7 Days Classic Yunnan Ancient Town Tour with Natural Wonders

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kunming to Yuanyang
   Sunset over Yuanyang Rice Terraces

   Welcome! Upon your arrival in the “Spring City” of Kunming, you will be met by your private driver and tour guide, and you can easily identify him because of a welcome board “China Xian Tour”. Then be transferred south for about 4 hours to get to Yuanyang County. This place is famous and popular throughout the country for its terraced fields.

   Note: It is recommended that you book a flight arriving before 10 a.m. Or you can arrive in Kunming one night in advance and stay in a hotel in Kunming downtown area.

   After arriving in Yuanyang, first be guided to visit Qingkou Village of Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Glimpse its 600-year-old history and get the fact that it is home to 240 Hani ethnic families now. Walk along the paths to experience the authentic rural life while your guide tells you daily routines of the Hani people.

   The sunset over the terraced fields can be seen at the Tiger's Mouth. It’s one of the most spectacular views of your trip. Endless terraces rising from deep valleys connect with those on the ridges and you can enjoy a multicolored sea of terraces reflecting the sunset's glow. If you are a photography enthusiast, this is sure to excite you. Expect to spend about 1 hour here immersing in the scenery. After sunset, check in and have a good rest.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Yuanyang
2. Day 2: Yuanyang Terraced Fields, Drive to Jianshui
   Amazing Sunrise and Historical Exploration of Jianshui

   Apart from the sunset, the sunrise over the terraced fields is also unparalleled. Head to the Duoyishui Terraced Fields early to witness the spectacular sunrise. The rays of the rising sun dance on the terraced fields' water surfaces, changing into a kaleidoscope of colors. Winter and spring are the best times for viewing. At that time, the rosy glow pierces through the clouds, forming a golden palette on the water of the 3,700-tiered terraces, blending emerald green and lapis blue. The morning mist and terraced fields compose a flowing ink-wash painting.

   Notes:

   • If you want to occupy a better spot, please arrive at the observation deck 1 to 2 hours in advance.
   • The sunrise time is from 6:30 to 7:20 during November to March of the following year.

   

   Later, we have breakfast at the hotel. After a short break, we go to the Ancient Town of Jianshui by car. Once called Lin'an (临安), this is a historical city rich in culture. You will see numerous beautiful and well-preserved historical structures, among them Chaoyang Tower which attracts the most visitors. The ancient gate, which is also referred to as the Gate of Welcoming the Morning Sun, has been around since 1389. It constructed on three levels is 24.5 meters in height and as it has eaves inclined upwards painted beams and beautifully carved pillars it exudes the aura of being grand and enormous. After seeing this marvel, we proceed to the hotel for check-in. You have the rest day to roam the ancient town as you wish.

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   4-Star Hotel in Jianshui
3. Day 3: Jianshui Back to Kunming, Travel to Dali by High-speed Train
   Zhu Family’s Past Story and A Glimpse of Confucianism

   Today, you will learn more about the story of Jianshui, starting from Zhu Family Garden. This is the residence and ancestral hall built by the Zhu brothers in the late Qing Dynasty. The temples, residences, and gardens are all sumptuous and magnificent. Here, you can admire the architectural style of southwestern residential buildings. The entire building faces north with its back to the south, and the layout of the houses is well-organized. Through some textual and pictorial materials, glimpse the tragic fate of this garden. After visiting the exquisite buildings, the tour guide will explain the history of the Zhu family to you - how several major disasters led to the rapid decline of this once glorious family.

   

   After the visit, we go to the Jianshui Confucius Temple, which has a history of over 600 years and is currently the third largest Confucian temple in China. In ancient times, the Confucian Temple was not only a place to honor Confucius and Confucianism but also a venue for running schools. To this day, many students still come to Confucian Temple to pray for success before exams.

   After the visit, drive back to Kunming for a high-speed train to Dali. Upon arrival, your Dali local driver will pick you up and send you to the hotel in Dali Old Town. Enjoy your free evening strolling the ancient Town.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Dali
4. Day 4: Ancient Town Exploration Near Dali
   Optional Tie-dyeing Experience and Erhai Lake Boat Trip

   We have our breakfast followed by a drive to Xizhou Town where the market is seen buzzing with activities. It is the biggest Bai ethnic market of the area, and the things sold here vary from local specialties, fresh agricultural products, and spices to handicrafts. Moreover, a number of elderly traders come in their traditional Bai ethnic costumes which makes the whole experience very cultural-based and profound.

