6 Days Yunnan Tour
The six-day, five-night Lijiang-Kunming cultural and natural tour is a feast that travels through the past and present, blending nature and humanity.
The Old Town of Lijiang, Yulonng Snow Mountain, the First Bay of Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge, each stop is full of surprises and shock. Shangri-La Tibetan style, Songzanlin Temple pilgrimage, Pudacuo serenity, fascinating. The view of Kunming Xishan Mountain, the quietness of Yuantong Zen Temple, and the leisure of Cuihu Park added more cultural flavors to the journey.
This trip is not only a visual and spiritual enjoyment, but also a deep understanding of Chinese diverse culture and natural scenery, you will leave unforgettable memories.
Including flights/High-Speed train transportation costs.
What to Expect
● From the Dongba culture in Lijiang Ancient City to the breathtaking scenery of Yulong Snow Mountain, to the adventure of the First Bay of Yangtze River and Tiger Leaping Gorge, each day is full of surprises and shocks.
● The Tibetan flavor of Shangri-La, the pilgrimage to Songzanlin Temple and the serene beauty of Potatso are even more unforgettable.
● Upon arrival in Kunming, the view of the Xishan Mountain, the tranquility of the Yuantong Zen Temple and the relaxation of Cuihu Park add more cultural flavor to the journey.
Tour Itinerary
- Lijiang Arrival - Yuhu Village - the home of Joseph Rock - Dongba Culture Museum - Heilong Pool Park - the Old Town of Lijiang
- 4+stars Hotel
- None
Welcome to Lijiang, Yunnan Province, where your guide and driver will lead you in a comfortable, smoke-free and fresh air-conditioned private car directly to your hotel in the ancient city center.
After a short rest, you will depart for Yuhu Village, a peaceful village located at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain. Stepping into this Naxi style land, you will see unique stone houses, meet Naxi women in traditional costumes and playful children. You are free to stroll around the village and feel the rare tranquility and harmony.
You will then proceed to the home of Joseph Rock. This Austrian-American botanist spent 27 years in Yuhu Village and conducted in-depth research on the Naxi ethnic people. When you enter his former residence, it is as if you can hear his voice communicating with the Naxi ethnic people and feel his love for this land.
Next, you will head to the Dongba Culture Museum. There is a collection of more than 10,000 Dongba cultural relics. Strolling through it, you will gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the Naxi ethnic people and feel the ancient and unique charm.
Afterwards, you can walk to Heilong Pool Park to enjoy the charming natural scenery. If the weather is clear, you can also visit an excellent viewpoint overlooking the snow-capped Yulong Snow Mountain to make unforgettable memories.
At nightfall, you will return to the Old Town of Lijiang. Here you can stroll through the old alleyways around the Sifang Street Square and soak up the historical atmosphere. If you want, you can join the local Naxi people and tourists to dance joyfully and release your inner passion.
If you harbor a strong interest in the deep history and culture of the Old Town of Lijiang, a visit to Mufu Palace is highly recommended. It is a site full of history and allows you to have a deeper understanding of the cultural charm of the Naxi ethnic people. Please note that the visit to Mufu Palace is at your own expense.
Recommend for Travel Mode
For suggestions on arriving in Lijiang, we offer a variety of transportation options for you to choose from. You can choose to fly directly to Lijiang Sanyi Airport from Kunming, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lhasa, Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Guiyang. Also, there are high-speed trains available from Kunming (about 3-3.5 hours) and Dali (about 2-3 hours) to Lijiang Railway Station. Whichever way you choose, we will be happy to serve you and make sure your trip is pleasant and smooth.
- Yulong Snow Mountain - Baisha Town
- 4+stars Hotel
- Breakfast
After breakfast, you will travel to Yulong Snow Mountain, the southernmost glacial wonder in the northern hemisphere. This region, revered as a sacred mountain by the Naxi ethnic people, boasts 13 towering peaks. We will take a streetcar ride up to the 3,000-meter-high Spruce Peak, where you will be mesmerized by the views, savoring both the fascinating nature tours and the breathtaking views overlooking the entire snow-capped mountain range.
Next, if you are curious about the local cultural performances, we recommend you to enjoy the stunning "Impression Lijiang", a 60-minute audio-visual feast performed by about 500 locals against the backdrop of the Yulong Snow Mountain under the snowy blue sky.
