If you want to come on a trip to Yunnan from this blog we offer you an 11 days tour with driver and Spanish speaking guide. Discover the deepest and most authentic China. Located in the southwest of China, bordering Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, Yunnan is slowly becoming the favorite province of many foreigners living in China.
We will visit ancient Chinese cities that have managed to preserve their original old town, visit the highest river canyons in the world reaching 2000 meters in altitude, and meet different ethnic minorities in Yunnan province.
This Yunnan tour is similar to the other Yunnan tour we organized, but a little shorter for those travelers who do not have so much time. Here is a summary of the itinerary of our organized trip through Yunnan that summarizes our motto of seeing amazing places but also living unique experiences.
Kunming, the capital of Yunnan, is known as “The Spring City” for its good climate. It is located 1,800 meters 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.
325 km away are the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, one of the best rice fields in all of China. It is almost unthinkable to travel to Yunnan and not visit the Yuanyang rice fields.
We will enjoy the famous rice terraces of Bada, Duoyishu and Laohuzui and make a route through lesser-known but equally spectacular villages.
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 old part of Jianshui and the main wall similar to what one can find in the Forbidden City of Beijing. We will stay in Jianshui.
During the trip from Kunming to Dali we will visit a few villages and places of interest along the way. Dali is one of the most famous cities in Yunnan for its beautiful old town. On the first day, we will visit the old part 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 different fishing villages and visit the Three Pagodas of Dali. Both days we will stay in the old part of Dali.
Shaxi, just two hours from Dali (150 km), is a quiet village historically known as a tea and horse trading center. We will visit Shibao Mountain, home to some of China’s most important stone carvings.
Shaxi, still far from tourism, is perfect for immersing yourself in the China of dynasties and emperors. Overnight in the old town of Shaxi.
In our way to Shangrila, we will visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the highest river canyons in the world where we can enjoy the spectacular views of the Yangtze River. Then we will continue to Shangrila.
At 3300m above sea level, Shangrila is the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Most of the inhabitants are ethnic Tibetans and the architecture of the houses and temples are Tibetan style. In Shangrila we will visit the old part and its surroundings, full of Tibetan temples and abundant nature. 220km from Shaxi. Accommodation in the old part of Shangrila.
Lijiang: Possibly the most charming village in Yunnan but also the most touristy. Stone bridges, streams, cobblestone streets and houses of traditional Chinese architecture make it still worth a visit.
Departure from China from Lijiang Airport. It is also possible to return to Kunming to take a flight from there.
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.
Don´t hesitate to have a look at the blog for information on each city. Don’t hesitate to have a look at the blog for information on each city. Also, you can check out my post about The 8 Best Places to Visit if you are coming from Yunnan.
You may also be interested in our other 14 days Route Organized by the most Outstanding Places in Yunnan. Take a look at the two itineraries to see which one you like best. If you decide to go on a trip to China and want to do a route around Yunnan, contact us (contacto@sindestinoaparente.com.)
Attention: The restrictions for Covid-19 in China are over, so we are back to organizing routes through Yunnan. News! During the next year, no visa fee will be required for a 15-day stay in China. For citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia, from December 2023 to November 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from these countries will be able to do business or travel to China without a visa for up to 15 days. Take advantage of the opportunity!
Destiny does not make home visits.
Carlos Ruiz Zafón
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