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12 Days Photo Tour to Dreamlike and Colorful Yunnan

Destination:Dali, Diqing(Shangri-La), Kunming, Lijiang

Tour Code: CPT03

Tour Duration: 12 Days

Tour overview:
Praised as a dreamy and beautiful place, Yunnan Province of China has been described as the "heaven south of the clouds". City of Eternal Spring-Kunming, Historical Jianshui and Dali, Legendary Lijiang... Both you and your camera will fell in love with this beautiful place-Yunnan!

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Day by Day Itinerary

Tour Summary

Reviews

B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner

Day 1

Arrive in Kunming

Transfer via: Flight – on your own arrangement

Upon your arrival in Kunming, your local guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. For the rest of the day you will enjoy some leisure time to relax or have a first look at the new surrounding.

Day 2

Kunming to Jianshui (B, L)

Kunming to Jianshui (B, L)

Transfer via: private vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Stone Forest

Today we will go on a full day trip to Stone forest. Due to a process of weathering and erosion, nature has created an art gallery of stone sculpture here. This typical Karst physiognomy seems like a forest of stone pillars and boulders. You will see fascination natural creations like Lion Arbor, Sword Peak Pond, Lotus Peak, Moon Lake, Jade Lake, and Dadie Waterfall.

Following, we will drive for three hours to Jianshui. Jianshui, is a culturally significant city south of Kunming, historically it has served as the home of many important officials.

Day 3

Jianshui (B, L)

Jianshui (B, L)

Sightseeing: Tuanshan village, Shuanglong Bridge, Confucius Temple, Zhu Family Garden

This morning, we walk around the old town of Jianshui. We then drive out of town to the Tuanshan village to admire the ancient town and the Shuanglong Bridge.

Then, we visit the nearby Confucius Temple. Jianshui Confucius Temple is the biggest one in Yunnan Province, it was first built in 1285, through expansion of more than 40 times, its area measures 114 mu (7.6 hectares) today. Construction is an imitation of the Qufu Confucius Temple,

In the late afternoon, we visit the Zhu Family Garden. It is seated in Jianxin Street, Jianshui County. It was built by Zhu Weiqing, a successful businessman and his brother, in late Qing Dynasty around 100 years ago, construction work brokenly lasted 30 years. Garden covers a total area of 20,000 square meters, this grand complex is a typical local residence with distinctive features, with labyrinth arrangements of yards, pathways and elaborately-furnished rooms and halls, and it enjoys the fame "the Grand View Garden in Southern Yunnan". Zhu Family Garden embodies the combination of inland Chinese.

Day 4

Jianshui to Yuanyang (B, L)

Transfer via: private vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Photo shoot the sunset at Laohuzui

After leaving Jianshui, we drive across the mountain and descend into the Red River Valley. This subtropical area is quite foggy throughout the whole year. The Rice terraces in Yuanyang present us with some magnificent photographic opportunities.

This afternoon, we drive to Laohuzui (Tiger's mouth) to gaze upon the sunset over the terraces before we drive to Yuanyang.

Day 5

Yuanyang Terrace (B, L)

Yuanyang Terrace (B, L)

Sightseeing: Yuanyang Terrace Filed, Hani Village

Early this morning, we drive to Shengcun to view the sunrise over the terraces. Discover the super gorgeous terraced rice paddies, which have been built and maintained for generations. Yuanyang Terraced Fields has been placed into the preparatory list of World Heritage in China; the Application of Honghe Hani Terraced Fields for World Heritage has been committed to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization by Chinese Government in January, 2002.  

After that, we visit the Hani people in their thatched mushroom houses. The Hani are one of the many unique tribes in Yunnan. Walk in the Hani villages nestled amid the "Mirror of Heaven".

In the afternoon, we drive to Laohuzui (Tiger's Mouth), another site of terraced paddies.

Day 6

Yuanyang to Kunming (B, L)

Transfer via: private vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: photo shoot sunrise over the terraces

Get up early and photo shoot the sunrise over the Hani Terraces.

After breakfast, we head back to Jianshui where we have lunch before continuing our drive to Kunming.

After a long day of driving, after checking in to the hotel, you will have free time to explore the town or just take a rest.

Day 7

Kunming to Dali (B, L)

Kunming to Dali (B, L)

Transfer via: Bullet train on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Erhai Lake, Ancient City of Dali, Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

In the morning your local guide will transfer you to the railway station where you take bullet train to Dali.

Upon your arrival there, you will be greeted by your local guide and then visit Erhai Lake. Erhai Lake is the largest highland lake next to Dianchi and one of the seventh biggest fresh water lakes in China. It means, 'sea shaped like an ear', in Chinese. Implying that the lake is ear shaped and as large as a sea, hence it was so named. The lake covers an area of 250 square kilometers and is located about two kilometers east of Dali. 

The next stop will be the Ancient City of Dali, which is a magnificent ancient city with a perimeter of 6 kilometers. Its former city wall is 7.5 meters high and 6 meters thick. There used to be four city gates, each on one side. On the gates were the gate towers. While Xiaguan, the capital of the Autonomous Region of Dali, depicts you a scene of prosperity and bloom, the Ancient City of Dali will give you a simple, unsophisticated and quiet impression.

Finally you will see the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. It is a symbol of the history of Dali City, and a record of the development of Buddhism in the area. As its name implies, Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle. This is unique in China.

Day 8

Dali to Lijiang (B, L)

Transfer via: private vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Cangshan, Shaxi village

In the morning, we take a cable car to the top of Cangshan for a bird's eye view of the Erhai valley.

After lunch, we will drive to Lijiang. About three hours later, we get to Jianchuan and then take a country road to Shaxi. The Shaxi village is nestled deep within the Parallel Rivers area near Jianchuan between Lijiang and Dali. It is a culturally diverse town home to the Bai and Yi minorities.

Later, we drive to Lijiang and enjoy some free time.

Day 9

Lijiang (B, L)

Lijiang (B, L)

Sightseeing: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Dongba Village

This morning, we visit and photograph the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain along with a bridge and a peaceful lake. It is the southernmost marine glacier in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. Altogether there are 13 peaks along the range, stretching for over 35km from south to north. The summit, Shanzidou, is 5596 meters above sea level. Viewed from afar, the snow-capped range resembles a silver dragon with snow curling up its middle. Rich forest, herb and animal resources thrive on the mountain.

On our way we will stop at Dongba Village in Yushui Stockade, which is built completely according to the traditional life style of Naxi Minority. You can feel the traditional atmosphere of national culture from the layout of its yard, building facilities, tools and details of life.

Evening we will enjoy ancient Naxi Music.

Day 10

Lijiang to Zhongdian (B, L)

Lijiang to Zhongdian (B, L)

Transfer via: private vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Tiger Leaping Gorge, first Bend of the Yangtze River

In the morning you will be transferred to Zhongdian. 

On the way, you will fist visit Tiger Leaping Gorge. Being one of Yunnan's most famous spots, the gorge itself is tucked neatly between the Yulong Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, which surround its two sides.

Secondly, we will see the First Bend of the Yangtze River. It lies in Shigu Town, Lijiang. Rushing down from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, "the roof of the world", the Yangtze surges into Yunnan from its northwest, where it meets Lancang River and Nu River. Then, they go together through the high mountains and deep gorges of Hengduan Mountains. You will be impressed by this natural power.

Day 11

Zhongdian (B, L)

Zhongdian (B, L)

Sightseeing: Song Zanlin Monastery, Shudu Lake
 
This morning, we drive to the Song Zanlin Monastery to photograph the tranquil morning scenery before visiting the monastery. Songzanlin Monastery, which is a typical Lama monastery. Located at the foot of Mt. Foping, four kilometers north of Zhongdian County, a monastery was first built here in 1679 and has been rebuilt many times. The architectural style of the building is a faithful imitation of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

In the afternoon, we drive to the picturesque Shudu Lake. As one of the largest plateau lakes in Shangri-la, Shudu Lake is renowned for its limpid water and unique fish in it. The lake is surrounded by green hills with lush virgin forests, which is the home to a variety of rare birds and animals. The lakeside is a famous pasture, where the water and grass are abundant.

Day 12

Zhongdian to Kunming / Departure (B)

Transfer via: Flight on our own arrangement

In the morning, you will be met and transferred to airport to take a flight back to Kunming and then a connecting flight back home.

