Yunnan

Situated in southwest China, Yunnan is noted for its pleasant climate, picturesque scenery and distinctive culture and customs of its many colourful tribal groups. Kunming - the city of eternal spring, is the capital of Yunnan and one of the most historic and cultural cities of China.

Other historic and cultural cities of Yunnan are Lijiang and Dali which can be combined with Kunming to form a seven day individual tour. Access to Yunnan is usually by air on Thai International from Bangkok into Kunming.

YUNNAN EXPLORER

Day 01 - Kunming

Commence your holiday with a visit to the dramatic and beguiling Stone Forest . The forest is an immense collection of limestone pillars shaped by rain and wind . Afterwards visit the Sani Tribe village of Qi Xin .

Day 02 – Kunming to Dali

Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Dali . Today , a visit to Lake Erhai fringed by the traditional Bai minority villages . Enjoy a scenic cruise on the waters . Visit the Old Town of Dali

Day 03 – Dali sightseeing

After a short visit to the morning market , tour the world renowned Three Pagodas of the Soong Dynasty Time permitting , visit a Bai village

Day 04- Dali to Lijiang

Overland scenic drive from Dali to Lijiang enroute stopping at the Bai minority village of Xinhua and visit its handicraft workshops. In Lijiang , visit the Black Dragon Pond and a guided stroll around the charming preserved Unesco World Heritage listed town . In the evening , enjoy the Naxi Orchestra. Day 04 - Lijiang Visit the Dragon Spruce Meadows of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountains. Ascend via a scenic chairlift and marvel at the spectacularly views . Descent for a visit to the YuHu Naxi minority villages . Visit the the Jade Peak Monastery , Baisha Village and the Ming Dynasty frescoes of the Liuli and Dabaoji temples .

Day 05- Lijiang to Zhongdian

Visit to view the first bend of the Yangtze River . Discover the 16th century Stone Drum and continue to the Tiger Leaping Gorge . Continue overland to Zhongdian – stay 3 nights

Day 06- Zhongdian

Visit the Songzhanlin Monastery , the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan and is a replica of the Potala Palace in Lhasa . Tour the Old Town of Zhongdian

Day 07- Zhongdian

A day trip to the incredibly beautiful Bitahai Lake Nature Reserve , Tibetan Hospital and the local market

Day 08 – Zhongdian to Kunming

Depart by morning flight to Kunming . Visit the Western Hills , Dragon Gate and the Bamboo Temples . Evening enjoy a traditional Yunnan Show at Kunming Theatre .

Day 09-Transfer to the airport for departure flight / or extension to Xishuangbanna.