Natural Wonders of Southern China 15 Days

An abundance of natural beauty combined with quaint rural scenes and fascinating local cultures can be found on this tour of the temperate Yunnan and Sichuan regions of China.

Kunming • Jinghong • Dali • Lijiang • Zhongdian • Chengdu

• Group Tour Itinerary

  Note: This tour has been modified due to damage caused by the August 2017 earthquake in the Nine Villages Valley region which is now closed to visitors and thus no longer included in this tour.
  Day 1 – Arrive Kunming
  Arrive Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. (Departure on previous day may be required depending on departure city.) With its temperate climate Kunming is known as the Spring City, famous for its flowers. Transfer from the airport to your hotel and, after time to refresh, visit the Bird & Flower Market this afternoon.
  Stay two nights at the New Era Hotel or Holiday Inn.
  Day 2 – Kunming
  Discover the Western Hills for magnificent views and temples, then the Dragon Gate for views of Lake Dianchi. Continue to the fascinating Stone Forest, a large area of eroded limestone peaks. (B,L)
  Day 3 – Kunming – Jinghong
  Visit the Yunnan Nationalities Village exhibiting the costumes and traditions of 26 minority groups. Fly to Jinghong. Close to the borders of Burma and Laos, the area is rich in primitive sub-tropical forests.
  Stay three nights at the Dai Garden Hotel. (B,L)
  Day 4 – Jinghong
  Travel through Dai villages and forests to Galanba on the Mekong River. Experience the simple life of the farmers and learn about their customs at a Dai Cultural Performance which includes Water Splashing. The bounty of tropical flora is on show at the Botanical Garden at Menglun. Also visit Jino Village where the locals are skilled at singing. (B,L)
  Day 5 – Jinghong
  The morning market is a good place to watch the locals. Visit Octagon Pavilion and a tea plantation in Menghai where large-leaf red tea is grown. (B,L)
  Day 6 – Jinghong – Dali
  Visit Yexianggu, the Valley of Wild Elephants, where Asian elephants, green peacocks and monkeys can be found. Fly to Dali and check in to your hotel which is close to the old town. The afternoon is free to explore it at leisure.
  Stay two nights at the Landscape Hotel. (B,L)
  Day 7 – Dali
  Tour Xizhou village with its early market and typical Bai architecture. Taste the local brew at a Bai tea ceremony and enjoy a simple Bai cultural show. The village of Zhoucheng is also visited to see the traditional craft of tie-dyeing. Take a cruise on peaceful Erhai Lake where the three Pagodas of the Chongsheng Monastery are reflected in the still waters. (B,L)
  Day 8 – Dali – Lijiang
  A delightful journey through valleys and mountains leads to Lijiang, a unique World Heritage listed town of wooden houses and stone streets laced with swift flowing canals.
  Stay three nights at the Lijiang Wangfu Hotel, located in the old town. (B,L)
  Day 9 – Lijiang
  Set off early this morning to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and take a chairlift ride to Spruce Meadow for views of spectacular mountain scenery. Back at the base of the mountain a treat is in store. View the grand production of “Impression Lijiang” at an outdoor amphitheatre with the mountain as a backdrop, featuring a cast of 500 local people! Later visit Baisha village and a Tibetan lamasery at Yufeng. (B,L)
  Day 10 – Lijiang
  See the reflections of snow capped mountains in the waters of the Black Dragon Pool. Visit Mu Mansion, embodying the wisdom and skills of Naxi architects. Some people say the mansion is the Forbidden City of the Naxi people. (B,L)
  Day 11 – Lijiang – Zhongdian
  Proceed along the Tibet road in the direction of Zhongdian, the fabled Shangri-La. Pass the first bend in the Yangtze River, then marvel at Tiger Leaping Gorge where the Yangtze thunders between sheer cliffs. Visit Songzhanilin Monastery in Zhongdian.
  Stay two nights at the Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La. (B,L)
  Day 12 – Zhongdian
  Travel east to visit Bita and Shudu Lake, connected by a path through a nature reserve filled with outstanding flora and fauna such as century-old pines and cypresses, pheasants, leopards and lynx. Spend time with a Tibetan family this afternoon and visit Dabaosi Lamasery. (B,L)
  Day 13 – Zhongdian – Chengdu 
  Morning at leisure. Transfer to Shangri-La airport for the afternoon flight to Chengdu, then transfer to your hotel.
  Stay one night at the Tianfu Sunshine Hotel. (B,L)
  Day 14 – Chengdu 
  Visit the Panda Breeding Centre this morning to learn about the efforts being made to preserve these cuddly creatures. Visit People’s Park, Wenshu Buddhist Monastery and Jinil old street in the afternoon.  (B,L)
  Day 15 – Depart Chengdu
  Transfer to the airport for exit flight. (B)

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• Group Departure dates and prices

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  Prices are per person, in Australian dollars. Please confirm prices when booking.

• Price Includes:
  • Four star hotels or best available in remote areas.
  • 14 nights in quality, well located 4 star hotels, or best available in remote areas.
  • 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, plus a glass of local beer, tea or bottled water with lunch
  • All transfers, sightseeing, entrance fees, entertainment
  • Flights Kunming-Jinghong-Dali, Zhongdian-Chengdu, airport and airline taxes and fuel surcharges

   
  Price Excludes:

  • Visa fees
  • Gratuities

   
  Tour prices and inclusions based on a minimum of 2 passengers.  Other departure dates available on request.  Surcharges may apply during local holidays and events.