   Next, we go to Zhoucheng Village which is known for its beautiful tie-dyeing technique. A tour guide will take you into the workshop where the making of a beautiful tie-dye piece will be demoed. If you are willing to pay more, you can also indulge in the same activity. At last, you are allowed to take home your masterpiece!

   

   In the afternoon, we go to Erhai Lake for sightseeing. Nestled at the foot of the verdant Cangshan Mountains, this azure lake is one of Dali's four renowned scenic spots. We've arranged a leisurely experience for you - a boat trip on Erhai Lake. Vast stretches of emerald water reflect the Cangshan Mountain peaks, while a gentle breeze caresses your face and water birds occasionally skim the surface. Sunlight dances across the water, if the weather permits.

   Afterward, we return to explore Dali Ancient Town. Stroll along the living Fuxing Road, where you can visit charming handicraft workshops or relax in cozy cafes. Of course, if you enjoy snacks, you won't be disappointed either - try grilled milk curd, sour and spicy fish, or Xizhou baba (a leavened bread).

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   4-Star Hotel in Dali
5. Day 5: Drive from Dali to Lijiang
   The History of Ancient Tea Horse Road and Old Town Stroll

   Unlike the experience in Dali Ancient Town, today we will step into a more primitive and quiet ancient town, named Shaxi Ancient Town. This is an important post station on the ancient Tea Horse Road, and it has well preserved its original appearance. Sideng Street is the only surviving market on the entire ancient Tea Horse Road and also the center of Shaxi Town. The entire street is paved with red sandstone slabs. You can see ancient stages, Buddhist temples, horse shops and so on.

   

   After learning about history, let's go and enjoy some natural scenery. It takes about 30 minutes to drive north to reach Shibao (Stone Treasure) Mountain. It got this name because there are numerous precious grottoes and cliff carvings here. In addition, you can see lush trees standing on the edge of the cliff, flying waterfalls and quiet temples built during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. After the visit, the driver will take you to a hotel in Lijiang for check-in.

   You can visit the Old Town of Lijiang on your own in the evening. This is also a famous town on the ancient Tea Horse Road, and some Chinese TV dramas have been filmed here. Sifang Street is the center of the ancient city. There, you can admire the architecture of the Naxi ethnic group, visit ethnic handicraft stores, and taste snacks such as Lijiang Baba Flatbread and chicken bean cold noodles.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
6. Day 6: Yulong Snow Mountain Adventure
   Appreciation of Alpine Meadow, Valley, Snow Peaks

   Today is an adventurous day as we are going to climb the Yulong (Jade Dragon) Snow Mountain. Yulong means "Heavenly Mountain" in the Naxi language. Its thirteen snow-capped peaks stretch on and on, just like a huge dragon soaring. It also has another mysterious name, "Black and White Snow Mountain", because its rock types are mainly limestone and basalt, with distinct black and white. It is a sacred mountain in the hearts of the Naxi people.

   After arriving at the scenic area, your tour guide will first take you to visit Ganhaizi. This place was once a lake wetland, but later dried up and turned into a thick alpine meadow. It is a great place to take a panoramic view of Yulong Snow Mountain. After that, go to the cable car station and for a ride up to the Spruce Meadow, at an altitude of 3,250 meters. Yunsanping is a alpine meadow halfway up the main peak, also known as the "Valley of Love Sacrifice". Legend has it that it was the place where many young men and women sacrificed their lives for love in the past. Here enjoy the lush spruce forests and the nearby snow-capped peaks. After descending the cable car, visit the Blue Moon Valley. The snow on the mountaintop melts and gathers here, presenting a fantastic blue color when the sun is shining brightly.

   

   Notes:

   1. Cable car tickets to Glacier Park are often limited and sell out quickly. Tell your travel consultant and they can reserve tickets for you in advance.
   2. Many travelers experience altitude sickness. Consult your doctor beforehand to confirm whether your health is suitable for high-altitude visits and bring anti altitude sickness medication

   After the adventure, experience the Naxi culture in Baisha Village. The ancient town has not undergone large-scale commercial development and retains its original appearance. Visit some Naxi courtyards and admire the famous Baisha murals. The murals were first built in the Ming Dynasty. They cover a wide range of subjects, depicting galloping steeds, blooming lotus flowers, mountains, forests, fields, birds, grass and insects, and other natural landscapes. They are of great ornamental value. After the visit, we return to Lijiang for the night.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
7. Day 7: Departure from Lijiang

   Today’s morning is your last time to relax. Your private driver will pick you up and escort you to the airport for your departure. This is the end of your 7-day Yunnan Ancient Town tour. Thank you very much for choosing China Xian Tour. Safe travels!

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