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

Chongqing Airport Long-Distance Passenger Transport Transfer Center - The driver will meet you in the lobby of your Chongqing hotel, holding a sign with your name, and transfer you to the airport for a 2-hour flight to Kunming.

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park - Upon arrival, your tour guide will be waiting 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 guide will share fascinating stories, and you are welcome to ask any questions.

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park, also known as Kunming Stone Forest, is a breathtaking collection of limestone formations and a prime example of South China’s karst landscape. Since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it has been hailed as the ‘First Wonder of the World’. Approximately 270 million years ago, during the Carboniferous period of the Paleozoic era, the area was a vast sea. Over time, tectonic movements caused the sea to recede, giving rise to the limestone landscape. Continuous erosion by natural elements has shaped the area into its current form. The park is a vast natural treasure trove. Upon arrival, follow your 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. You will 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 streets, you’ll encounter hundreds of flowers and hear the melodious singing of birds. The market features mainly tropical fish, small and vibrantly colored, perfect for home aquariums. It is also a popular spot for trading antiques, where you can find curios, coins, jade articles, jewelry, ink stones, porcelains, potteries, stone carvings, and marble products among the arts and crafts. If you’re interested in purchasing souvenirs, let your guide know, and they will offer tips on negotiating prices.

China - Alternatively, you can explore Cuihu Park.

Green Lake Park offers captivating scenery with a variety of lotus flowers and a beautiful lake. Wander along the paths and pavilions, enjoying the sight of locals in traditional costumes dancing, playing musical instruments, singing, tasting tea, and socializing with friends and family. In spring, admire the lovely tulips, in summer, the diverse lotus flowers, and in winter, watch black-headed gulls frolicking 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 meet you in the lobby of your Kunming hotel and transfer you to Kunming train station. Enjoy a fantastic 2-hour bullet train ride to Dali. Upon arrival at Dali Railway Station, your tour guide will greet you at the exit of the Arrival Hall with a sign displaying your name.

Chongsheng Three Pagodas - Next, head directly to Dali Chongsheng Three Pagodas. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a national treasure under preservation, are 1,800 years old and a testament to the development of Buddhism in the region. They stand at the eastern foot of the tenth peak of the majestic Mt. Cangshan, facing the western shore of Erhai Lake.

Upon arrival, explore the temple and courtyards with your 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 strolling around the ancient town, enjoying its grand city wall, traditional Bai ethnic minority folk houses, and stunning scenery. You will have lunch at a restaurant here.

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

Erhai Lake - Then, proceed to Erhai Lake. Erhai Lake is the largest highland lake and one of China’s seven largest freshwater lakes. 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, enjoying a relaxing 2-hour ride.

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

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

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

Learn about its legendary stories from your 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 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 deliver an outstanding 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 guide, learn about its history and 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. It is a symbol of Naxi culture and 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 the lobby of your Lijiang hotel and begin exploring the Old Town of Lijiang.

The Old Town of Lijiang is a well-preserved ancient city of ethnic minorities with a rich culture. The town was first built in the late Song Dynasty (960 - 1279) and has a history of over 800 years. The buildings here reflect a blend of multinational culture and the progress of the Naxi ethnic minority, incorporating the best architectural traits of Han, Bai, and Tibet into a unique Naxi style.

Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture - Stroll around the old town with your guide and stop at the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture, 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 is also an outstanding plant museum with ancient trees and extraordinary plants. The garden combines imperial and Suzhou styles. Explore the palace and learn its history and stories from your guide.

Black Dragon Pond Park - Then, explore Black Dragon Pond Park. Follow your 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.

Lijiang Lion Rock - If you choose to end your tour in Lijiang, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then proceed to Lion Hill Park. From afar, Lion Mountain resembles a sleeping lion, 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, it was once a venue for 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.

After the tour, you can choose to end your journey in Lijiang or return to Chongqing.

• Private air-conditioned transportation
• Accommodation in standard twin rooms
• Economy class plane tickets
• Comprehensive entrance fees included
• Exclusive private guide
• Select meals (breakfast & lunch)
• Train travel in 2nd Class
• Special access to Glacier Park via cable car
• Hotel pick up and drop off service
• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain entry with battery bus
• Reserved middle seats for Lijiang Show

• 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 Chongqing 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 Chongqing. 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.