Explore Yunnan Province
Explore Yunnan Province
Dramatically picturesque landscapes and traditional cultures
Discover China’s Yunnan Province, located in the south-west of the country, it is home to a varied landscape of snow-capped mountains, rice terraces, lakes and deep gorges. The province borders Tibet, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar and comprises a diverse mix of cultures and customs. There are many communities in Yunnan, still following ancient traditions and ways of life. This itinerary explores all the highlights that Yunnan has to offer, including breathtaking scenery and a visit to the inspiring Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the region.
Locations you will be visiting
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Kunming, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Kunming with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
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Dali, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Dali with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
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Shaxi, China
Discover the sights, traditions for Shaxi with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
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Lijiang, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Lijiang with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
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Shangri-La, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Shangri-La with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
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Chengdu, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Chengdu with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
Explore Yunnan Province
15 day Tour Itinerary
An overview of your trip
DAY 1 Fly to Kunming
Take a scheduled flight from the UK to Kunming.
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 2 Arrive Kunming
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
DAY 3 Stone Forest
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Forest with its limestone formations covering an area of around 500sq km. This is followed by an enjoyable afternoon visit to Green Lake Park.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4 Kunming to Dali
Transfer to the station for your bullet train to Dali. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation to check in. Dali has played an important role in the history of south China and was once a post on the old Burma Road. Your Dali City Tour starts with exploring the old quarter, followed by the Three Pagodas. In the evening why not discover the delights of Foreigners’ Street.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Bullet train
DAY 5 Erhai Lake
This morning will include a visit to Erhai Lake to enjoy a cruise on its crystal clear waters with the spectacular Cangshan Mountains in the background. The afternoon is at leisure with the option to take the cable car up the
Cangshan Mountains.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6 Xihou
Spend the morning on a half-day excursion to Xihou, a lively market town half an hour’s drive north of Dali on Lake Erhai. Remainder of the day is at leisure.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7 Shaxi
Visit the region’s most picturesque and interesting fresh produce market at Shaping Village in the morning (Mondays only). Later, drive north with your guide to the beautiful Shaxi Valley, an important way stage on the old Tea-Horse Toad that served as a strategically important source of salt.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Drive
DAY 8 Shaxi
A full day to explore the valley at your leisure, with the help of your local guide. Perhaps hire a bike for a cycle along the Heihui River and out across the surrounding rice fields to discover Shaxi’s neighbouring satellite villages.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9 Lijiang
Travel to the ancient town of Lijiang, at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Rest of the day at leisure.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Drive
DAY 10 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Today visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and take a cable car to the halfway point up the mountain. Afterwards visit Baisha Naxi minority village to admire the ancient wall paintings. The afternoon is free for you to explore Lijiang Old Town at your leisure.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11 Shangri La
After breakfast, climb the stone steps leading to the Songzanlin Monastery, then tour the adjacent lake, before heading out to explore the wonderful mountain scenery.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Drive
DAY 12 Shangri La
After breakfast, climb the great flight of stone steps leading to the Songzanlin Monastery, then complete a circuit of the adjacent lake, before heading out of town to explore some of the wonderful mountain scenery that dominates this enclave in the far north of Yunnan.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 13 Fly to Chengdu
Rise early to visit the Buddhist temple overlooking Shangri-La’s old town, where local people go en masse to leave offerings of juniper incense. Transfer to the airport, for your flight to Chengdu.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 14 Giant Pandas
Spend time at the Chengdu Pan- da Breeding and Research Centre, with the endearing giant pandas, and visit vibrant Kuangzhai, Wide Alley.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 15 Fly to UK
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Airplane
Optional Extras - Cultural Experiences
There is some free time in your itinerary for you to explore on your own, or treat yourself to an excursion. Use the links below to create a to-do list, or, if you’d prefer us to book you onto one of these or any other excursions, please let us know when booking your tour.
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View this packageChina
China: Calligraphy Lesson
Create your own piece with a class in Chinese caligraphy
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View this packageChina
China: Tai Chi Lesson
Practise this ancient martial art with a Tai Chi lesson
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View this packageChina
China: Tea Tasting
Appreciate the varying blends of Chinese tea at a tasting
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
China: Explore Yunnan Province
from£3,595
What's included:
- International and domestic flights in economy class
- Bullet trains in first class
- 4★ accommodation based on twin share
- Transfers
- Transportation
- Tours as stated
- Meals as stated
- Airport taxes
- Tips
- Personal Spending
- Travel Insurance
- China visa and fees
Price from £3,595
Prices and products are subject to availability at the time of booking.
When making an enquiry or reservation we will request your contact details, however no payment will be required at this stage. We will contact you for payment details and to confirm your booking, your details and the details of those travelling with you along with any extras you’d like to add.
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