China: Discover Yunnan

China: Discover Yunnan
Set amongst the mountainous landscapes of south-west China, this magnificent journey into the more remote
regions of Yunnan Province takes you on an adventure into the land “South of the Clouds”, ancient
homelands of the Dai, Miao and Naxi peoples.
You’ll start in Kunming, where you will have an opportunity to visit its famous Stone Forest, before following
the course of the Mekong River to explore Dai villages and the colourful market at Menghai. Flying into
northern Yunnan you then spend some time enjoying the delights of Dali and the waters of Erhai Lake.
Driving north, you then head through rice paddies and small villages and into the mountains, to reach the
World Cultural Heritage site of Lijiang. This will be your gateway onto the splendid pavilions of the Black
Dragon Pool and the spectacular setting of Tiger Leaping Gorge. Travelling on to Zhondian, on the edge of
the Tibetan Plateau, you will then visit the impressive Songzanlin Lamasery before ending your journey in
Beijing.
Highlights
Discover the remarkable Stone Forest of Kunming
Visit the markets and villages of the Dai, Bulang and Jinou people
Explore the beautiful old town of Dali and enjoy the waters of Lake Erhai
The World Heritage treasures of Lijiang and the Tiger Leaping Gorge
Journey to the Songzanlin Lamasery on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau
Tour Includes:
3 internal flights
7 nights four star hotel, 3 nights three star traditional local hotel, 2 nights traditional Naxi house
12 breakfasts
Private guided sightseeing
Private driver and vehicle
Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees
Private guided transfers to and from all airports
Guide's and driver's expenses
Please note the prices shown above are based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
Itinerary
Day 1: Kunming
Arrive in Kunming where you will be met by your local guide and
transferred to your centrally located hotel.
Day 2: Kunming
Kunming is famous for its Stone Forest, an outcrop of thousands of amazingly shaped pillars of rocks. On this
full day tour, your guide will take you to the lesser-known Naigu Area to see these extraordinary shapes. (B)
Day 3: Kunming - Jinghong
After a free morning enjoying the city's parks and temples, fly to Jinghong. Jinghong is the capital of the
relaxed Xishuangbanna region, bordering Laos and Myanmar in Southern Yunnan. (B)
Day 4: Jinghong - Menglun - Jinghong
Drive along the Mekong to Ganlanba and wander around a small local Dai market before visiting a Dai family
to see their culture and traditional life. Later continue east to Menglun and its tropical botanical garden - the
biggest in China. On the way back stop off for a visit to the Jinuo Minority, the last independent nationality
classified by the Chinese Government in 1979. (B)
Day 5: Jinghong - Menghai - Jinghong
After taking a look around the daily market in Menghai, a colourful gathering of diverse ethnic groups, move to
Mengzhe to visit the Octagonal Pavilion. Later on head west to Menghun and visit the Bulang ethnic group
and see their tea plantation. Return to Jinghong. (B)
Day 6: Jinghong - Kunming - Dali
Fly via Kunming to Dali, Northern Yunnan. Dali is home to the Bai
people and other minority groups such as the Naxi and Miao. This
afternoon we recommend a stroll through the well-preserved old town of
Dali, known for its old cobbled stone streets and Bai Architecture. (B)
Day 7: Dali
Today's guided tour includes a trip to Xizhou, a small town on Dali's fertile plain and enjoy a boat trip on Erhai
Lake, to see the fishing villages and the local cormorant fishermen. Finally visit the Dali Museum, showing the
history of the Dai and Bai people. (B)
Day 8: Dali - Lijiang
This morning drive north through rice plantations and small villages to
Shibaoshan and see its stone temples. Continue by road up into the
mountains to Lijiang, now a World Cultural Heritage Site. This afternoon
you are free to walk through the Old Town with its maze of cobbled
streets, and networks of canals. (B)
Day 9: Lijiang
Full day guided tour of Lijiang. Visit the Black Dragon Pool Park, with its splendid pavilions and bridges
stretching across the lake, also Fuguo Si Monastery, with its exceptional religious frescos. (B)
Day 10: Lijiang - Zhongdian
Today journey north to one of the world's most spectacular gorges, Tiger
Leaping Gorge, locally known as Hutiao Xia. Afterwards continue
ascending through the mountains to Shu Gu village to see traditional
textiles. Arrive at Zhongdian on the very edge of the Tibetan plateau. (B)
Day 11: Zhongdian
This area is home to 100,000 Tibetans, Lisus, Naxis and Yis and they are renowned for their kindness,
honesty and hospitality. Visit Songzanlin Lamasery, sometimes known as the Guihua Temple. The lamasery,
with 800 lamas, resembles the Potala Palace of Lhasa in its layout. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 12: Zhongdian - Beijing
Fly to Kunming and stay overnight. (B)
Day 13: Beijing.
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Accommodation
Kunming
Golden Dragon Hotel
Lijiang
Jiang Nan Chun Hotel
Dali
Jim's Tibetan Hotel