Discovering the Treasures of Yunnan
Three weeks through terraced rice fields, ethnic villages and thousand-year-old tea forests
Duration
21 days
From
€1,795/pers.
Ideal seasons
Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
A region with a thousand facets!
The province of Yunnan borders the southwestern frontier of Chine, at the edge of Laos, Vietnam and Burma. It unfolds beautiful natural landscapes shaped by the Tibetan mountains, volcanic plains, rivers and tropical forests. Throughout this itinerary, let us transport you to a privileged environment, rub shoulders with different ethnic groups and discover local traditions!
A stay full of surprises!
In 3 weeks, discover the wonders of Yunnan according to your availability, your desires, your possibilities and your budget. Boat ride on the shores of the emerald lake in Kunming, adventure in the heart of the Stone Forest at Shilin, visits to sacred sites, etc., so many activities guarantee us an escape from the ordinary. Let us make the most of our stops to make contact with the minorities and on the road to Jinhong, do not miss photographing the wild elephants!
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Kunming: Free day
Arrival at Kunming airport where our driver welcomes us and takes us to the hotel.
Free day to discover Kunming.
Kunming, capital of Yunnan province, is often nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring due to the mildness of its climate. A modern and charming city, it is pleasant to stroll around. For a first glimpse of Chinese culture, we suggest visiting the Yuantong Temple, founded by the Tang Dynasty. This temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Kunming and offers a pleasant peaceful visit.
In the evening, don't miss the show of dances and songs of the ethnic minorities of Yunnan province, titled "Dynamic" (8:00pm-9:30pm).
Ancient City of Jianshui
The circuit continues to the Temple of Confucius, which ranks in second place among the largest Chinese temples, after that of Qufu, the philosopher's hometown. The complex includes a park adorned with a pond, various interior courtyards, porticoes, pavilions as well as ancient temples.
We have the privilege of staying in the Zhu family residence converted into a beautiful 3-star hotel. On site, we have access to peaceful gardens, interior courtyards and well-preserved pavilions. The museum is open until around 11 p.m.
On the road to Jianshui, we make a stop in the small village of Tuanshan. A former fortified village, Tuanshan reveals a fascinating charm with its paved streets, houses with curved roofs and gates with traditional architecture. The village is most charming and peaceful. Among the old buildings to discover on site, discover the former residence of the Zhang family.
We stop at the Double Dragon Bridge near the confluence of the two rivers Tachong and Lu. Built during the Qing dynasty, it is today considered a masterpiece of architecture both for its structural qualities and for its aesthetic qualities.
Yuanyang Terraced Rice Fields
Our driver takes us to the Chaoyang Gate. Also known as "Tian An Men Miniature" because of its structure similar to that of Beijing and its vermillion color, this arch rises 28 meters high. An unmissable meeting place for locals, the gate houses a small bird market at its base and a tea salon on its upper floor where it is possible to attend some small evening performances and exhibitions of old photographs. (entrance: 20 RMB)
Rizières En Terrasses De Yuanyang → Duoyishu
Joining the South Gate of the city, let's stroll through the charming alleyways, visit the famous Jianshui well and the tofu factory, a local specialty. This factory is especially well-known in Chine because of a video that was filmed there and can be found on Chinese television. The tofu prepared there is delicious.
We continue on the road towards the Red River valley to the village of Duoyishu, passing through the terraced rice fields of Yuanyang.
Meeting the Locals
After breakfast, we meet our English-speaking local guide, who offers a visit to a village in the Yuanyang rice terraces known for its market (organized according to the lunar calendar and day of the week). We will encounter different minorities, notably the Hani, Dai and Yi. This is followed by the discovery of another small village where we can watch a traditional Yi song and dance performance. Please note that the funds collected during this performance are directly returned to the families. One of them will serve us lunch.
In the afternoon, we trek through the rice terraces and surrounding villages on a hike lasting 2 to 3 hours.
The Dai Minority
On the tea route
In the morning, we set off to discover the traditional village of Nakeli located on the ancient tea and horse road. On site, we visit the wooden houses, the rampart path and the great mill, while conversing with the locals. Let us take a moment to stroll along the banks of the small river, in a timeless setting.
Discovering Menglun Tropical Garden
Our driver picks us up from the hotel at 9 am for a drive along the Mekong to Ganlanba. We can stop in the Dai villages located around Ganlanba, before diving into the minorities park. The latter is home to a picturesque wooden Buddhist temple.
In the afternoon, we visit the Menglun Tropical Garden to discover its biodiversity. Located in a wetland area, it is home to thousands of rare plant species that are disappearing. A walkway is arranged so we can immerse ourselves in this huge botanical garden and appreciate this unique flora.
The Bulang Minority
We begin the day by discovering the morning market of Menghai. Vibrant and lively, this daily market reveals many stalls run by different ethnic minorities.
We continue with a visit to a Bulang minority village, called Jingmaihan. This traditional village is located at 1,600 meters altitude. Known for tea cultivation, we set off after lunch for a hike on the Jingmai tea mountain, passing through the ancient tea tree forest.
