15-Day Journey into Yunnan-Guizhou's Ethnic Culture & Scenic Wonders

Welcome to Kunming! Upon arrival at Changshui Airport, a knowledgeable tour guide will be waiting to offer a warm welcome and provide a seamless transfer to your hotel.

Breakfast & Lunch Explore the Naigu Stone Forest — the 'Ancient Black' Stone Forest. Climb a high platform for a magnificent panoramic view and take a little path, threading the narrow space between the stones to witness the fantastic formations up close. Explore the Yuantong Temple, a 1200-year-old Buddhist temple that offers a glimpse into the diverse cultural heritage of Yunnan Province. Enjoy a foodie tour on Old Street—tasting snacks like rice noodle salad and deep-fried mushrooms—all while learning the city's history by admiring historic Qing Dynasty and Republic of China-era buildings.

Breakfast Transfer to Kunming Railway Station for a bullet train to Lijiang, where a private guide and driver will greet you. Discover the tranquility of Black Dragon Pool Park, a hidden gem in Lijiang. Stroll through the verdant gardens, marvel at the ancient structures, and find tranquility as you contemplate the majestic reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Discover Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan Town), a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Naxi people. Wander along its cobblestone streets, lined with traditional houses and vibrant stalls.

Breakfast & Lunch Take a cable car up the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for breathtaking views. The cable car will reach Shanzidou Peak, the main peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. You will ascend 1,100 m (3,600 ft) to Glacier Park at an altitude of 4,680 m (15,350 ft). Enjoy a Naxi fire pit hot pot lunch, followed by a visit to a local Naxi family in Yuhu Village. Immerse yourself in their traditions by trying on Naxi dresses, learning to make Dongba paper, and writing the unique Dongba characters.

Breakfast & Lunch Settle in for a comfortable and private ride from Lijiang to the peaceful highlands of Shangri-La. Explore Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world's deepest canyons. Here, the roaring Jinsha River offers a spectacular view that allows you to feel the incredible power of nature firsthand. Following lunch, we'll ascend to Shangri-La, reaching an altitude of 3200 meters. Take some time to rest and adjust to the higher elevation at your hotel.

Breakfast & Lunch Discover the grandeur of Songzanlin Lamasery, Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Explore this architectural masterpiece, filled with Buddhist statues and cultural treasures, providing insight into Tibetan spirituality. Interact with a resident Tibetan monk in the dormitory. This unique opportunity offers a deeper understanding of their beliefs and practices, and you may even meet a living Buddha. Explore the pristine beauty of Pudacuo National Park with its well-preserved ecosystem and stunning lakes - Bita Lake and Shudu Lake.

Breakfast Wander through Dukezong Old Town, a vibrant Tibetan community, and immerse yourself in its rich culture before boarding a bullet train to Dali, where your private guide and driver will welcome you. Enjoy a seamless transfer to your Dali hotel.

Breakfast & Lunch Experience the beauty of Erhai Lake on a leisurely bike ride along its western shore. Enjoy the gentle breeze and stunning panorama of Cangshan Mountain. Explore the charming Zhoucheng Village and immerse yourself in the rich Bai culture. Get a firsthand look at the artistry of tie-dyeing and learn the techniques to create your own unique souvenir. Explore Dali Ancient Town's ancient houses, vibrant markets, and charming neighborhoods to immerse yourself in its rich history and culture.

Breakfast After meeting your guide and driver, you'll be transferred to the train station for your high-speed train to Guiyang, where a local guide will meet you upon arrival. Enjoy a comfortable ride to your hotel, during which your guide will share fascinating insights about the city.

Breakfast & Lunch Settle in for a comfortable ride to Anshun. Take a shuttle to Huangguoshu Waterfall. The main cascade is a magnificent sight, dropping 77.8 meters and stretching 101 meters wide. You'll feel fully immersed in nature, with the continuous roar of the water and unique perspectives from above, head-on, and from the side. Walk to the Water Curtain Cave, a unique, 134-meter-long cavern that allows you to walk directly behind the waterfall, and watch it cascade from a truly unique perspective. Step onto the Baling River Bridge and enjoy breathtaking views from its 370-meter height. This incredible feat of engineering also cuts a one-hour journey between the river's two banks to a single minute. Explore the Baling River Bridge Museum, the only one of its kind in this area, which is dedicated to this single mega-project.

Breakfast & Lunch Meet your guide and driver for a transfer to Kaili, the vibrant heartland of Miao and Dong culture. Visit Matang Gejia Village, a community of Gejia people who claim to be the 56th ethnic group in China. Their traditional clothing, featuring batik, embroidery, and headdresses resembling bows and arrows, clearly reflects their unique heritage. Get hands-on with the art of batik. You'll participate in every step—from drawing with wax to dyeing and removing the wax—and take your finished masterpiece home as a unique souvenir.

Breakfast & Lunch Head to Langde Miao Village in the morning, a tranquil place surrounded by lush mountains. Be welcomed by villagers in stunning embroidered clothing and silver headdresses for the Rice Wine Welcome Ceremony, where they'll present you with rice wine in an ox horn cup. Follow the stone path to the village's Lusheng ground for a mesmerizing Miao Performance. You'll enjoy a series of traditional acts, from toasting songs to lively Lusheng dances. Wander among the neatly arranged stilted wooden houses on the hillside and encounter the "Long-Skirt Miao," named for their unique, long, flowing skirts—widely regarded as the most magnificent of all Miao costumes. Head to Xiulitao Heritage Market and explore a variety of intangible cultural heritage handicrafts like Miao embroidery, batik, and silver jewelry before heading back to your hotel.

Breakfast & Lunch Our journey today takes you to Rongjiang, where we'll discover the Dong Village and join the Guizhou Village Super League. Step into Dali Dong Village, a cultural gem known for its century-old wind-and-rain bridges and traditional dwellings. Wander the ancient, bluestone-paved lanes to see the unique Han-style Yang Family Courtyard, the village's drum tower and the adjacent opera stage. Witness a one-of-a-kind Villages Football Match where the players are not celebrities but local villagers. You'll be amazed by their genuine passion for the game, while the boundless enthusiasm of the Rongjiang people has turned the entire league into one massive, heartfelt celebration.

Breakfast & Lunch Relax and enjoy a comfortable ride back to Guiyang this morning. Visit the iconic Jiaxiu Pavilion, a three-tiered structure that stands gracefully in the Nanming River and has become a symbol of Guiyang. Experience Qingyun Market, a lively snacks market. Walk through its vibrant stalls to try local food(at your expense) and enjoy the bustling energy of local life.

Breakfast Have some free time to stroll through the city before a private transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey.