Guangzhou - Kunming: Stone Forest and City Highlights (L)

Guangzhou Railway Station - The driver will meet you in the lobby of your Guangzhou hotel, holding a sign with your name, and transfer you to the airport for a 2.5-hour flight to Kunming.

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park - Upon arrival, your tour guide will greet you at the exit of the arrival hall with a sign displaying your name. Board your private vehicle and head directly to Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park, a journey of about 1.5 hours. During the drive, your tour guide will share fascinating stories, and you are welcome to ask any questions.

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park is a breathtaking collection of limestone formations and a prime example of South China’s karst landscape. Known as the ‘First Wonder of the World’ since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this area was once a vast sea approximately 270 million years ago during the Carboniferous period of the Paleozoic era. Over time, geological movements caused the sea to recede, giving rise to the limestone formations seen today. Erosion by natural elements has shaped the park into its current form. Upon arrival, follow your tour guide to explore the park, using your imagination to uncover its wonders. Your guide will share legendary tales and show you the best spots for photos. Spend 2-3 hours visiting the Big Stone Forest Area and the Small Stone Forest Area.

Flowers and Birds Market of Kunming - After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, you can choose to visit the Flowers and Birds Market. As you stroll through the market, you’ll encounter hundreds of flowers and hear the continuous singing of birds. The market features mainly tropical fish, small and brightly colored for home aquariums. It is also a popular place for trading antiques, including curios, coins, jade articles, jewelry, ink stones, porcelains, potteries, stone carvings, and marble products. If you’re interested in purchasing souvenirs, your tour guide can offer tips on negotiating prices.

China - Alternatively, you can explore Cuihu Park.

Green Lake Park offers a captivating view of various lotus flowers and a beautiful lake. Wander along the paths and pavilions, enjoying the local people in traditional costumes of minority nationalities as they dance, play musical instruments, sing, taste tea, and chat with friends and family. In spring, admire the lovely tulips, in summer, enjoy the diverse lotus flowers, and in winter, watch black-headed gulls playing together.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kunming.

Kunming- Dali- Lijiang (B, L)

Kunming Nanyao Railway Station - Your driver will pick you up from your Kunming hotel’s lobby and transfer you to Kunming train station. Experience a fantastic 2-hour bullet train ride to Dali. Upon arrival at Dali Railway Station, your tour guide will meet you at the exit of the Arrival Hall with a sign displaying your name.

Chongsheng Three Pagodas - Head directly to Dali Chongsheng Three Pagodas. These 1,800-year-old pagodas are a national treasure under preservation and a testament to the development of Buddhism in the area. They stand at the east foot of the tenth peak of the massive Mt. Cangshan, facing the west shore of Erhai Lake.

Upon arrival, stroll around the temple and courtyards with your tour guide, admire the over 1,000-year-old pagoda, and learn about its history, culture, religion, and art.

Dali Town - Continue to Dali Ancient Town. Spend some leisure time exploring the ancient town, enjoying its grand city wall, traditional Bai ethnic minority folk houses, and marvelous scenery. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Dali Ancient Town was a gateway to the Silk Road in Southwest China and served as a seat of government and a major military barracks for Yunnan Province in ancient times.

Erhai Lake - Then, continue to Erhai Lake. Erhai Lake is the largest highland lake and one of the seven biggest freshwater lakes in China. Its name means ‘sea shaped like an ear’ in Chinese.

Old Town of Lijiang - China - At the end of the day, you will be transferred to your hotel in Lijiang Old Town, relaxing on the 2-hour ride.

Lijiang: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Impressions Lijiang Show, Baisha Village

Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain - Meet your private guide in your hotel’s lobby in Lijiang and head directly to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a journey of about 1 hour. Enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain consists of 13 peaks and is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. From Lijiang Old Town, the snow-covered and fog-enveloped mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence the name.

Learn about its legendary stories from your tour guide. Upon arrival, take the convenient cable car to the scenic viewing point (4,506 meters) and marvel at the spectacular glacier and mountain views. You can choose to hike up to 4,680 meters via wooden stairs. When ready to leave, descend by cable car.

Lijiang Impressions Show - Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then experience the amazing Lijiang Impressions Show. The show is performed during the day, using the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as its stage backdrop. More than 100 horses and 500 non-professional peasant actors from 16 local villages and over 10 ethnic minorities give their best performance. They use unique movements and original songs to showcase their culture, history, and customs. When booking, you can choose your preferred tickets for the show.