We arrive at the Bulang village of Wengji where houses are mostly built of wood. In this place, it is not uncommon to see women smoking cigars.
We then head to the village of Mengjing where our accommodation is located. We will be staying in a wooden inn belonging to one of the region's main tea-growing families.
Lahu Village Folk Dances
Today, we can accompany our hosts in the fields to discover the epic of tea, or explore the surroundings with our guide, notably the traditional Aini village of Nuogang and the pagoda of Jingmai village.
After lunch, we head to another beautiful valley, more precisely to the Lahu village. This ethnic group is particularly known for its folk dances and music. We visit local houses while getting to know the inhabitants. They can improvise a small performance of songs and dances for us, with the proceeds going directly back to the community. We return to Jingmaishan at the end of the day.
The fertile valley of Menglong
After a final mountain walk, we leave the area to discover another tea field in the Bulang mountain, on the edge of the Burmese border. The road passes through many typical villages (stops possible according to our wishes).
Menglong is a fertile valley that is home to the famous White Pagoda of Damenglong and a huge standing Buddha statue (entry: 80 RMB + bus 30 RMB).
At certain times of the day, a small traditional water festival show takes place on site.
Flight to Dali
We are driven to the airport to take a flight to Dali.
Upon arrival at Dali airport, we meet our new driver who drops us off at our hostel.
After a refreshing breakfast, we are free to continue with visits according to our wishes (without a guide or car). With its location between the Cangshan mountains and Erhai lake, Dali attracts travelers for its tranquility and proximity to impressive scenic sites. Let's take the chairlift that serves Cangshan mountain (rate: 110 RMB per person), or visit the complex of three pagodas (entrance: 120 RMB per person).
On the way to Weishan
We head to Weishan but along the way we take a detour to the Donglinghua Hui village, populated by a Muslim minority, to visit the small museum and the mosque (entrance: 30 RMB per person).
We set off again towards the old town of Weishan. Spared from mass tourism, this city is home to a friendly and smiling population that makes strolling through the alleys most pleasant
We discover the Weibao mountain which peaks at 2,500 m altitude. It is one of the 13 sacred Taoist mountains in Chine. Throughout the hike, from one temple to another and in contact with Taoist monks, we enjoy the calm and serenity of the places
We return to Dali at the end of the day and spend the night at La Maison Suzanne.
A Walk Through Xizhou
We are heading to the village of Xizhou. Once there, the program is free and we have all the leisure to discover this charming village. Let's explore the streets on foot to the morning market, then opt for a bike ride around the village. Bicycles are available for rent at the hotel. We can also book a small boat ride on Erhai Lake..
In the evening, we stay in a traditional Bai residence that has been converted into a hotel.
Possibility to visit the sites (in English) at 5 PM every day.
Shaxi, a charming little village
We're heading to the Shaxi valley, which UNESCO listed at the beginning of the 2000s among the 100 most endangered sites around the world, so much so that Shaxi received the necessary funds to preserve its cultural and architectural heritage.
Along the way, we make a stop in the large Bai village of Zhoucheng, where it's nice to wander through the picturesque alleyways, between the small outdated temples. Let's take the opportunity to learn about batik dyeing.
We turn towards the site of Shibaoshan (entrance: 65 RMB per person; shuttle: 40 RMB per person), known for its Buddhist sculptures carved into the rock and its peaceful temples.
Upon arriving in Shaxi, we discover our hotel located in the heart of the old town. It's the former Laomadian Inn caravanserai that has been cleverly converted into a modern hotel. This building once housed merchants traveling on the tea and horse caravan route. At that time, Shaxi was an important stop for commercial exchanges. The hotel also has a restaurant.
Arrival in Shangri-La
This morning we depart by private car towards the Tibetan region of Shangri La. We take advantage of the journey to make a stop at the village of Shigu, site of the first bend of the Yangtze River, then at the Tiger Leaping Gorge.
A grand canyon on the Yangtze River, the Tiger Leaping Gorge extends for 16 km and offers a succession of rapids framed by imposing steep cliffs. Several hiking trails and viewpoints allow you to appreciate the full grandeur and beauty of these gorges.
(entrance: 65RMB per adult)
City tour
Today, we travel through Shangri La and the surrounding region. The discovery begins at the Songzanlin Tibetan monastery. This is followed by a stroll through the local market and the old town, to the Bai Ji Si temple from which we will get a beautiful view of the surroundings of the city and the Shika mountains. For information, a fire ravaged the central part of the old town on January 11, 2014.
We have lunch at a Tibetan family's home, with a menu featuring local specialties such as cheese and yak butter tea.
In the evening, we can watch or even participate in spontaneous dance performances in the old town square.
