8 Days Northwest Yunnan Tour with Nu River & Tengchong

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Dali Arrival, Dali to Liuku Tour

   Take a flight or high-speed train to Dali. Then drive from Dali to Liuku, the gateway to the Nu River Valley. The scenery along the way is picturesque with lush fields, rolling hills and quaint villages.

   Upon arrival in Liuku, check in to your local hotel and enjoy free time. If you are interested, you can experience the special local way of dining, namely, placing delicious dishes in a wide bamboo-woven basket and using your hands as chopsticks.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Liuku

   

2. Day 2: Liuku to Laomudeng Tour
   Learn about the Local History and Culture

   In the morning drive to Laomudeng, an ancient village along the Nu River. On the way, admire the magnificent view of the Nu River winding through the gorge.

   The first stop of your Laomudeng tour is Laomudeng Church, founded by French missionaries in the early 20th century. This church is a place of worship for local villagers and an important witness to the spread of Christianity in the Nu River region. Near the church is a viewpoint that provides an excellent location for overlooking the Nu River Valley.

   

   In the afternoon, we will explore an abandoned village. Stroll through the remnants of houses, schools and factories to experience the changes in history. Afterwards, move to the “City of Memory” in Zhiziluo town, which has been preserved as a museum. It boasts a collection of former dwellings and objects left behind by the local people, illustrating the society and history of China in the 20th century.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Laomudeng

   

3. Day 3: Laomudeng to Bingzhongluo Tour
   Capture Unique Natural Landscapes

   Today, drive from Fugong to Bingzhongluo, the northernmost point of the Nu River Gorge. Along the way, you will capture the beautiful views formed by the magnificent mountains and the rushing rivers.

   Observe the Stone Moon, a natural arch in the shape of a moon, a sacred place for the Nu people. Marvel at the breathtaking First Bend of the Nu River, where the river takes a sharp turn and forms a horseshoe-shaped bend. Marvel at the wonderful picture formed by the rolling mountains and the sparkling river.

   

   Bingzhongluo is a small town surrounded by snowy peaks, lush forests and terraced rice fields. It is inhabited by different ethnic groups such as Nu, Lisu, Tibetan, and Dulong.

   You will stay overnight at a local guesthouse to experience the lively nightlife of the locals.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: Bingzhongluo

4. Day 4: Bingzhongluo Culture Tour
   Learn about Tibetan Culture and Visit Local Villages

   After breakfast, start today’s Bingzhongluo tour. First come to Chongding Catholic Church, the most splendid building in Bingzhongluo. The structure of the church takes reference from the elegant style of Hong Kong churches and is presented in a square shape. The white pillars inside the church are carved with alabaster, symbolizing purity and holiness.

   

   Next, proceed to Puhua Tibetan Buddhism Temple, built more than 300 years ago. The majestic temples are carved with Tibetan-style decorative patterns, reflecting Tibetan artistic aesthetics. The murals in the main hall portray ancient Buddhist stories. Explore Buddhist artifacts such as prayer wheels and sculptures to learn about the profound heritage of Tibetan Buddhism in the Nujiang region.

   In the afternoon, travel to the villages of Qiunatong, Zhanatong, and Wuli. Traditional wooden houses, stone bridges and ancient trees paint a vivid picture of local life. Talk with the local villagers to learn about their customs and daily life. Hike through these villages for 6 kilometers. Along the way, immerse yourself in the serenity of idyllic life while admiring the magnificent mountains and colorful fields around you.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Bingzhongluo

5. Day 5: Bingzhongluo to Liuku Tour
   Marvel at the Breathtaking Scenery of Nujiang River

   In the morning, return to Liuku from Bingzhongluo along the picturesque Nujiang River route. You will witness spectacular canyon scenery and stop at some sites.

   One of the stops is the natural wonder Flying Stone. It stands in one of the school’s courtyards and is said to fall from the sky, hence the name “Flying Rock”. Another highlight is the exciting Flying Across the River, a local thrill activity. You will traverse the rushing river on cables and pulleys to overlook breathtaking mountain and river views.

   In the evening, arrive at Liuku and check in to your hotel for a rest.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Liuku

   

6. Day 6: Liuku to Tengchong Tour
   Relax at the Hot Springs and Explore the Ancient Townscape

   After breakfast, drive to Tengchong, located in western Yunnan. It is a historical and cultural city, famous for its volcanoes, hot springs and jadeite. Tengchong is also the gateway to Myanmar with a rich and diverse culture.

   In the afternoon, visit the Tengchong Hot Spring Scenic Area, which is a famous vacation spot. There are more than 80 hot springs of various temperatures, sizes and shapes. You can relax your body and enjoy the peaceful moments here. Also immerse in the beauty of the surrounding waterfalls, ponds, and flowers.

   Afterwards, proceed to Heshun Old Town, which has a history of 600 years. The architectural style of the town is a blend of Chinese and Western, with Chinese, European and South Asian architectural styles. Visit Heshun Library, the first public library in rural China to feel the profound cultural atmosphere. Wander around Mallard Lake, admire the sparkling river, and observe a variety of migratory birds.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Heshun Old Town

   

7. Day 7: Tengchong Highlights Tour
   Observe Folk Art and Experience Fun Activities

   Today continue your tour in Tengchong. First, visit the Handmade Paper Museum on Gaoligong Mountain to explore the local ancient handmade papermaking techniques and culture. There are a large number of historical documents and tools related to hand-made paper, showing the whole process of hand-made paper. Besides, you can shuttle between the exhibition halls and admire the natural scenery outside.

   In the afternoon, experience a thrilling bamboo rafting adventure on the Longchuan River, which is the largest and longest river in Tengchong. Along the way, explore numerous natural and cultural sites. Capture the beautiful scenes of the sparkling river, the lush forests and the mountains in the distance.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Tengchong

8. Day 8: Tengchong Departure

   Your 8-day northwest Yunnan tour with Nu River & Tengchong ends here. The local guide and driver will take you to the airport for your departure.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A