This is a high-end customized private tour. Hotels and arrangements can be tailored according to each guest’s preferences and budget.

 

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Exclusive Inclusions

 

• Private English-speaking guides throughout the journey

 

• Domestic flight tickets within China

 

• High-speed rail (HSR) tickets within China

 

• Private ground transportation throughout the journey

 

• Entrance tickets to all featured attractions

 

• Hotel accommodations

 

• Daily breakfast+selected local meals

 

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Tour Highlights

 

• Wander through the charming ancient towns of Dali and Lijiang

 

• Observe the endangered Yunnan Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys in their natural habitat

 

• Travel to Shangri-La to explore breathtaking landscapes and authentic Tibetan culture

 

• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hani Rice Terraces of Yuanyang

 

• Discover the rich ethnic diversity across Yunnan Province

 

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Detailed Itinerary

 

Day 1 — Kunming

 

Upon arrival in Kunming, your local tour coordinator will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. The evening is free for you to relax, explore the city, or unwind after your long journey.

 

You may also take a stroll around Cuihu Park (Green Lake Park), where traditional teahouses line the lakeside and old stone bridges cross the water.

 

Destination: Kunming

Accommodation: Park Hotel in Kunming

 

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Day 2 — Kunming

 

This morning, accompanied by your guide, you will visit the Stone Forest, famous for its stunning natural stone peaks, stalagmites, caves, underground rivers and unique karst landforms.

 

After returning to Kunming, the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. You may choose to visit Cuihu Park (Green Lake Park) to admire the scenery and watch local residents practicing traditional exercises, or wander through the historic old streets and neighborhoods of Kunming.

 

Destination: Kunming

Accommodation: Park Hotel in Kunming

 

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Day 3 — Dali

 

Early this morning, accompanied by your guide, you will transfer to Kunming Railway Station and board a high-speed train to Dali for a 2-hour ride.

 

Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will meet you and start your exploration of Dali. This historic town is renowned for its hospitable locals, exquisite embroidery, agricultural heritage, fine marble craftsmanship and traditional horse breeding culture.

 

You will visit Dali Ancient Town and the famous Three Pagodas, one of the most iconic landmarks of Dali.

 

High-Speed Rail: Kunming → Dali

Accommodation: Central Hotel in Dali

 

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Day 4 — Dali

 

This morning, drive to the scenic Cangshan Mountains, where you will enjoy a guided hiking tour with panoramic views overlooking Dali and Erhai Lake.

 

After a picnic lunch on the mountainside, continue your hike before returning to the hotel. Along the way, you may stop at the Xiaguan Farmers’ Market to explore local produce and ethnic handicrafts.

 

Destination: Dali

Accommodation: Central Hotel in Dali

 

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Day 5 — Shaxi

 

Today, you will depart from Dali for Shaxi. Along the route, you will make a short stop at Xizhou, a lakeside town favored by wealthy tea merchants in ancient times, who built numerous elegant traditional residences here.

 

Afterwards, your private driver will proceed to Shaxi Ancient Town. This 2-hour journey passes through peaceful countryside, rural villages and vast rice fields.

 

After checking in to your hotel, you will have free time to explore this tranquil ancient village. Wander around the market square, stroll along the riverside, and appreciate well-preserved architecture of the Ming Dynasty.

 

Transfer: Dali → Shaxi

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Shaxi

 

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Day 6 — Lijiang

 

In the early morning, you will have extra time to explore Shaxi before heading to Lijiang.

 

On the way, stop to visit the Shibao Mountain Grottoes and the surrounding temple complex. Afterwards, continue north to Lijiang, an ancient town situated at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

 

The journey lasts approximately four hours, and you will arrive in Lijiang by evening for hotel check-in.

 

Private Transfer: Shaxi → Lijiang

Accommodation: Luxury Camp

 

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Day 7 — Lijiang

 

This morning, depart Lijiang for Zhiyun Lamasery, one of the major local lamaseries with a history of over 300 years. You may have the chance to witness monks offering prayers and participating in religious studies inside the lamasery.

