China Minority Tours for Yunnan and Guangxi

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Duration:
10 Nights
Price
  • Economy: USD 880
  • Comfort: USD 945
  • Luxury: USD 1,088

General Information About Rome

Explore the local minority culture of Yunnan and Guangxi as well as the province’s beautiful nature!

Day 1: Kunming arrival (via China Southern Airlines)

You'll begin your journey to diverse and captivating Yunnan Province from the capital city, Kunming. Upon your arrival at the Kunming International Airport, meet your local guide who'll bring you to the hotel by private vehicle. If you have time, take a leisurely stroll along the Green Lake, a charming area of tea houses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and beautiful local paintings. If you have enough time, you can visit the interesting Kunming City Museum (9:30—17:00), where you can get informed about Kunming’s history and specifically on its role in the past decades (WWII).

Kunming is the capital and largest city of Yunnan Province in Southwest China. It was known as Yunnan-Fou until the 1920s. As a prefecture-level city, it is the political, economic, communications and cultural center of Yunnan and is the seat of the provincial government. It was important during World War II as a Chinese military center, American air base, and transport terminal of the Burma Road. Located in the middle of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Kunming is located at an altitude of about 1,900 m above sea level and at latitude just north of the Tropic of Cancer.

Option for the evening: if you like you can visit the Dynamic Yunnan Show in Kunming's Art Theatre – an original ethnic dance musical. It was directed by Yang Liping and has been an outstanding gain to the Chinese stages in recent years. Primitive, unsophisticated folk dances and a fresh artistic concept converge in the program, giving audiences a unique "Yunnan Impression." Sixty-two drums and 120 masks of strong ethnic characteristics are incorporated in the performance. The show starts at 20:00h and lasts for 1.5 hours. It is highly recommended by Wonders Of Yunnan Travel and tripadvisor. For people interested in minority culture, this is a must-see and not to be missed when in Kunming!

Day 2: Kunming - Stone Forest - Dali (BLD)

Your guide picks you up from your hotel lobby in the morning at 9am. First you'll be invited to Yunnan Pu’er Tea Ceremony, which is one of the most famous teas in China. Additionally, learn about the interesting tea culture of China and the history of the "Tea Horse Road". You can also take some Pu’er tea with you as gifts for your family or friends as it’s the symbol of Yunnan culture and therefore a nice souvenir.

Later on we will drive you to Stone Forest (about 90 km, 1.5 hours, mostly highway), and enjoy a local Yunnan lunch before we enter the scenic area. According to an old saying it is a pity not visiting the Stone Forest while you are in Kunming. After lunch, we will have a full afternoon to visit this wonderful landscape. Enjoy the beautiful views of the sight and spend about 2-3 hours in the park.

The Yunnan Stone Forest was listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2007. The vast southern Chinese karst landscape is jointly composed by the sword- and pagoda-shaped karsts pillars of Yunnan's Stone Forest as well as the cone-shaped and stereoscopic pillars with its nature made bridges and crevices of the Karst Forest in Libo, Guizhou. This typical Karst physiognomy assumed shape of stone pillars and boulders which have been formed 500,000 to 300 million years ago and in total covers an area of 1,460 square kilometers. The scenic attractions in these regions enjoy great reputation, both within China and abroad.

Afterwards you are driven back to Kunming and dropped off at Kunming train station from where the overnight train is leaving to Dali.

Day 3: Dali (BLD)

Upon your arrival in the early morning, your local Dali tour guide and driver meet you at the train station and take you to have breakfast first. We enjoy the beautiful view from the outside of the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Monastery afterwards which are the symbols of Dali. Check into your comfortable hotel and take a rest. After having enjoyed a traditional Dali lunch we will visit Dali Old Town, climb the City Wall and stroll through the souvenir roads which are very famous in Dali. You are free to explore the lively Dali street culture, shop for souvenirs or whatever you are up to.

