"COLORFUL MINORITIES OF YUNNAN"
a 10-Day tour by land. China has rich and exotic minority ethic groups and cultures. This tour goes to Yunnan Province and explore a different side of china. The tour covers Kunming (2N)-Xishuangbanna(2N) - Dali(2N)- and Lijiang(2N).
You may get an absolutely different experience than the regular trip to Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai; for example, this trip brings you to the mountain and inside of mountains. It also brings you to a different cultural environment, quite remote from city noise.
This tour can be easily extended into Tibet. The tour has an optional extension-which add Zhongdian & Lhasa and you will have a Tibetan tour after your exotic Yunnan experience.
Detail Itinerary
*ABF - American Buffet Breakfast; B - Breakfast; L - Lunch; D -Dinner; SD -Banquet;
** Time - All times listed in the itinerary are LOCAL TIME;
Day 01
West Coast/Hong Kong or Guangzhou
Check in for your flight to Hong Kong or Guangzhou
Day 02
Hong Kong or Guangzhou/Kunming
Arrive Hong Kong or Guangzhou and connect to Kunming. Upon arrival, transfer to Kai Wah Plaza Hotel (or similar).
Day 03
Kunming ( AB, L, D)
A full-day excursion to the Stone Forest, 32 acres of special karst limestone formations that have eroded into cliffs and peaks, including caves, arches and pavilions, all connected by a labyrinth of trails. It is home to the Sani people, a branch of the Yi minority.
Day 04
Kunming/Xishuangbanna ( AB, L, D)
Visit the Dragon Gate and Huating Temple on Western Hill, and grand View Pavilion. Enjoy the scenic view of Dianchi Lake.
Take the evening flight to Xishuangbanna, a beautiful place known for its virgin tropical forest and the colorful customs of the local Dai people. Check into the Tai Garden Hotel (or similar).
Day 05
Xishuangbanna ( B, L, D)
Today's sightseeing features a visit to a Dai Village, Olive Town with its tropical fruit market, and Menglun tropical Plant Gardens, a Botanical Garden boasting more than 1,500 types of tropical plants from China and abroad.
Day 06
Xishuangbanna/Dali (B, L, D)
Visit Sanchahe Wild Elephant Valley, where you'll travel by aerial tram above the tropical forest. You'll then visit beautiful Manting Park and the Folk Culture Village to see different ethnic minority peoples' lifestyles. Enjoy the traditional Dai way of blessing people, with the Water Splashing. In the late afternoon fly to Dali. Check into Asia Star Hotel (or similar).
Day 07
Dali ( B, L, D)
Travel by cable car up Cangshan Mountain with panoramic views overlooking Erhai Lake. You'll also visit the Butterfly Spring and Museum where hundreds of butterflies flutter about. You'll visit the Three Pagodas, known as the symbol of Dali, and the Bai Village of Xizhou where you'll enjoy traditional Three-Course Tea with a Bai Cultural Performance.
Day 08
Dali/Lijiang (B, L, D)
After breakfast you'll drive to Lijiang, home to the Naxi people. In the afternoon you'll visit Black Dragon Pool, renowned for its flowers and pavilions, and the Dongba Cultural institute. Continue to Dayan Old Town where you'll explore the winding lanes of this ancient town. Check into Guanfang Hotel.
Day 09
Lijiang ( B, L, D)
Travel halfway up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain via chairlift to Yunshan Meadow. This famous mountain ascends 18,000 feet and is made up of 13 peaks resembling jade pillars. En route you'll visit the White Water River, Yufeng Lama Temple and Baisha Village with its Ming dynasty frescoes.
Day 10
Lijiang/Kunming/West Coast (B, L, D)
Take the morning flight to Kunming. Between flights you'll visit Golden Temple, a Taoist temple surrounded by pine forest on Phoenix Song Mountain, and the Yunnan Museum. In the afternoon return to the airport and board your flight to Hong Kong or Guangzhou, where you will connect with your flight to the USA.
Optional Extension
Zhongdian & Lhasa, Tibet
Day 11
Lijiang/Zhongdian (B, L, D)
Drive from Lijiang to Zhongdian, en route with a stop at Tiger Leaping Forge. Located on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, it is one the deepest canyons in the world. Upon arrival in Zhongdian you will visit Guihua Lama Tibetan Temple. Built by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century, it currently has a population of about 800 monks. Check into the Holy Palace Hotel (or similar hotel).
Day 12
Zhongdian (B, L, D)
Visit Bita Lake, ablaze with wild azaleas in May and June. You'll have the option to explore the area via horseback. This afternoon you'll visit the home of a local Tibetan family, where you'll learn about their traditional lifestyle.
Day 13
Zhongdian/Lhasa (B, L, D)
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival you will check into the Lhasa Hotel (or similar hotel). This afternoon visit Potala Palace, which rises majestically from the face of sacred Putuo Hill, and Jokhang Monastery, one of the holiest shrines in Tibet. Enjoy mingling with the local Tibetans in Bharkor Street Bazaar, which surrounds Jokhang temple.
Day 14
Lhasa (B, L, D)
Visit the cliff top Drepung Monastery, largest of the Gelugpa monasteries, Sera Monastery, with its splendid murals and icons, and Norbulingka, which was the Summer Palace of Tibetan kings.
Day 15
Lhasa/Chengdu/Hongkong/West Coast (B)
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Chengdu, where you will connect with your flight to Hong Kong and on to the USA.
Additional Extensions
Chengdu (Sichuan province) and Hong Kong are available.
Departure: Daily with minimum of two travelers