15 Days Yunnan and Sichuan Tour

Day 01: Kunming

Upon arrival at Kunming Changshui International Airport, your local driver and tour guide pick you up and bring you to your hotel for check-in. Take a good rest after your journey.

Option for the evening: if you like you can visit the Dynamic Yunnan Show in Kunming's Art Theatre – an original ethnic dance musical. It was directed by Yang Liping and has been an outstanding gain to the Chinese stages in recent years. Primitive, unsophisticated folk dances and a fresh artistic concept converge in the program, giving audiences a unique Yunnan Impression. Sixty-two drums and 120 masks of strong ethnic characteristics are incorporated in the performance. The show starts at 20:00h and lasts for 1.5 hours. It is highly recommended by Wonders Of Yunnan Travel and tripadvisor. For people interested in minority culture, this is a must-see and not to be missed when in Kunming!

Meals: N/A                    

Overnight in Kunming

 

Day 02: Kunming – Stone Forest – Mi’le

Your tour guide and driver pick you up from your Kunming hotel in the morning at 9am. First, we drive to Stone Forest (about 90 km, 1.5 hours, mostly highway) and enjoy a midday break before entering the highly rated attraction. According to an old saying it is a pity not visiting the Stone Forest while you are in Kunming. Enjoy the beautiful views at the lookouts and spend about 2 hours in the park.

After that, your guide and driver will bring you to Mi’le and check into a beautiful Hot Spring Resort. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the hot springs provided by the hotel.

Meals: B

Overnight in Mi’le

 

Day 03: Mi’le - Yuanyang

Drive to Yuanyang Rice Terraces Scenic Area (around 5 hours). On the way, we pass villages of ethnic minorities in beautiful sceneries. Upon arrival at Yuanyang, we check in at the hotel. The rice terraces here, have been carved out of the mountain slopes since generations by Hani people – they are said to be among the most magnificent in the world. The area was listed as world heritage in 2013! We first visit Qingkou Hani Village, the mushroom-like houses are undoubtedly the most distinctive in this area. We walk around and learn about local culture and history and visit of a Hani minority culture showroom in the village.

Meals: B

Overnight in Yuanyang

 

Day 04: Yuanyang

The early bird catches the worm – be up before dawn to capture the sunrise! Today we will have a full day to take pictures of the rice terraces. This early morning, admire the splendid scenery of the sunrise in Duoyishu. As the reflections and shadows in the colorful water are constantly changing, the visual impact can be overwhelming. Afterwards head over to Aichun and Huangcaoling. Those 2 spots are good places for photographing during daytime. In the late of afternoon, get driven to Laohuzui to witness the sunset over the rice fields.

Meals: B

Overnight in Yuanyang

 

Day 05: Yuanyang-Jianshui

Last morning in Yuanyang: we take photos in Duoyishu of another sunrise if you like. After that we drive to Jianshui Old Town. (about 3 hours). It is one of the national famous historic and cultural towns of China. With a history of about 1200 years and an distinctive cultural heritage, the ancient town enjoys a great reputation as a 'Museum of Ancient Buildings and Residential Houses' and attracts a lot of visitors from China and abroad. On the way, we visit Tuanshan Village and the Double Dragon Bridge (Shuanglongqiao). Tuanshan Village was listed as world monument of architectural heritage in 2006. In the afternoon, visit the Chaoyang Tower, the Zhu Family Garden and take a stroll through the old town with its ancient water wells.

Overnight in Jianshui

 

Day 06: Jianshui – Kunming Airport – Lijiang

After breakfast, we visit the Confucius Temple in Jianshui. The Confucius Temple is undoubtedly the greatest site in town. Begun to build in 1285 and since then has undergone over 40 renovations. It is China's second largest Confucius temple, after the one in Qufu, Confucius' hometown. We will then get transferred back to Kunming Airport according to your flight schedule, to fly to Lijiang (about 3.5 hours). Your Lijiang tour guide and driver pick you up at the Lijiang Airport and bring you to your hotel. Take a rest on this free and easy evening in Lijiang.

Meals: B

Overnight in Lijiang

 

Day 07: Lijiang

We visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain today, stroll around Ganhaizi Meadow (3100m), and the Baishuihe River. If you like, join the Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show which was directed here in this area. Take a chairlift to Yak Meadow afterwards, it is an important component of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area; main residents of the area are the Yis and Tibetans. With customs of primitive simplicity, and strong minority nationality’s culture, the villagers mainly live on agriculture. The main sight of the Yak Meadow is a representative pastureland. The scenery of snowfields in the high mountain accompanies the brook of the Black Water River. Taking the natural and quiet primitive forests as the center, scenic spots in Yak Meadow are colorful and manifold.

Back down again, we are driven to Baisha Village with its famous Murals. These are part of local heritage with a history of over 600 years and also belong to the World Cultural Heritage of the UNESCO since 1997. The old town is highly rated for its traditional Naxi style and being one of the earliest Naxi villages. The local traditional embroidery is worth a look as well, it is considered as some of the greatest handicraft in the world. We will then head back to Lijiang and visit Black Dragon Pool as well as Dongba Culture Museum.

Meals: B

Overnight in Lijiang

 

Day 08: Lijiang – Liming

After breakfast, we drive to Liming. On the way, we pass the First Bend on the Yangtze River with an imposing gorge scenery. Liming is part of the Laojun Mountain National Park which is situated in the core of Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Area. Hike up to Thousand Tortoise Mountain or take the cable car. Visit the surrounding cozy villages which are connected by little paved roads and enjoy your stay in a wonderful environment.

