Three Pagodas Of Chongsheng Monastery
Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Lijiang Tiger Leaping Gorge
Shangri-La Ganden Songzanlin Monastery
8 Days Classic Tour of Yunnan Panorama
Discover Yunnan and its beautiful towns and scenery in this classic and amazing 8 days’ tour! This Classic Tour includes the major attractions of the captivating and diverse Province of Yunnan. Our tour combines ancient history with modern tourist attractions. We start in Kunming where you can stroll around 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 have a look at the interesting Kunming City Museum and other sites across the city.
Attend an original Pu’er Tea Ceremony: this tea is one of China’s most famous and finest teas. Learn about the interesting tea culture of China and the history of the old Tea Horse Road.
Not far away from Kunming is Shilin, (engl. Stone Forest). According to an old saying it is a pity not visiting it while you are in Kunming. Enjoy the beautiful views of the karst landscape and walk around between the high columns of bizarrely shaped pillars and boulders.
Dali is our next stop. Standing outside, the stunning Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Monastery, which is the symbol of Dali, you will quickly discover the beauty of the place. Walk through quaint Dali Old Town, climb the City Wall or go shopping in numerous little stores. Explore the lively Dali street culture and walk down to quiet Er’hai Lake to make a boat trip.
Of course, Lijiang mustn’t be missed on such a tour. A visit at the Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Museum is very informative when exploring the rich Naxi minority culture.
Not far north of Lijiang lays the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge of the world! Wedged by the Haba Snow- and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with heights of over 5500m the still young Yangtze River makes his roaring way through 34 rapids. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will have entered the cultural area of Tibet even though still in Yunnan. The mountainous landscape with barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys will give you a foretaste of the higher Himalayan regions of China. The Ganden Songzanlin Monastery is the largest of its kind in Yunnan.
Attend an original Pu’er Tea Ceremony: this tea is one of China’s most famous and finest teas. Learn about the interesting tea culture of China and the history of the old Tea Horse Road.
Not far away from Kunming is Shilin, (engl. Stone Forest). According to an old saying it is a pity not visiting it while you are in Kunming. Enjoy the beautiful views of the karst landscape and walk around between the high columns of bizarrely shaped pillars and boulders.
Dali is our next stop. Standing outside, the stunning Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Monastery, which is the symbol of Dali, you will quickly discover the beauty of the place. Walk through quaint Dali Old Town, climb the City Wall or go shopping in numerous little stores. Explore the lively Dali street culture and walk down to quiet Er’hai Lake to make a boat trip.
Of course, Lijiang mustn’t be missed on such a tour. A visit at the Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Museum is very informative when exploring the rich Naxi minority culture.
Not far north of Lijiang lays the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge of the world! Wedged by the Haba Snow- and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with heights of over 5500m the still young Yangtze River makes his roaring way through 34 rapids. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will have entered the cultural area of Tibet even though still in Yunnan. The mountainous landscape with barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys will give you a foretaste of the higher Himalayan regions of China. The Ganden Songzanlin Monastery is the largest of its kind in Yunnan.
from
$1000.00
Duration: 8 days
Tour Code: CE-YN-8D01
Departure Date: Every Day
Tour Attractions:Kunming, Stone Forest, Dali, Xizhou, Erhai Lake, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La
Feature：Natural Landscape
Tour Type: /Land tour + Private English speaking guide+Private Driver +Meals+hotel
Tour Code: CE-YN-8D01
Departure Date: Every Day
Tour Attractions:Kunming, Stone Forest, Dali, Xizhou, Erhai Lake, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La
Feature：Natural Landscape
Tour Type: /Land tour + Private English speaking guide+Private Driver +Meals+hotel
Day 1: Arrive in Kunming
Begin your Yunnan adventure in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Upon arrival at Kunming International Airport, your private guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
If time permits, take a leisurely stroll around Green Lake Park, a pleasant urban retreat surrounded by tea houses, local shops and small boutiques selling handicrafts and paintings. You can also visit the Kunming City Museum, open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, to learn more about the city’s history and its important role during World War II.
