Nanjing - Kunming: Stone Forest and City Highlights (L)

Nanjing Airport Expressway Management Office Lukou Toll Gate - The driver will meet the operator in the lobby of their Nanjing hotel, holding a sign with their name, and transfer them to the airport for a 3-hour flight to Kunming.

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park - Upon arrival, the tour guide will be waiting at the exit of the arrival hall with a name sign. The operator will then travel in a private vehicle directly to Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park, a journey of about 1.5 hours. During the drive, the tour guide will share stories and answer any questions.

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 hailed 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, tectonic movements caused the sea to recede, giving rise to the limestone landscape. Continuous erosion by natural elements has shaped it into its current form. The park is a vast natural treasure trove. Upon arrival, the tour guide will lead the operator through the park, sharing legendary tales and pointing out the best photo spots. The visit will include the Big Stone Forest Area and the Small Stone Forest Area, lasting 2-3 hours.

Flowers and Birds Market of Kunming - After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, the operator can choose to visit the Flowers and Birds Market. While strolling through the market, they will encounter hundreds of flowers and hear the continuous singing of birds. The market also features tropical fish, ideal for home aquariums, and is a popular spot for trading antiques. Items such as curios, coins, jade articles, jewelry, ink stones, porcelains, potteries, stone carvings, and marble products are available. If the operator wishes to purchase souvenirs, the tour guide will provide tips on negotiating prices.

China - Alternatively, the operator can explore Cuihu Park.

Green Lake Park offers captivating views of various lotus flowers and a beautiful lake. Visitors can wander the paths and pavilions, enjoying local people in traditional costumes dancing, playing musical instruments, singing, tasting tea, and socializing. In spring, the park is adorned with lovely tulips, while summer showcases diverse lotus flowers. In winter, black-headed gulls can be seen playing together.

After the tour, the operator will be transferred to their hotel in Kunming.

Kunming- Dali(B, L)

Kunming Nanyao Railway Station - The driver will meet the operator in the lobby of their Kunming hotel and transfer them to Kunming train station. They will enjoy a fantastic 2-hour bullet train ride to Dali. Upon arrival at Dali Railway Station, the tour guide will greet them at the exit of the Arrival Hall with a name sign.

Chongsheng Three Pagodas - The next stop is Dali Chongsheng Three Pagodas. These 1,800-year-old pagodas are a national treasure and a testament to the development of Buddhism in the region. They stand at the east foot of the tenth peak of the massive Mt. Cangshan, facing the west shore of Erhai Lake.

Upon arrival, the operator will stroll around the temple and courtyards with the tour guide, admiring the over 1,000-year-old pagoda and learning about its history, culture, religion, and art.

Dali Town - The tour continues to Dali Ancient Town, where the operator can enjoy leisure time exploring the grand city wall, traditional Bai ethnic minority folk houses, and stunning 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 - The tour then proceeds to Erhai Lake, the largest highland lake and one of China’s seven biggest freshwater lakes. Its name means ‘sea shaped like an ear’ in Chinese.

Xizhou Town - If time permits, the operator can visit Xizhou Town, a main residential area for the Bai Nationality and a birthplace of Dali culture. It is also a renowned historic cultural town of the Bai Nationality. The operator will have leisure time to explore the town, with the tour guide providing detailed stories about the Bai Nationality. Questions are welcome.

After the tour, the operator will be transferred to their hotel in Dali.

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

Dali Town - The private guide will meet the operator in the hotel’s lobby in Dali, and they will head directly to Shaxi Ancient Town, a 2-hour journey. The operator can relax and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Xingjiao Temple, Shaxi - Upon arrival, the tour guide will lead the operator in exploring the area. They will stroll around Sifang Street, and if visiting on a Friday, they can experience the local trading fair, where mountain villagers come down with their horses to trade goods.

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

The exploration continues with visits to the Ancient Opera Stage and Yuxi Bridge.

Baisha Ancient Town - The tour then moves 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. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, the operator will 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). The operator will stroll around the village with the tour guide, learning about its history and the distinctive culture, language, and traditions of the Naxi people. They will 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.

The tour will also include visits to Dabaoji Palace and Fuguo Temple, where the operator will learn more about Tibetan Buddhism and Naxi cultures.

After the tour, the operator will be transferred back to their hotel in Lijiang.

Old Town of Lijiang - China - After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, the operator will head directly to Lijiang Old Town, a 2-hour journey. They can relax and enjoy the scenery along the way.

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

Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain - The private guide will meet the operator in the hotel’s lobby in Lijiang, and they will head directly to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a 1-hour journey. The operator can relax and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain consists of 13 peaks and 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.

