Yunnan Exploration
travel package - 10 days / 9 nights
Experience the beauty of Yunnan through visits to many of its local minority villages, and wonder at the view from its majestic mountains. A hike through UNESCO World Heritage Old Town site and geological rainforest parks will sure to ignite your passion to explore its magnificence even further.
Beijing departure: From RMB 13, 800 p.p.
Shanghai departure: From RMB 13, 900 p.p
Day 1
Beijing / Shanghai - Kunming - Dali (L, D) Stone Forest Flight from Beijing / Shanghai to Kunming in the morning. Your tour guide will meet you at the airport.
Visit the famous Stone Forest, where you can discover this unique geological wonder during an extensive walk through the labyrinth of steep rock needles and narrow openings in the rocks.
On the way back visit the Yi Minority village.
Night train to Dali in comfortable hard sleeper cabins.
Overnight on Train Day 2
Dali (B, L) Three Pagodas, Erhai Lake, Old City Center Arrive in the morning and transfer to the hotel, where breakfast is arranged.
In the morning, visit Dali's iconic Three Pagodas, originally built in the Tang Dynasty. A cruise on Erhai Lake offers a panorama of villages and the magnificent Cangshan mountains.
Visit a small island to see the Bai Minority village.
Leisure time in the afternoon allows you to explore Dali's cobblestone streets in the picturesque old city center.
Overnight in Dali Day 3
Dali - Lijiang (B, L) Black Dragon Pool, Old Town A coach brings you through winding valleys to Lijiang, a beautiful Naxi minority town nestled in the mountains. In this UNESCO World Heritage site, a maze of narrow streets and canals make up the scenic Old Town, home to Naxi men and women in traditional dresses.
Stop at the Black Dragon Pool for a great view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and its reflection in the clear waters.
Afterwards you have leisure time to explore Lijiang on your own.
Overnight in Lijiang Day 4
Lijiang (B, L) Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Naxi Village The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, also commonly known as Yulong Snow Mountain, is situated to the north of Lijiang town, at a distance of some 15 kilometers. It is the most southerly of the glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere and the highest peak in the south of Yangtze River area. Extending 35 kilometers all the way from north to south and 25 kilometers from east to west. The mountain range has 13 peaks in total, the highest being Shanzidou peak, at 5596 meters above sea level.
The landscapes of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are unique and beautiful. At different altitudes, rare trees, herbal plants, and flowers and are to be found. Many famous flowers like azalea, primrose, orchid and herbal medicine plants are grown in this area. From the bottom to the top, there are more than 20 forest clusters and varieties of birds and animals. There are four distinct eco-systems: the snow, the spring, the forest and the meadow landscape. Among the multitude of scenic spots are: Dried River Bed, the Leech Flatland, the Remains of the Ancient Glacier, Yunshan Ping (The Spruce Tree Plain), the Yak Plain and the magnificent Baishui River.
The snow capped mountain is considered a holy mountain at the heart of Naxi culture, who view it as their patron god 'Sanduo' and have worshipped it since ancient times. Now the Jade Snow Mountain is the focal point of the Jade Snow Mountain scenic area.
On the way back, visit the Naxi Minority Village to experience the every day life of the farmers.
Overnight in Lijiang
Day 5
Lijiang - Zhongdian (B, L) Tiger Leaping Gorge Drive by coach to the stunning Tiger Leaping Gorge. Here, the Yangtze River, known as Gold Sand River, tumbles through one of the deepest gorges in the world. Along both sides of the ravine, snowy peaks rise dramatically to a height of 4,000 meters above the water. Continue by coach to Zhongdian in the afternoon.
Overnight at Zhongdian Day 6
Zhongdian (B, L) Songzanlin Monastery, Emerald Pagoda Lake Popularized under the name of Shangri-La, Zhongdian attracts visitors seeking a glimpse of Tibet. The 300-year-old Songzanlin Monastery is built in the Tibetan style and is still home to many crimson-robed lamas.
Afterwards, travel to Emerald Pagoda Lake, a highland lake at a height of 3,800 meters. You have time to explore the forest banks and can also visit a Tibetan family.
Return to Zhongdian in the afternoon, with the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight at Zhongdian Day 7
Zhongdian - Lijiang - Xishuangbanna (B, L) Return to Lijiang by coach in the morning, then time at leisure until transfer to the airport for flight to Xishuangbanna. The sub-tropical area blending into Southeast Asia is known for its Dai ethnic inhabitants, sub ethnic group close to Burmese and Thai.
Meet the tour guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at Xishuangbanna Day 8
Xishuangbanna (B, L) After breakfast, visit Dai ethnic inhabitants' village, Ganlanba local market and Menglun Botanic Garden.
Overnight at Xishuangbana Day 9
Xishuangbanna (B, L) After breakfast, visit Menghun Sunday market, where various ethnic peoples don on their colourful costumes and gather together to sell and barter a wide variety of local vegetables, fruits, goods and crafts. Afterwards, visit the Wild Elephant Valley, a beautiful rainforest park.
Overnight at Xishuangbana Day 10
Xishuangbanna - Kunming - Beijing / Shanghai (B) After breakfast, time at leisure until transfer to the airport for flight to Kunming, and then a return flight back to Beijing / Shanghai.
Hotel Information
Banyan Tree Ringha 5*
With architecture reflecting local Tibetan culture, The Banyan Tree Ringha is comprised of lodges that are of traditional Tibetan farmhouses. Located in a mountainous area, this resort boasts of 32 spacious lodges and suites with a view of the valley or river.
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Banyan Tree Lijiang 5*
A quiet sublime architectural world awaits you inside the Banyan Tree doors. The luxurious villas reflect the rich fabric of this locale through their design and furnishings. Located 2000m above sea level, the resort is only 15 minutes from the historical town of Dayan, also known as Venice of the Orient with its beautiful canals and bridges.
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For travel package bookings and more information please contact Hotline Beijing: +86-10-8519 8999(phone)