7 Days Yunnan Tour to Jianshui Yuanyang Puzhehei Mile
Tour Overview
This is a 7-day deluxe tour of Yunnan (Jianshui-Yuanyang-Puzhehei Mile) that goes beyond and above the normal tour packages and it’s designed to give you more unique experiences. And our incredible journey begins from Kunming. The crystal clear Fuxian Lake, which also known as “a large area of shining glass”, will be the great starting point.
During the trip, experiencing the authentic life of the Yi Nationality in historic towns is with a major importance. We’ll catch the sunset falling down the Hani Rice Terraces at Tiger Mouth; explore the peculiar Karst caves and pastoral scenery in Puzhehei Park; and enjoy a wine culture tour in Yunnan Red Chateau at Mile.
Travel destinations: Kunming, Jianshui, Yuyang, Puzhehei, Mile
Suitable for: Photographers, Nature Lovers, Cultural Explorers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Take a 2-hour sightseeing train ride in the ancient town of Jianshui to experience the real life of the area.
- Catch the gorgeous sun rising over the quiet Duoyi Village and shoot the stunning sunset views of the Hani Rice Terraces at Tiger Mouth.
- Explore the must-see Puzhehei Park to see the peculiar Karst caves and typical pastoral scenery, even experience the fun of water fight by boat.
- Have a full understanding of wine culture and wine-making at Yunnan Red Chateau in Mile, and learn how to taste wine gracefully.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Kunming ArrivalRelax on Sandy Shores, Basking in Warm Golden Sunlight
Upon arrival in Kunming, your private guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you directly to Fuxian Lake in 1 hour. This is the second deepest known lake in China. You’ll be bathed in the warm golden sunshine while walking on the pink sandy beach. The soft and warm grains of the sand and the gentle lake breeze can together give you a pleasant and relaxing vibe. And you may also catch a faint scent of water mingled with wildflowers from nearby hills. Take your time here and watch the light dancing over the water. Enjoy your peaceful moments and perfect photo opportunities.
At night, you will stay in a selected hotel where you can capture the panoramic views of Fuxian Lake.
Pink Sand of Fuxian Lake - Day 2: Fuxian Lake to Jianshui Old TownExplore Cultural Heritage & Beautiful Family Garden
After breakfast, the tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and then drive for about four hours to Jianshui. We will stop at Xingmeng Village on the way for a brief visit. Xingmeng is the only Mongolian settlement township in Yunnan Province. Understand the local cultural customs and stroll along the alleys decorated with various flowers.
Take a guided tour of Jianshui Confucius Temple upon arrival in Jianshui. Jianshui Confucius Temple is one of the largest and best-preserved Confucian temples in China, and here you can learn centuries of scholarly tradition. This site is built along a grand north–south axis, and there are a lot of iconic features worth noticing, such as stately halls, ceremonial gates and ancient trees that cast gentle shade over the courtyards for countless years. And to better understand the temple’s profound history, your guide will share stories about Jianshui’s scholarly heritage and how the site became a cultural landmark as you walk through the temple grounds.
Confucius Temple After that, go to visit the Zhu Family Garden. With 214 rooms, its vast area, intricate architectural designs, and exquisite carvings and decorations earned it the title of "Forbidden City" and "Grand View Garden" in Yunnan. Your tour guide will explain the story behind it and the architectural layout to you.
- Day 3: Jianshui to YuanyangTake a Scenic Train Journey and Admire Historic Architectural Landmark
After breakfast, you will be arranged for a 2-hour sightseeing train tour to Tuanshan Village. En route, capture the beautiful natural scenery of local villages with fields and rivers.
We make a stop at Twin Dragon Bridge, which is a key landmark of Jianshui County. It remarkably shows how great Qing-dynasty engineering was and it is, indeed, one of Jianshui’s most iconic symbols. The bridge combines a three-arch stone bridge and a fourteen-arch bridge into one continuous structure, and that’s how the impressive 17-arch design is created, and you can take a close of it when walking through the site. Its graceful curves stretch across the confluence of two rivers, which vividly resembles two dragons gliding side by side, and thus, it got the name. The central pavilion adds architectural elegance, and the surrounding rural scenery makes this historic structure a perfect spot for photography and quiet contemplation.
Jianshui Sightseeing Train Afterward, continue on to Tuanshan Village. After arrival, your tour guide will take you to go on a tour of the village. Tuanshan Village is widely known as it still well preserves a 19th-century style of construction and because of that, people also proudly call it the "most exquisite ancient residential complex in Yunnan". The village preserves traditional Qing-era courtyard houses which were typically built with blue bricks, carved wooden beams, and decorative lattice windows, and all these details can well reflect the craftsmanship of local artisans.