Dali is located on a fertile plateau between the Cangshan Mountain Range to the west and Erhai Lake to the east. It has traditionally been settled by the Bai and Yi minorities. It is also the capital of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. It consists of Dali New City Xiaguan and Dali Old Town. Dali has a long and rather glorious history. In 738 the Nanzhao Kingdom was established with Dali as its capital and covered a large area of Yunnan and northern Burma and parts of Sichuan and Guizhou. The Autonomous Kingdom of Dali was founded in 937 and lasted outside Han-run China until the Yuan Dynasty when the Mongol rulers finally breached the Dali fortifications and brought Dali into the province of Yunnan.

Travelers visit Dali Old Town for its traditional architecture, minority cultures (mostly Bai but also with many Yi and Hui nationalities) and simply to relax.

Day 4: Dali - Lijiang (BLD)

Today, we take you to the morning market of Xizhou Town to experience traditional local life. We will visit Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste the typical fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore the Bai's distinctive culture. Xizhou is 19 kilometers north of Dali Old town and lies between Erhai Lake and the Cangshan Mountain Range. It is famous for Bai culture with its old and well-preserved folk houses. But it's not only a historically famous city but also a typical commercial center of Bai Ethnic Nationality. The Bai minority are very present at Xizhou. With a more mixed population and cosmopolitan background, it is considered a must for travelers. Here, you can enjoy lovely local clothes, decorative architectures and wonderful handicrafts.

Afterwards we are going on a cruise on close Erhai Lake to Jinsuo Island – a local fishing village. Enjoy the green Cangshan Mountain Range and the Three Pagodas from far as well as lots of birds flying over the lake.

After lunch, get driven to Lijiang (about 170 km, 2.5 hours, mostly highway), check in your hotel and enjoy your free and easy evening in Lijiang.

Day 5: Lijiang (BLD)

The next morning starts with a visit at the Black Dragon Pool and Dongba Museum to explore the rich Naxi minority culture. Then we'll visit to the Jade Lake Village (Yuhu Village): from here, you will enjoy a fantastic view over the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. We visit the museum dedicated to the life of Joseph Rock, an explorer and biologist who lived in the area in the early 20th century.

We then have the opportunity to join a 2-hour guided horse trek leading you along the mountain slopes. The trek passes ancient Naxi deer farms, the ruins of Jujian Temple, the King Ranch of the Naxi, ancient tree populations, stone inscriptions and many other nice and interesting places. We meet our driver again afterwards and get driven back to the hotel.

Lijiang became known in the 'western countries' through a book written by an American commissioner who traveled in and out of Yunnan province in the late 19th century. And then it was the earthquake in 1996 that brought Lijiang back to the world's attention.

The Old Town of Lijiang, which is perfectly adapted to the uneven topography of this key commercial and strategic site, has retained a historic townscape of high quality and authenticity. Its architecture is noteworthy for the blending of elements from several cultures that have come together over many centuries. Lijiang also possesses an ancient water-supply system of great complexity and ingenuity that still functions effectively today. It is an exceptional ancient town set in a dramatic landscape which represents the harmonious fusion of different cultural traditions to produce an urban landscape of outstanding quality.

Day 6: Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Shangri-La (BLD)

Today after breakfast, we'll drive about 60 km to the First Bend of the Yangtze River, which is close to Shigu can be marveled at before we head further north to Tiger Leaping Gorge with an imposing gorge scenery (about 88 km, 1.5 hours, partly highway, partly country roads). It's one of the deepest gorges in the world with 34 rapids. The gorge measures 16 km long and a steep 3900m from the waters of Jinsha River to the snow-capped mountain tops of Haba Snow Mountain to the north-west and Yulong (or Jade Dragon) Snow Mountain to the south-east. The inhabitants of the gorge are primarily the indigenous Naxi people, who live in a handful of small hamlets. The Tiger Leaping Gorge is another top attraction of Yunnan!

