Tours
Tour information pages
Visit one of the most famous tea plantations in Xishuangbanna-Zhanglang-a thousand years of ancient village where Bulang Minority people live. The most attractive and impressive thing is to visit tea plantations. The rich ethnic culture and beautiful scenery there attract many toursists and backpackers to come each year. Do some hiking in tropical forests and ethnic villages, taste local food and drink tea. Stay with local people and sleep in their guesthouse.
Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Jinghong
Accommodation:Jinghong
Meals:None
Arrive in Jinghong. Meet your local guide and driver. Transfer to hotel for checking in.
Sightseeing and Activities:Bada Hiking
Accommodation:Manwa Village
Meals:B,L
Pick you up at 8:00 am. Drive to Menghai County. Start hiking from Bada. Most parts of the roads are downhills paths. Hike about 7 km to a Bulang minority village-Manwa Village. On the way to Manwa Village, you can see tropical forests and mountains of Myanmar. Visit Manwa village and stay overnight here.
Sightseeing and Activities:Tropacal Forest Hiking
Accommodation:Zhanglang Village
Meals:B,L
Get up at 7:00 am. Start your hiking today by passing through tropical forests first. Then climb over two big mountains and across a river to reach Zhanglang Village in the evening. You will see “One Tree One Forest” scenery during the hiking tour. The total hiking distance is about 18 km. Upon arrival, taste local ethnic dinner, enjoy Bulang music and visit ethnic families.
Sightseeing and Activities:Bulang Eco Museum, Tea Gardens, Hiking to Xiding
Accommodation:Xiding
Meals:B,L
This morning, visit Bulang Eco Museum. Then cross though some tropical forests to ancient Puer tea gardens. Visit an ancient well, some Bulang ethnic villages and Hani ethnic villages. If you want, you could pay a visit to a local family and have a cup of tea in the family for a short rest. Go on your hiking to Xiding. You could see sugarcane fields and rice terraces along the way. The tocal hiking distance is about 16 km.
Stay overnight at Xiding Town.
Sightseeing and Activities:Local Ethnic Market, Jingzhen Octagonal Pavillion
Accommodation:Jinghong
Meals:B,L
Set off at 8:30 am. Visit local ethnic market( Usually on Thursday). Different ethnic people (such as Dai, Wa, Bulang, and Hani) from the regions around will bring their goods for sale. Even some people from Myanmar will come here for business and for shopping. After lunch, visit Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion.
Drive back to Jinghong in the late afternoon. Check in hotel.
Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Jinghong
Accommodation:None
Meals:B
Departure from Jinghong. Service ends.
Destination | 5 Star | 4 Star | 3 Star | Hostels |
Jinghong | Hermit Hotel | Xile Hot Spring Hotel | Tai’ anmeng Holiday Hotel | Rainforest Paradise Inn |
Xiding | / | / | Xiding Yixiang Hotel | Rainforest Paradise Inn |
Others:
1、The total hike is about 45KM (4-7 hours each day). Xiding local market is on every Thursday and you might not see sunrise when it rains.
2、Mainly stay over at local ethnic villages, daily shower is available.
3、This route will pass by Manduan Temple(free to tourists) and Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion(20 Yuan each one) which you can visit on your own.
4、This route is designed for nature and outdoor activity lovers by which you can enjoy the beautiful nature scenaries and colorful minority cultures (Bulang culture in particular).
5、Please take good care of the local environment and customs. Refractory waste should be taken out of the villages.
During this hiking tour in Xishuangbanna, you’ll go through the original tropical rainforest, enjoy the really pure and quiet, meet all kinds of people, celebration activities, etc. Visit different ethnic villages one after another, to feel, to get a real life. The destination of the trip is a multi-ethnic community, with 13 ethnic groups, including Dai, Hani, Jinuo, Bulang, Yao, etc.
Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Jinghong
Accommodation:Jinghong
Meals:None
Upon your arrival, your tour guide and driver will pick you up from the airport and then transfer you to the hotel for rest.
Sightseeing and Activities:Manfeilong Pagoda, Dai’s daily market
Accommodation:Akezhai
Meals:B,L
Drive to Damenglong and start the hiking to Akezhai. Visit Manfeilong Pagoda, Manfeilong Pagoda is located on top of the mountain in Manfeilong Village in Jinhong County of Yunnan Province. The pagoda is a famous stupa group in Xishuanbanna. Also pay a visit to a Dai’s daily market, and then walk into the village of Ake people to fully appreciate their daily lives and cultures. Over night at Akezhai.
Sightseeing and Activities:the pass of Bulang Mountain, Bulang village, Hani village
Accommodation:Hani Village
Meals:B,L
Get up in the morning to start your hiking tour. Walk across the lush grass and jungle, pass the pass of Bulang Mountain, visit the Bulang village at noon, and arrive at the Hani village at night.
