China: Yunnan Explorer

14 days
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Small Group Tour
The South West province of Yunnan is arguably one of the most diverse regions in China. Dramatic high altitude vistas, panoramic views across kaleidoscopic rice terraces and beautifully preserved Chinese architecture are just a taste of the many highlights this area has to offer. On this trip we’ll discover the mountainous region of the north with an oppo...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Discover Kunming; 'City of Eternal Spring'
    • Snow-capped mountains and panoramic rice terraces
    • Trek through the stunning Tiger Leaping Gorge
    • Visit ethnic villages and local markets
    • Sample the famous 'Crossing the Bridge' noodles
    • Visit the heritage towns of Lijiang and Dali

What's this trip about?

    The South West province of Yunnan is arguably one of the most diverse regions in China. Dramatic high altitude vistas, panoramic views across kaleidoscopic rice terraces and beautifully preserved Chinese architecture are just a taste of the many highlights this area has to offer. On this trip we’ll discover the mountainous region of the north with an opportunity to experience Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the most scenic one-day hikes in the country. We’ll spend time at the rice paddies of Yuanyang county, before ending at the capital Kunming, the ‘Capital of Eternal Spring’.  This trip offers a real insight into the culture of the Yunnan people, home to over 50 different ethnic minorities unique to this region. There are plenty of opportunities to sample the mouth-watering cuisine, which takes its flavours from the neighbouring countries of Tibet, Laos, Burma and Vietnam.In depth exploration of Yunnan Province; south-west China

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityChengdu
End CityKunming

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Asia
  • China

Attractions

  • Dali
  • Kunming
  • Lijiang
  • Tibet

Activities

  • Culture
  • Nature

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
    • All accommodation (see below)
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
    • Arrival and departure transfers

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Depart London.

Depart London.

Day 2 Start Chengdu; Sichuan hot pot dinner

The group flight generally arrives in the late afternoon/early evening. Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province, which is renowned for it's tasty cuisine, and so a hotpot dinner is included this evening. If you prefer to opt out of dinner and rest after the fli...

Day 3 Fly to Lijiang; walking tour and street food sampling

A short flight (approx. 1hr 35mins), followed by a transfer (approx. 1hr) bring us to our beautiful hilltop hotel overlooking the historic old town of Lijiang, often termed 'Oriental Venice'. This UNESCO World Heritage town is located at an elevation of 2,400 metr...

Day 4 Visit Black Dragon Pool Park and Wangu Pagoda; transfer to Tiger Leaping Gorge

We'll visit the Black Dragon Pool Park first thing, as locals gather here in the mornings to practice tai chi, square-dancing and to exercise together. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is beautifully framed by the gardens, the central lake, and colourful pagodas. Nex...

Day 5 Half day trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge

Today we will trek along arguably one of the best hiking routes in South-West China. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest on the planet and the surrounding valley is part of a UNESCO natural preservation area, with an unusually large number of different plant...

Day 6 Transfer to Dali; walking tour of the ancient town; optional Three Pagodas visit

We begin driving towards Dali this morning. About 20 minutes into the journey we make a stop at the Tiger Leaping Gorge visitor centre and walk down the staircases to the raging river. This is the narrowest part of the gorge and the site where the legendary tiger ...

Day 7 Morning market tour with cheese tasting; free time to visit Cangshan Mountain or Erhai Lake (optional)

We will take a short morning tour of one of the local produce markets which often rotate between nearby villages. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the region's produce and ingredients, as our senses are awakened by a sea of colours, and the smell o...

Day 8 Drive to Kunming; walking tour including the flower market

It's about five hour drive to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Known locally as the 'City of Eternal Spring', it boasts a mild and pleasant year-round climate and this is reflected in the flowers that seem to bloom all through the year. This afternoon we'l...

Day 9 Transfer to Yuanyang County, famous for its spectacular rice terraces; sunset viewpoint

We will have an early start today as we drive (for approx. 8 hours including a lunch stop) into Yuanyang County, known throughout China for its never-ending rice terraces built on the southern slopes of the Ailao mountain, over an area of over 28 thousand acres. Y...