As you wander through the narrow lanes, you will see places like ancestral halls, old tea houses, and elegant family mansions that reveal the prosperity of Jianshui merchants in the past. The slow-paced lifestyle and authentic atmosphere make Tuanshan Village feel like a living museum of traditional Yunnan architecture. After the visit, drive 3 hours to Yuanyang.
- Day 4: Yuanyang Rice Terrace TourMarvel at Breathtaking Terraces, Vibrant Markets, and Unique Village Life
Your Yuanyang tour takes you to appreciate the stunning sunrise view at Duoyi Village. Duoyishu Rice Terraces is the most frequent subject among all the stunning pictures of Yuanyang Rice Terraces. At sunrise, layers of terraces transform into a sea of shimmering colors as the morning light reflects off the mirrored paddies. The winding curves of the fields stretch across the mountains like flowing ribbons, showcasing the ingenuity of the Hani people who shaped this land over centuries. It is a serene and unforgettable place to witness nature and culture blending together.
Then take a walk in a local market. It is a good place to experience the vibrant atmosphere with local characteristics. People dress up and hang there carrying a pack basket. Never miss the diverse agricultural products, local snacks, and barbecues.
Afterward, go to visit Qingkou Hani Village to learn about the living habits of the locals. Later, we'll pay a short visit to Tiger Mouth, the best point to overlook the Hani Rice Terraces spreading out endlessly.
Views from Tiger Mouth of Hani Rice Terraces - Day 5: Yuanyang to PuzheheiExplore Wetlands, Karst Peaks, and Optional Boat Ride
Your Yunnan adventure today starts with a scenic car ride (5-6 hours) from Yuanyang to Puzhehei. Puzhehei means "lake filled with fish and shrimp" in Yunnan Yi language. This place is known for its karst landforms.
The Puzhehei Scenic Area is exceptionally rich in natural attractions, featuring 256 scenic spots in total. Within the region, you will find 312 isolated karst peaks, 83 limestone caves, 54 lakes, vast stretches of wild lotus covering over 40,000 mu, and approximately 60,000 mu of highland wetlands. Major highlights include Swan Lake, Puzhehei Karst National Wetland Park, and the dramatic Torch Cave, all of which showcase the area’s diverse karst landscapes.
After that, you will be taken to Xianren Cave, backed by green mountains and facing clear waters. The village has a history of over 400 years and has preserved ancient customs and traditions. You will appreciate the unique architectural style of the Yi ethnic group here - mainly brick and wood structures, with shades of brown yellow or coffee.
Stunning Puzhehei Park - Day 6: Puzhehei to MileDiscover Vineyards and Vibrant Cultural Art Town
After breakfast, we will take a 3-hour ride to Mile, the hometown of highland grape, with a famous Chinese wine brand "Yunnan Red". After arrival, your guide will lead you to roam the Oriental Art Town, dubbed "the most magical town in China". The grandiose castles in the shape of a wine bottle made of red bricks will impress you deeply at the entrance.
In addition, Mile's hot springs are also very famous. After the tour, you can return to the hotel to soak in a comfortable hot spring. Mile is famous for its abundant geothermal resources, and its hot springs are known for their clear water and soothing mineral content. Many resorts offer outdoor pools surrounded by lush gardens and mountain views, creating a peaceful setting for relaxation. Whether you prefer warm therapeutic pools or hotter natural springs, this experience is perfect for relieving travel fatigue and enjoying a quiet moment in the heart of Yunnan.
Oriental Art Town - Day 7: Mile to Kunming, DepartureLearn about Wine Culture and Wine-Making
Yunnan Red Chateau takes over 20,000 mu of vineyards, and if you have ever heard of the well-known “Yunnan Red” wine brand, then we’re honored to introduce that this is the birth place of the brand. Here you can learn about how grape cultivation is practiced at high altitudes and you can also see the fermentation process.
Except for these, you’ll also be able to study the unique characteristics of local varieties such as Rose Honey and Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate combines European-style architecture with picturesque fields, as a result, after tasting wine and exploring local wine culture, you are also recommended to take a stroll along its beautiful lanes before before heading to Kunming Airport.
After enjoying, your driver will escort you to Kunming airport for departure. Your 7-day Jianshui Puzhehei Mile tour of Yunnan ends here.
Yunnan Red Chateau
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