Situated on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau at an elevation of around 1,900 meters, Kunming enjoys a mild climate throughout much of the year. The city has long been an important political, economic and cultural center in southwest China. During World War II, it served as an important transportation and military hub, linked to the outside world by routes such as the Burma Road.
Optional evening activity: In the evening, you may attend the Dynamic Yunnan performance at Kunming Art Theatre. Created by renowned dancer and choreographer Yang Liping, the show combines traditional ethnic music, dance, costumes and stage design to showcase the diverse cultures of Yunnan. The performance usually starts at around 8:00 pm and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Overnight in Kunming.
Day 2: Kunming – Stone Forest – Dali
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel at around 9:00 am. Begin the day with a Pu’er Tea Ceremony, where you can learn about the history and traditions surrounding one of Yunnan’s most famous teas. You will also discover the connection between tea and the ancient Tea Horse Road, the historic trading routes that linked Yunnan with Tibet and other parts of Asia. There will be an opportunity to purchase Pu’er tea as a souvenir if you wish.
Then drive approximately 90 km, or about 1.5 hours, to the Stone Forest (Shilin). Enjoy a local Yunnan lunch before exploring this spectacular karst landscape.
The Stone Forest is part of the South China Karst, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is famous for its towering limestone formations that resemble stone pillars, swords and other natural shapes. Spend around 2–3 hours walking through the scenic area, following paths between the dramatic rock formations and discovering viewpoints throughout the park.
The Stone Forest is located about 90 km east of Kunming and covers a vast area. Although it is one of Yunnan’s most popular attractions, quieter corners can still be found away from the main sightseeing routes.
After the visit, transfer to Kunming Railway Station for your train to Dali.
Overnight in Dali.
Day 3: Dali
Arrive in Dali in the early morning, where your local guide and driver will meet you at the railway station. After breakfast, begin your Dali sightseeing with a visit to the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. From the outside, you can enjoy views of the three ancient pagodas against the backdrop of the Cangshan Mountains.
Then check in at your hotel and take some time to rest.
After lunch, explore Dali Ancient Town. Walk along the historic streets, climb sections of the ancient city wall and browse the local shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs and traditional products. You will have free time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and explore the old town at your own pace.
Dali lies between the Cangshan Mountain Range and Erhai Lake and has a long history as a political and cultural center of Yunnan. The area is particularly associated with the Bai ethnic group, whose traditional architecture, customs and crafts remain an important part of local culture.
Overnight in Dali.
Day 4: Dali – Xizhou – Erhai Lake – Lijiang
This morning, travel to Xizhou Ancient Town, located about 19 km north of Dali Ancient Town. Visit the local morning market to experience everyday life in a traditional Bai community.
Explore the well-preserved Bai-style courtyards and learn about the distinctive architecture and culture of the Bai people. You will also have the opportunity to experience the traditional Three-Course Tea, an important part of Bai hospitality.
Afterwards, take a boat trip on Erhai Lake to Jinsuo Island, a traditional fishing community on the lake. As you cruise across the water, enjoy views of the Cangshan Mountains, the Three Pagodas and the surrounding countryside. Depending on the season, you may also see birds flying across the lake.
After lunch, drive approximately 170 km to Lijiang, taking around 2.5 hours, mostly on the highway. Check in at your hotel and enjoy a free evening exploring Lijiang at your own pace.
Overnight in Lijiang.
Day 5: Lijiang – Black Dragon Pool – Yuhu Village
Start the day with a visit to Black Dragon Pool Park, where you can enjoy views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the clear water on a fine day. Continue to the Dongba Museum to learn more about the history, traditions and religious culture of the Naxi people.
Then travel to Yuhu Village (Jade Lake Village), a traditional Naxi settlement at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The village offers beautiful views of the snow-capped mountain and provides an opportunity to experience the local way of life.