Day 10 Sunrise viewing at Duoyishu; short walk amidst rice terraces with traditional farmer's lunch; free afternoon

Depending on the weather, there will be the option of visiting a different viewpoint at Duoyishu to watch the sunrise over the ancient terraces. We'll then take a morning walk (3-3.5 hours) passing firstly through a small village, learning more about the Hani and ...

Day 11 To Tuanshan, a traditional walled Yunnan village

This morning we will drive to Tuanshan (approx. 4 hours), which is a rare example of a traditional walled Yunnan village, inhabited by the Yi minority people. Tuanshan once prospered from trade with South East Asia, which was made possible by the Yunnan - Vietnam ...

Day 12 Admire the architechture, cultural relics and art at the Zhu Family Garden; visit local Confucius temple

Today we will make a trip to the Zhu Family Garden in Jianshui. The Garden is a huge residential complex which was built in the late 19th century by a very rich family. Today it is open to the public and whilst wandering we can appreciate the intricate artwork, el...

Day 13 Visit the incredible 'Stone Forest' of Shilin before driving back to Kunming; evening farewell dinner

This morning we will drive back to Kunming via the incredible 'Stone Forest' of Shilin. This magnificent landscape covers an area of 300 square kilometres and is an impressive collection of karst rock formations more than 270 million years old. The area became a U...

Day 14 Fly to London

The tour ends today. The group flight is a daytime flight departing Kunming and arriving into London the same day. 

Land Only

Day 1 Start Chengdu; Sichuan hot pot dinner

The group flight generally arrives in the late afternoon/early evening. Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province, which is renowned for it's tasty cuisine, and so a hotpot dinner is included this evening. If you prefer to opt out of dinner and rest after the fli...

Day 2 Fly to Lijiang; walking tour and street food sampling

A short flight (approx. 1hr 35mins), followed by a transfer (approx. 1hr) bring us to our beautiful hilltop hotel overlooking the historic old town of Lijiang, often termed 'Oriental Venice'. This UNESCO World Heritage town is located at an elevation of 2,400 metr...

Day 3 Visit Black Dragon Pool Park and Wangu Pagoda; transfer to Tiger Leaping Gorge

We'll visit the Black Dragon Pool Park first thing, as locals gather here in the mornings to practice tai chi, square-dancing and to exercise together. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is beautifully framed by the gardens, the central lake, and colourful pagodas. Nex...

Day 4 Half day trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge

Today we will trek along arguably one of the best hiking routes in South-West China. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest on the planet and the surrounding valley is part of a UNESCO natural preservation area, with an unusually large number of different plant...

Day 5 Transfer to Dali; walking tour of the ancient town; optional Three Pagodas visit

We begin driving towards Dali this morning. About 20 minutes into the journey we make a stop at the Tiger Leaping Gorge visitor centre and walk down the staircases to the raging river. This is the narrowest part of the gorge and the site where the legendary tiger ...

Day 6 Morning market tour with cheese tasting; free time to visit Cangshan Mountain or Erhai Lake (optional)

We will take a short morning tour of one of the local produce markets which often rotate between nearby villages. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the region's produce and ingredients, as our senses are awakened by a sea of colours, and the smell o...

Day 7 Drive to Kunming; walking tour including the flower market

It's about five hour drive to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Known locally as the 'City of Eternal Spring', it boasts a mild and pleasant year-round climate and this is reflected in the flowers that seem to bloom all through the year. This afternoon we'l...

Day 8 Transfer to Yuanyang County, famous for its spectacular rice terraces; sunset viewpoint

We will have an early start today as we drive (for approx. 8 hours including a lunch stop) into Yuanyang County, known throughout China for its never-ending rice terraces built on the southern slopes of the Ailao mountain, over an area of over 28 thousand acres. Y...

Day 9 Sunrise viewing at Duoyishu; short walk amidst rice terraces with traditional farmer's lunch; free afternoon

Depending on the weather, there will be the option of visiting a different viewpoint at Duoyishu to watch the sunrise over the ancient terraces. We'll then take a morning walk (3-3.5 hours) passing firstly through a small village, learning more about the Hani and ...

