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).

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!

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).

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!

Your tour guide and driver pick you up from your Kunming hotel 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 drive to Stone Forest (about 90 km, 1.5 hours, mostly highway), and enjoy a local Yunnan lunch before we enter the highly rated attraction. According to an old saying it is a pity not visiting the Stone Forest while you are in Kunming. We will have a full afternoon to visit this unique landscape of Yunnan. Enjoy the beautiful views at the lookouts and spend about 2-3 hours in the park.

Your tour guide and driver pick you up from your Kunming hotel 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 drive to Stone Forest (about 90 km, 1.5 hours, mostly highway), and enjoy a local Yunnan lunch before we enter the highly rated attraction. According to an old saying it is a pity not visiting the Stone Forest while you are in Kunming. We will have a full afternoon to visit this unique landscape of Yunnan. Enjoy the beautiful views at the lookouts and spend about 2-3 hours in the park.

We drive to Chengzi Village after breakfast (about 110 km, 2.5 hours, country roads). It is a cozy and beautiful little town with old and original buildings made out of natural stones and clay. The people living here belong to the Yi minority. We walk through the village to experience the very special atmosphere and get a first impression of the local people’s life.

Get driven to Jianshui afterwards (about 195 km, 4 hours, mostly highway). Enjoy a rich lunch on the way and check in your Jianshui hotel. Enjoy your free and easy evening after this long day.

We drive to Chengzi Village after breakfast (about 110 km, 2.5 hours, country roads). It is a cozy and beautiful little town with old and original buildings made out of natural stones and clay. The people living here belong to the Yi minority. We walk through the village to experience the very special atmosphere and get a first impression of the local people’s life.

Get driven to Jianshui afterwards (about 195 km, 4 hours, mostly highway). Enjoy a rich lunch on the way and check in your Jianshui hotel. Enjoy your free and easy evening after this long day.

After breakfast, we stroll through Jianshui Ancient Town, where the different standards of houses built by rich and poor families are well visible. We attend a local tofu workshop (about 30 minutes) as tofu is one of the most important food of the area. Afterwards, we have a look at Zhu’s Family Garden and large Chaoyang Archway, two very famous sights of the city. Recommended is about half an hour visiting time each. Then we head to the Confucius Temple, which is the second largest of its kind in China!

After lunch, we drive to the Yuanyang Scenic Area (about 115 km, 3.5 hours, country roads), one of Yunnan’s famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Upon arrival we first visit the Bada rice terraces which offer a great view over the gigantic terraced valley. Later in the evening, we head to the rice terraces at Laohuzui where the colorful sunset can be enjoyed if the weather permits. A very recommended stop for photographers. Get dropped off at your hotel afterwards.

After breakfast, we stroll through Jianshui Ancient Town, where the different standards of houses built by rich and poor families are well visible. We attend a local tofu workshop (about 30 minutes) as tofu is one of the most important food of the area. Afterwards, we have a look at Zhu’s Family Garden and large Chaoyang Archway, two very famous sights of the city. Recommended is about half an hour visiting time each. Then we head to the Confucius Temple, which is the second largest of its kind in China!

After lunch, we drive to the Yuanyang Scenic Area (about 115 km, 3.5 hours, country roads), one of Yunnan’s famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Upon arrival we first visit the Bada rice terraces which offer a great view over the gigantic terraced valley. Later in the evening, we head to the rice terraces at Laohuzui where the colorful sunset can be enjoyed if the weather permits. A very recommended stop for photographers. Get dropped off at your hotel afterwards.

The Yuanyang Rice Terraces belong to the Hani and Yi people and were listed as world heritage in 2013. Get up very early today to witness the sunrise over the terraces at Duoyishu Village and visit a local street market in close Shengcun afterwards. The people of surrounding villages – often ethnic minorities – gather here to buy and sell all sorts of food and necessities during the day. After these colorful impressions, we leave the Ailao Mountain range again and head to visit Xingmeng (about 230 km, 4 hours, mostly highway) to get an insight about Mongolian culture in Yunnan which is on the way back to Kunming (about 130 km, 2 hours, partly highway and partly country roads). We have our lunch on the way back.

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

The Yuanyang Rice Terraces belong to the Hani and Yi people and were listed as world heritage in 2013. Get up very early today to witness the sunrise over the terraces at Duoyishu Village and visit a local street market in close Shengcun afterwards. The people of surrounding villages – often ethnic minorities – gather here to buy and sell all sorts of food and necessities during the day. After these colorful impressions, we leave the Ailao Mountain range again and head to visit Xingmeng (about 230 km, 4 hours, mostly highway) to get an insight about Mongolian culture in Yunnan which is on the way back to Kunming (about 130 km, 2 hours, partly highway and partly country roads). We have our lunch on the way back.

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

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.

Then drive 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.

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.

Then drive 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.

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 Lijiang.

Drop off at Lijiang train station to catch your overnight train back to Kunming.

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 Lijiang.

Drop off at Lijiang train station to catch your overnight train back to Kunming.

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.

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.

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.

We then invite you to a relaxed break in Shangri-La’s High Mountain Resort to enjoy a cup of coffee, facing beautiful Napa Lake and enjoy great views into the local nature.

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.

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.

We then invite you to a relaxed break in Shangri-La’s High Mountain Resort to enjoy a cup of coffee, facing beautiful Napa Lake and enjoy great views into the local nature.

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.

Drop off at Kunming Changshui International Airport to catch your flight to Guangzhou, then transfer to your international flight back. End your happy trip and welcome you next time!

Drop off at Kunming Changshui International Airport to catch your flight to Guangzhou, then transfer to your international flight back. End your happy trip and welcome you next time!