Visit the former residence and museum dedicated to Joseph Rock, the American explorer, botanist and writer who spent many years researching the region in the early 20th century.
If you are interested in a more active experience, you can take an optional two-hour horseback ride through the surrounding countryside. The route follows mountain slopes and traditional paths, passing historic sites, old trees, stone inscriptions and areas associated with traditional Naxi life.
After the excursion, your driver will take you back to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore Lijiang Ancient Town.
Overnight in Lijiang.
Day 6: Lijiang – First Bend of the Yangtze River – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La
After breakfast, drive to Shigu Town to see the First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the Jinsha River makes a dramatic turn through the mountainous landscape.
Continue north to Tiger Leaping Gorge, approximately 88 km from Shigu and around 1.5 hours away by road. One of the most spectacular gorges in Yunnan, it is known for its dramatic cliffs, rushing river and towering snow mountains.
The gorge stretches for approximately 16 km between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, with the Jinsha River running through its narrow valley. The surrounding villages are traditionally home to Naxi communities, adding an important cultural dimension to the landscape.
After exploring Tiger Leaping Gorge, continue to Shangri-La, approximately 102 km away and around 2.5 hours by road.
As you ascend onto the Tibetan Plateau, the scenery gradually changes to broad grasslands, barley fields, snow-capped mountains and valleys dotted with yaks and Tibetan villages. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax.
Overnight in Shangri-La.
Day 7: Shangri-La – Songzanlin Monastery – Tibetan Family Visit – Dukezong
After breakfast, visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery (Songzanlin Monastery), the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Built in a traditional Tibetan architectural style, the monastery sits against a beautiful mountain backdrop and is an excellent place to learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture and local religious traditions.
Continue with a visit to a local Tibetan family. This cultural experience gives you an opportunity to learn about traditional Tibetan homes, daily life, food and customs directly from local residents.
After lunch, visit Baiji Temple, located near Dukezong Ancient Town. The temple and surrounding area provide views over Shangri-La and its mountain landscape.
Later, enjoy a relaxed break at a highland resort overlooking Napa Lake and the surrounding countryside. Have a cup of coffee while taking in the peaceful plateau scenery.
In the evening, spend some free time exploring Dukezong Ancient Town, with its traditional Tibetan houses, narrow lanes and atmospheric squares.
Overnight in Shangri-La.
Day 8: Shangri-La Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Your private driver will meet you in the morning and transfer you to Shangri-La Airport, the bus station or another location in town according to your departure arrangements.
Your 8-day Yunnan tour comes to an end. We hope you have enjoyed discovering the diverse landscapes, historic towns and ethnic cultures of Yunnan.
|
Tour Season / |
1 Pax |
2-3 pax |
4-5 Pax |
6-9 Pax |
|
All Year |
$ 2900.00 |
$1680.00 |
$1300.00 |
$1000.00 |
Price Including
- Centrally located hotels with breakfast (as per chosen category; based on twin-bed room for 2 pax);
- Authentic Chinese lunch as listed, 6 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)
- 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
Price excluding
- Flight tickets
- China entry visa fee (China requires visa for most travelers)
- Meals not listed in the program
- Dynamic Yunnan Show discount tickets (please mention which category you prefer if of interest)
Ø VIP – USD 72
Ø Luxury – USD 54
Ø Standard – USD 39
Ø Budget – USD 27
Ø Luxury – USD 54
Ø Standard – USD 39
Ø Budget – USD 27
- Personal Travel Accident Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the driver and tour guide (highly appreciated but not requested)
- Surcharges for upgrades from standard twin-bed rooms to doubled-bed rooms
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Adult pricing applies to all travelers
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Not wheelchair accessible
A moderate amount of walking is involved
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Adult pricing applies to all travelers
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Not wheelchair accessible
A moderate amount of walking is involved
