12-Day Yunnan & Guizhou Tour

A 1.5-hour drive will take you to one of Yunnan’s greatest wonders: the Stone Forest in Shilin County. Weather and time have sculpted a massive karst labyrinth where you can walk among ancient stone “trees” that tower above you. Each rock formation has its own touching story or thrilling legend, passed down by the native Sani people, a branch of the Yi ethnic group. You can find them inside the park playing music, singing folk songs, or creating intricate embroidery.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to Kunming to board a high-speed train for the scenic journey to Lijiang.

Start your day with an early rise, embarking on an exhilarating journey to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

First, take a cable car up to Spruce Meadow, a perfect spot for a leisurely walk where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the landscape.

Afterwards, visit Blue Moon Valley, a breathtaking destination at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, known for its turquoise rivers and lakes. Stroll along scenic paths and enjoy the stunning views of the snow-capped peaks reflected in the crystal-clear waters.

After that, indulge in the Impression Lijiang show,choreographed by the famous film director Zhang Yimou and performed with the mountain itself as a backdrop.

After breakfast, you will depart Lijiang for the next leg of your adventure: the ancient city of Dali. After arrival, you will check in hotel and have lunch first.

Excursion to The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. One of the most iconic landmarks of Yunnan stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and spiritual heritage. Located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain and overlooking Erhai Lake, this architectural wonder dates back to the Tang Dynasty (9th century) and was built to ward off natural disasters.

Afterwards, you will be transferred to Dali Old Town, the heartland of the prosperous Bai people. The town embodies traditional Chinese life with its wooden houses featuring ornate eaves and stone streets worn smooth over centuries. Dali has long been a cultural melting pot, with Bai, Yi, and Hui people going about their daily lives in their traditional dress.

In the morning, we stop off at the ancient market town of Xizhou, just 19 kilometres north of Dali Old Town. Here we will visit the morning market, where locals dressed in traditional minority clothing sell and buy local fruits, freshly cut meat, piles of fragrant spices, livestock and anything else you can think of.

You can visit a traditional Three-course tea ceremony and an exquisite example of a traditional Bai-style courtyard home.

Zhoucheng Village is the largest Bai village in the region and famous for its tie-dyeing traditions. Stroll through the village streets and witness local artisans crafting batik fabrics and mastering intricate tie-dye techniques.

You’ll have the chance to visit a workshop where you can observe the entire tie-dye process, from dyeing to drying.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Dali Railway Station to board the high-speed train, to Guizhou. Relax and watch as the landscape transforms outside your window from Yunnan’s mountainous terrain to Guizhou’s distinctive karst hills.

Upon your arrival in Anshun, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and driver. They will take you directly to Tianlong Tunpu Town, a fortified settlement and a living museum. The residents are descendants of Han Chinese soldiers sent to this region during the Ming Dynasty. For over 600 years, they have preserved their unique customs, architecture, and Han dress. Walk along the stone pathways, explore the sturdy, slate-roofed houses, and witness the enduring legacy of this community, often referred to as “living fossils” of Ming-era culture.

After the tour, transfer to your hotel in Anshun to relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

After breakfast, a scenic drive from Anshun will take you to Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Asia. Paths through the lush subtropical park will lead you to various viewing platforms. Each offers a unique perspective of the 77-meter-wide curtain of water plunging 101 meters into the Rhinoceros Pool below. The highlight is undoubtedly the Water-Curtain Cave, a natural pathway that runs behind the waterfall. Feeling the vibration and watching the water crash down before your eyes is an unforgettable experience.

After soaking in the grandeur of the falls, continue your journey to Guiyang, the vibrant capital of Guizhou province. Upon arrival in Guiyang, you will check into your hotel.

Today offers a blend of urban nature, literary history, and Ming Dynasty atmosphere as you explore the key highlights of Guiyang. Your journey begins at Qianling Mountain Park, a lush urban oasis considered the “green lung” of the city. As you stroll through the forests and climb towards the Hongfu Temple, you’ll be accompanied by troops of mischievous but charming macaque monkeys. The climb is rewarded with tranquil temple courtyards and sweeping views over the city below.

Next is Jiaxiu Pavilion, perched on a large rock in the Nanming River and connected to the banks by the Fuyu Bridge. This iconic three-story pavilion is a symbol of Guiyang. Its name, meaning “First of the Literati,” reflects its history as a place of scholarly pursuit. Ascend to the top for panoramic views and appreciate the calligraphy and historical exhibits that speak of China’s imperial examination system.

In the afternoon, step back in time with a visit to Qingyan Ancient Town. Originally a military fortress built in the Ming Dynasty, this well-preserved town is enclosed by sturdy stone walls and gates. Wander through its narrow, flagstone streets lined with ancient stone buildings, courtyards, and temples. The town also offers a chance to sample local Guizhou snacks and witness local crafts. This day provides a balance of natural beauty, cultural history, and the lively spirit of a bygone era.

After the tour, transfer to Kaili.

Today focuses on villages where traditions are a part of daily life.

First, stop at Matang Village, home to the Gejia people. This community is known for its extraordinary skill in batik, a traditional dyeing technique. You’ll see Gejia women meticulously applying wax with copper knives and dyeing the cloth in shades of indigo. The patterns, passed down through generations, often depict elements from their folklore and natural world, making each piece a unique cultural artifact.

In the afternoon, visit Langde Miao Village, a quintessential example of Miao culture. Nestled in a lush valley, the village consists of traditional stilted wooden houses built along a stream. As you approach, you may be greeted by the village’s famed “Block-the-Way” ceremony, a joyful and elaborate welcoming ritual involving toasts of rice wine, songs, and dances performed in hand-embroidered costumes and elaborate silver headdresses. Wander the flagstone paths and admire the craftsmanship of Miao silverwork, considered some of the finest in China

Today’s journey begins at Qingman Village. Qingman offers a look at the traditional architecture of a Dong settlement. Take in the sight of its sturdy wooden houses, the village’s pond and elegant Wind-and-Rain Bridge.

In the afternoon, visit Shiqiao Miao Village. This village is famous for preserving the art of papermaking, a technique dating back over 1,000 years. You will have the opportunity to see the entire process firsthand, from pulping the bark of local trees to the delicate pressing and drying of the paper. It is a glimpse into a craft that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Then, continue to Zhaoxing Dong Village. It is a highlight of Dong culture, with the impressive Five Drum Towers, Wind-and-Rain Bridges and traditional folk music performances.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in the serene atmosphere of Zhaoxing. Take a stroll through the village as it wakes up, perhaps capturing a photograph of the Drum Towers in the soft morning light.

After check-out, take a short drive to Congjiang Railway Station to board the high-speed train.

Upon your arrival in Kunming, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel.

Pick-up from hotel and drive to Kunming airport, it’s the end of your wonderful Yunnan trip. We hope you had a great time during your Yunnan trip and hope to welcome you again!