Sightseeing and Activities:plants, Lahu Village
Accommodation:Lahu Village
Meals:B,L
Along the way, see thousands of plants. In the afternoon, arrive at the Lahu village.
Sightseeing and Activities:Hike to Damenglong
Accommodation:Jinghong
Meals:B,L
Walk from Lahu village to Damenglong. Back to Jinghong in the afternoon.
Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Jinghong
Accommodation:None
Meals:B
Departure from Jinghong. Service ends.
Destination | 5 Star | 4 Star | 3 Star | Hostels |
Jinghong | Hermit Hotel | Xile Hot Spring Hotel | Tai’ anmeng Holiday Hotel | Rainforest Paradise Inn |
The Jingdong tea district is located in the west of Puer (originally Simao) Prefecture. Jingdong County lies at the southern tip of the Hengduan mountain range. Wuliang Mountain and Ailuo Mountain possess a subtropical monsoonal climate. Shanchong village and Banwai village which are located in Jingping Town of Jingdong County both lie at the east slope of Wuliang Mountain. They are in the ancient tea area of Yubi Mountain. The ancient tea trees there are in good quality. In this tour, you will have a chance to taste the ancient tea and step into the mountain which was regarded as the tea garden by our ancient government agency in Wuliangshan Mountain.
Sightseeing and Activities:Nanjian County, Jingdong Tea Factory
Accommodation:Home Stay in Local Tea Farmers Family
Meals:L
This morning, the driver will pick you up at Dali Airport to Jingdong County, which will take you about 4-5 hours by driving. After about 2 hours, you will arrive in Nanjian County, you’ll enjoy your lunch in a local restaurant in Nanjian County.
After lunch, you’ll leave for Jingdong County and arrive at Jingdong Yinsheng Hotel about 16:00pm. After dinner, the local farmer will take you to visit Jingdong Tea Factory, you’ll see the the tea production process in the factory. Driving back hotel before 20:00 pm.
Sightseeing and Activities:Wuliang Mountain Ancient Tea Trees
Accommodation:Stay in Dali arranged by yourself
Meals:B,L
Today, you will visit the ancient wild tea trees in Ancient Tea Mountain. Driving arrive at the Jingdong Tea Factory, then two motorcycles’ driver will take you to the Ancient Tea Mountain to visit the ancient tea trees. After lunch, you’ll be back to Dali. It’ll take you about 4-5 hours.
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.
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.
Sightseeing and Activities:the Stone Forest, Jianshui Ancient Town, Chaoyang Gate Tower, Zhu Family Garden
Accommodation:Shilin
Meals:B,L
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Afternoon:
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Accommodation: Stay overnight in Jianshui, where you can relax and enjoy the local culture further.
Sightseeing and Activities: Jianshui Confucius Temple, Tuanshan Village, Zhang Family Garden
Accommodation:Yuanyang
Meals:B,L
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Midday:
Afternoon:
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This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and stunning landscapes, making for a memorable day in Yunnan.
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.
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.
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Afternoon:
Evening:
This tour provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the natural beauty and rich culture of the Sapa region.
Sightseeing and Activities:Y Linh Ho Village, Muong Hoa Valley, Lao Chai Village, Ta Van Village
Accommodation:Sa Pa
Meals:B,L
Sightseeing and Activities:Ta Phin Village, the Silver Waterfall, Heaven Gate
Accommodation:Sa Pa
Meals:B,L
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.
Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Hanoi
Accommodation: None
Meals:B
Morning:
End of Service:
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 |
Cruise from Yunnan to Golden Triangle in Thailand, it is only one day cruise tour. After Yunnan tour, you will experience the tropical forest and the wild elephant in Thailand, that is the tour highlight of this tour. Now the Chinese government has built the road from Kunming to Bangkok, it is long but nice driving through the Southeast Asia. If you take the boat cruise along the Mekong River, the scenery will be totally different. The Golden Triangle is one of Asia’s two main illicit opium-producing areas. It is an area of around 350,000 square kilometers that overlaps the mountains of four countries of Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. The Golden Triangle also designates the confluence of the Sop Ruak River and the Mekong River, since the term has been appropriated by the Thai tourist industry to describe the nearby junction of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Kunming
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:None
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 can explore Kunming city on your own then.
Sightseeing and Activities:the Stone Forest, Green Lake, Birds and Flowers Market
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:Breakfast, 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, drive back to Kunming to visit the Green Lake and then enjoy a 20-minute walk to visit the Flowers and Birds Market in downtown area.
Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery, Tibetan Village, Dukezong Ancient Town, the Giant Prayer Wheel
Accommodation:Shangri-La
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Take the morning flight to Shangri-La. Upon the arrival, meet your local tour guide and driver, then drive to visit 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. You will also pay a visit to a local Tibetan village named Xiaojiezi Village around the monastery.
