Abounding in colorful minorities, China's Yunnan province is a gem of a destination not to miss on your trip to China.

The beauty of the exotic southern landscape of China is legendary, as is a journey to breathtaking Lijiang, a magic medieval town, the stunning Stone Forest, Dali, the capital of ancient Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms, home of the Bai minority, and finally Zhongdian, the stunningly picturesque setting believed to be the inspiration of the mythical Shangri-La described in James Hilton’s novel, The Lost Horizon, and more.

Yunnan Tour, ex Kunming

This option is for those taking advantage of the convenient air connection between Thailand and Southern China, specifically via Bangkok to Kunming in Yunnan, but can be customized with any other China itinerary.

Day 1 • ARRIVE KUNMING
Welcome to City of Eternal Spring. On , tour the Western Hills, commonly referred to as ‘Sleeping Beauty Hills’ an adequate description of the spectacular formations Then on to tour the 400 year old Golden Palace Temple at the top of Mingfeng Hill, China Tours 2012
 of the Taoist Taihe Palace (Hall of Supreme Harmony) and the largest copper temple in China. Check in to your 5 star Harbour Plaza Hotel.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2• KUNMING/STONE FOREST/KUNMING
Today, experience a highlight of your trip as you take an excursion to the legendary Stone Forest, where massive limestone columns form a vast forest of surreal shapes and images. This area is China Tours 2012
 to the Sani Minority, known for their fine embroidery and dancing skills.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 • KUNMING to DALI
This morning a short flight takes you to Dali, capital of ancient Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms, and China Tours 2012
 of the Bai minority group. Enjoy a cruise on stunning Erhai Lake, and experience a traditional tea tasting. Visit Jin Suo Isle, which is China Tours 2012
 to a Bai minority fishing village and colorful market. Continue on to visit the picturesque Three Pagoda Temple and explore the fascinating wonders of Dali's ancient quarter .In the evening stroll down Foreigner's Street, absorbing the local atmosphere of the authentic markets. Overnight at your 4 star Asia Star Hotel, the city’s best hotel.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 • DALI to LIJIANG
This morning depart Dali traveling by motor coach to breathtaking Lijiang En route; visit the Bai Traditional House in Xizhou, China Tours 2012
 to a diverse population. An important stop on the trade route to Tibet, Xizhou flourished in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), along with the fortunes of Dali’s tea merchants. Visit the Yang family courtyard, a traditional Bai house.In the afternoon, arrive in Lijiang, where the Naxi ethnic minorities have a long history and splendid culture, with their unique traditions, architecture and clothing. Visit the ancient Dayan Town, a UNESCO world heritage site, where the houses are wood-and-earth structures with tiled roofs and flower-filled courtyards. Then on to tour the Lion Hill. After the tour, Check in to your 5 star Lijiang Guan Fang Hotel.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 • LIJIANG
A full day of sightseeing the renowned Black Dragon Pool with its Moon Embracing Pavilion, Five Phoenix Pavilion and Dongba Cultural Village. Then on to visit Yufeng Temple, with its famous 500 year old camellia tree. In the afternoon, visit Baisha village to see its Ming and Qing dynasty frescos, then tour Yuhu Village, a well-preserved Naxi community.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 • LIJIANG to ZHONGDIAN SHANGRI LA
Today drive to Zhongdian, the stunningly picturesque setting believed to be the inspiration of the mythical Shangri-La described in James Hilton’s novel, The Lost Horizon. Along the way, behold the “First Bend” of the Yangtze River at Shigu, and astounding Hutiao (Tiger Leap) Gorge on the Jinsha River, one of the deepest gorges in the world. Overnight at your 4 star Paradise Hotel
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 • ZHONGDIAN SHANGRI LA
Today’s breathtaking tour of this beautiful region visits 17th-century Gedan Songzanlin Monastery, scenic Napa Lake, then on to tour Zhongdian’s Tibetan-style old town and local market. In the evening, pay a visit to a Tibet family, where you will enjoy a local Singing and Dancing Show with some special snacks.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 • ZHONGDIAN to KUNMING
In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kunming, where you take a connecting flight onward
MEALS: Breakfast

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Compare the above itinerary with a more in depth 12-night Yunnan Highlights Cultural Explorer tour itinerary!

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