7 Days Yunnan Charming Old Town Tour

Get picked up from your hotel by your guide and driver,begin your journey through the diverse landscapes of China's most spectacular province in the regional capital of Kunming. We will take the 7-hour journey south to one of the most spectacular sceneries in the world, the Yuanyang Scenic Area, maybe Yunnan’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Yuanyang is a big area, with the stunning rice terraces spread between several small villages. We will first visit Qingkou Village, tucked away in a valley. Qingkou is a typical Hani ethnic minority hamlet, where the Hani people managed to practice their agriculture in perfect balance with nature for over a thousand years. Primal country life still exists in this place where forest, village, watering system and fields created a unique working ecosystem. We then visit Bada Rice Terraces, the biggest of all the rice terraces in Yuanyang area, that covers the entire valley like a colorful carpet.

Later in the evening, we’ll head to the rice terraces at Laohuzui, or translated ‘Tiger Mouth’. A fierce name that reflects the intensiveness of magnificence of the terraced valley, with vivid and iridescent reflections on the water during sunset, her colors changing like a kaleidoscope. Definitely a stop for photographers, but also for anyone who wants to experience this magical moment without lens.

Get up very early in the morning and drive through the early twilight hours to Duoyishu Village. Here you will find the best place in the area to see the golden sun rise over the mountains and shine her pink and azure light on the shimmering water of the rice paddies.

In the afternoon, We continue our way to Jianshui ancient town, with still the original style of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Many buildings are still intact, like the impressive gate tower Chaoyang Tower, the only city gate to have survived wars, weather and time. You will be drop off at the hotel in Jianshui and will have time to explore this ancient town on your own.

After breakfast, we will visit the most famous attraction in Jianshui is the Zhu's Family Garden. This 20.000 square meter private complex was built over 30 years in the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911) by the influential Zhu brothers, and is downright impressive in its gigantic size and historical importance. The brothers earned their wealth by trading in everything possible from tin to opium until they eventually fell victim to the political chaos in 1911.

Afterwards we visit the Confucius Temple, which is the second largest of its kind in the whole of China. Built in 1285 and astoundingly well preserved, this temple is a precious architectural and cultural relic.

Continuing to Kunming (about 3 hours) , we will go to the Kunming railway station directly to catch the train to Dali (about 2 hours). Once you arrived at Dali Railway Station in Xiaguan City, your Dali driver will be waiting and take you to your hotel in Dali Old Town,the heartlands of the Bai ethnic minority,but also inhabited by Yi and Hui minority.

After breakfast, get driven to Xizhou and visit the charming Xizhou morning market. See locals dressed in traditional minority clothing sell and buy local fruits, strange vegetables, freshly cut meat, piles of fragrant spices and anything else you can think of. Wander through the rest of town and visit exquisitely well-preserved old Bai-style traditional courtyards and taste Three Courses Tea. Xizhou is a small town with a long history, dating back thousands of years, when it was an ancient economic hub along the tea-horse road.

Later, continue to Zhoucheng village, which has earned the nickname 'the Hometown to tie-dyeing' and take a look around a traditional Tie-Dye workshop. All tie-dye products are handmade with natural materials and dyes. Here you can see how grandmothers hand over this century old tradition to mothers and daughters and follow their process and even make your own tie-dye product.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy a short boat trip on Lake Erhai and enjoy the majestic views of the green and clouded Cangshan Mountain Range looming over Dali’s lands from far while swarms of birds fly peacefully around you over the tranquil lake.

In the late afternoon and evening, you can enjoy your free time in Dali Old Town, famous for her relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. Climb the City Wall and stroll through the shopping roads which are very famous in Dali. You are free to explore the lively Dali street culture, have a drink in one of Dali’s many cozy little bars or warmly decorated coffeeshops or stroll around its lively main streets where local artists sell all kinds of beautiful handicrafts.

After breakfast, you will drive to Shaxi (about 2 hours’ drive) with the beautiful farmlands and ethnic villages on the way. Shaxi Old Town has thousands of years of history and you can stroll through the streets and feel like you went a thousand years back in time.

You will first explore the Shibao Mountain Scenic Area, home to many temples and some of the most impressive stone carvings in China, both depictions of the court of the ancient Dali Nanzhao Empire dating back to the 8th century, and magnificent examples of early Buddhist art.

After the tour, contine to Lijiang (about 1.5 hours) and we will take you directly to your hotel, so that you can enjoy Lijiang Old Town by night, a location that well deserves its reputation as being the most romantic spot in all of China. Her pretty streams that wind through a maze of enchanting back alleys is part of an ancient complex water-supply system of that still functions effectively today. Lijiang was a key stopping point of the Tea Horse Road and has long been a magnet for traders, merchants, bandits and slavers. The town is set in a truly exceptional mountain landscape which will remain with you for the rest of your life.

Begin your day with a pickup service from your hotel in or near Lijiang Ancient Town, where your expert guide and driver will take you on a scenic transfer to the iconic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a true natural wonder. It is a towering range with 13 majestic peaks, each offering a stunning view. This mountain is revered for its untouched beauty and spiritual significance, providing a perfect blend of serene landscapes and rugged terrain.

Experience the grandeur of the mountain from above as you board the Spruce Meadow Cable Ride. Enjoy aerial views of lush meadows, dense forests, and towering peaks, capturing spectacular moments to remember. The panoramic vistas make it an ideal stop for photography enthusiasts.

Later, head to the serene Blue Moon Valley, a hidden gem within the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area. The valley’s turquoise waters, surrounded by dramatic landscapes, create an almost surreal, tranquil atmosphere. This enchanting spot is perfect for relaxation and reflection, as well as incredible photo opportunities.

We continue our way to Baisha Village with its famous Buddhist Murals. These are part of local heritage with a history of over 600 years and also belong to the World Cultural Heritage of the UNESCO since 1997. The old town is highly rated for its traditional Naxi style and being one of the earliest Naxi villages. The local traditional embroidery is worth a look as well, it is considered as some of the greatest handicraft in the world.

On your way back to Lijiang Ancient Town, we’ll make stops at Shuhe Ancient Town, one of the original towns along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, preserves its historical charm with cobbled streets and time-honored architecture.

This is your last chance to shop around Lijiang Old Town and buy colourful souvenirs, fragrant flower teas or yak jerky, before your guide and driver will pick you up and drop you off at Lijiang Airport, Lijiang Railway Station or one of Lijiang’s Bus Terminals. We hope you had a great time in Yunnan and hope to welcome you again!