Yunnan Adventure
Overview
Highlights
- Follow the Yunnan–Vietnam railway and visit the one of the oldest train stations on this line at Bisezhai village for a fascinating glimpse into history.
- Explore idyllic Yuangyang on a guided half-day walk, snapping photos of the spectacular rice terrace landscapes.
- Discover the Ming and Qing marvels of Jianshui Ancient Town on a guided walk. Visit Zhu's Family Garden, the Confucius temple and the amazingly preserved Tuanshan village
- In Shaxi, you'll see one of the best-preserved traditional towns in Yunnan. Stay in a friendly, family-run guesthouse and sample some local specialities.
- Hike the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge – one of China's most breathtaking trails, and journey to Shangrila to walk among Tibetan pilgrims in Sumtseling Monastery.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Itinerary
Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you arrive early in Hanoi, there’s plenty to see ...
Prepare for a long day of travelling today. After breakfast, set off for Lao Cai, near the border with China, on a private bus. Say goodbye to your Vietnamese leader and meet your Chinese leader at Hekou after border crossing. From there, take a taxi to the bus statio...
As well as noodles, this town is known for its remnants French architecture - a rarity in today's China. Spot the simple, stately aesthetic of the European style buildings, with their soft yellow facades and tiled roofs which set them apart from the modern structures ...
Travel by private bus to Yuanyang (approximately 3 hours). If you're a keen photographer, you're in luck, as this is one picturesque destination. This place is famous for its beautiful rice terraces, idyllic rural scenery and unique ethnic minority culture. Some 88% o...
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes today for your hike around the rice terraces with a local guide (approximately 4 hours). You'll be able to take it at a leisurely pace and enjoy the scenery. Most of the paths go through villages, which makes it easy to stop for a bre...
Travel by private bus to Jianshui (approximately 3.5 hours). With a 1,200-year history and a distinct cultural heritage, the ancient town is a veritable outdoor museum of magnificent buildings. Many of these date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. You will set out on a walking tour of the city and visit the Zhu Family Garden, as well as the incredible Confucius Temple.
Visit Tuanshan Village, a cultural echo of the Qing Dynasty that's still intact. You'll learn a little more about the Yi minority as you explore. It's a fascinating window to the China of the past. Visiting the village is like travelling to the China of the past. Smal...
Today we travel to Kunming (approximately 3 to4 hours). Stop at the geological wonder of the Stone Forest on the way. The Forest covers an area of 400 square kilometres (96,000 acres) and includes both large and small clusters of towering limestone pillars, as well as...
Today is a free day until a planned group meeting at 6 pm. Here, you'll meet some new travellers joining you for the next stage of your Yunnan adventure. Until then, check out the sights!
Travel by public bus to your next destination, Dali (approximately 3–4 hours). For many years this spot has been a favourite destination for foreign travellers and backpackers, thanks to its laidback atmosphere and spectacular surroundings. There are snow-capped mount...
Take a private bus to Xizhou, around 23 kilometres north of Dali on a day trip today. Xizhou is famous for its Butterfly Spring and Bai architecture. Enjoy a guided tour of the town and the local markets – a great chance to learn more about Bai architecture. Interact ...
Travel by public bus to Jianchuan, then by private van to Shaxi (approximately 3–4 hours). Much of Shaxi's charm lies in the fact it has been restored rather than rebuilt, and being off the main highways it hasn't seen the rapid development of the tourist industry tha...
Today you will hike the mountain trails with a local guide. Your destination is Shizong Temple (approximately 4–5 hours return) on Shibaoshan. It's a good idea to pack a lunch to enjoy along the way, as the beautiful 'danxia' landscape will make a nice backdrop for a ...
Today you’ll travel to a place so beautiful it was officially renamed Shangri-la, a reference to the mythic utopia from James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon. Make the 5-hour drive to Shangrila and feel the modern world fade away as you head higher into the mountains. Thi...
Learn more about Tibetan Buddhism with a visit the Sumtseling Monastery. Located just outside the city and modelled after the Potala Palace, Sumtseling is the predominant monastery in the region and a popular destination for pilgrims. Constructed in 1681 and subsequen...
Travel by public bus to Qiaotou (approximately 3 hours), the starting point for your trek through the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge. This is one of the deepest and most spectacular gorges in the world. The entire canyon is 16 km long and rises up to 3,900 metres abo...
Your second day of trekking starts with a nice, easy section that has spectacular views. There are only a few uphill battles (and one slippery downhill stretch) before you reach your destination for the night – Walnut Grove. Those with the energy can enjoy further hik...
Travel by public transport to Lijiang (approximately 3 hours). This World Heritage-listed town is home to the Naxi people, a matrilineal society descended from Tibetan nomads. After arrival, enjoy some free time. Maybe visit the Wangu Pagoda, situated at Lion Hill in ...
Your train arrives in Kunming bright and early. Transfer from the station to your hotel, then enjoy a free day to explore as your wish. Filled with bridges and waterways, Kunming is a lovely place to explore on foot. If the thought of walking anymore doesn't appeal, p...
Your adventure comes to an end today after check-out.
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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.
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