Yunnan
Classic Yunnan: Kunming to Shangri-La
Kunming · Lijiang · Shangri-La · Dali
Next: March 2027Max 20Flights incl.
From, per person
NZ$2,990
Guizhou & Yunnan Explorer
Guiyang · Xijiang · Kunming · Lijiang · Lugu Lake · Dali
From, per person
NZ$4,490
Duration15 days
Group sizeMax 20
FlightsIncluded from AKL
GuideEnglish-speaking
Activity levelModerate
Overview
Two of China's most diverse provinces in 15 days
Waterfalls and Miao villages in Guizhou, then the old towns and mountain lakes of Yunnan. Two provinces with more than 40 ethnic groups between them, connected by high-speed rail.
Huangguoshu Waterfall and Xijiang Miao Village
Lijiang Old Town
Lugu Lake and Mosuo culture
Dali and Erhai Lake
Itinerary
Day by day
- DAY1
Check in at Auckland International Airport and board your flight to China, connecting to your first destination. Our team will be in touch before departure with your flight details and pre-departure information.
Meals: Not includedOvernight: On board - DAY2
Arrive and transfer to Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou. Spend the evening trying the local sour fish soup and silk dumplings.
Meals: Not includedOvernight: Guiyang, 4-star hotel - DAY3
Visit Huangguoshu, one of the largest waterfalls in Asia, together with the wide curtain of Doupotang Falls and the stone forests of Tianxing Bridge.
Meals: Breakfast, LunchOvernight: Anshun, hotel - DAY4
View the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, one of the highest bridges in the world, then explore Qingyan, a Ming dynasty fortress town of stone lanes and temples. Continue to Libo.
Meals: Breakfast, LunchOvernight: Libo, hotel - DAY5
Walk through Xiaoqikong, a UNESCO natural site of emerald pools, forest and waterfalls. In the afternoon, travel to Xijiang, the largest Miao village in China, as the lights come on across the hillside houses.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerOvernight: Xijiang, village hotel - DAY6
Spend the morning in Xijiang learning about Miao silverwork, embroidery and wooden stilt-house architecture. Return to Guiyang and visit Jiaxiu Tower on the Nanming River.
Meals: Breakfast, LunchOvernight: Guiyang, 4-star hotel - DAY7
Arrive in Kunming and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free; Nanping Street and the Jinma Biji Archway are good places for a first taste of Yunnan's famous crossing-the-bridge noodles.
Meals: Not includedOvernight: Kunming, 4-star hotel - DAY8
Take the high-speed train to Lijiang and continue to Yuhu Village beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, once home to the explorer and botanist Joseph Rock.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerOvernight: Lijiang, 4-star hotel - DAY9
A free day to enjoy Lijiang at your own pace. Wander the lanes of the Old Town, climb Lion Hill for views over the rooftops, or head to the quieter village of Shuhe for coffee and craft shops.
Meals: BreakfastOvernight: Lijiang, 4-star hotel - DAY10
Drive into the mountains to Lugu Lake, a high-altitude lake on the Yunnan–Sichuan border and home of the Mosuo people, one of the last matrilineal societies in the world. In the evening, join the villagers for a traditional bonfire with singing and dancing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerOvernight: Lugu Lake, lakeside hotel - DAY11
Cross the lake by traditional Mosuo dugout canoe to Liwubi Island. Return to Lijiang in the afternoon for an evening in the Old Town.
Meals: Breakfast, LunchOvernight: Lijiang, 4-star hotel - DAY12
Travel to Dali and visit the Three Pagodas, then explore Xizhou, a Bai village of historic courtyard houses, by horse cart through the rice paddies.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerOvernight: Dali, 4-star hotel - DAY13
Follow the shore of Erhai Lake to the S-bend at Panxi and the village of Zhoucheng, where you'll try the Bai craft of tie-dyeing. Finish in Dali Old Town.
Meals: Breakfast, LunchOvernight: Dali, 4-star hotel - DAY14
Enjoy a final breakfast before a private transfer to the airport for your flight home to Auckland.
Meals: BreakfastOvernight: On board - DAY15
Arrive back in Auckland, with plenty of stories to tell.
Meals: Not included
What's included
- Return economy flights from Auckland, including taxes
- All domestic flights and high-speed trains shown in the itinerary
- 4-star hotels, twin share (5-star where stated)
- Daily breakfast and the meals listed in the itinerary
- English-speaking local guides throughout
- Private coach and airport transfers
- Entrance fees for all sightseeing listed
- Small group of no more than 20 travellers
Not included
- Chinese visa (New Zealand passport holders currently travel visa-free for up to 30 days)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Single supplement
- Optional activities and meals not listed
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses
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