22 Days Complete West Yunnan Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming

Welcome to Yunnan! Get picked up by your tour guide and driver upon your arrival. If your schedule allows it, we first pay a visit to the Golden Horse Memorial Archway & Jade Rooster Archway. The archways are located in the city center where Jinbi Road and Sanshi Street cross. Being built about 50 meters apart from each other and with a height of 12 and width of 18 meters, these uniquely and beautifully designed gates have become to one of Kunming’s most important symbols.

Meals: D

Overnight in Kunming Xiqiao Hotel or similar

 

Day 2: Kunming – Mojiang – Pu’er

After breakfast, get driven from Kunming to Mojiang (about 4 hours). There, we are crossing the Tropic of Cancer. The adjacent theme park was built in 1993 and focuses on the culture, history and meaning of this special line of latitude in Yunnan. The site is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The park (rated AAA) combines astronomy, geography, garden art and ethnic culture and is also being visited for education purposes, especially for astronomy and science.

We continue our tour to Pu’er (in total around 3 hours) afterwards and visit the Nakeli Tea and Horse Courier Station en route. Nakeli Village has high historical value: as an important stop on the ancient Tea-Horse-Road, it’s one of the well preserved former courier stations in Ning’er county in Yunnan’s ‘capital of tea’, Pu’er. This station together with the Bainian Rongfa caravansary, the Nakeli Fengyu Bridge, lanterns and stone cisterns which the caravans once used are proving the long and interesting history with rich culture along the famous Tea-Horse-Road.

Meals: B (Buffet in the hotel), L (authentic local Chinese food), D (Simao cuisine)

Overnight in Pu'er San Andy Hotel or similar

 

Day 3: Pu’er – Xishuangbanna

We visit the local Tea Garden after breakfast. The garden is located on Yingpan Mountain, a rough 30 km from Pu’er City. The garden was built within the large area of eco-tea gardens, with surrounding green mountains and hills. It is a real jewel among the large amount of tea plantations and gardens around. Here, we use the opportunity to learn more about Yunnan’s famous Pu’er Tea. From the tea’s origin and the planting via its harvesting, processing and special packaging to the tea’s history and culture – we will have a closer look at all the aspects, including a tea tasting ceremony at the end.

We then continue the journey to Xishuangbanna (about 2 hours’ drive in total from Pu’er) where we visit the Wild Elephant Valley. Located in Mengyang Protection Area (part of the Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve), less than 40 km outside of Jinghong City, it’s the first Chinese national park dedicated to wildlife and environmental protection. With its collection of tropical rain forests, subtropical evergreen broad-leaf forests and large populations of rare animals and plants, the park is a comprehensive scenic region for eco-tourism, scientific research and vacation. If we are lucky, we can catch a glimpse of the elephants. In any case, Yunnan’s remainder of tropical rain forests are worth a visit themselves.

Meals: B (in the hotel), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (Dai cuisine)

Overnight in Jinghong Daiyuan Hotel or similar

 

Day 4: Xishuangbanna

The Menglun Botanical Garden is visited today, after breakfast (about 1.5-hour drive). It is not only the largest botanical garden but also home to the greatest variety of plant species in China. The Lancang River, better known as the Mekong flows through Xishuangbanna and its tributary, the Luosuo River, makes a bend around the garden, making it a gourd-shaped peninsula (hense the local name Gourd Island). The garden, founded in 1959, is a comprehensive research institution engaged in biodiversity conservation and sustainable uses of plant resources, focusing on forest ecosystem ecology, conservation biology and resource plant development.

Afterwards, we continue to the Dai Garden of Ganlanba. Located in Menghan township some 30 km southeast of Jinghong (Menghan is the local name for Ganlanba or Olive Dam), it is the home to hundreds of families of the local Dai ethnic minority living here for generations. The subtropical weather and the very present ethnic culture give this place a very special atmosphere with its combination of Dai people’s bamboo houses and water sceneries. Ganlanba, at the river banks of the Mekong River, has an altitude of 530m only and therefore is one of the lowest and also warmest places in Yunnan Province.