After that, drive to visit Dukezong Old Town, stroll around in the town and 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.
Sightseeing and Activities:Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shigu Ancient Town, Iron Chain Bridge, Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument, Lijiang Ancient Town
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
From Shangri-La, you will drive to visit 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.
Then, continue drive to 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. After that, drive along the imposing gorge scenery to Lijiang, on the way, have a distance view of the First Bend of the Yangtze River.
After arrive at Lijiang, pay a visit to Lijiang Ancient Town. 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).
Sightseeing and Activities: Lijiang Ancient Town, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Cultural Museum, Yuhu Village, the Former Residence of Joseph Rock, Yufeng Temple
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning you will head for the scenic Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Museum to explore the rich Naxi minority culture. Black Dragon Pool 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.
Then, transfer to Yuhu Village which is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. When walking into this authentic Naxi Village, you’ll see unique stone houses, Naxi ladies dressing in traditional clothes, kids playing, a tranquil Yuhu Lake…Explore leisurely around the village and then get to the Former Residence of Joseph Rock,who was an Austrian-American Botanist came to Lijiang and stayed in Yuhu Village for 27 years and made huge research work on Naxi minority. Then, pay a visit to Yufeng Monastery not long from Yuhu Village.
Sightseeing and Activities: Zhoucheng Village, Xizhou Town, Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas in Chongsheng Temple
Accommodation:Dali
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, transfer to visit Zhoucheng Village and the Bai people’s Tie-dying cloth workshop where you can take some special souvenir with the Bai ethnic style. Then, head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste their fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture.
After lunch in Xizhou Town, 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.
Afterwards, drive to visit Three Pagodas in Chongshen Temple 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.
Sightseeing and Activities: Lijiang Ancient Town, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Cultural Museum, Yuhu Village, the Former Residence of Joseph Rock, Yufeng Temple
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Discover the spectacular sceneries of China on this adventure tour. Explore Yuanyang, the picture-perfect home of the Hani people, where eye-popping terraced landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see. Step back in time among the pristine Qing and Ming dynasty masterpieces in Jianshui, and wander the downtown streets of Kunming at your leisure. Finish with an epic rail trip to Hong Kong, where pulsing lights and music strike a very Chinese contrast with the splendour of the harbour.
Sightseeing and Activities:the Opera House, the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Accommodation:Hanoi
Meals: D
Welcome to Hanoi! As soon as you come out from the restricted area, you will find our guide is waiting for you with a friendly smile and warm greetings. In a short while, you will be escorted to the designated downtown hotel. After a short break, we will take you to the very heart of this capital city for an orientation tour to the most popular sightseeing spots: the Opera House, the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. A welcome dinner of genuine Vietnamese food is served for you at a local best restaurant in the evening.
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:None
Meals:B,L
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.
Sightseeing and Activities:Qingkou Village, Bada Hani Rice Terrace, Shengcun Market, terraced fields of Laohuzui (Tiger Mouth)
Accommodation:Yuanyang
Meals:B,L
After breakfast, the car and guide will pick up you and transfer to Yuanyang via Hekou border. Then you will visit Qingkou Village and rice terraces where Hani people for generations inhabit. Visit Bada Hani Rice Terrace, Shengcun Market as well. In the late afternoon, you will enjoy the sunset of terraced fields of Laohuzui (Tiger Mouth).
Sightseeing and Activities:sunrise, Jianshui Swallow Cave, Jianshui Ancient Town, Zhu Family Garden and Confucius Temple
Accommodation:Jianshui
Meals:B,L
Get up every 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. Then have breakfast in the hotel and drive about 3 hours to Jianshui County. On the way back, visit Jianshui Swallow Cave, 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 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 and his work has worldwide influence.
Sightseeing and Activities:Stone Forest
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:B,L
This morning, drive to 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 wonder. After the tour, drive back to Kunming.
Sightseeing and Activities:Dukezong Ancient Town, Guishan Hill, the largest Prayer Wheel
Accommodation:Shangri-La
Meals:B,L
Fly to Shangri-La in the morning. Upon arrival, meet the tour guide and transfer to visit 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.
Sightseeing and Activities:Pudaocuo Park, Ganden Sumtseling Monastery
Accommodation:Shangri-La
Meals:B,L
This 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.
Then visit the tranquil Bita Lake & 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.
Afterwards visit a Tibetan family.
Sightseeing and Activities:Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shigu Town, First Bend on the Yangtze River
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:B,L
In the morning, drive to Lijiang. En route, visit the Tiger 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.
Then visit the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu Old Town and the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery. 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.
Afternoon, arrive at Lijiang and check in your hotel.