The tour guide will provide information and share legendary stories about the mountain. Upon arrival, the operator can take a convenient cable car to the scenic viewing point (4506 meters) to marvel at the spectacular glacier and mountain views. They can also choose to hike up to 4680 meters via wooden stairs. When ready to leave, they will descend by cable car.

Lijiang Impressions Show - After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, the operator will 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 from 16 local villages and over 10 ethnic minorities deliver an outstanding performance. They use unique movements and original songs to showcase their culture, history, and customs. When booking, the operator can choose their preferred tickets for the show.

Lijiang Mural in Baisha Village - The tour then moves 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. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, the operator will 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). The operator will stroll around the village with the tour guide, learning about its history and the distinctive culture, language, and traditions of the Naxi people. They will 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.

The tour will also include visits to Dabaoji Palace and Fuguo Temple, where the operator will learn more about Tibetan Buddhism and Naxi cultures.

After the tour, the operator will be transferred to their hotel in Lijiang.

Lijiang City Highlights(B, L )

Old Town of Lijiang - China - The private guide will meet the operator in the hotel’s lobby in Lijiang, and they will begin exploring the Old Town of Lijiang. This well-preserved old city of ethnic minorities boasts a brilliant culture. First built in the late Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), it has a history of over 800 years. The town’s architecture reflects a blend of Han, Bai, and Tibetan styles, resulting in a unique Naxi style.

Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture - While strolling around the old town with the tour guide, the operator will stop at the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture. This museum is dedicated to the history of the Naxi people, their pictographic language, and their animist Dongba religion. The operator will explore the museum and learn about Naxi culture and art.

Mufu Palace - Next, the operator will visit Mufu Palace. The Mu Family, the top rulers of the Naxi minority, governed Lijiang from the Yuan Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, spanning 470 years and 22 generations. The current Mufu Palace represents ancient central China architectural style from the Ming Dynasty, while also incorporating elements from the Tang and Song Dynasties. Inside, the details reflect the minority features of the Bai and Naxi groups. In addition to its architectural value, the palace serves as an outstanding plant museum with ancient trees and extraordinary plants. The garden combines imperial and Suzhou styles. The operator will explore the palace and learn about its history and stories from the tour guide.

Black Dragon Pond Park - The tour continues to Black Dragon Pond Park. The operator will follow the tour guide to explore ancient monuments such as Longshen Temple, Deyue Pavilion, Suocui Bridge, and Hanyue Stage. They will enjoy a stunning view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from the park. If the operator chooses to return to Nanjing, they will be transferred to the airport for their flight to Nanjing. (No time for lunch)

Lijiang Lion Rock - If the operator chooses to end their tour in Lijiang, they will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before moving on to Lion Hill Park. From a distance, Lion Mountain resembles a sleeping lion, offering a picturesque view.

Wangu Pavilion - Upon reaching the mountaintop, the operator will 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. The operator should have their camera ready to capture the panoramic view of the surrounding areas, including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Old Town, and Naxi minority villages.

Wenchang Palace - The tour proceeds to Wenchang Palace, originally built in 1725. It was once a venue for exams and folk lectures during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The operator will stroll around the area and then visit Twin-Stone Garden, where they can find a large waterwheel and bas-relief commemorating the Naxi nationality’s civilization. If the operator has other places in mind to visit, they should inform the tour guide.

After the tour, the operator will be transferred to their hotel in Lijiang (please book the hotel in advance).

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Battery bus at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Stone Forest
• Plane tickets (economy class)
• 2nd Class Train ticket Kunming-Dali
• Private guide
• Lunch
• Private air-conditioned comfortable car
• Breakfast
• Middle seats ticket for Lijiang Show
• Cable car round trip to Glacier Park
• Entrance fee
• Overnight accommodation of standard twin room (two beds), based on twin share if choose the option

• Single supplement charge of accommodation
• Accommodation if you choose the option to have tour only
• Gratuities

Embark on the Yunnan Discovery Cultural Trip, where you will explore the historic cities of Kunming, Dali, Shaxi Ancient Town, and Lijiang, starting from Nanjing by plane. This customized tour is designed to meet your preferences and includes visits to renowned attractions such as Stone Forest, Guihu Park, Flower and Birds Market, Chongsheng Three Pagodas, Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake, Shaxi Ancient Village, Mu Palace, Lijiang Old Town, and Baisha Village. Additionally, discover Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and enjoy the spectacular open-air Impression Lijiang Show, featuring performances by local villagers. The tour includes plane/train tickets, entrance fees, lunch, show tickets, a round-trip cable car ride, an English-speaking tour guide, and travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle. You have the option to conclude your tour in Lijiang or return to Nanjing. The tour also offers the choice to book 4-star accommodation with daily breakfast.

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.