Later in the afternoon the tour proceeds to Shangri-La (102 km, 2.5 hours), the former Zhongdian which is well-known as the paradise destination for every traveler. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. Spend a free and easy evening around Dukezong Ancient Town.

Day 7: Shangri-La - Kunming (via China Southern Airlines; CZ9609; 16:00 - 17:05) (BLD)

After the breakfast we go to see the Ganden Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Then we’ll visit a local family and get close to the real life of Tibetans.

After lunch we have a closer look at Baiji Temple which is very close to west of the Dukezong Ancient town, from where a great view over the city can be enjoyed.

Drop off at Shangri-La airport to catch your flight back to Kunming, get picked up again at Kunming airport upon your arrival. Transfer to check in your hotel and take good rest.

Shangri-La is the "Eden in dream". Since it first appeared in British novelist James Hilton's Lost Horizon in the 1939, it has been associated with the mystique of a place which could not possibly exist here on Earth. In Tibetan, Shangri-La means the "sun and moon in heart", an ideal home only found in heaven. The lofty and continuous snowy mountains, endless grasslands, steep and grand gorges, azure lakes and the idyllic villages always leave a deep impression on its visitors.

Shangri-La County is administered by Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The average altitude is more than 3,000 meters (about 9,843 feet). In the past, it was called Zhongdian or Jiantang in Tibetan. In 2002, Zhongdian changed its name to Shangri-La. The region is inhabited by many different ethnic groups, with the Tibetans comprising the majority of the population. You will have an opportunity to experience Tibetan life and learn about their lifestyle, religion and cuisine. The unique scenery, highlighted by plateaus, together with the fascinating ethnic culture makes the land very attractive and charming to visit.

Day 8: Kunming - Guilin (via China Southern Airlines; CZ3248; 16:30 - 17:55) (BLD)

Visit the Bird and Flower market in the Kunming city center in the morning, explore the local people’s daily life. After lunch, transfer to Minasgold Coffee School to learn the culture of Yunnan coffee, and how to make coffee, enjoy the leisure time there for about 1 hour!

Then drop off at Kunming airport to catch your flight to Guilin, get picked up again upon your arrival, and head to overnight in Yangshuo (about 1.5 hours’ drive).

Day 9: Yangshuo (BLD)

Today we’ll go biking along the Yulong River or Ten-mile Gallery (Shili Gallery) in the morning, and learn how to cook the Guangxi food in the afternoon. Then enjoy the exciting cormorant fishing performance in the evening.

Day 10: Yangshuo - Guangzhou (train no. D2973; schedule: 16:07 - 18:31; duration: 02:24) (BLD)

Today we’ll explore the Xingping River and climb the Laozhai Mountain, then drop off at Yangshuo Train station to catch your bullet train to Guangzhou for about 2 and half hours. Get picked up upon your arrival then drop off at Guangzhou airport to catch your international flight back, end your happy China trip and welcome your next time!

  • Visit Yunnan's vibrant capital Kunming
  • Experience Dali with its Bai ethnic minority
  • Get inspired in famous Lijiang
  • Trek parts of the Tiger Leaping Gorge
  • Travel to Yunnan's north to Tibetan influenced Shangri-La
  • Enjoy the beautiful real nature when biking in Yangshuo
  • Get a bird eye view of Lijiang River when climbing the Laozhai Mountain
  • Centrally located hotels with breakfast (as per chosen category; based on twin-bed room for 2 pax);
  • Authentic Chinese meals (lunch & dinner) as listed, 18 meals in total per person;
    Private transportation with skilled driver, including hotel pick-ups and drop offs; including gas, toll and parking fee
  • Overnight train ticket from Kunming to Dali (Soft Sleeper category); bullet train ticket from Guilin to Guangzhou (second class seat)
  • Private English-speaking tour guide (locally employed)
  • Entrance fees for the attractions listed in the program
  • 2 bottles of drinking water per person per day
  • Supplements for meals and accommodations for tour guide and driver
  • 24/7 English-speaking customer services
  • Government taxes

Hotels: we reserve the right to change the hotels to similar rating ones in case the chosen ones are booked out or are not available for any other reason.

