mosques such as the Great Mosque of Shadian, witness the spectacular landscapes of Yuanyang Rice Terraces, and delve into the traditions of Yunnan’s ethnic communities. Along with the scenic beauty, you’ll experience daily Muslim prayers, learn about local Islamic culture, and explore the vibrant Hani and Yi ethnic groups. Whether you’re admiring the sunrise over terraced fields or exploring ancient towns, this tour will offer a holistic and enriching experience of Yunnan’s Muslim heritage.

Tour Highlights

• Great Mosque of Shadian: Visit the largest mosque in Southwest China, located in Shadian, and learn about the historical and cultural significance of the mosque to the local Muslim community.
• Yuanyang Rice Terraces: Explore the UNESCO-listed Yuanyang Rice Terraces, where you’ll experience the incredible Hani ethnic culture and stunning landscapes, including sunrise and sunset views.
• Jianshui Ancient Town: Discover the architectural beauty of Jianshui, an ancient town that preserves much of its Ming Dynasty heritage, including the Double Dragon Bridge and the Chaoyang Gateway.
• Stone Forest: Marvel at the Stone Forest, a geological wonder with towering stone formations, earning it the title of “First Wonder of the World”.
• Cultural Immersion: Experience the unique culture of the Hani, Yi, and other ethnic groups in Yunnan, with visits to traditional villages and markets.

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Kunming Arrival
• Day 2: Kunming-Shadian
• Day 3: Shadian-Yuanyang
• Day 4: Yuanyang
• Day 5: Yuanyang-Jianshui
• Day 6: Jianshui-Kunming
• Day 7: Kunming Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

After breakfast, visit the Stone Forest, one of Yunnan’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the natural stone formations that have earned it the title of the “First Wonder of the World.” Later, drive to Shadian for an overnight stay.

Drive to Jianshui in the morning, enjoy the tropical climate along the Honghe River Valley.

After arriving in Jianshui, you’ll visit Tuanshan Village and the Garden of Family Zhang; Tuanshan Village is a rare surviving example of an intact-albeit Yunnan village with walls in southwestern China, and it 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. On the way, have a stop to take picture at Double Dragon Bridge.

Stroll in the Jianshui Old Town and the Chaoyang Gateway, which was built in Ming Dynasty (1389). It is also known as ‘Miniature of Tian’an men’ because the its shape is similar to Tian’anmen Square in Beijing.

Morning – Travel to Jianshui: After breakfast, you’ll drive to Jianshui, a historic town known for its ancient architecture and ethnic diversity. The journey will take you through the Honghe River Valley, a tropical area filled with lush greenery and terraced fields.

Lunch: Enjoy a halal lunch along the way.

Afternoon – Tuanshan Village: Upon arriving in Jianshui, your first stop will be Tuanshan Village, one of Yunnan’s best-preserved traditional villages. Here, you’ll explore ancient Yunnanese houses, many of which still retain their original walls, architecture, and charm. Tuanshan is listed as one of the World Memorial Fund for Architecture’s protected sites.

Double Dragon Bridge & Chaoyang Gateway: After exploring Tuanshan, head to Double Dragon Bridge, a beautiful stone bridge with an iconic arch. Then, visit the Chaoyang Gateway, a remarkable Ming Dynasty structure resembling Tian’anmen Square.

Evening – Jianshui Old Town: Spend the evening strolling through Jianshui Old Town, a well-preserved area with traditional Chinese architecture and lively streets.

In the morning, we’ll visit The Garden of Family Zhu, a private garden that exemplifies the southern Chinese garden style. Next, we’ll head to the Confucius Temple, one of the oldest and largest Confucius temples in China. It’s an excellent place to learn about Confucian philosophy and its influence on Chinese society.
On our way back to Kunming, we’ll stop at Xingmeng Mongolian Village to experience the unique culture of the Mongolian people in Southern Yunnan.
Visit Najiaying Mosque before driving back to Kunming.

Morning – Visit the Garden of Family Zhu: After breakfast, visit the Garden of Family Zhu, one of the finest examples of a southern Chinese garden. This traditional garden is a serene place to explore and learn about Chinese culture.

Confucius Temple: Then, head to the Confucius Temple, one of the largest and oldest Confucian temples in China. Here, you can learn about Confucian philosophy and its influence on Chinese culture and society.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon – Xingmeng Mongolian Village: On your way back to Kunming, stop at Xingmeng Mongolian Village. This village offers a glimpse into the Mongolian culture of southern Yunnan. Learn about traditional Mongolian customs, including their unique architecture, food, and lifestyle.

Return to Kunming: Arrive in Kunming and check into your hotel for the night.

Recommended Hotels

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.

7 Days Yunnan Muslim Tour with Shadian Mosque and Yuanyang Rice Terraces: Muslim Travel Tips

Embarking on the 7-day Yunnan Muslim Tour covering Kunming, Jianshui, Yuanyang, Shadian, and Mile offers a fascinating blend of Islamic culture, ethnic diversity, and natural beauty. To make your journey smooth and enjoyable, this guide provides Muslim-friendly travel tips, including information about mosques, halal food, prayer locations and times, and useful travel advice to enhance your experience.

