Secrets of China's Yunnan

Today, depart Australia (or New Zealand) for Kunming, China.

Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, is known affectionately across China as the 'City of Eternal Spring'. Thanks to its moderate elevation of about 1,890 metres, the city enjoys a perpetually pleasant, mild climate and blooming flowers all year round.

Please note:
• Some travellers may depart on Day 0.
• Some travellers may arrive very early in the morning of Day 2.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in China with accommodation and transfers provided by the airline.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in an Australian city with airport accommodation provided (excluding transfers).

Overnight: Ramada Encore by Wyndham Kunming West or similar

Meals included: In-Flight

This morning, enjoy an introductory tour of Dianchi Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province.

The lake is often called the 'Pearl of the Plateau' because of its vast size, beautiful scenery and important role in the region’s ecology and culture. Here you will visit Daguan Park, a lakeside park where many locals come to relax and enjoy the lake.

Daguan Lou is the main attraction of Daguan Park. It is a square, three-storey building originally constructed to give the Kangxi Emperor a better view of the distant Western Hills. Today, it holds a collection of beautiful calligraphy that praises the beauty of the area. The tour will end at around midday, and you’re free to explore this amazing city at your own leisure in the afternoon.

Optional Activity: Stone Forest & Yunnan Cultural Show
Stone Forest Scenic Area is a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site located roughly 1.5 hours southeast of downtown Kunming. This staggering geological marvel features towering, knife-edged karst limestone formations that shot up from the earth over 270 million years ago, creating the illusion of a vast forest made entirely of stone. The area is deeply intertwined with the folklore of the local Sani people, a branch of the Yi minority. Tonight, enjoy a show which will showcase Yunnan's colourful performing arts. Booked and paid on tour.

Overnight: Ramada Encore by Wyndham Kunming West or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast visit Golden Temple Park. Built during the late Ming Dynasty, it is the largest bronze temple in the country and among the oldest.

What makes exploring the Golden Temple Park so intriguing is the history and legend behind the construction and usage of the temple, more specifically, the story of Chen Yuanyuan, one of the eight beauties of Chinese history.

Afterwards, depart Kunming and drive to Chuxiong City, which is positioned perfectly in the geographical centre of Yunnan Province, right between Kunming and Dali.

On arrival in Chuxiong City, visit Yiren Ancient Town, a beautifully designed, sprawling historical and cultural complex. Modelled after traditional Yi architectural styles and featuring distinctively carved timber facades, sweeping eaves and cozy stone courtyards, the town serves as an open-air cultural stage.

By day, Yiren Ancient Town is a peaceful heritage market, that transforms by night into a bustling centre of food, music and celebration.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure or take part in an optional activity.

Today's travel distance is approximately 180 kilometres.

Optional Activity: Traditional Hot Pot Dinner & Yi Ethnic Performance
Tonight, enjoy Chuxiong's famous Wild Mushroom Hot Pot. The prefecture's pristine mountain forests yield an incredible variety of prized, edible wild fungi (especially during the rainy summer months), which are simmered together at your table in a rich, flavourful chicken broth. Other flavours of hot pot will be available for those who would prefer something different. Afterwards, enjoy a Yi ethnic performance, featuring vibrant, deeply rooted cultural traditions from Southwest China, celebrated for their elaborate costumes and a bonfire party. Booked and paid on tour.

Overnight: Vienna International Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, travel onwards to Dali, one of Yunnan’s most famous and beloved destinations.

Tucked between the majestic, emerald-green Cangshan Mountains and the vast, ear-shaped Erhai Lake, Dali sits at an comfortable altitude of about 1,975 meters. Historically, the capital of the ancient Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, it is the homeland of the Bai ethnic minority. Today, Dali is famous across China for its distinct, slow-paced lifestyle, attracting an eclectic mix of artists, digital nomads and backpackers looking to escape the frenzy of the country's mega-cities.

On arrival, explore Dali Ancient Town, the historical hub of the area, enveloped by sections of preserved Ming-dynasty stonewalls and massive watchtower gates.

Clear mountain springs flow directly down from Cangshan, trickling alongside the cobblestone streets lined with traditional Bai homes made of gray brick and white wash.

The afternoon is free at leisure to explore, or alternatively you may take part in an optional activity.

Todays travel distance is approximately 180 kilometres.

Optional Activity: Jinsuo Island, Dragon Palace Tour & Dinner
Enjoy an optional tour to visit Jinsuo Island of Erhai Lake. The island is home to a small community of local people, and you can experience their simple and peaceful way of life. Your guide will take you on a walk around the island, introducing the traditional houses, the local crops and the unique customs of the islanders. Whilst on the island, visit The 'Dragon Palace', the natural karst cave system known for its stunning limestone formations, colourful lighting and cultural performances depicting local Bai folklore. Booked and paid on tour.

Overnight: Dali Manyue M Garden Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, start your exploration of Erhai Lake, a breathtaking, high-altitude alpine lake that stretches over 40 kilometres from north to south. Its turquoise waters are bordered by an extensive eco-corridor trail that has completely banned motor vehicles, making it a peaceful sanctuary for outdoor exploration. Here, you will enjoy a walk along this ecological corridor.

