West China Travel

Day 1 Kunming-Stone Forest-Nuohei Yi Minority Village
Arrive and meet at Kunming-Spring City of China. Drive 85 km (approx. 2 hrs) to the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, spanning 12 sq km. Explore the Greater Stone Forest, marveling at the cinerous stone pinnacles and panoramic views. Ride a bus to the Lesser Stone Forest, admiring the iconic “Ashima” stone and lush greenery. If time allows, visit Nuohei Village, a historic Yi minority village known for its karst landscape. Stay overnight in Shilin County after exploring the unique stone features.
Day 2 Stone Forest – Yuanyang & Bada Rice Terrace
The journey today covers 293 kilometers from Shilin County to Yuanyang, taking around 4 hours. Along the way, you can explore primitive ethnic villages near Yuanyang County.Upon arrival in Yuanyang, you’ll be taken to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Bada Rice Terraces for breathtaking sunset views and panoramic scenery. The 950-hectare rice paddies, ranging from 800 to 2000 meters, create a stunning sight resembling ladders to heaven as they glow in various shades during sunset.After the tour, return to your hotel for a relaxing night.
D3 Duoyishu Rice Terrace-Aichun-Azheke-Tiger Mouth Rice Terrace
Start your day early at Duoyishu Rice Terrace for a captivating sunrise amidst high mountains. Marvel at the misty Hani village with mushroom-like houses adorning the rice paddies, resembling sailboats at sea. The first light casts a splendid ray over the mountains, transforming the tranquil blue terraces into a brilliant golden hue. Next, head to Aichun Village to admire the blue rice terrace, reflecting the expansive sky. Enjoy picturesque views of azure skies, white clouds, and layered blue rice terraces from a high observation deck. Visit Azheke Village for a cultural trip, exploring old mushroom houses and engaging with local Hani families. Finally, capture breathtaking shots at Laohuzui Rice Terrace, the steepest and grandest in Yuanyang, for a sunset spectacle before returning to your hotel.
Ethnic Market in Yuanyang – Transfer to Jianshui to Visit Jianshui Ancient Town – Confucius Temple – Zhu Family Garden
Day 4 Yuanyang-Jianshui
After breakfast, enjoy the beautiful morning in Yuanyang before heading to the Ethnic Market & Bazaar, bustling with locals in traditional costumes trading daily supplies. It offers a glimpse into Hani people’s lives. Later, travel to Jianshui County, about 3-3.5 hours away. Visit Chaoyang Tower, nicknamed “Little Tian’anmen,” with a history older than Beijing’s Tian’anmen. Explore Jianshui Ancient Town, older than Lijiang Old Town, with ancient wells showcasing the importance of water in local cuisine. Visit Confucius Temple, a prestigious school for 750 years, and Zhu Family Garden, a Qing Dynasty residential complex. Rest well tonight!
Day 5 Jianshui-Kunming
Embark on a scenic journey from Jianshui Ancient Town aboard the meter-gauge sightseeing train to see Double Dragon Bridge and Tuanshan Folk Houses. The Yunnan meter-gauge railway, operational for 110 years, connects with neighboring countries and offers picturesque views of idyllic farming scenery. Double Dragon Bridge, also known as Shuanglong Bridge, spans 148 meters and crosses the Lu River and Tachong River, resembling two Chinese dragons. Listed among China’s top 10 famous bridges, it showcases Ming Dynasty architecture. Explore Tuanshan Village, renowned for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and traditional way of life. Conclude the tour in Kunming, where you’ll transfer to your hotel for rest.
Day 6 High Speed Train to Dali from Kunming
Morning, you’ll be taken to Kunming Railway Station for a 2-hour high-speed train journey to Dali. Upon arrival, a local guide will greet you and start the day’s sightseeing. Begin with a visit to the iconic Three Pagodas and Chongsheng Temple, both rich in history and architectural beauty.Next, explore the renowned Erhai Lake, known as the “Immaculate Jade between Mountains.” You have three options for exploring the lake: a sightseeing bus tour, a boat trip, or a cycling tour. Each offers a unique perspective and experience of the scenic surroundings.Afterward, venture into Dali Old Town, once the capital of Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. Stroll through its historic streets, visit Wuhua Tower, admire the picturesque Red Dragon Well, and browse shops selling Yunnan specialties. Finally, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Foreigner Street, experiencing the charm of this ancient town.
Day 7 Dali – Lijiang
Explore Xizhou Ancient Town after breakfast, where Bai people live and work authentically. Experience the local morning market with traditional costumes, offering fresh produce and daily necessities. Visit the Museum of Bai Architecture to admire exquisite residential complexes and learn about Bai culture through sculptures and paintings. Enjoy Bai’s Three-Course Tea and tea ceremony for a deeper understanding of their artistic culture. Then, visit Yan Family Compound to appreciate Bai ethnic architecture. Transfer to Zhoucheng Old Town to witness Bai Tie-dye art. In Lijiang, stroll through the ancient town, visit Mufu Palace, and explore Sifang Street Square for a lively atmosphere. Optionally, climb Wanggu Tower for a panoramic view.
Day 8 Lijiang
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Lijiang. First, you’ll visit Yuhu Village at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, known for its authentic Naxi culture. Explore the village, see unique stone houses, and visit the Former Residence of Joseph Rock, an Austrian-American botanist who lived there for 27 years. Then, head to Baisha Village to admire ancient Baisha Mural Paintings and visit Dabaoji Palace and Liuli Temple. Optionally, learn Baisha embroidery from local masters. Next, visit Shuhe Ancient Town, a well-preserved stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Route. Finally, explore Dongba Culture Museum and Black Dragon Pool Park for more cultural insights and scenic views.
Day 9 Lijiang-ShangriLa
Morning,Drive 52 kilometers to see the First Bend of Yangtze River, formed by the Jinsha River’s V-shaped turn at Shigu Town. Enjoy panoramic views of the bend before visiting the local market and Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument. Next, visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons globally, with stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. Walk along a plank road to Tiger Leaping Rock and take in the scenery. Optional elevators are available for convenience. Later, drive to Shangri-La and explore the area’s natural beauty. Finally, visit Dongba Culture Museum and Black Dragon Pool Park for cultural and scenic experiences.
Day 10 Shangri-La
Your guide and driver will pick you up after breakfast to visit Songzanlin Monastery, known as the “Little Potala Palace.” Established in 1679, it’s the largest monastery in Yunnan Province, housing around 700 monks. Explore the monastery’s three main buildings and witness monks going about their daily routines. Afterwards, head to Pudacuo National Park, China’s first park to meet international conservation standards. Enjoy the lush landscape with lakes, forests, and hiking opportunities. Be cautious of the high altitude (3500m-4150m) to avoid sickness. Finally, experienceTibetan hospitality and taste local snacks and butter tea with a Tibetan family.