Ganlanba is also known as the Royal Garden Village due to its two comprising villages, of which one is Mansongman (the Garden Village); the other one, Manting, is translated as Flower and Fruit Village. Wherever one goes, typical Burma pagodas and traditional Dai people’s bamboo houses can be seen. During the Dai people’s New Year celebrations, the famous Water-splashing Festival is a big event for locals and visitors.

We drive back to Jinghong in the late afternoon.

Meals: B (in the hotel), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (Dai cuisine)

Overnight in Jinghong Daiyuan Hotel or similar

 

Day 5: Xishuangbanna – Lancang

Today, we leave Xishuangbanna again and drive north towards the Jingmai Tea Mountain in Lancang County (overall about 4 hours driving time) where we visit the Nuogan Water Village as well as the ancient town of Wengji Bulang. These hamlets still maintain its traditional residential buildings. The layout and design of the villages are based on the ethnic people’s belief and traditional customs, including their rich tea culture. Their houses are mainly pile dwellings with traditional and decoration elements of the Bulang, Dai and other ethnic minorities. The architecture also mirrors the connection between people and the hilly area of tea plantations. The construction materials mostly consist of local wood and tiles, which perfectly matches with the Jingmai Tea Mountain.

Meals: B (in the hotel), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (authentic Chinese meal)

Overnight in Lancang Hualong Hotel or similar                 

 

Day 6: Lancang- Ximeng - Lancang

After a breakfast in the hotel, we drive to Ximeng (about 2 hours) to learn about the Muyiji God. Muyiji, is the God of the local Wa people. The vast majority of the Wa ethnic minority believes in Trinitarian religion worshipping nature, gods and ancestors. This religion is based on the belief that the world of the spirits is the same to ours, the humans. So the ghosts and gods need food and drinks as well as clothes, a place to live and labor. Muyiji also is the creator of lives, holds power over everything and endows the animals and plants with different functions. Locals worship Muyiji by wood dragging, sacrificing oxen and even human head offerings. If the people made the god angry, he would create famine and flood. Therefore, Wa people worship, sacrifice and pray regularly for blessing and protection. The main scenic spots here are the Banyan tree, a Muyiji statue, the human head pole as well as the Holy Pond.

We visit Yong’er Village afterwards which is also home of the Wa people. The area is well preserved: a wide variety of plants and animals in a large region of ancient tea forests. In addition, there are many spectacular views of the nature around, including primitive forests, sea clouds, wild fruits and of course tea. The village is set out along the mountain, with typical ethnic style houses in a wonderful environment and with a rich culture.

Then we head for Likan Waterfall. Likan is a Dai word, meaning that it’s a place where monkeys are often seen. Over the waterfall a bridge made of wooden planks lashed together with ropes can be crossed. If not shaking too much, the picturesque beauty of Likan’s idyllic scenery around can be enjoyed. In the adjacent forests, also medically important plants grow.

Our last scenic spot for today is the Mengsuo Dragon Pool. It contains crystal clear water and is home to red-crowned cranes as well as wild ducks. Green moss covers the pool side. A legend tells the story of an amorous girl who became a bird for guarding the pool and picking every fallen leave out of it to keep the lover’s clear face from ruining. Thus, no one ever sees any leaves on the surface. Furthermore, the dragon pool is connected with another pool, amazing 35 km away: The Burma Dragon Pool. This wonder is called the Sisterhood Dragon Pools or Couple Dragon Pools by the Wa people, which even adds more to its mystery and attraction.

Meals: B (in the hotel), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (Dai cuisine)

Overnight in Lancang Hualong Hotel or similar                 

 

Day 7: Lancang – Cangyuan

The unique and natural scenery of Ximeng County is the Sea of Clouds. During spring and winter nights, warm air from the low valleys meet the colder air descending from high altitudes of the A’wa mountains. This produces heavy clouds under the thermal inversion layer, covering the soundly sleeping valleys. When the sun rises, the sea clouds become magnificent. Some of the summits break through the clouds to the sky, resembling bamboo shoots in spring. The Sea of Clouds comes into being at midnight and will disappear slowly around noon again.

