10 Days Classic Yunnan Tour Package from Beijing

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Welcome to Beijing

   Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China. Upon arrival, the local guide and driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel in Beijing downtown.

   The rest of the day is free for you to relax at your hotel or explore the city on your own. You can wander though Wangfujing Street and Qianmen Street to buy fancy goods and enjoy authentic Beijing snacks. Or explore the variety of bars and experience the lively nightlife at Houhai Street.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: Beijing downtown

2. Day 2: Beijing Highlights Tour
   Majestic Royal Architecture and Charming Royal Garden Landscapes

   After breakfast, start today’s Beijing exploration tour. First visit Tiananmen Square, the largest town city square in the world. Stroll along the square and witness several Beijing landmarks, including Monument to the People’s Heroes, Zhengyang Gate, and Great Hall of the People.

   From Tiananmen Square, head to the Forbidden City, the symbol of ancient China. It is the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties where you can explore the rich Chinese history. There are many majestic royal architectures, reflecting the great architectural art of ancient China. As the largest palace in the Forbidden City, Hall of Supreme Harmony is the site where major ceremonies are held. The Palace of Heavenly Purity is one of the emperor’s chambers and the Hall of Preserving Harmony is the place for banquets. Admire a large number of royal treasures to learn about ancient Chinese culture and art.

   Also, climb Jingshan Park and overlook the panoramic view of the Forbidden City.

   

   After lunch, move to Summer Palace, a representative of China’s imperial gardens. It is a great site to witness the perfect combination of nature and royal architecture. Climb the Longevity Hill to overlook the wonderful views of Summer Palace. Wander along the Long Corridor to observe the classical Chinese paintings. Stand on the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and capture the picturesque scenery of Kunming Lake and the mountains in the distance.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Beijing downtown

   

3. Day 3: Beijing Great Wall Adventure Tour
   Enjoy the Magnificent Great Wall and Explore the Modern Landscape

   In the morning, drive to Mutianyu Great Wall, which is 73 kilometers away from Beijing city. With a total length of 5,400 meters, it is the longest Great Wall in China. Ascending to the Great Wall, you can observe the magnificent architectures, such as watch towers and beacon towers. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural scenery around you. If hiking is hard for you, there are also cable cars and toboggans to get up and down the mountain.

   

   On your way back to the downtown from the Mutianyu Great Wall, experience the Sacred Way of Ming Dynasty’s Imperial Tombs. There are many mysterious stone statues guarding the tombs of ancient emperors.

   Finally catch glimpses of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, the main venues of the 2008 Olympic Games. Both buildings have their own amazing features and you can appreciate the charm of modern architecture.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Beijing downtown

4. Day 4: Beijing City Tour, Fly to Kunming
   Royal Ceremonial Buildings and Traditional Local Life

   Today, continue your Beijing tour from Temple of Heaven. With a total area of 273 hectares, it is China’s largest surviving complex of ancient ceremonial architectures. Visit iconic buildings of the Temple of Heaven, such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest and Circular Mound Altar, where ancient emperors worshipped. In addition, you can observe the life of the local people in the park, such as practicing Tai Chi, playing chess or singing.

   

   Later, stroll through Beijing’s Hutongs and admire traditional houses of Beijing. Explore these historic alleys on a rickshaw to experience the lively life of Beijing people.

   After lunch, take a flight to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Upon arrival, the local guide will transfer you to the hotel in downtown Kunming for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Kunming downtown

   

5. Day 5: Kunming to Dali Tour by High-speed Train
   Experience the Urban Vitality of Kunming

   In the morning, start your Kunming tour from Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring karst formations. Wander along paths and bridges at the Big Stone Forests to observe rocks in various shapes and sizes. At Small Stone Forests, witness the stone peaks reflected in the lake, creating a wonderful picture with the surrounding trees. Observe the Ashima Stone and learn about the local legends of the Yi people in Yunnan.

