7 Days Kunming, Dali, Lijiang Bullet Train Tour

Arrive at Kunming Airport where you will be met by your dedicated tour guide outside the baggage claim area. From here you will be escorted to the hotel and assisted with check in. Enjoy the rest of the day by relaxing or exploring around the hotel precinct.

Note: Dining out? Be sure to consult with your local guide about the best options. With knowledge and insights to the best local eats, they can assist with bookings and ordering meals, if required.

Meals included: None

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 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 here 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 a D Series train which travels at speeds up to 250 km per hour). On the way, enjoy the experience of watching China go by, literally changing in front of you as you cruise by. In Dali, you will be welcomed by your guide who’ll commence your exploration here 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 colorful traditional Bai costumes 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 witness 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 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 3,900 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’re likely to experience just 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 by wandering the streets after a local meal.

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 

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