The tour continues and we drive to Cangyuan. In ancient times, Cangyuan was called Calabash Kingdom. The area is famous for its rock paintings at Dongzonglin. We walk through the Wa village and climb up 300 stairs to have a look at them. They have a history of more than 3500 years and have been discovered in the 20th century only.

Note: The road to Cangyuan is currently still under reconstruction and due to organizational reasons can only be passed between noon and 2 o’clock as well as in the evening between 6 and 8 o’clock. It takes about 4 hours’ driving from Ximeng to the construction site, and about another 2.5 hours’ drive further on to Cangyuan. Please take some snacks for on the road, we’ll only have lunch at Mengsheng, before we arrive in Cangyuan.

Meals: B (in the hotel), L (Dai cuisine), Dinner (authentic Chinese meal)

Overnight in Cangyuan Wa King Hotel or similar

 

Day 8: Cangyuan - Lincang

We make a day trip today to the ancient and beautiful county of Sigangli, which is close to the Myanmar border. Sigangli, has been mentioned already early in Wa people’s poetry. We then visit the unique Wengding Tribe, a group of people with a left population of only around 400. Their history is full of mystical legends and wonders.

Then we drive to Lincang (about 5 hours’ driving time) and stay overnight there.

Meals: B (in the hotel), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (authentic Chinese meal)

Overnight in Lincang Konggang Viewing Hotel or similar

 

Day 9: Lincang – Baoshan

Today, we leave Lincang and make our way to Baoshan City (about 5.5 hours’ driving time). You will enjoy the nice natural scenery along the way and a rich lunch. Upon arrival at Baoshan, we enjoy our free and easy evening and an authentic dinner and get a good rest after a long ride.

Meals: B (in the hotel), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (authentic Chinese meal)

Overnight in Baoshan Landu Hotel or similar

 

Day 10: Baoshan – Fugong

Today we make our way into the great canyon of the Nujiang River, also known as the Salween River. As we drive along the wild stream further north to Fugong (about 5.5 hours driving time form Baoshan) we pass spectacular mountain scenery to both sides. On the way, we stop over at a bathing pool. This is the nature spring of Lushui River and the place where the local Lisu people gather beginning of each year to celebrate their Bathing Pool Meeting. In the Nujiang Canyon, this well-known custom shall wash away the bad and dirty remainders of the bygone year and welcome the new one, embracing the auspicious.

We pass the so-called Tiger Jump which is a huge stone in the middle of the river, which is relatively narrow here. The descending water wildly splashes onto the huge rock, which makes the water roar through the valley. It is said that tigers crossed the river here from one mountain range to the other hence the name.

In the town of Pihe, we have a look at the Flying Stones which is another interesting oddity of the Nujiang valley: these two giant rocks are located centrally on the yard of the local middle school. The school was built on sandstone, some 5m above the river’s water level and around these immovable obstacles, one lying, one standing.

We continue to the Man-Horse-Rope Bridge, one of the last rope ziplines left in the canyon. Here, the steep Biluo Snow Mountain to the east and the Gaoligong Mountain range to the west - one higher than the other – once didn’t leave a lot of space to pass through the valley along the wild river. A local saying explains the situation with no paths for the goats, big worries even for the monkeys. Therefore, the rope bridges were built here, formerly the primary means of crossing the the Nujiang.

Meals: B (in the hotel), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (authentic Chinese meal)

Overnight in Fugong Fuyuan Hotel or similar

 

Day 11: Fugong – Bingzhongluo

After a typical local breakfast in town, we continue to travel along the river upstream, further up into the mountains, direction Bingzhongluo (about 3.5 hours driving time). From our road we can observe a huge hole in the middle part of the Gaoligong mountain range, which over the time corroded to a hundred-meter-wide and over 60-meter-high breakthrough. In Lisu language, this hole is called Yahaba, which means Stone Moon and is also part of various Lisu legends.

