8 Days Classic Tour of Yunnan

Begin your Yunnan trip through the diverse landscapes of China's most spectacular province in the regional capital of Kunming. One of our English-speaking tour guides and a professional driver will transfer you directly to your hotel, giving you plenty of time to recover from a long flight.

Kunming's theatrical options include the highly recommended Dynamic Yunnan Show at Kunming's Art Theatre, where beautifully costumed dancers and musicians perform choreography with drums, inspired from the ethnic village dances and sing exotic songs that will bring tears to your eyes. (NOT included in the tour price, but available on request)

Start your morning with a tranquil stroll through Green Lake Park, a urban oasis where locals gather to dance, sing, and practice Tai Chi. The willow-lined paths and pavilions bridging the water create a serene atmosphere, offering a perfect glimpse into the city's leisurely pace of life.

Afterwards, you will venture out to the magnificent Stone Forest (Shilin), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Prepare to be amazed by a breathtaking landscape of towering limestone pillars that have been sculpted by wind and water over 270 million years, creating a labyrinthine forest of stone that feels like another world.

In the afternoon, you will board a high-speed train for a scenic journey to Dali.

Upon arrival, you will step back in time as you enter Dali Ancient Town. Settled at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains, this historic town was once the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms. Wander through its cobblestone streets, admire the traditional Bai minority architecture with its elegant grey-tiled roofs and ornate marble decorations, and soak in the vibrant, bohemian atmosphere as the town lights up for the evening.

In the morning we stop off at the ancient market town of Xizhou, just 19 kilometres north of Dali Old Town. Here we will visit the morning market, where locals dressed in traditional minority clothing sell and buy local fruits, freshly cut meat, piles of fragrant spices, livestock and anything else you can think of. You can visit a traditional Three Course Tea ceremony and an exquisite example of traditional Bai-style courtyard homes.

Then visit Zhoucheng Village, the largest Bai village in the region, famous for its tie-dyeing traditions. Stroll through the village streets and witness local artisans crafting batik fabrics and mastering intricate tie-dye techniques. You’ll have the chance to visit a workshop where you can observe the entire tie-dye process, from dyeing to drying.

The highlight of the afternoon is an Erhai Lake Cruise. Boarding a boat, you'll set sail upon the vast, ear-shaped lake that gives the area its name. From the water, you are treated to unparalleled, panoramic views of the Cangshan Mountain Range and the surrounding villages, offering a peaceful and majestic perspective on the region's stunning natural beauty.

After breakfast, you will depart Dali for the next leg of your adventure: the ancient city of Lijiang. Upon arrival, your first stop is the picturesque Black Dragon Pond Park located at the foot of the Elephant Hill. This park is famed for its classic Chinese garden landscape, where you can capture the iconic photograph of the elegant Snow Dragon Bridge perfectly framing the distant, snow-capped peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the tranquil pond.

Adjacent to the park is the Dongba Museum, a fascinating institution dedicated to the culture of the Naxi people. Here, you can learn about the world's last living hieroglyphic writing system, the Dongba script, and explore exhibits on Naxi rituals, music, and history.

As evening falls, you will lose yourself in the enchanting, maze-like alleyways of Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Follow the gentle sound of flowing canals, cross over centuries-old stone bridges, and discover a vibrant town filled with charming shops, cozy cafes, and the warm, welcoming spirit of the Naxi people.

Start your day with an early rise, embarking on an exhilarating journey to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. First, indulge in the breathtaking Impression show at Ganhaizi, nestled at the mountain's base. Later, take a cable car up to Spruce Meadow, a perfect spot for a leisurely walk where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the landscape. Afterwards, visit Blue Moon Valley, a breathtaking destination at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, known for its turquoise rivers and lakes. Stroll along scenic paths and enjoy the stunning views of the snow-capped peaks reflected in the crystal-clear waters.

Following this majestic adventure, head to the quaint Baisha Village, where you'll be captivated by the intricate Baisha murals, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Naxi minority.

Rounding off your day, make a pitstop at the picturesque Shuhe Old Town before returning to your hotel, allowing you to soak in the charm and tranquility of this ancient settlement.

Shortly after breakfast, your driver will drive you up to the First Bend of the Yangtze River at Stone Drum Town (1.5 hour) to see the impressive scenery, where the third longest river in the world make a sudden V-turn. This area is part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas.

Continue north to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, trapped deep below the snow-capped peaks of Haba Snow Mountain to the north, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the south. This is one of the deepest gorges in the world, 16 km long with a sheer 3900 meters between the wild waters of Jinsha river and the top of the Haba Snow Mountains next to it. The inhabitants of the gorge are primarily the indigenous Naxi people, who live in a handful of small hamlets. Your new tour guide will meet you here.

Later in the afternoon the tour continues to the fabled Tibetan city of Shangri-La at an altitude of well over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). On the way you will get tingling feelings in your stomach as you continue your way to the far corner of the world up to the Tibetan plateau, populated by robed monks a wild plateau nomad. Notice the landscape and architecture gradually change, with barley fields and yaks scattered across the valleys and the year-round snow-capped mountains always towering above you. Arrive at your final destination: Dukezong Ancient town, the ancient town center in Zhongdian city, where the locals still preserve the old Tibetan way of life, crafting traditional jewelry made of silver or horn, instruments, earth ware and daggers. Let this lovely mountain town welcome you, and spend your free time wandering through the narrow alleys and cobbled winding lanes or relaxing from the day’s adventures.

After a sumptuous Tibetan breakfast, your driver and guide will take you out to the restored Songzanlin Monastery, also called ‘Little Potala Palace’ as this 17th century monastery is modelled after the Potala Palace in Lhasa. It is the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan with over 700 monks actively practicing Tibetan Buddhism. The huge golden roof is a bright shining beacon that attracts Buddhists from all over Asia. There will also be a chance to visit a local family and experience the real life of a herdsman in the high steppe.

After, embark on an exhilarating exploration of Potatso National Park, where you'll be immersed in the stunning natural beauty and ecological diversity of this remarkable conservation area.

This is your last chance to sample a cowboy's breakfast of prime yak steak and fried mushrooms, before your driver drives you to Shangri-La airport. This is also your last chance to do some gift shopping for folks back at home, and Shangri La definitely has some of the best markets in Yunnan. Here, you can stock up with prayer flags, thangkas and Khampa Cowboy Hats for your workmates, friends and family. We hope you had a great time during your Yunnan trip and hope to welcome you again!