Organized trip to Yunnan: 13 amazing days in deep China

Published by Marcos Silva on November 2, 2024November 2, 2024

Discover Yunnan, one of China’s most fascinating provinces, with this 13-day organized tour. This journey is designed for those who wish to immerse themselves in the heart of China, explore breathtaking landscapes, and connect with ancient cultures.

From the stunning Yuanyang rice terraces to the mystical Tibetan city of Shangri-La, passing through the historic towns of Lijiang and Dali, this tour will take you to the most iconic and authentic corners of Yunnan.

As the Lonely Planet says in his book “Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & the Greater Mekong“: “If you want to go to China, but only have time to see one province, that should definitely be Yunnan.

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.

Traveling through China can be challenging due to the language barrier, which is why you will have an experienced Spanish-speaking guide, a long-time resident of Yunnan, to make your journey smoother and more enriching.

Likewise, getting around China (finding stations, buying tickets, hailing a taxi, etc.) can be exhausting. That’s why this tour includes a private driver, ensuring comfortable transportation to each destination. Without a doubt, a great relief for any traveler—especially in Yunnan, a province still relatively untouched by foreign tourism.

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.

Yunnan travel itinerary: ¡our day-to-day plan!

Day 1: Arrival Kunming – Shilin Limestone Forest

• Arrival in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan. Transfer directly to Shilin Limestone Forest.
• The Shilin Limestone Forest, located 86 km from Kunming, is a park noted for its tall boulders emerging from the ground, forming an impressive stone forest.
• This place was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and offers a unique and unforgettable experience among extraordinary geological formations.
• Accommodation in Shilin.

Day 2 & 3: From Shilin to Yuanyang Rice Terraces

• Drive to the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, 250km from Shilin, making several stops along the way to visit villages with lots of charm and history.
• In Yuanyang, we will explore the most famous rice terraces in the area, such as Bada, Duoyishu and the famous Laohuzui viewpoint.
• Two days accommodation in Yuanyang.

Day 4: Yuanyang to Jianshui and its famous Double Dragon Bridge

• From Yuanyang Terraces we will drive to Jianshui, which is 110km to the north.
• On the way, we will stop to see the Double Dragon Bridge (Shuang Long Qiao) built during the Qing Dynasty in the 19th century and visit TuanShan, a well-preserved ancient village 13Km from Jianshui.
• We will also enjoy the ancient part of Jianshui, the main wall similar to what one can find in the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Confucius Temple, the second largest temple in China dedicated to Confucius.
• We will stay in old town of Jianshui.

Day 5: The ancient city of Weishan

• From Jianshui we will go to Kunming and take the high speed train to reach Weishan in 3 hours.
• Located in Dali County, Weishan is a beautiful city that has managed to preserve its old town built in the Ming Dynasty, 600 years ago.
• In Weishan we will also visit Weibao Mountain, located just 15Km away, is one of the 14 Taoist mountains in China.

Day 6 and 7: Dali Old Town and Erhai Lake

• From Weishan we will drive to the ancient city of Dali, which is 70km to the north (2h 30).
• The ancient town of Dali is one of the most famous places in Yunnan.
• The first day we will visit the old town which is surrounded by walls and has managed to preserve the traditional architecture of the Bai ethnic minority.
• On the second day we will visit the Three Pagodas of Dali and tour the Erhai Lake, one of the largest lakes in China. Both days we will stay in the old part of Dali.

Day 8: Shibaoshan Mountain and Shaxi

• Shaxi, just two hours from Dali (150 km), is a quiet village historically known as a tea and horse trading center.
• Before arriving in Shaxi, we will visit Shibao Mountain, home to some of China’s most important stone carvings.
• Shaxi, still far from tourism, is perfect to enjoy a quiet day and to immerse yourself in the China of dynasties and emperors.
• Overnight in the old town of Shaxi.

