9-Day Hong Kong-Kunming-Dali-Lijiang Tour
Highlights
A contrast in culture, people and experiences, this tour will awaken your appreciation for China’s many faces. Absorb the vibrancy of Hong Kong as you visit some of its most iconic landmarks – Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay, Stanley Market and more. For the remainder of the tour, shift gears and absorb an incredible selection of Yunnan highlights. In Kunming, marvel at the Stone Forest; in Dali, admire picturesque Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient Town; in Lijiang, be amazed by natural landscapes like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge that have inspired generations of philosophers and poets. With ample time for truly absorbing the experience and enjoying firsthand contact with local minorities in Yunnan, this tour includes all hotel accommodation (choice of four or five star), daily breakfast, knowledgeable local guides who care and love their work, and airport transfers. Ready for real China? You’ll find it with ChinaTours.com.
Itinerary
Arrive in Hong Kong and be ready for adventure when you are greeted at the international airport by your local guide. Enjoy the drive to the hotel, as your driver navigates the traffic and you learn a little about the history and allure of Hong Kong. Once checked in, spend the rest of the day exploring this incredible city. Take advantage of the myriad food options available to you, including traditional street food, upmarket restaurants, or local foodie haunts. Simply ask your guide for advice.
Meals included: None
Enjoy the excitement of the city after you’re collected from the hotel and taken to Victoria Peak. As the highest point in Hong Kong, the visibility from Victoria Peak is outstanding – you will literally feel you’re high amongst it as you look directly out over Hong Kong’s incredible cityscape. No stop at the Peak is complete without a ride on the Peak Tram and a wander along the Sky Terrace (both included). Journey on to Repulse Bay, a typical Hong Kong beach now famous for its eye-wateringly priced real estate and reputed to be the most expensive in Hong Kong. After soaking in the vibe of the bay, you’ll be transported to Stanley Market, the quintessential Hong Kong street market. Known for its collection of typically Chinese curios, collectibles and souvenirs, you’ll have the opportunity to make a purchase or two without the hassle of haggling. Dive into Hong Kong history with a visit to the water-based Aberdeen Fishing Village, an enduring example of Hong Kong’s traditional fishing culture. It’s a great place to try fresh, delicious seafood dishes too, so be sure to ‘save yourself’ for a memorable meal here. Top off the day’s adventure with a Sampan ride on the water. Cruise past the impressive yachts and smaller boats moored on the water while taking in busy harbour life.
Note: Today’s activities are a half day and will be conducted in the morning, however an afternoon Hongkong Island half day tour is also available on request allowing you to adjust to local time. Your local guide can provide advice on lunch, and afternoon and evening activities, including a street or local cuisine food tour and night view of Victoria Harbour. Just ask us!
Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy vibrant Hong Kong in the morning, perhaps sharing a morning coffee among locals or visiting one of the many famous street markets in proximity to your hotel. With help from your local guide, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your flight to Kunming. On arrival, you will be picked up and escorted to the hotel by your local guide. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the precinct around your inner city Kunming hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
China boasts many natural wonders and the famous Stone Forest located 90 minutes from Kunming ranks high among them. The Stone Forest is just that – a seemingly endless collection of unusual and grotesque looking karst stone formations that bear a striking resemblance to a tree forest when viewed from a distance. Your local guide will share how the ‘forest’ was formed by the movement of the earth 270 million years ago and exposure to wind and running water. A home to the Yi minority who are renowned for their diligence, embroidery and dancing, the Stone Forest is also the origin of local myths and legends. The afternoon will find see you return to Kunming itself where you can browse the fabulous Bird and Flower Market. Apart from the eclectic range of birds, fish, antiques, jewelry, souvenirs and other handmade crafts, the mesmerizing kaleidoscope of flowers is inspiring. Test your bargaining skills as you mix with locals in this bustling bazaar, soaking up the culture and local daily life. At the end of the day, you will be returned to the hotel. Be sure to check in with your guide for tips on the best local eats.