Meals: B

Overnight in Liming

 

Day 09: Liming –Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La

Today, we head to the Tiger Leaping Gorge and trek along the upper path for 2-3 hours where we can enjoy a splendid scenery. This is a great sightseeing stop with enormous photo opportunities. Bring your camera, wear skid proof shoes, and be prepared to be astonished. Later in the afternoon the tour proceeds to Shangri-La, the former Zhongdian which is well-known as the paradise destination for every traveler. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, we will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. The lofty and continuous snowy mountains, endless grasslands, steep and grand gorges, azure lakes and the idyllic villages around leave a deep impression on visitors. Check in at the hotel and enjoy a free and easy evening in Shangri-La.

Meals: B

Overnight in Shangri-La
 

Day 10: Shangri-La – Chengdu

We get up early and visit Pudacuo National Park after breakfast. It is mainly comprised of Shudu Lake, Militang Pasture and Bita Lake (about 3 hours visiting time). Enjoy lakes, forest, marsh, valley, alpine meadow in the park. All major spots are connected by walkable planks which offer a closer distance for you to experience the natural environment.

Get driven to Shangri-La Airport after the visit and catch the flight to Chengdu in the afternoon. Your Chengdu tour guide and driver are already awaiting you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Meals: B

Overnight in Chengdu
 

Day 11: Chengdu – Leshan – Emei Mountain

What you should not miss in Chengdu is the world-famous Chengdu Research and Breeding Base of Giant Pandas which is located about 25km outside of Chengdu City. Today, we head there for 2 - 3 hours. This huge institution replicates the natural habitat of the giant panda and is dedicated to preserving and increasing their population. We are able to get close to some pandas and take pictures as well from the so-called red pandas which look and act a bit like raccoons. It’s best to visit the base in the mornings as early as possible. You’ll see most action from the pandas between 8am and 11am – after that they’re likely to be sleeping.

At the Panda Base, besides visiting the gardens of the pandas, some additional activities can be arranged:

• Taking photos with small pandas (not included in the entrance ticket);
• Panda Base Volunteer Tour: help out for some hours at the research base (must be arranged well in advance)

Afterwards, we drive to Leshan and join a river cruise, bringing us to Leshan Giant Buddha. It is the biggest sitting Buddha statue in the world. It took more than 90 years of hard work to accomplish it and is a bright star on the UNESCO World Heritage site list. Facing the river, the Buddha sits with beautifully captured solemn stillness and in a symmetrical posture, overlooking the waters. In the afternoon, get driven to Emei Mountain, where we check in at the hotel. 

Meals: B

Overnight in Emei Hotel

 

Day 12: Emei Mountain – Chengdu

After breakfast, visit the Baoguo and Fuhu Temple in the morning, then get driven to the Emei Mountain scenic area. Emei Mountain's history has been recorded for over 2,000 years, during which a rich Buddhist cultural heritage has accumulated. A top the Golden Summit, which is 3,099 meters high, beautiful sunrises, seas of clouds, the Buddha's Halo and the sunset glow can be enjoyed.

We take the cable car up to the Golden Summit to enjoy the natural scenery, overview the fresh green slopes and trees. You can either walk down afterwards and pass temples of the scenic area (about 3 hours) or take the cable car. In the late afternoon, get transferred back to Chengdu.

Meals: B

Overnight in Chengdu
 

Day 13: Chengdu – Jiuzhaigou Airport – Huanglong

Today, we take a morning flight from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou. After 1-hour your local guide and driver meet you and transfers you to Huanglong, a gem of China’s natural scenery. Situated in Songpan County in the northwest of Sichuan, Huanglong is famous for its colorful lakes, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, mountain landscape, diverse forest ecosystems, waterfalls and hot springs. The multi-colored ponds of different sizes and shapes show various dreamlike colors of yellow, blue, green and brown. Considering your physical condition, you can either enjoy the tour on foot or by cable car. Finally, we will drive to Jiuzhaigou for a two-night stay.

Note: The high altitude in Jiuzhaigou may cause big temperature differences between day and night. Please prepare accordingly.

Meals: B

Overnight in Jiuzhaigou

 

Day 14: Jiuzhaigou

We today visit Jiuzhaigou National Park. Jiuzhaigou is China’s premier national park which is located between the Sichuan Basin and the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. With over 100 crystal clear lakes, gorgeous waterfalls, verdant mountains, protected virgin forest, rare plants and animal species as well as beautiful villages of Tibetan culture to explore, you will soak in the atmosphere of Jiuzhaigou's splendid scenery. The well-known Jiuzhaigou Valley is 35 kilometers long and consists of three smaller valleys which are at an altitude of about 2,500 meters and cover approximately 60,000 hectares. We visit multi-colored lakes, the Nuorilong Waterfall, the Long Lake and the Pearl Beach - enjoy it one after the other!

You can take a shuttle bus to the top of the valley, and then walk down to appreciate the nice scenery along the way.

Jiuzhaigou Valley literally means Nine Village Valley which is named after the nine Tibetan villages scattered throughout the park. In the evening we have the chance to attend a local Tibetan-Qiang Minority Culture Show and get to know more about their mysterious lifestyle.

Meals: B

Overnight in Jiuzhaigou
 

Day 15: Jiuzhaigou – Chengdu Airport – Departure

After the tour’s last breakfast, get transferred to Jiuzhaigou Airport to catch the flight back to Chengdu Airport, where this tour ends and from where you can head to your next destination.