Sightseeing and Activities:Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baishui River, Yak Meadow, Yufeng Temple, Baisha Old Town and Baisha Murals
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:B,L
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, visit Yufeng Temple (30min) – a distinctive and conjunct architecture style of Han Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism and the local Naxi Dongba Religion. After that, go to see the Baisha Murals (30 min) – the cradle of the Naxi culture and ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom. After this tour, drive back to your hotel and free of the rest day.
Sightseeing and Activities:Lijiang Ancient Town, Xizhou Town, Zhoucheng Village
Accommodation:Dali
Meals:B,L
Today, you will head for Lijiang Ancient Town (1 – 2 hours) – walk down the cobblestone streets over 700 years and see the Naxi way of life which changed little over time.
Then drive to Dali and visit 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.
Sightseeing and Activities:Cruise tour in Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas, Dali Ancient Town
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:B,L
Today, you will visit Erhai Lake, ranked the second in Yunnan Province and the seventh freshwater lake in China by area and water storage. Take the Erhai Cruise (3 hours). Continue to visit Three Pagodas (1.5 hours) – the symbol of the history of Dali. After that, walk around in Dali Ancient Town (1 hour) – which is featured by the unique traditional Bai ethnic folk houses.
Then take the high speed train to Kunming. Upon arrival, your tour guide will wait for you and then transfer you to your hotel.
Sightseeing and Activities:Guilin
Accommodation:Guilin
Meals:B,L
Take the speed train (8 hours) from Kunming to Guilin via Guizhou. You will have a beautiful landscape of the South China karst land-form on the way.
Arrive in Guilin in the afternoon and pick up from Guilin train station, transfer to hotel.
Sightseeing and Activities:Li River cruise, West Street
Accommodation:Yangshuo
Meals:B,L
Start the Li River cruise from Mopan Hill pier to Yangshuo, walk around the West Street in the afternoon.
Sightseeing and Activities:the Reed Flute Cave, the Elephant Hill
Accommodation:Hong Kong
Meals:B,L
Transfer back to Guilin and visit the Reed Flute Cave, the Elephant Hill ,transfer to train station after lunch(15:22 or 17:55).
Arrive in Shenzhen, transfer to Hong Kong with the help of your local guide.
Sightseeing and Activities:Star Ferry
Accommodation:Hong Kong
Meals:B,L
Reclaimed by China from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong remains an intriguing place to explore, with a spectacular, fast-paced cityscape, and islands and beaches on its doorstep. Enjoy a walking tour of the city and take a scenic journey across to Hong Kong Island on the famous Star Ferry. This gives you beautiful views of the harbour and surrounding areas. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps ride the Peak Tram – the only way to truly experience Hong Kong’s wonders. In the evening, gather your group to celebrate your final night and watch the harbour’s spectacular light show – a spectacle of laser beams and searchlights synchronised to music and narration.
Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Hong Kong
Accommodation:None
Meals:B
You will be free to discover Hong Kong in the morning. Transfer to Hong Kong International Airport for returning.
Destination | 5 Star | 4 Star | 3 Star | Hostels |
Yuanyang | Yuanyang Twelve Manor | Yunti Hotel | Shuiyunjian Hotel | Guanjing Heaven Hotel |
Jianshui | Ting Ziyun Hotel | Lin An Hotel | Res Sky Hotel | Huiyuanlou Inn |
Kunming | ofitel Hotel | Jingjiang Hotel | Long Teng Hotel | Tu Tu Inn |
Shangri-La | 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 |
Dali | Hilton Dali Resort and Spa | E-outfitting Boutique Hotel | Gnosis Hotel | Fengxuegucheng |
This tour is for photographers who like to shoot at Yuanyang Rice Terraces(human’s great masterpiece and was designated as one of the world heritage sites). It provides enough time for guests to enjoy the sunrise and sunset of Yuanyang Rice Terraces and discover minority cultures in local villages.
Sightseeing and Activities:The Sunrise View of Duoyishu Rice Terraces, Pugao Laozhai Village, Shengcun Market, Bada Rice Terraces, Qingkou Village, Qingkou Rice Terraces, The Sunset View of Laohuzui Rice Terraces
Accommodation:None
Meals:L
Get up very early in the morning. Pick you up at your hotel in Yuanyang Scenic Area. Drive 30KM to visit Duoyishu Village and enjoy the sunrise of Duoyishu Rice Terrace Fields when the sun appears above the eastern horizon. Walk to visit Pugao Laozhai Village. 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, visit Shengcun Market and Bada Hani Rice Terraces. In the afternoon, you will visit Qingkou Village and rice terraces where Hani people for generations inhabit. Before sunset time, drive to Laohuzui. Wait to enjoy the sunset view of Laohuzui Terraces in the late afternoon.
Transfer back to your hotel. Service ends.