Meals included: Breakfast
Farewell Kunming when you depart by bullet train and travel to Dali. On the way, enjoy the experience of watching China go by, virtually changing in front of you. In Dali, you will be welcomed by your guide who’ll commence exploration with a cruise on Erhai Lake, an ‘ear-shaped’ body of water cradled below Cangshan Mountain. The scenery here is exquisite. You’ll treasure the opportunity to capture gorgeous photos and learn more about the cultural significance of the lake to the local Bai minority people. Step onto scenic Jinsuo Island where you can continue your wandering through the historic buildings, enjoy the tranquility. The peaceful theme continues as you move on to Chongsheng Temple. Here you’ll visit the landmark Three Pagodas: comprising one giant pagoda, 69.13 meters tall which is flanked by two smaller pagodas. Incredibly, these Buddhist pagodas were erected in the Nanzhao period (738 – 902 AD) and feature many significant cultural relics and Buddha statues of great value which have been gathered over the eras and are now on display.
Finish the day’s exploration on a lighter note with a stop at Dali Ancient Town. Once the heart of trade, politics, and culture of Yunnan province during Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 AD) and Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 AD), Dali Ancient Town is a vibrant tourist center. It’s here you’ll find the juxtaposition of the modern and ancient in China. Time to wander will allow you to experience both the historical cultural ambiance of the ancient town and the vigorous vibe of modern life. Be sure to make a stop in bustling Foreigner Street. Here you’ll discover ethical clothes, local crafts, and delicious street food. At the end of the day, put your feet up in your Dali hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Launch into local Dali life with a visit to Xizhou Town, home of the ethnic Bai minority. Soak up the bustling atmosphere of the clamorous Xizhou morning market. Mix with locals out to purchase their daily essentials, seafood, and local specialties. In many ways, you’ll see how time has stood still here. Local women still adorne themselves in the colourful traditional Bai costimes and many families still live in residential complexes that reflect traditional Bai minority homes. Wander through the classical layout of the Yan Family Mansion, an enduring example of Xizhou’s prosperous past. Your tour will move on to Zhoucheng, the largest of all Bai villages. Remarkably, Zhoucheng retains its traditional folk customers and traditional lifestyle, including its renowned fine tie-dyeing craft form.
Afterwards, you’ll be driven to Lijiang where picturesque scenery awaits at Black Dragon Pond Park. Here temples, towers, pavilions and stone tablets from past ages reflect mirror-like in the pond against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Gain an understanding of the local Naxi minority culture at the Dongba Culture Museum, where more than 12,000 cultural relics are on display.
Lastly walk up to the Lion Hill to visit the five storey high Wangu Pavilion, featuring traditional architecture in the elaborate arches, roof beams, veranda, tiled roofs and sculptures representing the 23 ethnic groups in the region. A phenomenal 10,000 dragon carvings grace the walls. Absorb the panoramic view of the whole ancient town which can be seen from the top of the pavilion – wonderful at sunset! Considered a genuinely amazing place for the way in which time seems to stand still, Lijiang will feel like another world. Enjoy a contemplative evening after you’ve checked into your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Depart after breakfast for the drive to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the holy mountain in Naxi culture, renowned for its spectacular setting of peaks, plateaus, glaciers, frozen waterfalls and forests. It’s here you’ll have the opportunity to the merging of modern art with traditional music and culture. Be entertained by the great show, Impression Lijiang, directed by Zhangyimou, the famous and talented director of the 2008 Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies. The show is performed at an outdoor theater against the backdrop of the Jade White Snow Mountain. Involving around 400 locals of 10 ethnic groups and 100 horses, the show is an interesting spectacle that highlights the legend and stories of the traditional Naxi culture with sincerity. Following the show, you’ll take a cable car to Spruce Plateau, a vast meadow hidden by a primitive spruce forest and shrouded in lingering mists. It’s no mistake that many associate this idyllic landscape of stunning spruces, plateaus, pines, and clouds with an earthly fairyland. Fascinating views of the surrounding snow-capped mountain ranges complete the picture. From a distance, Snow Mountain appears like a giant white dragon nestled in the clouds, which is how it was given its name. A quieter and more sedate opportunity to experience local Bai life is possible when you you arrive at Baisha Village. Here you’ll feel compelled to admire the distinctive cultural characteristics, precious historical artifacts and especially the unique Baisha Murals. Different religions appear in the same wall painting, including Buddhism, Taoism and even Lamaism, indicative of an important cultural relic in the study of Chinese history of arts and religion. Round out today’s adventure with a relaxing evening when you return to the hotel in Lijiang.
Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy a hearty breakfast in preparation for today’s touring which starts with a 3-hour (100 kilometer) drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Along the way, a stop will be made at the First Bend of Yangtze River. An important geographical point, it’s here the Yangtze River headwaters take a sharp ninety degree turn towards northeast slowing its pace. Stunning – and a sign of what’s to come – you’ll see how the river flows as it broadens. The picturesque scenery is framed with overlapping peaks, terraced fields and local villages. Beautiful!
In the afternoon, continue exploring at Tiger Leaping Gorge. Astounding geography, the gorge was formed by the convergence of steep vertical ridges on opposite banks rising more than 3900 meters, forcing the flowing waters of the Jinsha River into a narrow gap, causing thunderous whirlpools and dangerous rushing waters. From well-paved pathways you can observe, hear and feel the spectacle of fast waters rushing and slamming into large rocks, or you can stand up close on the viewing deck to gaze at the torrents roaring between mountains. This is a natural spectacle you’ll likely only experience once in a lifetime.
On the return to Lijiang, you’ll have an opportunity to admire the mysterious stone tablet with Sanskrit verses at Zhiyun Lamasery, a Tibetan temple blending the architectural style of the Han, Tibet, Bai and Naxi minorities. Built in the ninth year of the reign of Emperor Yongzheng in 1727, the Lamasery is also renowned for its mysterious legends and enchanting landscape. In the temple courtyard walk among the five ancient trees thought to be two or three hundred years old. These only add to the spirit of the buildings which overlook the lake. Today’s travel ends when you return to your hotel. Relax or take in the Lijiang evening.
Meals included: Breakfast
Your final day on tour allows you free time to explore or simply rest before your guide collects you from the hotel in time for the airport transfer and your departure flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
Travel note: We love helping our customers make the most of their available travel time. Need assistance planning your next destination? We can help with that too. Our travel network spans across every corner of China and South East Asia. With connections like you can be confidence we’ll take care of every detail. Kindly note, that a surcharge will apply.
Accommodation
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Admission fees: to sightseeing spots and activities specified
- Accommodation: hotels based on double/twin occupancy as specified
- Meals: as specified in the itinerary
- Tour guide: excellent private English-speaking guide
- Transportation: bullet train of Kunming/Dali (First class seat for Luxury tours; second class seat for Superior tours). Economy class domestic flight between Hong Kong/Kunming.
- Transfers: land transfer with drivers as specified
- Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour
- Government taxes and fees.
Exclusions
- International / domestic flights and trains to Hong Kong/from Lijiang
- China visa fees
- Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of a personal nature
- Our tour package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect for any unforeseen circumstances.
Important Information
- Important information – PRIVATE TOUR
- This is a private tour for your group of family or friends. There will be no other travellers in the group apart from you.It’s always available for your schedule!
- Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Prices based on twin occupancy.
- The prices shown are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival).
- The tour guide may adjust the itinerary due to closure of the museums each Monday.
- Optional tours to Suzhou, Hangzhou or nearby Watertown, and other destinations are also available
- Any city not included in the existing tour package can be blended into as Private tour.
- Entering and exiting China from Hong Kong and Taipei are also available.
- Stays at entering and exiting cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei) can be extended.
Important information – FOR SMALL GROUP TOUR
- This is a small group tour with fixed itinerary and guaranteed departures.
You’ll travel with other like-minded people. - Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- The tour guide may adjust the itinerary due to closure of the museums on each Monday
- A transfer from your hotel to Hongqiao or Pudong Airport in Shanghai is available upon request at a surcharge.
- Stays at entering and exiting cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei) can be extended.
- Prices based on twin occupancy.
- The prices shown are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival).
- The maximum number of passengers in a small group tour is 12 people.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Booking Information
After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation email with a Passenger Information Form. The Passenger Information Form must be completed within 72 hours of the purchase.Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
On purchasing this tour product, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions, in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.
