Kunming: Stone Forest and City Highlights (L)

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park - Meet the tour guide in the hotel lobby, then board a private vehicle for a direct trip to Stone Forest Geological Park, which takes about 1.5 hours.

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park, also known as Kunming Stone Forest, is a stunning collection of limestone formations and a prime example of South China’s karst landscape. Since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it has been regarded as the ‘First Wonder of the World’. Around 270 million years ago, during the Carboniferous period of the Paleozoic era, the area was a vast sea. Over time, lithospheric movements caused the sea to recede, giving rise to the limestone landscape. Continuous erosion by natural elements eventually shaped the area into its current form. The entire park is a vast natural treasure trove. Upon arrival, follow the tour guide to explore the park, using imagination to uncover its wonders. The guide will share legendary stories and point out the best photo spots.

Flowers and Birds Market of Kunming - After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, consider visiting the Flowers and Birds Market. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll encounter hundreds of flowers and hear the continuous singing of birds. The fish on display are primarily small, brightly colored tropical species suitable for home aquariums. The market is also a popular spot for trading antiques, including curios, coins, jade articles, jewelry, ink stones, porcelains, potteries, stone carvings, and marble products. If interested in purchasing souvenirs, the tour guide can offer tips on negotiating prices.

China - Alternatively, explore Cuihu Park.

Green Lake Park offers captivating scenery with a variety of lotus flowers and a beautiful lake. Wander through the roads and pavilions, enjoying local people in traditional costumes dancing, playing musical instruments, singing, tasting tea, and chatting with friends and family. Admire the lovely tulips in spring, the diverse lotus flowers in summer, and watch black-headed gulls playing in winter.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kunming.

Kunming- Dali(B, L)

Kunming Nanyao Railway Station - The driver will pick you up in the Kunming hotel’s lobby and transfer you to Kunming train station. Enjoy a fantastic 2-hour bullet train ride to Dali. Upon arrival at Dali Railway Station, the tour guide will meet you at the exit of the Arrival Hall with a name sign.

Chongsheng Three Pagodas - Head directly to Dali Chongsheng Three Pagodas. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a national treasure under preservation, are 1,800 years old and document the development of Buddhism in the area. They stand at the east foot of the tenth peak of the massive Mt. Cangshan, facing the west shore of Erhai Lake.

Upon arrival, stroll around the temple and courtyards with the tour 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 leisure time strolling around the ancient town, enjoying its grand city wall, traditional Bai ethnic minority folk houses, and marvelous scenery. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

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, continue 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.

Xizhou Town - Depending on the time, visit Xizhou Town. Xizhou Town is a main residential area for the Bai Nationality and a birthplace of Dali culture. It is also a famous historic cultural town of the Bai Nationality. Spend leisure time exploring the town, with the tour guide explaining detailed stories about the Bai Nationality. Feel free to ask questions.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Dali.

Dali-Shaxi Ancient Town- Lijiang (B, L)

Dali Town - Meet the private guide in the hotel’s lobby in Dali, then head directly to Shaxi Ancient Town, which takes about 2 hours. Sit back and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Xingjiao Temple, Shaxi - Upon arrival, follow the tour guide to explore. Stroll around Sifang Street, and if visiting on a Friday, experience the local trading fair where mountain villagers come down from the hills with their horses to trade goods.

Next, visit the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 AD) Xingjiao Temple, the largest and most representative Buddhist Tantra temple in China. The well-preserved murals of the Ming Dynasty in the temple are influenced by the painting style of the Central Plains in China and have rich local ethnic characteristics. They are treasures of the Bai People in southwestern China. The tour guide will provide more information and facts about Buddhism in China.

Continue to explore the Ancient Opera Stage and Yuxi Bridge.

Baisha Ancient Town - Next, travel to Baisha Ancient Town at the foot of the 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 the tour guide, learn about the village’s history, and discover 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. These murals symbolize Naxi Culture and represent 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 - China - Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then head directly to Lijiang Old Town, which takes about 2 hours. Sit back and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Lijiang: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Village(B, L)

Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain - Meet the private guide in the hotel’s lobby in Lijiang, then head directly to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which takes about 1 hour. Sit back and enjoy the scenery along the way.

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

Learn about its legendary stories from the tour guide. Upon arrival, take the convenient cable car to the scenic viewing point (4506 meters) and marvel at the spectacular glacier and mountain views. You can choose to hike up to 4680 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 the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as its stage backdrop. More than 100 horses and 500 non-professional peasant actors with dark skin from 16 local villages and over 10 ethnic minorities give their best 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.

Lijiang Mural in Baisha Village - Next, travel to Baisha Ancient Town at the foot of the 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 the tour guide, learn about the village’s history, and discover 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. These murals symbolize Naxi Culture and represent 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 to your hotel in Lijiang.

Lijiang City Highlights(B, L)

Old Town of Lijiang - China - Meet the private guide in the hotel’s lobby in Lijiang, then start exploring the Old Town of Lijiang. The Old Town of Lijiang is a well-preserved old 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 the tour guide, stopping at the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Naxi people, their pictographic language, and the animist Dongba religion. Explore the museum and learn about Naxi culture and art.

Mufu Palace - Next, visit Mufu Palace. The top ruler of the Naxi minority, the Mu Family, 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 also serves as an outstanding plant museum with ancient trees and extraordinary plants. The garden combines imperial style with Suzhou’s style. Explore the palace and learn its history and stories from the tour guide.

Black Dragon Pond Park - Then, explore Black Dragon Pond Park. Follow the tour guide to explore ancient monuments such as Longshen Temple, Deyue Pavilion, Suocui Bridge, and Hanyue Stage. Enjoy the amazing view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from the park. If choosing to return to Xi’an, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Xi’an. (No time for lunch)

Lijiang Lion Rock - If choosing to end the tour in Lijiang, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then move on to Lion Hill Park. The Lion Mountain resembles a sleeping lion from afar, providing a wonderful 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 and enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding areas, including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Old Town, and the Naxi minority villages.

Wenchang Palace - Move on to Wenchang Palace. Originally built in 1725, the palace 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. If there are other places you wish to visit, just inform the tour guide.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Lijiang (please book your own hotel in advance).

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Middle seats ticket for Lijiang Show
• 2nd Class Train ticket Kunming-Dali
• Private guide
• Battery bus at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Stone Forest
• Lunch
• Private air-conditioned comfortable car
• Cable car round trip to Glacier Park
• Entrance fee

• Gratuities
• Accommodation

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.