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
2 Days Kunming-Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Tour at a glance
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
11 Days Yunnan Classic Tour with Jianshui Old Town and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces
11 Days Yunnan Photograph Tour with Luoping Rapeseed Flowers Festival and Honghe Hani Rice Terraces Field
11 Days China-Vietnam Overland Tour from Kunming to Hanoi
26 Days Grand Yunnan Ethnic Minority Discovery
China – Laos Railway commenced construction on December 2nd, 2015 and is scheduled for completion by 2020. It will connect Kunming, the capital city of southwestern China’s Yunan Province, with Laos’ capital city, Vientiane. The China – Laos railway project is actually a section of the Kunming-Singapore Railway Project, which connects Kunming with Singapore, passing through Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Kunming
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:None
Upon your arrival in Kunming, meet your local tour guide and driver, transfer to the hotel for rest.
Optional Evening Activity:
Sightseeing and Activities:the Stone Forest, The Green Lake, Flowers and Birds Market
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:B,L
Experience the highlights of Kunming in one day with this tour, which includes the magnificent Stone Forest, the serene Green Lake, and the vibrant Flowers and Birds Market. This itinerary is perfect for those looking to capture the essence of Kunming’s natural beauty and cultural charm in a short time.
Morning:
Afternoon:
Evening:
Sightseeing and Activities:Kunming to Jinghong Speed Train, Manting Park, Gaozhuang Market
Accommodation:Jinnghong
Meals:B,L
Enjoy a swift and scenic journey from Kunming to Jinghong on China’s high-speed train. This day tour allows you to explore the tropical city of Jinghong and end the day at the vibrant Gaozhuang Night Market, experiencing local culture, food, and crafts.
Early Morning:
Late Morning:
Midday:
Early Afternoon:
Late Afternoon:
Evening:
Sightseeing and Activities:the Mekong River to Ganlanba, Ganlanba Local Market, Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden, Dai Monirity Garden
Accommodation:Jinghong
Meals:B,L
Morning:
Mid-Morning:
Late Morning:
Afternoon:
Late Afternoon:
Sightseeing and Activities:China-Laos Speed Train, Luang Prabang Night Market
Accommodation:Luang Prabang
Meals:B,L
Morning:
Afternoon:
Evening:
4. Dinner and night market:
Notes:
Enjoy your day tour from Jinghong to Luang Prabang and the wonderful experiences in this UNESCO World Heritage city!
Sightseeing and Activities: Long Lao H’mong Ethnic village, Kuang Si Waterfall, Ban Muang Khai Elephant Riding Experience
Accommodation:Luang Prabang
Meals:B,L
Enjoy your adventure-filled day exploring the natural and cultural beauty of the Luang Prabang region!
09:00 AM:
10:30 AM:
11:00 AM:
01:00 PM:
02:30 PM:
04:30 PM:
Notes:
Sightseeing and Activities:Giving Alm Bowl to the monks, The National Museum, the Central Market, Wat Xieng Thong, the Night Market
Accommodation:Luang Prabang
Meals:B,L
Enjoy a comprehensive day exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Luang Prabang!
05:30 AM:
07:30 AM: 3. Return to Hotel for Breakfast:
09:00 AM: 4. Meet Your Guide and Driver:
12:00 PM: 7. Lunch Break:
01:00 PM: 8. Wat Xieng Thong:
04:00 PM: 11. Mount Phousi:
06:00 PM: 12. Return to Hotel:
Notes:
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Sightseeing and Activities:Half Day Pak Ou Cave—the Thousands Buddha Cave, Nam Song River
Accommodation:Vang Vieng
Meals:B,L
Enjoy your adventure along the Mekong River and the beauty of Vang Vieng!
Morning:
12:00 PM: 3. Return Boat Trip:
Afternoon: 4. Leisure Time in Luang Prabang:
Arrival in Vang Vieng: 6. Check-in to Hotel:
Evening: 7. Nam Song River Exploration:
Notes:
Sightseeing and Activities: optional Hot Air Balloon Ride, the Nam Song River, Tham Jang Caves, Tham Phoukham Caves,
Accommodation:Vang Vieng
Meals:B,L
Enjoy your adventure in Vang Vieng!
Morning:
11:30 AM: 2. Arrival in Vang Vieng:
Lunch: 3. Lunch at Local Restaurant:
Afternoon: 4. Hotel Check-in:
2:00 PM: 7. Picnic Lunch:
4:00 PM: 8. Return to Vang Vieng:
Evening: 9. Tubing or Kayaking on the Nam Song River:
Overnight:
Notes:
Sightseeing and Activities:Wat Sisaket, the imposing Patuxay Monument, That Luang Stupa, Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), Shopping and Street Food
Accommodation:Vientiane
Meals:B,L
Enjoy your time in the charming capital of Laos!