Baisha Ancient Town - Next, travel to Baisha Ancient Town at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This is the best place to witness the authentic life of the Naxi People and appreciate their culture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then set off to explore.

Baisha Village was once a Naxi settlement and the birthplace of local Mu Family Governors. Its construction began during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) and it was the political, economic, and cultural center of Lijiang before the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Stroll around the village with your tour guide, learn about its history, and discover the distinctive culture, language, and traditions of the Naxi people. Admire the Baisha Murals, a series of religious paintings created by Han, Tibetan, and Naxi painters, as well as artists from other nationalities. These murals symbolize Naxi Culture and represent a fusion of art from different nationalities.

Then, visit Dabaoji Palace and Fuguo Temple to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism and Naxi cultures.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Lijiang.

Old Town of Lijiang(B, L)

Old Town of Lijiang - China - Meet your private guide in your hotel’s lobby in Lijiang, then begin exploring the Old Town of Lijiang.

The Old Town of Lijiang is a well-preserved city of ethnic minorities with a rich culture. First built in the late Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), it has a history of over 800 years. The town’s architecture reflects a blend of multinational culture and the progress of the Naxi ethnic minority, incorporating the best elements of Han, Bai, and Tibetan architectural styles into a unique Naxi style.

Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture - Stroll around the old town with your tour guide and stop at the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture, which is dedicated to the history of the Naxi people and their pictographic language and animist Dongba religion. Explore the museum and learn about Naxi culture and art.

Mufu Palace - Next, visit Mufu Palace. The Mu Family, the top rulers of the Naxi minority, governed Lijiang from the Yuan Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, spanning 470 years with 22 generations of rulers. The present Mufu Palace represents ancient central China architectural style from the Ming Dynasty, while also retaining characteristics of the Tang and Song Dynasties. Inside, the details reflect the minority features of the Bai and Naxi groups. Besides its architectural value, it also serves as an outstanding plant museum with ancient trees and extraordinary plants. The garden combines imperial and Suzhou styles. Explore the palace and learn about its history and stories from your tour guide.

Black Dragon Pond Park - Then, explore Black Dragon Pond Park. Follow your tour guide to discover ancient monuments such as Longshen Temple, Deyue Pavilion, Suocui Bridge, and Hanyue Stage. Enjoy the stunning view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from the park.

If you choose to return to Beijing, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Guangzhou. (No time for lunch)

Lijiang Lion Rock - If you choose to end your tour in Lijiang, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then proceed to Lion Hill Park. The Lion Mountain resembles a sleeping lion from afar, offering a picturesque view.

Wangu Pavilion - Reach the mountaintop and ascend to Wangu Pavilion, a five-storied all-wooden edifice with five elegant eaves. The tower is regarded as the No.1 domed-shaped structure in China. Prepare your camera to capture the panoramic view of the surrounding areas, including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Old Town, and the Naxi minority villages.

Wenchang Palace - Continue to Wenchang Palace, originally built in 1725, which once hosted exams and folk lectures during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Stroll around the area, then visit Twin-Stone Garden, where you can find a large waterwheel and bas-relief commemorating the civilization of the Naxi nationality.

If you have other places in mind to visit, just let your tour guide know.

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off for easy travel
• Economy class plane tickets included
• Enjoy a middle seat at the acclaimed Lijiang Show
• Scenic 2nd class train journey from Kunming to Dali
• Expert insights with a private guide
• Convenient battery bus access at major attractions
• Delicious lunch provided
• Travel in comfort with a private air-conditioned car
• Start your day with a complimentary breakfast
• Cable car round trip to Glacier Park
• All entrance fees covered for hassle-free visits
• Comfortable overnight accommodation in a twin room

• Single supplement charge of accommodation
• Accommodation if you choose the option to have tour only
• Gratuities

Embark on the Yunnan Discovery cultural journey, where you will explore the historic cities of Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang, traveling from Guangzhou by plane. This customized tour is designed to meet your preferences and includes visits to renowned attractions such as the Stone Forest, Guihu Park, Flower and Birds Market, Chongsheng Three Pagodas, Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake, Mu Palace, Lijiang Old Town, and Baisha Village. Additionally, discover the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and enjoy the spectacular open-air Impression Lijiang Show, featuring performances by local villagers. The tour package includes plane/train tickets, entrance fees, lunch, show tickets, a round-trip cable car ride, an English-speaking tour guide, and travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle. You have the option to conclude your tour in Lijiang or return to Guangzhou. The tour also offers the choice to book 4-star accommodation with daily breakfast.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.