(Please note that this program is at your own expense, due to tight tickets during peak season, if you are interested, please inform your travel consultant in advance and we will try our best to book it for you.)
On the way back, you will see the stunning scenery of Blue Moon Valley(Lanyue Valley), the crystal clear water looks like a sapphire set in the valley.
Afterwards, we will head to Baisha Town to explore the charm of the Baisha murals there. At Dabao Monastery and Liuli Monastery, you will have the opportunity to admire the murals, which were painted more than 1,000 years ago and are the crystallization of Tibetan Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoist art. In addition, you can also choose to experience how to make Baisha embroidery under the guidance of a local master to gain a deeper understanding of this unique cultural craft. (This is an optional experience)
Notes
1. If you are eager to enjoy the stunning views of the 13 peaks of Yulong Snow Mountain, you can choose to visit Yak Ping (3,500 meters above sea level) or Glacier Park (4,680 meters above sea level). The latter will allow you to enjoy the wonders of the green glacier peaks. Please inform your travel consultant of your wishes in advance so that we can adjust the itinerary for you. (Please note that it is difficult to book tram tickets for Glacier Park, so if you are interested, please let us know in advance or book on your own. Meanwhile, the waiting time in line for the tram in Glacier Park may be as long as 1-2 hours.)
2、Tickets for Impression Lijiang Snow Scene are in short supply during peak season, so if you are interested, please let us know as early as possible so that we can assist you in booking in advance.
3、If time permits, you may choose to visit Shuhe Ancient Town, a Naxi settlement full of history and an important post on the ancient Tea and Horse Road, where you can spend a leisurely afternoon.
4. Due to the limited local dining options, lunch will be on your own. It is recommended that you bring some snacks or have lunch at a local restaurant in the national park.
- The First Bay of Yangtze River - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Shangri-La Dukezong Old Town - Guishan Mountain Park
- 4+stars Hotel
- Breakfast
After breakfast, we drive about 52 kilometers to take you on a journey in search of natural wonders. The target place - The First Bay of Yangtze River, which is a magnificent display of the Jinsha River - the upper reaches of the Yangtze River.
Afterwards, we will visit the bustling market and the Red Army Long March Monument in Shigu Town, which carries historical memories of the dramatic history.
Then, we will head to the world-class natural landscape - Tiger Leaping Gorge. This is one of the deepest and most spectacular river gorges in the world and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Yunnan Three Parallels Reserve. Sandwiched by the Yulong Snow Mountain at 5,596 meters in the south and the Haba Snow Mountain at 5,396 meters in the north, the gorge is 17 kilometers long. Today, we will visit the most mature part of it, the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge. Walking along the trestle, you will need to descend about 1,000 steps, but each step will bring you a magnificent view of the gorge and the shock of the tumbling river.
(Travel Tip: Tiger Leaping Gorge is suitable for most travelers with good physical strength. To ensure a comfortable journey, it is recommended that you wear comfortable hiking shoes.)
After the trek, you will head to Shangri-La, a 2-hour drive that will allow you to enjoy the stunning natural scenery along the way. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, a place known as the Garden of Eden on earth, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Here, you will explore the old town of Dukezong. With a history of over 1,300 years, this ancient city is the largest and best-preserved Tibetan community in China. Climbing to the top of Guishan Mountain Park, you'll overlook the snow-capped mountains that surround the area and the sprawling Tibetan residential communities, and feel the serenity and mystery emanating from this pure land. Don't forget to join the tourists as they turn the world's largest meridian wheel clockwise to pray for peace and happiness for themselves and their families.
- Songzanlin Temple - Potatso National Park - Visit to a Tibetan Family
- 4+stars Hotel
- Breakfast
After breakfast, you will visit Songzanlin Temple, which is only 7 kilometers away from the city. This magnificent temple is known as the "Little Potala Palace" because it is modeled after the architectural style of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Walking up 147 steps, you will reach the top of the temple. Here you can visit the three main Lama Temple buildings in a clockwise direction. Deeply experiencing the serenity and solemnity of Tibetan Buddhism, this will surely be an unforgettable journey.