 

Afterwards, proceed to Shuhe Ancient Town, where you will visit a local Naxi family and learn about traditional Naxi beliefs and customs. Enjoy a traditional homemade Naxi-style lunch before returning to Lijiang in the afternoon.

 

Later, wander through the ancient streets of Lijiang, lined with traditional stone-and-tile houses and winding mountain streams. Afterwards, visit Black Dragon Pond Park to admire the stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

 

Destination: Lijiang

Accommodation: Luxury Camp

 

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Day 8 — Tacheng

 

Today, travel by private vehicle to Tacheng, the gateway to the Yunnan Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park.

 

En route, you will visit the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s most dramatic river canyons. Admire the breathtaking scenery from the viewing platforms, or descend the stone stairways to the riverside of the Jinsha River for a closer experience.

 

Continuing onward, the 4-hour drive to Tacheng passes through dramatic mountain ranges and deep valleys. Check into your hotel upon arrival.

Destination: Tacheng

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel

 

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Day 9 — Shangri-La

 

The Yunnan Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey is an endangered species native to this region of Yunnan. Located around 30 minutes from Tacheng, Yunnan Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park is dedicated to wildlife protection and ecological conservation.

 

Accompanied by your private guide, spend the day exploring the reserve, learning about the species and observing the monkeys in their natural habitat within the misty mountain forests.

 

In the afternoon, depart Tacheng for Shangri-La with an approximate 3-hour drive. Located at an altitude of 3,200 meters, Shangri-La features a unique cultural blend of Tibetan and Han traditions.

 

Check into your hotel after arrival.

 

Destination: Shangri-La

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel

 

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Day 10 — Shangri-La

 

Today, visit Songzanlin Monastery to explore the authentic Tibetan culture of Shangri-La. As the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in China, Songzanlin Monastery overlooks a grand valley, offering deep insights into the daily life of monks and surrounding Tibetan villages.

 

Afterwards, proceed to Napa Lake to enjoy the serene lake scenery, where you may spot local wildlife and various migratory birds.

 

Destination: Shangri-La

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel

 

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Day 11 — Yuanyang

 

Early in the morning, a private transfer will take you to the airport for a one-hour flight to Kunming.

 

Upon landing, your local tour coordinator and driver will pick you up and continue south to Yuanyang, around a 5-hour drive away. Located in Honghe Prefecture along the Honghe River, Yuanyang is famous for its stunning terraced rice fields, a part of which is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Check into your hotel for an overnight stay in Yuanyang.

 

Flight: Shangri-La → Kunming

Private Transfer: Kunming → Yuanyang

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel

 

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Day 12 — Jianshui

 

Spend the full day exploring Yuanyang with your professional guide. You may start from the bustling local morning market. On market days, you can see ethnic groups including the Hani, Yi, Miao, Dai and Zhuang gathering in colorful traditional costumes to trade local produce and daily goods.

 

Afterwards, discover the magnificent Hani Rice Terraces, built gradually over centuries by the Hani people, creating breathtaking landscapes resembling stairways climbing into the clouds.

 

Later, take a private vehicle transfer to Jianshui, a historic ancient town in Yunnan and an important regional transportation hub. The driving time is around two and a half hours.

 

Private Transfer: Yuanyang → Jianshui

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel

 

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Day 13 — Jianshui

 

Your guide will lead you to explore the highlights of Jianshui today.

 

Start with a visit to Zhu Family Garden, a well-preserved residential complex built in the Qing Dynasty. Next, visit Chaoyang Gate, the iconic landmark of Jianshui dating back to the Ming Dynasty, as well as Jianshui Confucian Temple, the second-largest Confucian temple complex across China.

 

In the afternoon, drive out of the city to see the picturesque Double Dragon Bridge, then head to Tuanshan Village to admire its elegant traditional courtyard architecture.

 

Finally, visit Swallow Cave to view the spectacular karst formations and thousands of swallows inhabiting the cave, before returning to your hotel.

 

Destination: Jianshui

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel

 

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Day 14 — Departure

 

Today, you will take a private vehicle transfer to Kunming Changshui International Airport, with an approximate 3-hour drive, to catch your scheduled departure flight.

 

Private Transfer: Jianshui → Kunming