1. Daily Prayers (Salat) Tips

Maintaining daily prayers (Salat) while traveling is essential for Muslim travelers. Here’s how you can ensure you stay on track with your prayers during your Yunnan trip:

Prayer Times and Apps

Prayer Time Apps: Use apps like Muslim Pro or IslamicFinder to get accurate prayer times based on your location. These apps are especially useful in unfamiliar areas.

Time Zone: Yunnan follows China Standard Time (CST), which is UTC +8. Ensure you adjust for prayer times when traveling between regions.

Mosques for Prayers

Kunming

• Nancheng Mosque: This mosque, located in the city center, is ideal for Maghrib and Isha prayers.
• Prayers in Public Places: Many halal restaurants and local businesses near Muslim communities have designated prayer spaces.

Shadian

• Great Mosque of Shadian: One of the largest mosques in Southwest China, it is perfect for all five daily prayers.

Yuanyang

• Smaller mosques in Yuanyang cater to local Muslim communities, and your guide will help you find the best places for prayers.

Jianshui

• Jianshui Old Town Mosque: A serene place for performing your prayers while in the area.

2. Halal Food and Restaurants

Finding halal food in Yunnan is easy, especially in areas with a significant Muslim population like Kunming, Shadian, and Jianshui. Here are some tips for enjoying delicious halal meals during your travels:

Kunming

Nancheng Mosque Area: The area around Nancheng Mosque is known for numerous halal restaurants, serving a variety of Xinjiang, Hui, and local Muslim dishes.

Recommended Halal Restaurants:

• Xinjiang Muslim Restaurant: Famous for lamb skewers (kebabs), pilaf, and hand-pulled noodles (lamian).
• Yi He Hui Muslim Restaurant: Offers a variety of noodles, dumplings, and steamed buns.

Shadian

Halal Food in Shadian: This area has a significant Muslim population, so halal food is widely available.

Recommended Halal Restaurants:

• Great Mosque Halal Food Street: Located near the Great Mosque of Shadian, this street is full of food stalls offering lamb stew, naan, and Xinjiang-style kebabs.
• Sailiaomu Hotel: Offers authentic halal dishes, including pilaf and mutton kebabs.

Yuanyang

Halal Food in Yuanyang: Although Yuanyang is not as densely populated by Muslims, there are still options for halal meals.

Recommended Halal Restaurant:

• Local Muslim-run Restaurants: Small family-owned eateries serving rice, vegetables, and meat dishes.

Jianshui

Halal Food in Jianshui: Jianshui has a strong Hui Muslim presence, making it easy to find halal food.

Recommended Halal Restaurants:

• Shao Family Halal Restaurant: Known for mutton kebabs, hand-pulled noodles, and dumplings.
• Jianshui Old Town Halal Food Street: A popular spot for lamb skewers, dumplings, and pilaf.

3. Muslim-Friendly Travel Tips

Cultural Sensitivity

Modest Clothing: When visiting mosques, religious sites, or rural areas, it’s important to dress modestly. Women should wear loose clothing that covers the arms and legs, while men should avoid wearing shorts when entering mosques.

Respect for Mosques: Always remove your shoes before entering a mosque. Most mosques provide places to perform wudu (ablution) before prayers. Ask your guide for help if you’re unfamiliar with the practice.

Local Customs: Chinese Muslim communities, especially in Yunnan, are very welcoming of Islamic practices. Always greet people with “As-salamu alaykum”, and be open to learning about local culture.

Alcohol-Free Locations

Avoiding Alcohol: Yunnan is not known for a heavy alcohol culture, especially in Muslim-populated areas. Always check menus in restaurants to ensure no alcohol is served, as most halal eateries will not serve alcohol.

Prayer Times

China Standard Time: Yunnan follows CST, so be mindful of local time differences when calculating prayer times. Your guide will also help you find quiet spots for prayers during sightseeing.

Street Food

Caution with Street Food: In non-Muslim areas, be cautious with street food, as non-halal ingredients may be used. Stick to halal restaurants or stalls located near mosques.

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1 Day Yuanyang Bada Hani Rice Terraces Hiking Tour
1 Day Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Cycling Tour
1 Day Yuanyang Duoyishu Hani Rice Terraces Hiking Tour with Hani,Yi Ethnic Villages and Mushroom Houses
1 Day Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Hiking Tour from Duoyishu to Laohuzui
1 Day Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Tour
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3 Days Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Tour from Kunming
3 Days Kunming, Jianshui and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Group Tour
4 Days Long Street Banquet Festival and Yuanyang Rice Terraces Photography Tour
6 Days Kunming Jianshui Yuanyang Photography Tour
6 Days Kunming Shadian Muslim Tour with Yuanyang Rice Terraces and Jianshui Old Town
7 Days Yuanyang Rice Terraces Photo Tour with Tea Culture Experience
8 Days South Yunnan Ethnic Minority Discovery and Tropical Forest Photograph Tour
8 Days Deluxe Kunming, Shilin, Mile Jianshui Photo Tour with Yuanyang Rice Terraces and Fuxianhu Lake
8 Days Yunnan Photography Tour to Kunming-Dongchuan-Shilin-Jianshui and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces
10 Days South Yunnan Ethnic Minority and Tropical Rain-forest Photography Tour with China Border Culture
10 Days Southeast Yunnan Family Tour with Ethnic Culture, Rice Terraces, Mushroom House & Butterfly Valley
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11 Days China-Vietnam Overland Tour from Kunming to Hanoi
26 Days Grand Yunnan Ethnic Minority Discovery