Day 11 Shangri-La Departure

Explore Dukezong Old Town in Shangri-La, boasting a 1300-year history, the largest Tibetan community in China. Climb Guishan Hill for panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and the old town’s Tibetan dwellings. Turn the world’s largest Prayer Wheel clockwise. Optional: Learn traditional Tibetan Thangka at Shangri-la Thangka Institute. Depart from Shangri-La Zhongdian Airport for flights to various cities like Kunming, Lhasa, Chengdu, and more.

Total Price: 2990CNY/1pax
1825/1pax for 2 ppl’s group
1450CNY/1pax for 3 ppl’s group
1225CNY/1pax for 4 ppl’s group

Inclusion:
1 An English Spoken Guide
2 An private vehicle with air-condition&driver
3 Total Expense on all entry ticket for the group
4 Ticket list:Zhangjiajie National Park, Cablecar, Elevator, Tianmen Mountain, Cablecar, shuttle bus, Glass Walk, Escalotor.

Notice On Tranportation:
1 Service starts from arrival pickup to departure dropoff. The price is based on this fixed itinerary, not the one for the whole day use to go anywhere we want. If use it to visit extra spots which is not in the itinerary, need to pay extra for the service.
2 The private transportation we hired is not allowed to enter Zhangjiajie National Park&Mt.Tianmen which offer their own shuttle buses. There are local villager’s vans inside the park,but their cars have no insurance covering if accidents happen, so we choose not to hire,additionally, the price is expensive.
3 In busy tourism season, it may be not the same van to serve us for everyday. The company has a few vans going around at different areas or spots. There nearest one probably will be assigned to offer the private transportation service for us.

Exclusion:
1 Hotel ( Book on your own online following the location of each day in the itinerary. In this case, you will have more options to choose to meet your preference.
2 Meal (leave it flexible to make the tour go more efficiently. If want it to be included: 60CNY/1dinner/1pax -(1-2pax Group), 50CNY/1dinner/1pax-(3 and up Group)
3 Supplement on: (Snacks,Drinks,Tips & Other personal expense)

Notice:The price offered is just a reference for your tour budget, Since the tour cost is dependent on a number of factors:(Travel seasons,Festival,Holiday,No.of travelers in your group,Standards of hotel&transportation,etc.) If you are interested in this tour or would like to custumize one based on this itinerary,please Contact Us with your tour requests and preferences to get the current one.Thanks

Notice: Tours in western Hunan,China can be customized from 1-8 days. if you have longer duration, anytime to enquire us for the tours you like.