B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner

Tour Dates Destinations Services Provided Meals Included
Day 1
Kunming

Upon arriving at Kunming airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Howard Johnson Tropical Garden Plaza Kunming Kunming Jin Jiang Hotel Yunnan Jinhua International Hotel
B L D
Day 2
Kunming/Jianshui

This morning, we drive to the Stone Forest and have a visit there. Then we drive for three hours to Jianshui.
B L D
Day 3
Jianshui

Today we will walk around the old town of Jianshui.
Then drive out of town to the village of Tuanshan to admire the ancient town and the Shuanglong Bridge.
Afternoon, we will visit the Confucius Temple and the Zhu Family Garden.
B L D
Day 4
Jianshui/Yuanyang

After breakfast, we drive across the mountain and descend into the Red River Valley. Take some photographic opportunities.
Afternoon, we drive to Laohuzui (Tiger's mouth) to gaze upon the sunset over the terraces before we drive to Yuanyang.
B L D
Day 5
Yuanyang

Early this morning, we drive to Shengcun to view the sunrise over the terraces.
Then we will visit the Hani People.
In the afternoon, we drive to Laohuzui (Tiger's Mouth), another site of terraced paddies.
B L D
Day 6
Yuanyang/Jianshui/Kunming

Get up early to photo shoot the sunrise over the terraces.
After breakfast, we head back to Jianshui where we have lunch before continuing our drive to Kunming.
Afternoon will be free time for you to explore the town or to take a rest.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Howard Johnson Tropical Garden Plaza Kunming Kunming Jin Jiang Hotel Yunnan Jinhua International Hotel
B L D
Day 7
Kunming/Dali

Take morning train to Dali. Upon our arrival in Dali, you will be met & take a cruise on the Erhai Lake and visit The Ancient City of Dali , The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple .

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Dali Regent Hotel Dali Asia Star Hotel Landscape Courtyard
B L D
Day 8
Dali/Lijiang

In the morning, we take a cable car to the top of Cangshan for a bird's eye view of the Erhai Valley.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Lijiang Ancient Town Hexi Hotel, Lijiang Jinhong Villa Hotel
B L D
Day 9
Lijiang

Today we will visit and photograph the Yulong Snow Mountain , Dongba Culture Museum .
This evening, we will enjoy the Naxi Ancient Music .

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Lijiang Ancient Town Hexi Hotel, Lijiang Jinhong Villa Hotel
B L D
Day 10
Lijiang/Diqing(Shangri-La)

After breakfast, we will drive to the First Bend of the Yangtze River and take a stop at the Tiger Leaping Gorge .
Then we keep on driving northwards to Zhongdian.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Shangri-la Paradise Hotel Holy Palace Hotel Pacific Rim Hotel
B L D
Day 11
Diqing(Shangri-La)

Today we will drive to the Songzanlin Monastery to photograph the tranquil morning scenery before visiting the monastery.
Afternoon, we will drive to Shuoduhai Lake , which is renowned for its picturesque scenery.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Shangri-la Paradise Hotel Holy Palace Hotel Pacific Rim Hotel
B L D
Day 12
Diqing(Shangri-La)/Kunming

Take morning flight back to Kunming and then a connecting flight back home.
B L D

-NOTE:

1. Normally hotels allow a maximum of 3 adults per room with an extra bed, at extra charge. Some hotels will allow three adults and a small child.

2. Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.

3. More people more discounts. Please enquire for more details.

Price Includes

A. Entrance fees：To scenic spots as listed above in the itinerary.
B. Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary.
C. Private Transfers: Among airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in the above cities by the private air conditioned vehicle.
D. Guide and Driver: As outlined in the itinerary, a well selected English-speaking guide and driver will accompany you throughout the entire tour in that city. They do not fly with you from one city to another.
E. Hotels: Hotel Based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.
F. Luggage Transfers: Between airports and hotels.
G. Service Charge & Government Taxes.
H. Travel insurance in mainland China during the above travel period.
I. Arrangements: The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

Quick Questions

Our team is waiting for your questions. Please feel free to ask us any questions you might have about our China package tours, Chinese culture, or the sites available. We will gladly help you with any special needs you might have and all questions, like our trip designing is completely free of charge.