Day 9 and 10: Tibetan Shangrila and surroundings

• 220km from Shaxi is Shangrila, the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
• Located at an altitude of 3300m, most of the inhabitants of Shangrila are ethnic Tibetans and the architecture of the houses and temples are Tibetan style.
• We will visit the largest Buddhist monastery in Yunnan; Songzanlin, where more than 500 monks live. In the afternoon, we will enjoy the old part of Shangrila.
• The next day we will discover the nature of Shangrila, its surroundings and the Pudacuo Natural Park, located in one of the most biologically diverse regions of the world.
• Two nights accommodation in the ancient part of Shangrila.

Day 11, 12 and 13: Tiger Leaping Gorge and Lijiang

• At 180Km from Shangrila is Lijiang; possibly the most charming village in Yunnan, but also the most touristy. Stone bridges, streams, cobblestone streets and traditional Chinese architecture houses make it definitely worth a visit.
• On the way to Lijiang, we will visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the highest river canyons in the world where we can enjoy the spectacular views of the Yangtze River.
• Accommodation in the old part of Lijiang.

The next day, on the 13th, our driver will take us to Lijiang airport to leave China or return to the airport of entry in time, which is usually 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.

To make your trip to Yunnan easier, the price of the route we offer includes almost everything. 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. The prices are indicative and may change based on the specific requirements of each group and the travel season. 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!

Why Choose Yunnan for Your Trip to China?

Yunnan is a unique province that offers an exceptional experience for travelers interested in authentic China. Here are the main reasons to choose Yunnan as your destination:

• Discover Ethnic Minorities: Yunnan is home to diverse communities with unique traditions and ways of life. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about their cultures and how they have preserved their roots over time.
• Mountain Villages: Many villages have remained unchanged for centuries, offering a glimpse into traditional China, away from the hustle and bustle of cities.
• Ancient Architecture: In Yunnan, you’ll find villages that have preserved traditional Chinese architecture, providing a fascinating look into the history and culture of the region.
• Rice Terraces: The Yuanyang terraces are an awe-inspiring place, where you can walk among them and enjoy the tranquility while observing how local communities cultivate the land.
• Unique Landscapes: From the Stone Forest to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in China.
• Temples and Natural Parks: Yunnan is filled with historic temples and natural parks, offering a cultural and nature experience at its purest.
• Diverse Cuisine: Each village has its own traditional food, providing a culinary experience that varies from region to region.
• Chinese Culture: Through its monuments, temples, and traditions, Yunnan offers a deep immersion into China’s rich history and culture.
• Unforgettable Moments: This trip will offer you unique experiences and memories that will stay with you forever.

13-day route to Yunnan: Frequently asked questions

1. Who organizes the trip to Yunnan? We work with an agency in China that handles legal procedures, insurance, hotel reservations, transportation, and drivers. My role is to plan the route, coordinate the details, be your guide, and ensure everything goes according to plan.
2. What happens if I can’t be your guide? If I am unable to accompany you due to prior commitments, you will be provided with another Spanish-speaking guide, who is a resident of Yunnan and has experience.
3. How much does the flight ticket cost? A round-trip flight from Madrid or Barcelona to Kunming usually costs between 800 and 1200 euros.
4. What type of hotels are used? Most accommodations are 4-star hotels, combining modern and traditional styles, located in the city centers.
5. Is breakfast included in the hotels? Yes, breakfast is included in all hotels.
6. What is the best time to visit Yunnan? The best time to see the rice terraces filled with water is between December and February. Yunnan has a pleasant climate year-round, but if you visit in summer, you may encounter some rain.
7. Are there many foreign tourists in Yunnan? Although Yunnan is less known to international tourists, it has become popular within China, so during peak season, you might encounter crowds at some tourist spots.
8. Can I personalize my trip? If this itinerary doesn’t suit your interests, we can design a personalized route or include other destinations based on your preferences.

Trip to China: Contact me for more information

Feel free to check out the blog for more information on each city. Also, here I talk about the best places to visit if you are coming to Yunnan. Also, you may be interested in Curiosities of living in China, my experience as an English teacher in Kunming and, last but not least, the Best tips for a trip to China.

If you decide to take a trip to China and visit Yunnan, you can get in touch with me (contacto@sindestinoaparente.com) for any questions you may have about our organized trip to Yunnan.

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.