China is a vast and diverse country known for its rich history, ancient wonders, and vibrant traditions that span thousands of years. From the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors, it offers a unique blend of imperial heritage and natural beauty.
12-Day Journey to the Wild Beauty of Southwest China Tour
Description
Embark on an unforgettable journey as we guide you through four captivating cities: Chengdu, Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang. Each city offers its own unique charm, rich history, and awe-inspiring sights waiting to be explored.
About China
Duration
12 Days
Group Size
2-8 People
Included
- Transportation: Domestic Flights, High-Speed Train, 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 and guided experience fees.
- Tour Guide: Local Chinese-Speaking Driver and English Speaking Tour Guide
Excluded
- Personal Passport and Visa Registration and Fees
- We do not include options for single travelers on this tour.
- Personal expenses, insurance, delays or farce majeure.
- Additional activities not listed as included in itinerary.
Travel 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: Tibet Hotel Chengdu (rated 5 stars) or equivalent hotel
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
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
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
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: Chengu 5 star hotel
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 takea 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
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
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
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
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 to Blue Moon Valley (electric cart included) and admire the alpine lake scenery.
Accommodations: Huazhu Cangyuan Lijing Hotel Lijiang 5★
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
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.
Details - 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy trip insurance?
For travellers with Horizon Global Travel, trip insurance is optional and comes at an additional cost. However, we strongly recommend that you purchase a travel insurance policy that includes trip interruption/cancellation coverage. Travel insurance may offer financial protection for trip cancellation and interruption, as well as assistance should you encounter covered travel delays, baggage loss, or required emergency medical treatment while traveling. We strongly recommend purchasing a travel insurance plan from our partner, USI Travel Insurance Services (TIS), which provides comprehensive travel insurance plans for domestic/global travelers. Visit the USI Travel Insurance Services site, linked here, to purchase an insurance plan.
How can I find out more about the activity level of my trip?
The activity levels of our trips are denoted in the tour overview as Light, Moderate, or Heavy. Light-activity tours will contain walking, but fewer opportunities for off-road, higher-altitude hikes. Conversely, heavy-activity tours will be more hiking-intensive and are best suited for athletic, adventurous travelers. If you still have questions about the activity levels of your trip, please contact our travel advisors at +1 801-809-6879.
Additional Information
- This itinerary is only a sample. Depending on flight arrival and departure times, road and weather conditions, and personal abilities and interests, the order and locations of itinerary items are subject to change. Your guide will ensure that you remain informed of any changes. No matter what you’re into, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions according to your interests. When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every additional itinerary item that we offer will work well with your schedule.
- The listed price of this tour assumes that you will be staying in a two-person room. If you wish to reside in a single-person room instead of a two-person room, your tour price will increase by $175 per day of the tour.
Important Notes:
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- Travel Time: Operators are always carefully selected and have instructions to drive at a speed within the limits prescribed by law and compatible with safe operation. Unusual road, traffic, and weather conditions are beyond the Company's control.
- Tour guide
- We recommend that you give your tour guide a gratuity equal to 10% of the tour price (e.g. if the tour is $2000, we recommend giving your tour guide a $200 gratuity)
- The driver/guide is not responsible for delays or cancellations caused by traffic or road conditions, weather, or other causes over which it has no control
- The driver/guide has the right to make itinerary adjustments based on unusual road, traffic, and weather conditions. Tour Guide
- Driver Hours: Itineraries are subject to review by a safety officer of the Company. Federal Department of Transportation safety regulations prohibit drivers from being on duty more than ten (10) hours per day, of which are for driving (including a 30- minute pre- and post-trip vehicle inspection). The driver must be given eight (8) consecutive hours off before he/she may resume his/her duties.
- Trip Insurance
- We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance for your tour. If you haven’t already, please consider purchasing travel insurance for your trip through our insurance partners at: https://www.travelinsure.com/horizonglobaltravel/
Cancellation of a Tour:
- For domestic trips within the United States
- Cancellation 45+ days before the departure date
- Horizon will retain the tour development deposit ($500)
- Cancellation 30-45 days before the departure date
- Horizon will retain 30% of the total trip cost
- Cancellation 20-30 days before the departure date
- Horizon will retain 50% of the total trip cost
- Cancellation 20 days or fewer before the departure date
- Horizon will retain 100% of the total trip cost
- Cancellation 45+ days before the departure date
- For international trips
- Cancellation 60+ days before the departure date
- Horizon will retain the tour development deposit ($500)
- Cancellation 45-60 days before the departure date
- Horizon will retain 30% of the total trip cost
- Cancellation 30-45 days before the departure date
- Horizon will retain 50% of the total trip cost
- Cancellation 30 days or fewer before the departure date
- Horizon will retain 100% of the total trip cost
- Cancellation 60+ days before the departure date
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