5 Days Kunming Shadian Muslim Tour with Jianshui

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Kunming

   Welcome to Kunming, the Spring City. Upon arrival, your private driver will pick you up and send you to a hotel in the city center for check-in. You are free to visit during the remaining time.

   You can take a stroll around Dianchi Lake, the highland pearl of Kunming, only 20-minute drive away from your hotel. Enjoy the lovely breeze blowing on your skin and the sight of Xishan Hill looking like a sleeping beauty. Walk along the shore of Haigeng Park, and if you visit in winter, watch red-billed gulls flying around. A boat ride on the lake is available (optional). After that, go to Haiyan Village to catch the sunset view, the orange glow on the lake.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Kunming
2. Day 2: Kunming to Shadian
   Discover China’s Largest Karst Cave Complex

   After breakfast, a 1.5-hour drive will take you to Jiuxiang Cave Scenic Area, one of the most magnificent karst landscapes in China. The caves date back to more than 600 million years ago and there are over a hundred of them around the area with different sizes. The geologists even call it a "Natural Cave Museum" for the wide variety of caves.

   Besides fossils of prehistoric marine microorganisms, you will see vast underground plazas, fish-back-shaped rocks and other rare hydrological and geological formations.

   Yincui Gorge is a stunning 600-meter-long canyon that brings the ancient mountains down to the water with their reflections. A boat ride through the gorge takes you to the dramatic and ever-changing panorama that makes you think of a classical Chinese painting (optional, at your own expense). The place has inspired many a poet and writer so that they have given it the romantic name "Lover's Valley" for its poetic nature.

   

   The spectacular Lion Hall, covering 15,000 square meters, is recognized as the world's largest underground hall, hosting tens of thousands of people. Step into the elegant Fairy Palace, a classic karst cave adorned with translucent stalactites resembling celestial maidens singing and dancing.

   Later, drive approximately 3 hours to Shadian, where you will check in at a local hotel for an overnight stay.

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   4-Star Hotel in Shadian
3. Day 3: Shadian to Jianshui
   Explore Islamic Heritage and Stroll through a Historic Towns

   In the early hours of the day, follow your tour guide to see the Shadian Great Mosque, one among the top religious sites of Islam in southwest China. The mosque has gone through cycles of devastation and reconstruction but still exhibits strong features of the Ming and Qing-dynasty Chinese imperial architecture. Besides being a worship place, the mosque also plays the role of a community educational center where a Muslim girls' school and a kindergarten are located.

   

   The design of the building is very striking: the large prayer hall, together with the minaret and both the north and south side halls, create an open, square-like courtyard that brings to mind the traditional Chinese siheyuan; and shows how nicely the Islamic faith and the Chinese architectural styles can be mixed. Next to the mosque is a shop for Muslim accessories where you can have a light meal or buy local gifts.

   After the visit, transfer by vehicle to Jianshui (about one hour). Upon hotel check-in, enjoy free time to explore Jianshui Ancient Town at your own pace. With more than 50 historic structures built over twelve centuries, the town is often praised as a “Museum of Ancient Architecture.”

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   4-Star Hotel in Jianshui
4. Day 4: Jianshui Historical Landmarks, Back to Kunming
   Discover Jianshui's Iconic City Gate and Grand Courtyard Architecture

   Start your journey by stopping at the Chaoyang Tower, not only the most enduring symbol of Jianshui and southern Yunnan but also a great place to get to know the area better. The tower first built in 1389 during the Ming dynasty has not only seen but also been a part of history for centuries. The tower has been preserved in its original form to this day, and that is very impressive considering the many earthquakes that have hit the region.

   

   The present-day complex includes a stunning triple-eaved pavilion, soaring 24.5 meters into the air. Its vaulted eaves are decorated with bells made of bronze which create a faint sound when the wind blows. A huge bell from the Ming dynasty that is two meters tall and weighs 1,700 kilograms is located next to a Qing dynasty plaque inscribed “雄镇东南”. That indicates the city's past military significance.

   Next, continue to Zhu Family Garden. It was originally a private mansion built by local wealthy brothers with the surname Zhu. The residential buildings and garden art are perfectly integrated here.

   There are lots of exquisite wood carvings, stone carvings and brick carvings, and all of them are of extremely high craftsmanship. Besides, you can see rockeries, ponds, pavilions and scenic spots such as "Lotus Pond", "Rice Field". It is the largest and best-preserved group of Qing Dynasty residential buildings still existing in southern Yunnan.

   This is the end of your Jianshui exploration. It's time to drive back to Kunming.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Kunming
5. Day 5: Kunming Islamic Heritage, Departure
   Discover Islamic Legacy and Witness City Landmark

   After breakfast, visit the oldest and largest mosque in Kunming - Nancheng Mosque - built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1638). The core building features a typical Chinese palace style while its interior decoration reflects elements of Islamic architecture.

   The cultural relics such as inscriptions and plaques from the Ming and Qing dynasties inside the mosque record the development of Nancheng Mosque and your tour guide will explain to you. This mosque is a witness to the harmonious coexistence of ethnic groups and religions in Kunming.

   

   Next, go to see Jinma Biji Archways, Kunming's most significant and recognizable symbol. The extravagant archways, standing at 12 meters high and 18 meters wide, are made with elaborate carvings and have a history of almost 400 years. At sunset, and during exceptional astronomical situations, the two archways' shadows slowly approach each other and, finally, overlap, producing the famous occurrence believed to take place only once every sixty years.

   After that, transfer you to the airport or the railway station for departure. Your 5-day Yunnan Muslim tour in Kunming and Jianshui comes to an end. Thank you very much for choosing China Xian Tour team!

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