We then pass a spot where a single pine tree stands in the river. This tree grows on a big stone at the western river banks. It’s hard to estimate its age, the pine has a height of about 4 meters and is only growing very slowly. It hardly ever changes its state during the seasons, with only very few soil at its roots. Even when the water rises to the upper level of the tree root, the pine tree doesn’t seem to bother. An interesting nature phenomenon and a good place for a short stop.

A bit further north, we drive along the First Bend of the Nujiang River. At the height of Ridan Village the water is blocked by a steep cliff, which forces it to change its direction from a north-south to an east-west direction where the opposite Danla Mountain again redirects the water back into its former track. The river thus forms a semicircle bend, the symbol of the Nujiang valley and an often photographed scenery, also because of the beautifully located Peach Flower Island with the village of Zhalatong on it, where peach trees are cultivated. It was also here, where the Lisu people installed the first zipline over the river for being able to cross it.

Meals: B (in Fugong), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (authentic Chinese meal)

Overnight in Bingzhongluo Jiayuan Hotel or similar

 

Day 12: Bingzhongluo – Gongshan

For our day trip, we switch to a local minivan today due to narrow country roads around Bingzhongluo’s scenic area. We visit the Stone-Gate-Pass, a spectacular section of the canyon which was created by rapidly descending waters between the steep rocks of Biluo Snow Mountain to the east and the Gaoligong range to the west. The giant cliffs of the ‘gate’ are 500 meters high and 200 meters wide. The river, rushing narrowly through the stone gate makes it a magnificent spot.

Further on, we pass beautifully located Wuli Village. At the foot of green hills, its ethnic cottages are scattered all over the area surrounded by golden cornfields, while the descending mountain wind turns it into another Garden of Eden. Secluded Wuli Village is only connected to the outside world via a gallery road that was digged into the cliffs. This path is also part of the ancient Tea-Horse-Road. Quite narrow but safe to walk over, the torrential waters of the ever roaring Nujiang flow by a couple of meters below.

Another village worth a visit in the northern part of Nujiang Canyon is Qiunatong. We will have to cross the locally famous suspension bridge called Zhaohong Bridge and walk into the mountains, to get to the village. Its houses are built along the mountain slopes. Also here, the ancient road of tea-horse-caravans passes which leads all the way up to Tibet. It is said that Qiunatong with its dense primitive forests and abundant waterfalls is the most wonderful part of the whole Nujiang Canyon due to its stunning views and beautiful nature.

We leave the most northern point of our tour again and get driven south to Gongshan (about 1 hour) where stay overnight.

Meals: B (in Bingzhongluo, e.g. Tibetan), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (authentic Chinese meal)

Overnight in Gongshan Sanjiang Mingzhu Hotel or similar

 

Day 13: Gongshan – Dulongjiang - Xianjiudang Village - Longyuan

For our day trip, we will use the local minivan today. We today make our way to one of the remotest areas of China, the Dulong Valley (about 3 hours). On the way to Dulongjiang Township we pass the Gaoligong mountain range and enjoy the beautiful nature with its typical alpine and gorge sceneries rich in animal and plant species. The area is also called the bright pearl of the Hengduan Mountains (of which the Gaoligong is part of) with an 85% forest coverage. Both, the rough alpine gorge landform and the special environment provides animals and plants a great habitat. Furthermore, the Gaoligong mountain range blocks the cold air current from the northwest and lets warm air from the Indian Ocean pass into this region, which creates a subtropical climate in this protected alpine area. The special climate lets abundant forests with over 500-year-old trees and rare plants grow well.