Airline Price:

No shopping, no hidden costs, only licensed and official services

 PASSENGERS

All individual passengers must be 18 years old or older; minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult

  1. OBJECTIONABLE PERSONS

We reserve the right to refuse to transport a person who is considered objectionable, such as:

A person believed to be under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs

Exhibits an incapability to take care of him/herself

Causes public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creates a risk such as fighting, unreasonable noise, obscene language or gestures

Exhibits hazardous or offensive action or behavior

Refuses to comply with any lawful rule or Terms and Conditions of Wonders Of Yunnan Travel

  1. DEPOSITS

For the tour’s booking, minimum a 30% deposit of the total tour price is requested as a booking guarantee. Possible payment methods are Bank Transfer, Western Union and PayPal (customer is responsible for covering all transfer fees). The remaining balance payment shall be processed latest 15 days prior to the first tour day. Also a cash balance payment upon tour start is acceptable if the tour starts in Kunming. For further payment information please read our Payment Guide and check our Terms & Conditions to learn more about our regulations.

  1. CANCELLATIONS

In the event of a cancellation after having confirmed the booking by a deposit payment, we will refund the payments made to Wonders Of Yunnan Travel within 15 days upon receipt of a written cancellation via email less the cancellation fee that is applicable as follows:

  • Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to tour start:    10% of the total tour price.
  • Cancellation received from 15 to 30 days prior to tour start:    20% of the total tour price.
  • Cancellation received from 8 to 14 days prior to tour start:      30% of the total tour price.
  • Cancellation received from 4 to 7 days prior to tour start:        50% of the total tour price.  
  • Cancellation received from 0 to 3 days prior to tour start:      100% of the total tour price.
  • No-show travelers will be charged 100% of the total tour price.

Besides the cancellation fee from Wonders Of Yunnan Travel, penalties from airlines or train companies may apply if air or train tickets were issued.

  1. RESERVATIONS

Please contact [email protected] for any sorts of bookings and inquiries.

  1. ITINERARY

Every effort will be made to accommodate the planned itinerary for this trip; however, the itinerary is subject to change with or without prior notification

  1. TRIP PRICING

Wonders Of Yunnan Travel reserves the right to change published pricing in the event the costs to Wonders Of Yunnan Travel are adjusted by the attraction or venue.

  1. SMOKING

Smoking is allowed outside of provided vehicles. Smoking laws of accommodation and public places apply accordingly.

  1. RAINED OUT AND CANCELLED EVENTS

Ticketed venues retain the right to cancel or reschedule their events. If the event does not occur on the originally-scheduled date DO NOT DISPOSE OF YOUR TICKET. This ticket is your property and going to any rescheduled event or obtaining the refund is your responsibility. If the event is cancelled after the bus arrives:

There will be no refunds for the transportation portion of the trip as the transportation has been provided

As a courtesy we will try, but not guarantee, to provide transportation for the rescheduled event at an additional charge.

  1. CUSTOMERS WITH DISABILITIES

Wonders Of Yunnan Travel is pleased to serve our guests with disabilities. At the time you make your reservation please assist us to know how we may best accommodate you. If you use a mobility device, we will need to know its weight, height, and length. We will contact agents and vendors working on our behalf on the trip to be certain they are able to meet your specific needs. We require all passengers to be seated in regular passenger seats or to be belted onto their mobility device and secured to the floor of the respective vehicle. We are committed to making your trip as pleasant and comfortable as possible with your comfort and safety being our first priority.

  1. RESPONSIBILITY

Our Terms & Conditions apply accordingly.

  1. Chinese Visa Services for U.S. citizenship:

Chinese visa application assistance can be provided upon request, please contact [email protected] for more details.