Day 10 To Tuanshan, a traditional walled Yunnan village

This morning we will drive to Tuanshan (approx. 4 hours), which is a rare example of a traditional walled Yunnan village, inhabited by the Yi minority people. Tuanshan once prospered from trade with South East Asia, which was made possible by the Yunnan - Vietnam ...

Day 11 Admire the architechture, cultural relics and art at the Zhu Family Garden; visit local Confucius temple

Today we will make a trip to the Zhu Family Garden in Jianshui. The Garden is a huge residential complex which was built in the late 19th century by a very rich family. Today it is open to the public and whilst wandering we can appreciate the intricate artwork, el...

Day 12 Visit the incredible 'Stone Forest' of Shilin before driving back to Kunming; evening farewell dinner

This morning we will drive back to Kunming via the incredible 'Stone Forest' of Shilin. This magnificent landscape covers an area of 300 square kilometres and is an impressive collection of karst rock formations more than 270 million years old. The area became a U...

Day 13 The trip ends in Kunming after breakfast.

The trip ends in Kunming after breakfast. Those on the group flights will depart early this morning. 

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,879
Price per day$206
Last Updated: 3/20/2020

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Disappointing
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A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Pandas and Warriors

We really couldn't fault this trip. The itinerary was a great mix of physical (Great Wall, cycling and then climbing Moon Hill in Yangshuo), history (Terracotta A...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

So much to see!

Nothing prepares you for how big China is, big cities, big roads, long distances, and a wonderful welcome! We saw and experienced all the things we planned and so m...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fantastic trip to China

A wonderful trip, packed with great sights and led by a fantastic guide Kangzhu. Lots, but the Great Walk and Yangshuo Light Show were both spine-tingling. Kangzh...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

China in summer!

A very good and interesting holiday taking in all the fascinating places that China has to offer. Seeing the Terracotta Army was for me the most inspirational part ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

China and Yangtze

Great trip ,great guide.so much going on!!! One of the best of 10 tri...

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R

Ruth Long

Aug 2024

Written on

great activities perfectly planned

great activities perfectly planned, good support and guiding.

C

Catherine Newbold

Aug 2024

Written on

Very easy process.

Very easy process.

A

Annabel Church Smith

Aug 2024

Written on

Helpful alternative choice

We had to cancel our trip to Jordon due to the troubles in the Middle East. The person at Exodus was very helpful in suggesting an alternative holiday for us. Howeve...

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Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: This trip includes the following: all breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners. One of the major draws of China is its exciting and varied cuisine. On this trip, you will be able to try many dishes that will be carefully selected with your leader's guidance and based on the group's dietary requirements and preferences. Meals generally consist of shared dishes, which is the best way to experience many different ingredients, and try things you might not ordinarily choose! Cuisine in Yunnan is typically referred to as Dian cuisine, and takes its flavours from the neighbouring countries of Tibet, Sichuan, Burma, Laos and Vietnam. Examples of popular dishes include the famous 'Crossing the Bridge' noodles (rice noodle soup), steamed-pot chicken, which includes herbs native to Yunnan, and Xuanwei ham (dry cured). Baba is a type of bread that is cooked over hot coals and eaten as a snack or side, and the local cheese 'rubbing' is a fresh goat cheese often served pan-fried with salt and chilli. There is an abundance of tea as Yunnan is one of the main tea-producing regions in China.  There are many dishes to try and the leader will always try and accommodate tastes, but if you do tire of Chinese food there are usually opportunities to eat Western-style dishes in the cities you visit. For vegetarians or those with dietary requirements, many of the traditional dishes can be amended to omit the meat products. Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill sites or get burnt, both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. Please bring a reusable water bottle with you. There are kettles in most, if not all, hotel rooms and we encourage you to boil tap water at night so that it is cool and ready to drink by morning. Where available, your tour leader will buy large containers of drinking water for you to refill from during the day.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 13 days land only/ 14 flight inclusive
  • Travel by private minibus and internal flight
  • 10 nights comfortable hotels and 2 nights guesthouses
  • All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners included
  • Optional single supplement, available on request
  • Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
Trip ID
exodus-ACJ

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