Having arrived in the Dulong Valley, we continue up stream, where we meet the last face-tattooed women of the Dulong people. With a population of about 5000, the Dulong are one of the smallest ethnic groups in Yunnan. They have settled in this very remote area and used to have their own special customs, as for instance the face tattoos of the women, which keeps on being a mystery even today. While some say, the tattooed faces are an expression of beauty (women without a tattooed face cannot get married), others say that the tattoo avoids evil. It can might as well mark the affiliation of specific families or tribes. However, the custom has been lost over the time, currently there’re only a hand full of women left that can still present their tattooed faces.

Meals: B (in Gongshan), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (authentic Chinese meal)

Overnight in Dulong River Bilv Mijing Hotel or similar

 

Day 14: Day trip through Dulong Valley (about 5 hours driving time)

For our day trip, we will use the local minivan today. After a breakfast we head for Pukawa Vilage to have a look at the unique ethnic buildings before we drive to Maku Village close to the Sino-Burmese border. Here, the No.41 boundary marker reminds us about our isolated location. The close Moon Waterfall is called Habayicheng in Dulong language which literally means glossy and heavenly water. The Hapangwang River flows down from the height of 3100 down to 1400 meters, dropping quite abruptly and forming this 200-meter high and 20-meter wide waterfall. On clear full moon nights, the waterfall is brightly illuminated which explains its name.

Meals: B (in Dulong), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (authentic Chinese meal)

Overnight in Dulong River Bilv Mijing Hotel or similar

 

Day 15: Dulong River – Gongshan Mountain – Fugong

We drive back into the Nujiang Valley today, all the way to Fugong (about 7 hours), and enjoy the great scenery of nature and canyons on the way. Upon arrival, our prepared feast with the Lisu people with (Hand Pilaf and Tongxin wine) is waiting for us. In Lisu language, the wine is called Zhibanduo, and yilaxi’ao means cheers. The Lisu are famous for their hospitality and drinking their wine with whoever visits them, greeting them with songs and toast.

Meals: B (Dulong), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (Local Pilaf & Tongxin Wine)

Overnight in Fugong Fuyuan Hotel or similar

 

Day 16: Fugong – Liuku

For our day trip, we will use the local minivan today. On our way back south again we today drive back to the canyon’s entrance at Liuku (about 3 hours driving time). On the way, we visit the Laomudeng Church. Along the Nujiang River, numerous churches can be seen in nearly every village. The churches were built by French missionaries and are still in use. A great mix of ethnic minorities like the Nu, Lisu, Bai, Tibetan and also the Han are living in the great canyon, but the majority of them are all Christians. Of course, also other religions play a role in Nujiang, as the Lisu’s Dongba and the Tibetan’s Buddhism.

Every Sunday, the local churches host quartet singers. It’s always a great attraction for visitors, coming across Christian customs in China’s remote southwest. Local people go to church, wearing their ethnic costumes and a big smile on their faces. The quartet anthems are sung in (also in China) very little-known Lisu language which makes it an even more special event.

Our way also leads us past the abandoned city of Bijiang. The former center of the Lisu nationality was established in August, 1954. In 1973, geologists predicted that geological movements might cause dangerous landslides which could have destroyed the government site. Thus the local leadership moved the seat of the government to Liuku. However, over forty years have passed and the prediction luckily hasn’t come true. But Bijiang is a ghost town ever since.

Meals: B (in Fugong), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (authentic Chinese meal)

Overnight in Liuku Nujiang Hotel or similar

 

Day 17: Liuku – Tengchong

After breakfast we leave the Nujiang Valley and drive south to volcano area of Tengchong (about 3.5 hours’ drive). Right next to the city lies the hometown of overseas Chinese, Heshun Old Town. Back in ancient times, Heshun was an important part of the Silk Road and that is the reason why people from Heshun took the numerous opportunities to frequently go abroad where they famed their hometown. The population of the Heshun residents living overseas is nearly twice that of the people living in Heshun. While ancestors of these travelers can still be found in countries as Myanmar, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Canada, the US and many other countries, this legacy of international trade has put its stamp on Heshun. The village itself records its prosperity, history and culture with the elegant ancestral hall, the memorial archway, the old railway platform as well as pavilions and stone columns. Willow trees and crystal clear water pools with colorful water lilies complete the beautiful picture.

