About this Tour
This nature-based journey highlights the wild beauty of Southwest China, crossing the two provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan. In the Sichuan province, you will have the opportunity to see pandas up close in a wilderness release research center and walk down ancients streets of the Chengdu region, before exploring some of the region’s natural wonders like the waterfalls of Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou. Continuing south into Yunnan, the route takes in the limestone pinnacles of the Stone Forest and the old towns of Dali, Shaxi, and Lijiang, where Bai and Naxi traditions still shape daily life. The journey closes among the region’s most impressive scenery, from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley to the cliffs of Tiger Leaping Gorge.
About Yunnan
Yunnan is one of China’s most diverse provinces, a meeting point of varied landscapes and ethnic cultures in the country’s far southwest. For centuries it was crossed by the Tea-Horse Road, a network of trade routes that carried tea, horses, and goods between Yunnan, Tibet, and beyond. It is a side of China far from the imperial north, shaped by mountains, minority traditions, and centuries of exchange.
Moments from this Tour
What’s Included
- Transportation: High-speed trains or optional domestic flights, and luxury coach
- Lodging: 4-5 Star Hotels and Cultural boutique inns
- Meals: Every full itinerary day will include 3 meals. Arrival and departure will differ
- Activities and Tickets: All listed entrance fees and guided experiences as specified in the itinerary
- Tour Guide: English-speaking tour guide
What’s Excluded
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tour guide gratuities (recommended 10% gratuity)
- Trip and cancellation insurance (highly recommended)
- All personal expenses, optional self-paid activities and any items or attraction tickets not mentioned in the “included” section
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Single supplement
- International flights and airport taxes
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Chengdu
In the morning, we will pick you up from the airport and help get you checked into the hotel. In the afternoon we will visit the Wuhou Shrine and learn more about the Three Kingdoms Period. Later on in the evening we will take a walk through Jinli Ancient Street to explore the atmosphere and give you an opportunity to try some snacks.
Accommodations: Chengdu 5 star Hotel or equivalent
Meals: N/A
Day 2: Chengdu – Panda Valley – High-Speed Train – Jiuzhaigou/Songpan
After breakfast at your hotel, we will start the day by going to visit Panda Valley, a wilderness release research center, dedicated to the wellbeing of the pandas. Here we will be able to take pictures and interact with the pandas. We will then head back to Chengdu to eat an authentic Sichuan lunch. In the afternoon we will take a high-speed train to the Guangyuan/Mianyang region, and then take a transfer to a Songpan or Chuanzhusi hotel. Accommodations: Songpan/Chuanzhsi Hotel of 4 stars or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Huanglong – Jiuzhaigou
In the morning we will take a tour of the Huanglong Scenic Area, known for its colorful pools, snow mountains, lush forests, and the Huanglong Temple. Travelers with respiratory conditions are advised to bring portable oxygen, as the altitude in this area will be high. We will have a light lunch near this park to help with altitude adjustment. In the afternoon, we will transfer to the entrance of Jiuzhaigou National park. If you would like, you will also have the option to attend the Jiuzhai Eternal Love ethnic performance
Accommodations: Hotel near the Jiuzhaigou entrance area of 4 star quality
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full-Day Jiuzhaigou National Park Exploration
We will take the entire day to go sightseeing in Jiuzhaigou National Park. Some of the main highlights we will visit are: Five-Flower Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, Long Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, Shuzheng Lakes and Mirror Lake. We will take a picnic or buffet inside the park for lunch. At the end of the day we will return to the hotel to rest.
Accommodations: Hotel near the Jiuzhaigou entrance area of 4 star quality
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
.Day 5: Jiuzhaigou – High-Speed Train – Return to Chengdu
We will allow time in the morning for leisure, or if you would like, we will take an optional visit to a Tibetan village. Around noon, we will set off for the Guangyuan/Mianyang train station and take the high-speed train to Chengdu. In the evening we will explore Kuanzhai Alley and have dinner in that area, which we recommend trying the Sichuan hotpot.
Accommodations: Chengdu 5 star Hotel or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Chengdu – Kunming – Stone Forest
In the morning we will catch a flight to Kunming, and have a private airport pickup. In the afternoon, we will take a tour of Stone Forest Geopark, admire Karst formations and enjoy Yi ethnic Roast duck. We will then return to Kunming and drop you off at your hotel for the night.
Accommodations: Delta Hotels Kunming 5★ or equivalent hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Kunming – Dali
After eating breakfast, we will travel to Dali. We will then visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Dali Ancient Town, Foreigner’s Street and the Catholic Church in Old Town Dali City. In the evening, we will take a stroll in the ancient town and enjoy Bai Culture and cuisine.
Accommodations: Lanlingge Hotel Dali (Ancient Town) 5 star or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Dali – Xizhou – Shaxi
We will visit Xizhou Ancient Town in the morning, exploring the ancient banyan tree and Corner Tower. We will also be able to see a traditional Bai tea ceremony. We will have lunch here and enjoy local Bai cuisine. After lunch, we will spend the afternoon in Zhoucheng for in-depth tie-dye session, and then head to Shaxi Ancient Town for a leisurely evening
Accommodations: Lanlingge Garden Hotel Shaxi 5★ or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Shaxi – Lijiang
We will visit the Xingjiao Temple, Yujin Bridge, South Gate, and Ancient Stage in the morning and then depart for Lijiang at noon. Once we arrive, we will visit Lijiang Old Town and explore Dongba script writing, Naxi wedding customs, and embroidery heritage.
Accommodations: Huazhu Cangyuan Lijing Hotel Lijiang 5★ or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Lijiang – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
We will ascend to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain through either Glacier cableway or Spruce Meadow cableway and tour Snowfield Ranch. In the afternoon we will visit Blue Moon Valley (electric cart included) and admire the alpine lake scenery.
Accommodations: Huazhu Cangyuan Lijing Hotel Lijiang 5★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge Adventure
In the morning, we will depart from Shigu Town and visit the historic Iron Chain Bridge, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the famous First Bend of the Yangtze River. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic hike through the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of China’s deepest and most dramatic canyons. Along the way, take in towering cliffs, rushing waters, and unforgettable natural scenery
Accommodations: Huazhu Cangyuan Lijing Hotel Lijiang 5★ or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Lijiang – Lashihai Wetland – Departure
In the morning, visit Lashihai Wetland Park, where you can enjoy optional horseback riding and boating while experiencing a section of the ancient Tea-Horse Road. Take in the serene landscapes and cultural significance of this historic trade route. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Accommodations: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Itinerary Note: To ensure the best possible travel experience, the order of visits and daily arrangements may be adjusted by the guide based on local conditions, travel time, visitor traffic, weather, and operational considerations. All key included experiences will be arranged as appropriately as possible throughout the journey.
Hotel Rating System
Although some hotels on this itinerary may appear to have a lower star rating on international booking websites, they are officially classified by the China National Tourism Administration. This government-regulated system evaluates hotels based on a strict set of standards for quality, facilities, and service. Some differences in rating systems and cultural expectations may account for the variation in online ratings. In order to ensure quality, we rate hotels by this system.
Customer Cancellation Policy View refund eligibility and cancellation fee details
We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be as fair and transparent as possible:
| Cancellation Timing | Refund | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 60 days or more prior to departure | 80% | 20% |
| 59 to 35 days prior to departure | 50% | 50% |
| 34 days or fewer prior to departure | No Refund | 100% |
Travel Insurance Recommended: We recommend purchasing travel insurance to help protect your trip investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.