DAY 01 | ARRIVAL AT KUNMING
Welcome to Kunming, the Spring City of China!
Upon arrival at the Kunming airport, the local tour guide and driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel.
After some rest, you’ll start the tour to Western Hills also called “Sleeping Beauty Hills”. It looks like a beautiful young lady lying beside Dian Lake. It will be a perfectly lovely trip to walk in this long wedge of parkland and explore the famous temples (Huating Temple and Taihua Temple included).
Then, continue your trip to Yunnan Nationalities Museum, the largest minority museum in China.
DAY 02 | KUNMING
After breakfast, drive to the typical Karst landform – Stone Forest. Walk into the Greater Stone Forest, marvel at groups of gray-black stone peaks and climb up a pavilion to have a panoramic view of the intricate stone forest. Visit the Lesser Stone Forest and listen to the legendary story of “Ashima”.
Later, drive back to Kunming downtown area and pay a visit to the 1200-year-old Yuantong Buddhist Temple, the largest temple in Kunming City. Later, walk a few minutes to the most picturesque park in Kunming urban area – the Green Lake Park. Here you can share the happiness of local people’s doing tai chi, performing local opera, and other vibrant activities.
DAY 03 | KUNMING – DALI
On this day, reach train station in Kunming and take a morning high speed train to Dali (about 2 hours), a historical and cultural city for Bai ethnic group. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the local tour guide and transferred to begin today’s sightseeing.
You’ll first visit Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Monastery, the landmark of Dali. Visit Three Pagodas, Chongsheng Monastery and Reflection Lake.
Later, take a relaxing boat trip on the vast Erhai Lake (Ear-shaped Sea) with crystal clear water and charming landscape. On Erhai Lake cruise, you’ll enjoy the green Cangshan Mountain and Three Pagodas. Enjoy an excursion to one of the famous islands for an in-depth look at the peaceful Bai fishing village.
After the peaceful time, transfer to Dali Old Town . In the town, you’ll enjoy the City Wall, Gate-towers, elegant streets, small and exquisite courtyards, colorful flowers blooming in the sunshine. Climb up to Wuhua Tower and enjoy panoramic view of the whole old town.
DAY 04 | DALI – LIJIANG
In the morning, drive 18 km to Xizhou Ancient Town. Xizhou is the place which shows you the Bai minority cultural, the local people’s daily life and natural beauty.
Later, transfer to Lijiang with 2-hour driving. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a memorable tour to wander in Lijiang Ancient Town(Dayan Ancient Town). Pay a visit to Ming-dynasty style Mufu Palace, the “Forbidden City” of Lijiang to know Tusi’s ruling history and appreciate Naxi people’s brilliant culture and fine arts. If time permits, join the Naxi people and tourists to dance happily in a round.
DAY 05 | LIJIANG
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. First, you’ll be transferred out of Lijiang Old Town to Yuhu Village which is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. When walking into this authentic Naxi Village, you’ll see unique stone houses, Naxi ladies dressing in traditional clothes, kids playing, a tranquil Yuhu Lake. Visit the Former Residence of Joseph Rock, who was an Austrian-American Botanist came to Lijiang and stayed in Yuhu Village for 27 years and made huge research work on Naxi minority.
Later, head to Baisha Village and appreciate the ancient Baisha Mural Paintings. Visit Dabaoji Palace and Liuli Temple to view murals painted over 1000 years ago which is a combination of Tibetan Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Then, it is followed by a trip to Shuhe Ancient Town – one of the earliest settlements of Naxi people as well as the well-preserved stop of the Ancient Tea Horse Route.
After that, transfer to Dongba Culture Museum where more than 10,000 Dongba cultural relics show mysterious Dongba culture of the Naxi people. Take a gentle walk to Black Dragon Pool Park to enjoy gorgeous view and peaceful surroundings. If weather permits, get to the best spot to overlook the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and shoot some amazing pictures.
DAY 06 | LIJIANG – DEPARTURE
Enjoy a lavish buffet breakfast in at your Hotel; later complete your check-out formalities and embark on a journey to Airport to catch your flight to India. Board your flight from there and come back to your home with the cheerful memories of your wonderful trip.
***YOUR CHINA TOUR CONCLUDES***