Morning:
Arrival in Vientiane: 3. Explore Vientiane:
Sightseeing: 4. Wat Sisaket:
Lunch: 8. Lunch at a Local Restaurant:
Afternoon: 9. Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan):
Evening: 10. Shopping and Street Food: – Return to Vientiane and head to the night market. – Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you shop for souvenirs and handicrafts. – Sample delicious street food, experiencing the local flavors of Laos.
Overnight:
Notes:
Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Vientiane
Accommodation:
Meals:B
Morning:
Afternoon: 3. Transfer to Airport:
End of Services:
Notes:
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 | Yuanyang Twelve Manor | Yunti Hotel | Shuiyunjian Hotel | Guanjing Heaven Hotel |
Lvchun | / | / | Yunti Hotel | / |
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery, the Bita Lake & Shudu Lake, Pudacuo National Park, Dabao Monastery
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 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.
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.
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.
Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Lijiang
Accommodation:None
Meals:Breakfast
Today, drive to the airport in Lijiang and departure from Lijiang. Service ends.
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 |
20-Day China-Thailand Cycling Tour from Kunming (China) to Bangkok (Thailand) is an adventurous and scenic journey that takes you through breathtaking landscapes, culturally rich regions, and vibrant cities. Here’s a detailed itinerary, covering highlights, daily cycling distances, and key destinations:
This 20-day cycling adventure offers a unique way to experience the cultural and natural beauty of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand!
Cycling this route in China and North Vietnam is an introduction to the two mysterious Asian countries. Traditional people, impressive rice terraces and colorful markets. Cycling through quiet valleys and climbing over tough hills. Talking with hands and feet and experiencing something that is completely unique.
With the dry, sunny weather of Yunnan’s winter calling us out of the office, GoKunming took a few days off to cycle south to the Vietnam border. Using Guo Duomi’s post from earlier in the year as a guide, we planned a route through Tonghai (通海), Jianshui (建水) and Yuanyang (元阳) to the border town of Hekou (河口).
The Chinese part of the cycle route leads you through the province of Yunnan, an area with a mild climate all year round and rich flora and fauna. The route starts in Kunming, the capital of the Yunnan province. It is a pleasant and clean city, located at an altitude of 1900 meters.
From here on out you can take a trip to the Stone Forest in Shilin, an impressive natural phenomenon. In Kunming, we have set out a cycling- and walking route for you, so you can easily get acquainted with the most important sights in and around the city.
You leave Kunming via the east side of Dianchi Lake and reach the beautiful azure coloured Fuxian Lake that same day. After 2 beautiful stages, you reach Jianshui and you can admire the well-restored, historic downtown. Via a steady climb from 1320 to 1950 meters, followed by a spectacular descent of 40 km, you reach the town of Nansha on the Red River at 235 meters. From here, a visit to the beautiful rice terraces of Yuanyang, the largest and most beautiful in China, should not be missed. These famous rice terraces were laid out thousands of years ago by the Hani people. The terraces are filled with water from November to April and are at their most beautiful during that period. The entire region is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Cycling along the Red River you reach the border with Vietnam. From Lao Cai, you can make a trip to the mountain village of Sapa where you will encounter various mountain tribes. The route takes you further to the village of Bac Ha, where the women of the Flower H’mong sell their goods at the market. Quiet roads then lead you towards Hanoi. Along the way you see veneer plates drying in the sun and you can enjoy the enthusiasm of many local children. Following the beautiful West Lake, you cycle into Hanoi, a bustling city with lots to explore. From Hanoi you can opt to make an excursion to Halong Bay, a natural wonder on the UNESCO World Heritage List for a good reason. Currently, the roads are being worked on in China. Some roads may be partially broken up during your trip. Alternative transport is always easily arranged as a “plan B”.
In this 14 Days Cycling Tour from Shangri-La to Lijiang and then to Dali. You will enjoy the top attractions of Shangri-La, Lijiang and Dali. Moreover, you will pass by many wonderful sceneries such as Baishuitai Terraces and Tiger Leaping Gorge, etc. Besides natural sceneries, you will step into ethnic villages of Tibetan, Naxi and Bai to fully appreciate the ethnic cultures and daily lives of local people. Spend your leisurely time in ancient towns such as Dukezong, Lijiang and Dali Ancient Town. This is a wonderful cycling tour of Yunnan.
Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Shangri-La
Accommodation:Shangri-La
Meals:None
Arrive in Shangri-La. Picked up by the tour guide and transferred to your hotel.
Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery, Naphai Lake, Dukezong Ancient Town, Guishan Hill, Tibetan Family
Accommodation:Shangri-La
Meals:B,L
Cycling to Songzanlin Monastery in the morning, after lunch, ride around Naphai Lake and the grassland. Visit Dukezong Ancient Town and the largest Prayer Wheel on the top of Guishan Hill. Enjoy the Tibetan Family with Tibetan dance and music at night.