If you have enough time, you can also take a quiet walk along the shores of Lake Ramyangtso. The clear water of the lake reflects the panoramic view of Songzanlin Temple, which is like a beautiful painting unfolding in front of your eyes.
Next, we will drive about 27 kilometers to Potatso National Park. Covering an area of 1,300 square kilometers, this is China's first national park that meets the standards of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Strolling through the lush forests and along the trestle paths, you will be mesmerized by this pristine beauty.
In addition, the park also provides a wealth of hiking options, allowing you to explore this natural secret. (Tips: The altitude of Potatso Park is between 3500m-4150m, please avoid strenuous exercise to avoid plateau reaction. In addition, some areas may be temporarily closed due to environmental protection needs, please understand.)
Finally, you will visit a local Tibetan family. You will experience the hospitality of the Tibetan people and taste the authentic Tibetan snacks and buttered tea. If you are interested in traditional Tibetan drinks, you can also learn the process of making buttered tea with the local people and experience the unique charm of Tibetan culture with your own hands.
- Shangri-La - Flight to Kunming - Kunming Xishan Mountains
- 4+stars Hotel
- Breakfast
Early in the morning, you will be escorted to the airport for your much-anticipated journey to Kunming, known as the "Spring City of China". You will arrive at Kunming, a city full of charm and charm, in about an hour's flight time.
Note: You can choose to take the high-speed train from Shangri-La to Kunming, the journey time is about 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Compared with airplanes, high-speed rail fares are usually more affordable. However, due to the longer travel time, it may limit your chance to visit the famous attractions in Kunming (e.g. Xishan Mountain). You can choose by yourself after consideration).
In the afternoon, you will visit Xishan Mountain, known as the "Sleeping Beauty Mountain", which is elegantly nestled next to Lake Dian, known as the "Pearl of the Plateau". Strolling through this lush forested mountain park, you will be captivated by its tranquillity and beauty.
One thing you can't miss on this trip is the magical Longmen. Standing on the city wall, you can feel the heaviness of history and the precipitation of years. At the same time, you will be struck by the serene Lake Dian and the panoramic view of Kunming City, which are in front of your eyes as if they were a magnificent painting.
If you are interested, we also recommend you to visit Huating Temple and Taihua Temple. Both of these temples are included in the admission fee, and not only do they have a long history and deep cultural heritage, but they also give you a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
As the sun sets in the west, you will end this rewarding and emotional trip to the Xishan Mountain. Get in the car and drive towards the direction of the hotel.
- Yuantong Temple - Cuihu Park - Stone Forest - Departure
- None
- Breakfast
In the morning, you will visit the Yuantong Temple and immerse yourself in the rich atmosphere of the intermingling of three Buddhist sects.
Next, you can take a leisurely walk to Kunming Cuihu Park. Known for its stunning lakes, quaint pavilions, winding corridors and flourishing gardens, this park is an integral part of Kunming citizens' daily lives. This is especially true from November to March, when black-headed gulls from Siberia arrive as promised, adding life and vitality to this lake. During your relaxing walk, you can also interact with these lovely and vibrant creatures and experience a harmonious coexistence with nature.
Afterwards, we will drive 85 kilometres to the Stone Forest, known as the "essence of the world's karst landscapes". Listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, the spectacular stone peaks covering 12 square kilometres of land are a breathtaking sight to behold. Taking a sightseeing bus, we will go deep into the Boulder Forest Scenic Area, as if entering a labyrinth of giant boulders.
Next, we will continue by bus to the Little Stone Forest. Here you will have the opportunity to see the iconic stone "Ashima" up close. This realistic boulder looks like a graceful young lady standing quietly in the wilderness.
As the sightseeing bus slowly pulls away from the scenic area, we will end this wonderful day's journey. You will then be transferred to the airport or railway station for your flight or train to your next destination to continue your travelling adventure. This journey will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.
What's Included
- Professional English speaking guide.
- Domestic flights/ High-Speed Train transportation costs.
- Entrance fees of all the attractions as listed.
- Hotel with breakfast in the itinerary.
- Air-conditioned vehicle transfer are offered.
- Chinese local food as listed in the itinerary.
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Price is based on a 2-person tour with 4-star hotels in low season.
from US $ p/p
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