Yunnan discovery tour, China
13-day tour of the stunning highlights of China’s Yunnan province.
Located in China’s south-western corner, Yunnan means ’south of the clouds’ and in fact most of the province is located on lofty heights, over 2000 metres above sea level. This tour takes in the capital, Kunming and the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge, as well as ethnic Yi and Bai villages. Drive through stunning mountain landscapes and explore some of China’s tallest pagodas and the charming town of Shaxi. Discover the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage town of Lijiang and the stunning Lake Lugu before finishing with a tour of the Tibetan houses and monasteries of Shangri-La.
Days 1-2: Kunming
Depart London for your overnight flight to Kunming via Hong Kong. Upon arrival you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to rest or explore at your leisure.
Day 3: Kunming
Take a full day excursion to the Stone Forest, a rare geological phenomenon of petrified trees and twisted limestone formations, dating back 270 million years ago. On the way stop to visit a village belonging to the Yi, one of China’s ethnic minority groups.
Day 4: Dali
Take an early morning flight to Dali, home of the indigenous Bai people, as well as the ancient capital of Nanzhao and the Dali Kingdom, around 1,300 years ago. Upon arrival you will be met and taken on a full day tour, including a cruise on Erhai Lake, a visit to the 1000-year-old Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple, among the tallest in China, and a tour of the old city of Dali.
Day 5: Shaxi
Drive to Shaxi, a former Silk Road trading post. En route pass through minority villages and stunning rural landscapes. Spend the rest of the day exploring Shaxi’s charming cobbled streets and stone houses.
Days 6-7: Lijiang
Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lijiang. Upon arrival, visit the old city, a town of winding lanes, clear streams, stone bridges and ornate water wheels that’s considered a ’living museum’. Visit the Dongba Culture Museum and the Black Dragon Pool Park. Take a full-day excursion to the Yak Meadow, a plateau of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where you will take a chair-lift to see panoramic views of the glacial peaks. Visit the Baisha Frescoes, ancient wall-paintings dating back to the Ming Dynasty, which reflect the cultural influences of the Naxi people.
Days 8-10: Lake Lugu
A stunning drive along a mountain road takes you to a forested area beside a beautiful lake, home to the Mosuo people. Spend a whole day exploring the area around the lake. The next day return to Lijiang.
Days 11-12: Zhongdian (Shangri-La)
Drive through forest reserves alongside the upper reaches of the Yangtze River to Zhongdian, recently renamed Shangri-La, a town of Tibetan-style houses and monasteries. Along the way, visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of China’s best known sights. High mountains rise each side of a rocky ravine, while the Yangtze flows down below. Legend has it that a tiger leapt over the gorge to escape hunters. Spend the next day exploring the Songzanlin Monastery, founded in the 17th century and nicknamed by locals the Lesser Potala Palace. Also, visit the Napa Lake Reserve, a stunning area with lush grassland and blossom trees, dotted with grazing yaks, horses and sheep.
Day 13: Kunming
Take a morning flight back to Kunming, where you will take a connecting flight home.
Yunnan discovery tour intinerary map
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Prices from
Prices from: £3,495 to £4,045 per person, twin share
Valid for Travel: 01 August 2011 to 21 August 2012.
Package includes: Return international economy flights with Cathay Pacific from London, 12 days tailormade touring as specified.
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and change; normal booking conditions apply.
Please note that surcharges may apply at peak times including Christmas and New Year.
To book, call 0845 643 6561
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX102287.
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