If you are looking for an organized trip to Yunnan, you are in the right place. Traveling in China can be complicated by the language barrier so the route includes an experienced guide who has lived in Yunnan for years and will make your trip much easier.
Also, getting around China, looking for stations, buying tickets, taking taxis, etc. can sometimes be a real hassle. That’s why the route is planned to be done with a private driver to take you everywhere. Without a doubt, it is a lifesaver for any trip in China and, above all, for Yunnan, a province that is not yet used to tourism.
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.
During these 14 day trip to Yunnan the objectives we set ourselves will be:
The following is a step-by-step account of the 14-day route through Yunnan:
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.
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.
From Yuanyang Terraces we will drive to Jianshui. 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 old part of Jianshui and the main wall similar to what one can find in the Forbidden City in Beijing. Jianshui its 110Km from Yuanyang. We will stay in Jianshui.
From Jianshui we will go to Kunming, stopping in Shibing. Kunming, the capital of Yunnan is known as “The City of Spring” because of its good climate. It is 1800m above sea level.
We will visit the sights of the city center and the Green Lake, a beautiful lake where locals gather to perform traditional Yunnan dances. Overnight in Kunming.
From Kunming we will go to Weishan, 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.
Another point of interest to visit in the area, just 15 km away, is Weibaoshan; one of the 14 Taoist mountains in China.
One of the most famous cities in Yunnan for its old town. On the first day we will visit the old part of Dali, which is surrounded by walls and has managed to preserve the traditional architecture of the Bai ethnic minority.
On the second day, we will tour Erhai Lake, one of the largest lakes in China. We will stop at various fishing villages and visit the Three Pagodas of Dali. Both days we will stay in the old part of Dali.
Shaxi: Two hours from Dali is this quiet village historically known as a tea and horse trading center. We will visit Shibao Mountain, home to some of the most important stone carvings in China.
Shaxi, still away from tourism, is perfect for immersing yourself in the China of dynasties and emperors. It is 150km from Dali. Accommodation in the old town of Shaxi.
Visit to Tiger Leaping Gorge, the highest river canyons in the world, passing where we can enjoy the spectacular views of the Yangse River.
Then, we will continue to Shangrila. At an altitude of 3300m, Shangrila is the capital of the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The majority of the inhabitants are ethnic Tibetans and both the architecture of the houses and the temples are Tibetan style.
In Shangrila, we will know the ancient part and its surroundings, full of Tibetan temples and abundant nature. 220km from Shaxi. Accommodation in the ancient part of Shangrila.
Lijiang is possibly the most charming village in Yunnan, but also the most touristic. Stone bridges, streams, cobbled streets and houses of traditional Chinese architecture make it worth a visiting.
We will get to know the Naxi culture, the ethnic minority from Tibet and currently the largest in the area. The old part of Lijiang was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. 180Km from Shangrila. Lodging in the old part of Lijiang.
Return to Kunming where we will enjoy a little more of the capital of Yunnan and all it has to offer. Farewell dinner in Kunming. The next day, on the 14th, our driver will take us to the airport.
To make your trip around Yunnan easier, the price of the route we offer is almost all included:
You can choose to travel to Yunnan as a couple, with friends or in an organized group. If you prefer to travel as a couple or with friends in private, we can organize a trip to Yunnan during any time of the year. However, if you choose to travel in an organized group, we have divided the travel groups into fortnights. The groups are minimum of 2 people and maximum of 10.
The price of the trip varies according to the people who come on the trip. The more people who sign up, the cheaper it is:
Prices are approximate and may vary according to the requirements of each group and the season in which they travel.
Important note: There are risks in any type of exercise. In case of illness, injury or death during exercise, we will help you seek medical treatment and follow-up with insurance immediately. Our company and the third party will not make any compensation.
Feel free to check out the blog for more information on each city. Also, here I talk about the 8 best places to visit if you are coming to Yunnan. You may also be interested in our shorter route of 11 days visiting Yunnan. Take a look at the two itineraries to see which one you like the most.
If you decide to take a trip to China and visit Yunnan, you can contact us (contacto@sindestinoaparente.com) for any questions you may have about our organized trip to Yunnan, specify the method of payment and tell us what dates you would like to come on the trip.
Attention: The restrictions for Covid-19 in China are over, so we are back to organizing routes through Yunnan. And from December 2023 to November 2024, no visa fee is required to stay in China for a 15-day trip!
We don’t travel to escape life, we travel so that life doesn’t escape us.
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