Meals: B (in the hotel), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (authentic Chinese meal)

Overnight in: Tengchong Viewing Hotel or similar

 

Day 18: Tengchong day trip

Today, we stay in town and visit the local Volcano Park. It comprises one of the four big volcano groups in China, including 97 Cenozoic volcanos. The volcano group covers an area of overall 221.36 square kilometers and is also called the volcano geological museum, as it has unique geological structures as well as vast volcano caves and lakes. It is of great importance for scientific investigation as it is for sightseeing purposes.

We head to the Rehai Park afterwards. The whole area of Tengchong contains 64 geothermic active regions, 80 hot spring groups with hot water reaching temperatures of 96. 3℃, while the most amazing one is the Hot Sea, some 20 km away from Tengchong City.

The 46-meter-high Dieshuihe Waterfall just outside Tengchon’s city center is our next destination. Fed by the Daying River, the waterfall leaps down over a rock slope. It is reachable by a short trek down a steep stairway from where – standing on a wooden lookout – rainbows formed by vapor can be watched. Above the waterfall, the not less famous Taiji Bridge can be crossed. It was built in 1911 by Zhang Wenguang, a governor of Western Yunnan.

Meals: B (in the hotel), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (authentic Chinese meal)

Overnight in: Tengchong Viewing Hotel or similar

 

Day 19: Tengchong - Ruili

After breakfast we continue our tour to the Chinese-Burmese border town of Ruili, some 200 km south of Tengchong (2.5 hours). We first visit Jiegao, which means old city in Dai language. Today, it is the largest trading hub at Yunnan’s borders where about half of Yunnan’s commodities are handled and traded. Jiegao is located 4km outside of Ruili, covering nearly 2 square kilometers and at the same time is the end of National Highway No. 320, called Tianya Dijiao, the end of the sky and earth. This end of the street has developed to a bustling commercial 40-meter-wide strip of 400m length before leading over the border to Myanmar.

Meals: B (in the hotel), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (authentic Chinese meal)

Overnight in Ruili Jingcheng Hotel or similar

 

Day 20: Ruili - Dali

Before leaving Yunnan’s west to Dali (about 5 hours) we have a look at amazingly high Moli Waterfall, locally also known as Zhaduo Waterfall. Located in the Moli Gorge, a short drive outside of Ruili, the waterfall squeezes its way between two opposite mountains, the Guangnong and the Guangma Mountain. As the highest of all waterfalls in Dehong prefecture the water falls down from a 60-meter high cliff. On its way down, the water resembles a piece of huge silk cloth, which dances in the wind. Together with snow and clouds high up in the surrounding peaks, as well as hot springs gushing out under the waterfall this site creates a very special atmosphere and gorgeous views.

We continue to Dali afterwards, and have a relaxed evening in town upon our arrival.

Meals: B (in the hotel), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (authentic Chinese meal)

Overnight in Dali Landscape Hotel or similar

 

Day 21: Dali – Kunming

After breakfast, we drive back to Yunnan’s capital Kunming (about 4.5 hours). Upon arrival, we stroll around Nanping Street, Kunming’s large pedestrian and shopping area. This part of Kunming once was a business district and served as the city’s center of finance, commerce and entertainment. If time permits, we also have a look at close Flower & Bird Market before heading back to our hotel.

Meals: B (in the hotel), L (authentic Chinese meal), Dinner (authentic Chinese meal)

Overnight in Kunming Xiqiao Hotel or similar

 

Day 22: Kunming Departure

After three weeks of deep-diving into Yunnan’s southern and western culture as well as history and landscapes this tour will end today. We bring you to Kunming’s modern Changshui International Airport to catch your flight back home. We are looking forward welcoming you in Yunnan again one day!

Meals: B