8 DAYS HIDDEN CHARMS OF NORTHERN YUNNAN

Car Transfer: Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival in Kunming, you will be transferred to your accommodation to rest. Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan province and is often known as the “Spring City” in China.

Karst Caves & Stone Forests

Today’s journey will bring you into Jiuxiang, the largest cave group of Yunnan province. Home to more than one hundred karst caves, it has earned itself a nickname as “the Cave Museum”. In the afternoon, you will visit the Stone Forests in the Shilin Yi Nationality Autonomous County. Covering a large area of 400 square kilometres, the site includes both large and small stone forests, as well as numerous scenic spots.

Rail Transfer: Kunming to Dali

Today, you will take the high-speed rail to Dali (approx. 2.5 hours).

Welcome to Dali

Let us welcome you in traditional Bai custom with a three-course tea ceremony. Thereafter, enjoy a horse ride along Erhai Lake while visiting local temples along the lakeside villages. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep a milder pace, we can also arrange a visit to Huayu Farmyard for a cup of coffee or tea while admiring the flowers.

Dali & Cangshan Mountains

Enjoy a walk on the Cangshan Mountains to visit Gantong Temple. If time permits, you can visit Zhonghe Temple (4-hour walk) before exploring the Old Town and the Three Pagodas where you can admire the scenic Dali views.

Free at Leisure

This afternoon is free at leisure. You may enjoy a traditional Chinese message or delve into the workings of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a consultation, herbal treatment and/or acupuncture.

Car Transfer: Dali to Lijiang stop at Shaxi Old Town

This morning, you will be driven approximately 2 hours to Shaxi Old Town. Shaxi once played an important role as a bustling trade station on the Tea and Horse Caravan Road, an important branch of the Silk Road. Just over one thousand years ago, this ancient trade route connected Tibet with Eastern China. Then continue drive approximately 1.5 hours to Lijiang.

Orientation Walk & Black Dragon Pond

Bordering Tibet, the small town of Lijiang offers spectacular mountain backdrop. Depending on where you stay, we will arrange either Lijiang or Dayan orientation walk. You will walk the lovely alleyways and learn about the local culture. You will also visit the Black Dragon Pond at the foot of the Elephant Hill.

Jade Snow Mountain & Countryside Walk

Today, you will ascend by cable car into the Jade Snow Mountain to visit the Yak Meadow. Enjoy a lovely countryside walk starting from Yu Hu Village, former home of American naturalist and explorer Joseph Rock. Alternatively, if time permits, we can also arrange a walk to the Spruce Meadow (3,240 metres).

Into the Minority Naxi Villages

Let us whisk you off the tourist trail into the Shuhe Ancient Town. Shuhe is one of the earliest habitation of the Naxi ancestors and an important post of the ancient Tea Horse Road. Continue to Baisha Old Town to admire its Ming Dynasty-era architectures and the well-known Baisha Frescoes in Dabaoji Palace.

Yunnan’s Tibetan Plateau

Today’s excursion brings us towards the Tibetan plateau, admiring scenic sights such as the First Bend of Yangtze and the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, the latter of which is one of the world’s longest, deepest and narrowest gorges. The gorge is only 30 metres at its narrowest points, from which a tiger is believed to have leaped.

Car Transfer: Hotel to Airport

Enjoy free leisure time at your accommodation before transferring to the airport for your onwards journey.