Sightseeing and Activities:Pudacuo National Park, Baishuitai, Haba Snow Mountain
Accommodation:Baishuitai
Meals:B,L
We begin with a short transfer out of town, passing through arid plateau on towards Pudacuo National Park where to start the day’s cycling. We set off on the bikes with a downhill stretch on good road and continue during the day to cycle a series of valleys and mountains through a changing rural scenery gradually descending to the village of Baishuitai. Our final stretch of the route brings us through conifer forest. Located below the Haba Snow Mountain(the other side of Tiger Leaping Gorge), Baishuitai is famed for its natural mineral terraced White Water Tables created by calcium carbonate deposits from the melting mountain spring water.
Sightseeing and Activities:Haba village, Yangtze River Valley
Accommodation:Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge
Meals:B,L
We set off today with a few gentle hills before challenging a more serious climb. Once we reach the top of the pass we will have views of the magnificent Haba Mountain peaks. The highest point is at a dizzying 5,396m. With alpine moraine lake, endless clusters of azalea and waterfalls cascading down snow-covered cliffs, the glacier on the Haba Snow Mountain is the southmost glacier in China. We make a short descent into Haba Village, whose resident minorities include Naxi, Hui (Muslim) and Yi peoples, as well as a few Tibetans.
This afternoon we climb to our next pass then cycle down into the Yangtze River Valley. At the village of Yonke we turn into the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest ravines. Cutting its path between Haba Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain your surroundings will be as dramatic as the place names suggest.
Sightseeing and Activities:Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation:Daju Town
Meals:B,L
Enjoy the nice view of Tiger Leaping Gorge today. A day off the bikes and time to enjoy your beautiful natural surroundings. The home of ancient Lijiang culture, there are a series of caves populated in ancient times where you can see rock paintings and artifacts that tell the story of times past. At the mouth of the gorge is the famed Tiger leaping boulder where the pounding waters swirl dramatically and legend has it that the mythical big cat crossed the river.
Ride to Daju Town for overnight.
Sightseeing and Activities:Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Old Town
Accommodation:Baisha
Meals:B,L
From the west end of the gorge we cycle towards the Yangtze, and up over the pass with a long 1475m climb up the southern slope of the Dragon Snow Mountain for 36km to the top. Then is downhill all the way to Lijiang. Snow-capped and often shrouded in mist, Dragon Snow Mountain is a sanctuary for rare animals and wild plants with unique micro climates on the different slopes. It is also known as a natural glacier museum and is now a famous scenic spot for tourists and scientific research.
We ride down from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and arrive at Baisha Old Town in the late afternoon.
Stay at Baisha Holiday Resort Lijiang which is a typical Naxi ethnic courtyard with a nice view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from a far.
Sightseeing and Activities:Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang Old Town, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Culture Museum
Accommodation:Baisha
Meals:B,L
Ride 3 KM from Baisha Old Town to Shuhe Old Town in the morning.
Surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery, Lijiang Old Town is a well-preserved city of diverse ethnic minorities, rich in traditional culture. With narrow streets and traditional buildings, the Old Town is built along the lie of mountains and the flow of rivers. We have a day off the bikes to wander the cobbled lanes, learn about Naxi culture and marvel at the detail and blend of architectural influences in the town. The stone bridges and intricately carved buildings lead away from a central square in four directions which ever way you wander you’ll follow lanes decoratively decked in traditional lanterns and an array of flowers.
Ride to visit Black Dragon Pool and Dongba Culture Museum after visiting Lijiang Old Town.
Ride 10KM back to Baisha Old Town in the afternoon.
Sightseeing and Activities:Lashi Lake, Shigu Town, First Bend of the Yangtze river
Accommodation:Shigu
Meals:B,L
Leaving Lijiang we cycle a gentle 8km to reach the beautiful Lashi Lake (New Basin), a nature reserve rich in biodiversity. The endangered black necked crane can be seen here. The Naxi and Yi minorities live in this area. We loop around the lake beginning on paved road which leads us through Naxi villages. The terrain becomes rougher as we loop back. Joining a bigger road, we continue on uphill towards a 2,900m pass through a scenery of fields and pine forest with the white towering peaks of Jade Dragon Snow mountain coming into view.
Over the pass, we cycle down toC encountering the famous First Bend of the Yangtze River where the waters take a dramatic 90 degree turn. The the Red Army crossed the Yangtze here en route to Tibet and a sculpture marks the spot. We take a boat to cross to our accommodation for the night.
Sightseeing and Activities:Shaxi Old Town
Accommodation:Shaxi
Meals:B,L
We cycle mainly downhill today through more rural landscapes of mountain and valley following the old Tibet highway. There is little in the way of traffic and toward the end of today’s ride we journey through a forest of Eucalyptus and conifers to reach the traditional Shaxi Old Town. Known as the last Tea Horse town Shaxi village is home of the Bai people, a matriarchal community where children take their mother’s name.