Afterwards, visit nearby Xizhou Town, famous for its well-preserved traditional Bai ethnic houses, known for their grandeur and elaborate architecture. Your guide will take you to visit some of the most representative houses, where you can admire beautiful wood and stone carvings plus painted ceilings. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Dali Manyue M Garden Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a big day of travel as you head further into the mountains to Shangri-La City, a mythical and stunning destination located in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwestern Yunnan Province, China.

Officially renamed after the legendary paradise in James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon, the city sits on a high-altitude plateau at 3,100 metres, surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains, deep canyons, sacred Buddhist temples and tranquil lakes. It offers tourists an immersive blend of authentic Tibetan culture, remarkable alpine scenery and rich historical heritage.

On arrival, visit Dukezong Ancient City, which serves as the historical heart of the city and a living window into Tibetan architecture and tradition. With a history stretching back over 1,300 years along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, the old town features a maze of cobbled streets and traditional wooden houses. Although a significant portion of the town was carefully rebuilt following a fire in 2014, it retains its mesmerising highland charm and lively cultural energy, making it an excellent base for travellers.

The remainder of the day is at leisure, or alternatively you may take part in an optional activity.

Today' s travel distance is approximately 340 kilometres.

Optional Activity - Songzanlin Temple and local Tibetan Family Dinner
Visit Songzanlin Temple, Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist temple, where you can explore three grand halls, witness Tibetan monks chanting, admire the architecture and learn about Tibetan religious culture. Afterwards visit a local Tibetan family's home to get a sense of how they live and understand their customs and traditions whilst enjoying a local dinner. Booked and paid on tour.

Please note: Shangri-La City sits at a high altitude on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, with the main urban area and Dukezong Ancient City, Shangri-La Administration Committee resting at an elevation of approximately 3,160 metres above sea level. High-altitude environments are classified as above 2,500 metres above sea level. Please consult a medical professional if you have any concerns around altitude sickness or to find out what preventative measures are available. Please refer to the ‘Other Important Information’ section of Important Information for further details.

Overnight: Elong Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, depart Shangri-La for Lijiang. Lijiang City is one of China’s premier travel destinations, world-famous for its perfectly preserved UNESCO World Heritage ancient town, vibrant minority culture and breathtaking alpine landscapes. Sitting at an altitude of about 2,400 metres, it serves as a comfortable, scenic middle ground between the lower plains of Dali and the high-altitude plateau of Shangri-La.

On arrival, visit the Black Dragon Pool, which offers one of the most photographed views in all of China: the elegant, multi-tiered Moon Embracing Pavilion and a five-arched marble bridge, silhouetted perfectly against the snow-capped peaks of the mountains beyond. Afterwards, visit nearby Lijiang Old Town which is a mesmerising labyrinth of cobblestone streets, arched stone bridges and traditional timber-framed Naxi houses.

What makes Lijiang completely unique among Chinese old towns is its lack of a city wall; instead, an intricate network of clear alpine canals flows directly through every street, fed by mountain springs.

Tonight will be at leisure or you may enjoy an optional activity.

Todays travel distance is approximately 190 kilometres.

Optional Activity - Lishui Jinsha Show with Dinner
A breathtaking cultural performance that brings the vibrant traditions of Yunnan’s ethnic minorities to life! Set in the enchanting ancient town of Lijiang, this spectacular show combines dazzling dance, mesmerising music and stunning costumes to tell the story of Naxi, Yi, Dai and other local cultures. Dinner is included. Booked and paid on tour.

Overnight: Wyndham Garden Lijiang or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, visit Shuhe Ancient Town, one of the earliest habitats of the Naxi people. It is also an important and well-preserved post of the Ancient Tea Horse Route, an international trade route in Southwest China that uses the horse as its main vehicle. Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore Lijiang at your own pace or join an optional activity.

Optional Activity: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley & Impression Lijiang Show & Dinner
Today is your chance to discover some of China’s most wild and beautiful mountain scenery on a full-day tour of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. You'll drive approximately 40 kilometres to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain where you will explore Ganhaizi Meadow and Baishuhe River. You'll take a cable car to Spruce Meadow and visit the Blue Moon Valley which is home to a turquoise river passing over the beautiful terraced valley, forming four large colourful lakes and dozens of miniature whitewater waterfalls. The mountain is the southernmost snow-capped mountain in China and is the ocean glacier nearest to the equator of all the snow mountains in Eurasia. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has 13 peaks, stretching 35 kilometres from north to south, while Shanzidou, the main peak, is 5,596 metres above sea level. All year round, snow falls on the peaks, which are frequently lost in clouds and fog. Looking from a distance, the mountain resembles a Jade Dragon, which is how it got its name. Afterwards watch the Impression Lijiang show, a massive, open-air cultural performance set against the majestic backdrop of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Booked and paid on tour.

Overnight: Wyndham Garden Lijiang or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you will be transferred to Lijiang Airport for your return flight back to Australia (or New Zealand).

Please note:
• Standard check-out time is 12:00 and luggage storage is available at the front desk for those with later flights.
• Some travellers may be required to stay overnight at transit cities and airlines will provide overnight accommodation and transfers.
• Some travellers may be required to depart a day later and additional accommodation and transfers will be provided free of charge. This will not apply to passengers departing before 02:00 the following day as they will be transferred to the airport the day prior.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note some flights may arrive +1 days.

Meals included: None