15-day Yunnan Classics: From Rice Terraces to Shangri-La
Trip Introduction
🗓️ duraTION: 15 days / 14 NIGHTS all year round
🌎 China: kunming - jianshui - yuanyang - dali - shaxi - Lijiang – Shangri-La
Explore the highlights of Yunnan on this 15-day journey. Begin in Kunming and visit vibrant cities, charming Jianshui Ancient Town, and the iconic Double Dragon Bridge. Witness the stunning Yuanyang Rice Terraces and immerse in Hani minority villages. Discover Dali’s ancient town, Three Pagodas, and local Bai culture. Wander through historic Shaxi and the cobbled streets of Lijiang, before experiencing the dramatic landscapes and Tibetan culture of Shangri-La.
Trip code: CBT251505
Itinerary
🥢 Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1: Kunming
Arrive at Kunming International Airport (KMG) or Kunming Railway Station in the morning.Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
The tour program begins in the afternoon.Please be ready for hotel pick-up at the scheduled time. Afternoon visit to Green Lake Park, a scenic urban oasis famous for its lotus ponds and winter seagulls, and Yuantong Temple - a historic Buddhist site blending Han, Tibetan and Southeast Asian architectural styles. Overnight in Kunming.
The tour program begins in the afternoon.Please be ready for hotel pick-up at the scheduled time. Afternoon visit to Green Lake Park, a scenic urban oasis famous for its lotus ponds and winter seagulls, and Yuantong Temple - a historic Buddhist site blending Han, Tibetan and Southeast Asian architectural styles. Overnight in Kunming.
Day 2: Stone Forest & Guandu Ancient Town (B, L)
Hotel breakfast.Full-day tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Stone Forest, featuring spectacular karst formations.En route, visit Guandu Ancient Town, a well-preserved historic town showcasing traditional architecture and local snacks.Lunch included.
Overnight in Kunming.
Day 3: Kunming City Tour (B)
Hotel breakfast.Visit Western Hills & Dragon Gate for panoramic views of Dianchi Lake.Explore Golden Temple Park, a bronze Taoist temple nestled in lush hills.Discover Qiongzhu Temple (Bamboo Temple), renowned for its 500 vivid clay arhat sculptures.Overnight in Kunming.
Day 4: Kunming to jianshui (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out.Drive to Jianshui (approximately 3–4 hours), a historic town known for its well-preserved architecture and charming streets. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in. Overnight in Jianshui.
Day 5: jianshui Exploration (B)
Hotel breakfast.Explore Jianshui Ancient Town, wandering its historic streets and traditional architecture. Visit the elegant Zhu Family Garden and the iconic Double Dragon Bridge, a masterpiece of Qing dynasty engineering. Overnight in Jianshui.
Day 6: jianshui to yuanyang (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out.Drive to Yuanyang (approximately 4–5 hours), famous for its breathtaking rice terraces.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in. Overnight in Yuanyang.
Day 7: Yuanyang (B)
Hotel breakfast.Experience the stunning sunrise and sunset at the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, capturing the changing light across the layered fields. Visit nearby Hani minority villages to learn about their traditional lifestyle and culture. Overnight in Yuanyang.
Day 8: yuanyang to yuxi, yuxi to dali (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out.Drive to Yuxi (approximately 4–5 hours), with a visit to Fu Xian Lake to enjoy the scenic waters and surrounding landscapes.
After sightseeing, speed train to Dali, Overnight in Dali.
Day 9: Dali (B)
Hotel breakfast. Visit North Gate Market and iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple.Enjoy 45-minute Erhai Lake boat ride to Tianjing Pavilion.Stroll through Dali Old Town, seeing Catholic Church and Foreigners' Street.Overnight in Dali.
Day 10: Dali to shaxi (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out. Drive to Shaxi and on the way visit to Xizhou Village, featuring Bai ethnic culture, Yan Family Courtyard, and traditional tie-dye workshop.Overnight in Shaxi.
Day 11: shaxi to lijiang (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out. Drive to Lijiang and on the way visit to Lashihai Lake.Lijiang arrival and visit to Zhongyi Market for local snacks and goods.Explore Shuhe Ancient Town's traditional architecture and relaxed atmosphere.Overnight in Lijiang.
day 12: Lijiang (b)
Hotel breakfast. Visit Black Dragon Pool Park with its crystal-clear pond and majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain views.Take cable car to Glacier Park (4,506m) on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.Explore Blue Moon Valley by electric cart. Visit Baisha Village to see ancient Naxi murals.Overnight in Lijiang.
day 13: lijiang to shangri-la (b)
Hotel breakfast and check out.Scenic drive to Shangri-La (approx. 4.5 hours). Stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of world's deepest gorges, and First Bend of Yangtze River.Transfer to the hotel for check-in. After arrival, take time to acclimate to the altitude. And walk around the Shangri-La Old Town, enjoy the Tibetan architecture, prayer flags, and cobbled streets.Overnight in Shangri-La.
day 14: shangri-la (b)
Hotel breakfast.Visit Songzanlin Monastery, Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery known as "Little Potala Palace".Explore Pudacuo National Park, walking the 3.3km wooden trail around scenic Shudu Lake.Overnight in Shangri-La.
day 15: departure (b)
Hotel breakfast and check out. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Trip ends.
Tour details
tour duration
15 Days / 14 Nights
size of group
Daily departure, min. 2 (guaranteed)
accommodation
- 14 nights including daily hotel breakfast.
- Choose your preferred class: Comfort, Deluxe, or Boutique
Meals
- 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch featuring Yunnan Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles
- Happy to arrange more culinary experiences upon request.
Internal transport
- City Train (Standard seat): Yuxi → Dali
- Transfers: All airport and train station to hotel round-trip transfers by private vehicle.
sightseeing
- All mentioned tours and excursions
- Includes: All first-entry admission tickets to sights.
- Guide Service: Professional local English-speaking guide service in each city.
- Spanish, Italian, and German-speaking guides available upon request (may require an additional fee).
Travel moments
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