5 Days Kunming Shadian Muslim Tour with Jianshui

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kunming Arrival

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

   We recommend a visit to Dianchi Lake, the highland pearl of Kunming. You will 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, enjoy watching red-billed gulls flying around. For those who fancy, a boat ride on the lake is offered (optional). Then, go to Haiyan Village to catch the sunset. The lake receives the orange glow, it is really beautiful.

   

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

   After breakfast, you will be accompanied by your guide and a car will take you to Jiuxiang Cave Scenic Area, which is one of the most magnificent landscapes in China created by the karst process. The caves at Jiuxiang date back to more than 600 million years ago and there are more than a hundred of them around the area with different sizes. The geologists even call it a Natural Cave Museum for the rich variety of caves. Besides fossils of prehistoric marine microorganisms, you will also 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 is a way to get yourself a seat for the dramatic and ever-changing panorama that makes one 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, capable of 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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   3-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 there 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 (approximately 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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   3-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, which has been not only the most enduring symbols of Jianshui and southern Yunnan but also a great place to get to know the area better. The tower, which was first built in 1389 during the Ming dynasty, has not only seen but also been a part of history for centuries. The tower has managed to be very much in its original form to this day, and that is very impressive considering the multiple 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” which indicates the city's past military significance.

   Next, continue to the elegant Zhu Family Garden, an outstanding example of late Qing residential architecture. Facing southeast and extending northwest, the complex combines private residences with an ancestral hall. Within its harmonious layout, you will find refined courtyards, flower halls, an embroidered tower, guest rooms, ponds, gardens, opera stage, pavilions, workshops, farmland, rockeries, jujube orchards, and bamboo groves. Each space is carefully designed, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and a seamless blend of architecture and nature.

   After the visit, drive back to Kunming, where you will check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

   

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

   After breakfast, be guided to visit Nancheng Mosque. It has been the center of Islamic activities in Yunnan for nearly a century. Covering an area of about 5,000 square meters, the mosque stands out for its distinctive architectural style, which harmoniously blends traditional Chinese design with subtle Buddhist artistic elements. The overall layout resembles a phoenix spreading its wings, symbolizing harmony and renewal.

   

   Continue to Jinma Biji Archways, which are Kunming's most significant and recognizable symbol. The extravagant archways which are 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 the visit, you will be transferred to the airport or the railway station for departure. This is the end of your 5-day Yunnan Muslim tour. Thank you very much for choosing China Xian Tour team!

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