Yunnan: The Colorful Cloud Kingdom

$2,899.00 $4,599.00

Person 1 2 3 4 5 6 6+ people

Overview

A land of breathtaking natural beauty and unparalleled cultural diversity, Yunnan Province is a realm where time-honored traditions thrive amidst some of Asia's most dramatic landscapes. From the cobblestone streets of ancient Dali to the prayer-flag-adorned peaks of the Himalayas, this journey is a deep immersion into a world of serene lakes, spiritual sanctuaries, and the warm hospitality of its many ethnic peoples.

Tour Highlights

Wander through the timeless old towns of Lijiang and Dali, exploring labyrinthine alleys with the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Erhai Lake as your backdrop.

Cruise upon the crystal-clear waters of Lugu Lake, learning about the unique matriarchal Mosuo culture from a local family.

Witness the surreal, stone forest landscape of Shilin, a colossal natural masterpiece sculpted by millennia of erosion.

Journey to the Himalayan foothills in Shangri-La, where Tibetan Buddhism infuses the air, and prayer flags flutter in the crisp mountain breeze.

Savor Yunnan's culinary treasures, from a sophisticated wild mushroom hot pot to a private tea-tasting session in the ancient tea-horse town of Xizhou.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrive in Kunming, the "Spring City"

Arrive in Kunming, the temperate capital of Yunnan. Acclimate to the relaxed pace of life and enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local delicacies like Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles.

Day 2 | Kunming / Stone Forest / Kunming

Venture to the Shilin (Stone Forest), a spectacular karst formation. Walk among the towering limestone pillars that resemble a petrified forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Return to Kunming for the evening.

Day 3 | Kunming / Dali

Fly to the historic city of Dali, nestled between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake. Settle into a boutique hotel within the ancient city walls and explore the cobblestone streets at your leisure.

Day 4 | Dali

Take a cable car up the Cangshan Mountains for breathtaking views of Erhai Lake. In the afternoon, visit a local tie-dye workshop to learn about the Bai ethnic minority's traditional craft. Enjoy a private cruise on Erhai Lake as the sun sets.

Day 5 | Dali / Lijiang

Travel to Lijiang, another UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, ascend to a vantage point overlooking the ancient town's tiled roofs with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.

Day 6 | Lijiang

Embark on a full-day exploration of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take a cable car to high altitudes for stunning views and visit the pristine Blue Moon Valley at its base.

Day 7 | Lijiang / Lugu Lake

Journey to the serene Lugu Lake, high on the Yunnan plateau. This area is home to the Mosuo people, known for their matriarchal society. Enjoy a peaceful evening by the lake.

Day 8 | Lugu Lake

Spend the day immersed in the natural beauty and unique culture of Lugu Lake. Visit a local Mosuo family for a genuine insight into their way of life and take a canoe ride on the clear waters.

Day 9 | Lugu Lake / Shangri-La

Travel to Shangri-La (Zhongdian), a town deeply influenced by Tibetan culture. The higher altitude and stunning landscape mark a distinct shift in the journey.

Day 10 | Shangri-La

Visit the Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Explore its halls and enjoy the panoramic view. In the afternoon, wander through the old town and visit a local thangka painting studio.

Day 11 | Shangri-La / Depart

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure, carrying with you the profound peace and vibrant memories of the Colorful Cloud Kingdom.

What's Included

Hotels are included in the itinerary.
China's domestic flights/trains are specified in the itinerary.
Entrance fees.
Meals are detailed in the itinerary.
Private transfers.
Private English-speaking guide and driver.
Service charges and taxes.

Notes

The itinerary outlined above can be customized to align with your personal interests and preferences. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us, and we will gladly make the necessary adjustments.
Pricing is subject to change based on the itinerary, activities, travel season, number of participants, and hotel selection. We provide accommodations across all levels for our tours, including renowned 5-star hotel chains and well-located 4-star hotels at various destinations.

Service Standards

Each tour is strictly limited in guest numbers to ensure privacy and a highly customized itinerary. A senior Dedicated Travel Consultant will accompany you throughout the journey, providing expert guidance and facilitating a deeper immersion into the local culture.

Each accommodation is meticulously selected to reflect the unique character of its location. Options include boutique design hotels with distinctive views, authentic local residences offering genuine hospitality, and characteristic heritage hotels steeped in regional history.

To enrich your journey, we provide a Curated Travel Resource Library, containing detailed maps, cultural background readings, and introductions to the natural environment, transforming your travel into an ongoing cultural exploration.

Upon completion of the itinerary, you will receive a uniquely crafted "Cultural Keepsake Box." This carefully prepared gift contains symbolic local products, serving as a cherished memento of your journey.

This is more than just a trip; it is an immersive exploration of local culture. Through interactions with intangible cultural heritage inheritors, participation in traditional handicraft workshops, and experiences of local festivals and activities, we enable you to truly step into the lives of local people and feel the pulse of their culture.

Country/Region