Organized trip to Yunnan: 13 amazing days with driver and guides

Do you want to discover one of the most surprising and authentic regions of China?
This 13-day organized trip to Yunnan will take you deep into the heart of the real China: stunning rice terraces, traditional villages, ancient cultures, and breathtaking landscapes straight out of a movie.

With a Spanish-speaking guide and private transportation, you’ll explore the most iconic corners of Yunnan with complete peace of mind.

Guaranteed departures in July and August. Limited spots available!

Why choose Yunnan as your destination in China

Here are the top reasons why Yunnan should be on your travel list:

• Immerse yourself in the culture of China’s ethnic minorities
• Explore traditional villages and centuries-old architecture
• Walk through the iconic rice terraces of Yuanyang
• Discover unique natural wonders like the Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Visit temples, national parks, and Tibetan monasteries
• Enjoy the delicious and diverse local cuisine
• Experience a side of China far from mass tourism

Organized trip to Yunnan – Itinerary through Yunnan:

Below is the step-by-step itinerary for the 13-day trip through Yunnan. In total, it would be 12 nights and 13 days traveling through the Chinese province of Yunnan.

To visit Yunnan, we recommend flying into Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, or Hong Kong. Of course, we can also include and organize your trip to these cities, so you can stay for one or two days and take the opportunity to visit them.

Organized Trip to Yunnan: 13-Day Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming and the Stone Forest of Shilin

Arrival in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, known as the City of Eternal Spring. Transfer to the Stone Forest of Shilin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique karst formations.
Overnight stay near the natural park.

Days 2 & 3: Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Travel to the spectacular Yuanyang Rice Terraces, created by the Hani ethnic group over more than 1,300 years. Visit traditional villages and scenic viewpoints such as Bada, Duoyishu, and Laohuzui, perfect for sunrise or sunset photography.
Two nights in accommodation overlooking the terraces.

Day 4: Jianshui and the Double Dragon Bridge

Stop at the iconic Double Dragon Bridge, one of the most beautiful bridges in southern China.
Explore the old town of Jianshui and the grand Confucius Temple, the second largest in the country.
Overnight stay in Jianshui’s historic center.

Day 5: Weishan, Living History of Yunnan

High-speed train journey to Weishan, a town with over 600 years of history.
Climb the sacred Weibao Mountain, one of China’s most important Taoist centers.
Accommodation in a peaceful and authentic setting.

Days 6 & 7: Dali – Erhai Lake and Walled City

Discover Dali’s old town, with Bai ethnic architecture and a vibrant artistic atmosphere.
Visit the Three Pagodas of Dali, a spiritual symbol of the region.
Boat trip on Erhai Lake, surrounded by mountains and fishing villages.
Two nights in a charming hotel in Dali.

Day 8: Shibaoshan Mountain and Shaxi Village

Climb Shibaoshan Mountain, home to ancient Buddhist grottoes carved into the stone.
Stroll through Shaxi, a former Tea Horse Road hub, now a peaceful rural village.
Overnight stay in a traditional guesthouse in Shaxi.

Days 9 & 10: Shangrila – Tibetan Culture and Nature

Travel up to Shangrila, over 3,300 meters above sea level, the gateway to cultural Tibet.
Visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan.
Explore Pudacuo National Park, with its glacial lakes, forests, and grasslands.
Accommodation in Shangrila’s Tibetan old town.

Days 11 & 12: Tiger Leaping Gorge and Lijiang

Stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest river canyons in the world.
Arrival in Lijiang, where we explore its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Engage with the Naxi ethnic group, guardians of an ancient pictographic language.
Two nights in a traditional home in Lijiang’s historic center.

Day 13: End of Trip and Return

End of the organized trip through Yunnan. Transfer to Lijiang airport for your return flight, with common connections via Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu.

Services included and not included in the trip to Yunnan

Good news! Currently, no visa is required for stays of up to 30 days in China. Spanish passport holders are exempt from a visa for stays related to tourism, business, family visits, transit, or cultural and academic exchanges.

Here is a table with the services included and not included in the Yunnan route:

Price of the 13 day Organized trip to Yunnan

The price of the trip varies depending on the number of people joining. Important: the more people that travel, the lower the price per person!

Travel as a couple, with friends or in a group

We organize trips all year round. Here are some options:

• Option 1: Travel in a private group with friends or as a couple.
• Option 2: Join an open group (available in July and August).
• Attention! We have started opening groups for July and August. If you want to join one and get the exact dates, contact us!

13-day route to Yunnan: Frequently asked questions

1. Who organizes the trip to Yunnan? We work with a local agency in China that handles all legal and logistical arrangements. I take care of planning the itinerary, coordinating the details, and being your guide throughout the journey.
2. How much does the plane ticket cost? Round-trip flights from Spain to Kunming typically range between €800 and €1,200.
3. What kind of accommodation is included? Comfortable 4★ hotels that blend traditional and modern styles, always well located for convenience and atmosphere.
4. When is the best time to visit Yunnan? Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather. Summer is also a good option, though there may be occasional rainfall.
5. Are there many tourists? There are few foreign tourists in the region, although places like Lijiang and Dali attract more Chinese tourism.
6. Can I customize the trip? Absolutely! We can adapt the itinerary to match your interests, or even combine it with other destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu.

✉ Reserve your spot now

As highlighted by Lonely Planet in its book Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & the Greater Mekong:
“If you want to visit China but only have time to explore one province, it should undoubtedly be Yunnan.”

So don’t think twice! Contact me to organize your trip to Yunnan, or if you have any questions, just fill out this contact form or send an email to contacto@sindestinoaparente.com.

For more information about China and Yunnan you can check:

• The best places to visit if you are coming to Yunnan.
• Curiosities of living in China.
• My experience as an English teacher in Kunming.
• Last but not least, the Best tips for a trip to China.

Remember, for the time being, until December 31, 2025, no visa will be required for 30-day stays in China. In the more distant future, who knows, so take advantage of it!

We don’t travel to escape life, we travel so that life doesn’t escape us.