Surcharges
Please note: online credit card payment and PayPal payments incur surcharges.Tour Start Dates
Private and custom tours can be scheduled to commence on any day. Multi-day small group tours start on set dates as indicated in the booking calendar for the specific tour.Cities for Commencement of Tours
Beijing is the city in which multi-day small group tours start. Multi-day tours with set itineraries booked as a private tour, commence in Beijing, unless otherwise arranged with ChinaTours.com. Tours booked as custom tours can start in any destination listed on the ChinaTours.com website.Flights
Full service flights included, where applicable. For international flights: full service flights included only if tour includes travel to/from Hong Kong, Taiwan, North Korea, or as part of Indochina tour packages. Domestic flights included as part of a tour package are provided by select Chinese domestic airlines. Flight carrier will be specified in itinerary provided on finalization of booking. Note: the maximum baggage allowance for domestic in China is 20 kilograms for economy class domestic flights, 30 kilograms for business class, and 40 kilograms for first class. Flight class upgrades are available on request at an additional charge.High Speed Trains
First class seat for five star (Luxury) tour packages and second class seat for four star (Superior) tour packages.High Speed Train Seat Upgrades
Seat upgrades are available on high speed trains on request at an additional charge and subject to availability. A limited number of first class seats are available on high speed trains. ChinaTours.com cannot guarantee high speed train seat upgrades due to third party or supplier’s shortage.Destination Transfer
Transfers from airport to hotel provided as air-conditioned vehicle with driver.Post Tour Airport Transfer
At the completion of your tour, a transfer service from your hotel to Hongqiao or Pudong Airport can be arranged on request. Additional charges apply.Arrive Early
Accommodation options for early arrival prior to commencement of tour are available. Bookings can be made online prior to checkout or arrangements can be made with a ChinaTours.com travel consultant.Stay Behind
Accommodation options for stay behind after completion of tour are available. Bookings can be made online prior to checkout or arrangements can be made with a ChinaTours.com travel consultant.Tour Guide
All ChinaTours.com tour guides are bilingual speakers with intimate knowledge of an area/city, its culture, history, people, and food, which they will share on tour. ChinaTours.com does not operate commission-based shopping tours which means our tour guides do not receive commissions for commission-based shopping stops. Small group and private tour groups of 1-2 (<3) people will be provided with a guide/driver rather than a driver and a guide.Small Group Size
The maximum number of passengers in a multi-day small group tour is 12 people.Optional Tours/Activities
Optional tour activities are available on request. Please contact ChinaTours.com directly to customize your optional tour activities and destinations.Accommodation
ChinaTours.com selects international four star and five star hotels located in the inner city centre. In small, regional destinations, ChinaTours.com selects the best available hotel.Bedding Configuration
Bedding included in accommodation is double or twin bedding (subject to availability). Special arrangements available on request; additional charges may apply due to third party or hotel request.Adjoining/Interconnecting Rooms
Adjoining/Interconnecting rooms are available subject to passenger’s request. Additional charges may apply due to third party or hotel request.Child/Infant Policy
Pricing for child and infant can be quoted separately.
Infant price is valid for children 0 to 2 years. Child price is valid for children aged 2 to 11 years. Adult pricing apply for passengers aged 12 years and over. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 years or over. No unaccompanied minors allowed.Meals
All breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are excluded allowing passengers to make their own selection for lunch and dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided on the Yangtze River Cruise only. Lunch provided on the Li River Cruise. Local guides can be consulted to provide recommendations and assist with eating arrangements on request.Passport
Customers are required to provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or within 72 hours of purchase. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the booking. In this instance customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred.
Passport validity should be at least six months for entering China.Visas
A tourist visa for China is a strict requirement if travelling on a foreign passport.
Please make arrangements for your visa as soon as you receive your documentation to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.Gratuities/Tipping
Gratuities (tips) for services of the tour guide and driver throughout the tour are not included in the tour package price.Insurance
ChinaTours.com tour packages do not include travel insurance. We strongly recommend purchase of comprehensive travel insurance prior to departure to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.Schedule of Fees
For changes to travel arrangements:- First change – No charge.
- For all subsequent changes – USD50.
- Any charges applied by a third party (for example, airline, cruise company, accommodation provider, other travel provider) cannot be waived.
Cancellation
For China tour Packages, ChinaTours.com charges cancellation fees at a percentage of the total tour package price, which are stated as follows:- More than 60 days prior to tour start date: 15 percent cancellation fee
- 45 – 59 days prior to tour start date: 20 percent cancellation fee
- 30 – 44 days prior to tour start date: 30 percent cancellation fee
- 15 – 29 days prior to tour start date: 50 percent cancellation fee
- Within 14 days prior to tour start date: 100 percent cancellation fee
Any charges applied by a third party (for example, airline, cruise company, accommodation provider, other travel provider, credit card fee, bank fee) cannot be waived.