With more sunshine, annually than California the area has rich natural biodiversity. Victorian botanists and flower hunters were drawn here to collect specimens for the ornamental gardens of Europe and America including orchids, roses, rhododendrons, azaleas, and magnolias, to name but a few. There is an interesting Caravan Museum in the town.
Sightseeing and Activities:Heihui River
Accommodation:Liantie
Meals:B,L
We have a gentle day, we leave Shaxi riding through valley along the Heihui River passing farms and rice terraces. We pass through several small villages. The road was used by the horse caravans transporting tea and salt between villages travelling as far as to Tibet and India. It was named the tea horse road because of the common trade of Tibetan ponies for Chinese tea.
We arrive in Liantie Town of Eryuan County in the late afternoon.
Sightseeing and Activities:Xiashankou Hot Spring Village
Accommodation:Xiashankou
Meals:B,L
We begin cycling with a tough but scenic 22km climb up CangShan mountain taking us to the pass at 3,022m. There is an exhilarating 22km downhill on the other side, though we need to take care over the rough surfaced road. We ride another 10 km to reach XiaShanKou Hot Springs Village where we can soothe our sore muscles in the famous hot springs.
Sightseeing and Activities:Erhai Lake, Shuanglang Town
Accommodation:Shuanglang
Meals:B,L
We set off for our last day on the bikes as we head to the historical town of Dali. We cycle along a flat paved road between the towering Cangshan Mountain range and Erhai Lake. One of China’s largest freshwaters Er Hai is an alpine fault lake. Its name means “Ear-shaped Sea”.
Ride along the Erhai Lake to Shuanglang Town.
Sightseeing and Activities:Erhai Lake, Haidong Town, Dali Old Town
Accommodation:Dali
Meals:B,L
Today cycle around Erhai Lake from Shuanglang Town to Dali via Haidong Town.
Arrive in Dali Old Town in the late afternoon.
Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Dali
Accommodation:None
Meals:B
Departure from Dali. Service ends.
Destination | 5 Star | 4 Star | 3 Star | Hostels |
Shangri-La | Shangri-La Hotel | E-outfitting Boutique Hotel | Bodhi Boutique Hotel | Wu Fu South Yunnan Boutique Inn |
Baisha | Solo Wandering Snow Mountain Manor | Prajina Homestay | Baisha Holiday Resort Lijiang | Zhuzhu Zaijia Inn |
Lijiang | InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort | E-outfitting Boutique Hotel | Liwang Hotel | Flowers Hall Inn |
Shaxi | Shaxi Lanlinge Hotel | Shaxi Aoding Courtyard | Shaxi Xia La Zhe Yododo Inn | Another Encounter |
Dali | Hilton Dali Resort and Spa | E-outfitting Boutique Hotel | Gnosis Hotel | Fengxuegucheng |
Tour information pages
Jinghong-Menghai-Nannuoshan-Bada-Xiding-Jinghong
Jinghong-Menghai-Jinghong
Dali-Nanjian-Jingdong-Jinping Town-Weishan-Dali
Kunming-Shilin-Jianshui-Yuanyang-Hekou-Sapa-Hanoi-Halong Bay-Hanoi
Kunming-Jianshui-Yuanyang-Puer-Jinghong-Chiang Saen-Chiang Mai-Bangkok
Hanoi-Hekou-Yuanyang-Jianshui-Kunming-Guilin-Shenzhen-Hong Kong
Yuanyang Rice Terraces
Kunming-Puer-Jinghong-Mohan-Luang Prabang-Vang Vieng-Vientiane
Kunming-Dali-Shaxi-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangrila-Lijiang
Kunming-Yuxi-Mojiang-Puer-Jinghong-Mengla-Oudomxay-Pak Mong -Luang Prabang
Kunming-Jianshui-Yuanyang-Hekou-Sapa-Hanoi
Shangri-La-Lijiang-Dali
Don't assume you're restricted to the main hubs of Beijing and Shanghai, our tours can start from any city.
For your safety, please register with the Embassy.
Exchange some local currency for your trip
Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once enquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.
Address: Building 4, Yifuyuan, Hehong Road, Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
Wechat/QQ: 270384698
Office Call: 86-18812220370
Email: Trip@YasoTrip.com
Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/YasoTrip
Tel/WhatsApp: +8618088243690
Trip@YasoTrip.com
Daily: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Copyright © 2008 Yaso Trip. All rights reserved
Address: Building 4, Yifuyuan, Hehong Road, Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
Wechat/QQ: 270384698
Office Call: 86-18812220370
Email: Trip@YasoTrip.com
Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/YasoTrip
Tel/WhatsApp: +8618088243690
Trip@YasoTrip.com