On the way to the ancient town of Shuhe
We meet up with our guide in the morning and head to Lijiang. Upon arrival, we first have lunch in the old town, then begin our exploration on foot, heading towards the Black Dragon Pool(entrance fee: 80 RMB). This site is one of the most famous in Yunnan, and for good reason. Its pagoda with traditional architecture, its pretty white bridge and the pond in which the snowy Jade Dragon Mountain is reflected present a picture worthy of the finest paintings. It is very pleasant to stroll around there.
Lijiang → Vieille ville de Shuhe
We extend our getaway to the small village of Shuhe. Located just a few kilometers from Lijiang, the small village of Shuhe will charm us with its streets lined with pretty buildings and the omnipresent greenery. In Shuhe, there are also numerous canals running through the village which adds to its charm.
Return to Kunming by night train
Vieille ville de Shuhe → Kunming
Today, let's forget about the driver, get a bike and a map from the hotel and set off on an adventure to the Naxi villages. Meet up in Baisha to discover a Silk Embroidery school, a small brewery and a traditional pharmacy. Let's then visit Yuhu, located at the foot of the Jade Dragon Mountain, which once housed an illustrious botanist.
In the evening, an agency representative will be waiting for us at the hotel to arrange the transfer to the station. We will take an overnight train to Kunming (departure: 9:50 PM; arrival: 7:48 AM the next day). Soft sleepers are available in a VIP compartment or in a 4-bed compartment.
Red Lands of Lexiaguo
Arrived at the train station in Kunming, we meet our new driver over breakfast. We then head towards Dongchuan and continue to Lexiaguo, nicknamed the region of "red lands". We spend the afternoon admiring the terraced crops, at the level of the villages of Huashitou, Lexiaguo and Damakan. Meals on your own.
"Stone Wood"
Dongchuan → Forêt De Pierre De Shilin
We resume our journey towards Shilin. We will take approximately 2 hours to explore on foot inside the site, passing between the rocky peaks and narrow paths rarely frequented by Chinese tourists.
Forêt De Pierre De Shilin → Kunming
We then return to Kunming. Free meals.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Connecting flights to Yunnan (pricing proposal on request)
- Meals and drinks to have according to your desires and your guide's recommendations
- Chinese visa obtainment agency at distance (possible with us for 140€ per person)
- The entrance fees indicated in your program, to be paid directly on site (Possible reductions sometimes up to 50% for seniors, from 60 years old, upon presentation of an ID)
- Tips (budget 120 RMB/day total for the guide driver, or 100 RMB/day for an English-speaking guide and 80 RMB/day for the driver)
- Personal Expenses
Included
- The charming hotels mentioned with breakfast every day
- English-speaking guide driver except during your free days or during simple transfers involving a Chinese-speaking driver. Based on 6 participants, you benefit from the services of an English-speaking guide and driver
- Private vehicle transportation
- Domestic flight Jinghong-Dali, economy class
- English-speaking and English-speaking assistance 24/7 by our teams based in Kunming
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to China for tourism purposes. Since entry rules may change, we recommend verifying information with official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter China, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
China has extended its unilateral visa exemption program to numerous countries. Nationals of most European Economic Area countries, as well as Switzerland, benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays. Canadian nationals are also eligible for this exemption following the recent expansion of the program.
Currently, this exemption allows a stay of up to 15 days upon entry to the territory, for transit or tourism purposes. The exact duration and conditions may vary depending on nationality; it is advisable to verify the provisions applicable to your passport before departure.
Authorities may also request:
an outbound ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of accommodation booking for the duration of your stay,
proof of sufficient financial resources.
Tourist visa (type L)
For travelers not eligible for visa exemption, or wishing to stay for a longer period, you must obtain a type L tourist visa from the competent Chinese embassy or consulate before departure.
The application file generally includes:
the completed visa application form,
a recent identity photograph meeting requirements,
the valid original passport,
proof of flight and accommodation booking,
any document evidencing sufficient financial resources.
Processing times may vary; it is recommended to submit your application several weeks before departure.
Entry registration card
Upon arrival in Chinese territory, foreign travelers must complete an entry registration card provided on board the aircraft or available at border posts. This document must be presented to immigration services when passing through passport control.
Furthermore, any foreigner staying in China must register with local authorities within 24 hours of arrival:
at a hotel, registration is completed automatically by the establishment,
if staying with a private individual, the traveler must visit the local police station to complete this registration.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccines are mandatory to enter China for travelers from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are recommended depending on the regions visited and length of stay:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
Japanese encephalitis (for stays in rural areas),
rabies (for extended or adventure stays).
It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire at the Chinese embassy or consulate of their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the detailed policy outlining all coverage and claims procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays, provided they hold a valid passport for at least 6 months after entry. Beyond exemption periods, a standard tourist visa can be obtained from the consulate. Conditions change regularly: check with your country's consular authorities for the rules applicable to your nationality before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Chinese high-speed trains are an experience in their own right.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Multi-ethnic Yunnan
Explorer of a Plural China, based in Yunnan
China impresses with its vastness, but it's often the details that leave the deepest mark: a forgotten village, an encounter, a market, a light over the mountains of Yunnan.
— Paul