   

   After lunch, drive to Green Lake Park, a city park with a long history and beautiful scenery. The center of the park is Green Lake, which is clear and surrounded by trees. Stroll through the park and enjoy the exquisite ancient architecture and picturesque natural scenery. In winter, you also have the chance to see Siberian seagulls flying to Kunming.

   Finally, take the high-speed train to Dali and stay overnight at a hotel in Dali Ancient City.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Dali Ancient Town

6. Day 6: Dali Exploration Tour
   Exquisite Buddhist Architecture and Rich Ethnic Culture

   After breakfast, head to the Three Pagodas and the Chongsheng Temple, one of landmarks in Dali. This historical site consists of a large pagoda and two small pagodas, showing the architectural features of the Tang and Song dynasties. Learn about the rich Chinese Buddhist culture while visiting these exquisite Buddhist architectures. Stand in the courtyard and capture the magnificent pictures formed by the towers and Cangshan Mountain in the distance.

   

   Then admire the Erhai Lake, which offers various and fascinating views in all seasons. Along the lake, immerse in the picturesque landscape of the sparkling lake and Cangshan Mountain. You can take a bus tour around the lake, a boat tour, or a bike ride along the road around the lake (optional).

   After lunch, explore the Dali Ancient Town. There are many ancient Bai architectures, including ancient city buildings, ancient academies and ancient temples. Explore the local stores, taste delicious Yunnan cuisine and buy some local handicrafts. You can also learn to make a traditional Bai snack, like Flower Cake, from a local master.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Dali Ancient Town

   

7. Day 7: Dali to Lijiang Tour by Car
   Unique Minority Architecture and Colorful Ethnic Culture

   The first stop of today’s Dali tour is Xizhou Ancient Town, a historical Bai settlement. Here admire the traditional and exquisite dwellings of the Bai people. Explore the vibrant local morning market and experience lively local life. Taste Bai’s Three-Course Tea, a special way of drinking tea for guests. Visit the Yan Family Compound, which blends traditional Bai architecture with modern Western-style villas.

   

   Afterwards, come to Zhoucheng Old Town, the largest ancient town of the Bai people. Observe the delicate Tie-dye art, an ancient textile dyeing technique in China. You can try to make your own tie-dye souvenirs (optional).

   After lunch, drive to Lijiang, a famous historical and cultural city in Yunnan. Upon arrival, the local guide and driver will take you to Lijiang Ancient Town. Admire the well-preserved ancient Naxi buildings on both sides of the street and learn about the diverse minority cultures. Visit Mufu Palace, the landmark building in the ancient town. Wander along the Sifang Street Square to explore the great ethnic crafts and watch wonderful performances.

   Optional Activity: Climb up Lion Hill for a panoramic view of the ancient town and visit the Wangu Tower.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Lijiang Ancient Town

   

8. Day 8: Lijiang Culture Tour
   Explore the Charm of Folk Art

   Today continue your tour in Lijiang. Explore Yuhu Village at the base of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The local dwellings are mostly built of stones, with Naxi architectural features. Stroll along the stone path to capture the clear lake and the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.

   

   Then go to the Baisha Village to admire the famous Baisha Mural Paintings. The essence of the murals lies in the integration of cultures, showing the rich religious culture and artistic schools of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Also choose to learn to make the colorful Baisha embroidery from a local craftsmen (optional).

   

   After lunch, visit Shuhe Ancient Town. There are many traditional Naxi ancient architectures, showing the history and customs of the Naxi people. And watch traditional Naxi folk performances at the square to experience the vibrant life of the locals.

   The next stop is the Dongba Culture Museum, which boasts many artifacts, like Dongba texts, Dongba paintings, ritual objects, and living tools of the Naxi people. Finally walk to Black Dragon Pool Park to admire the beautiful scene of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and clear water.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Lijiang

9. Day 9: Lijiang to Shangri-La Tour
   Marvel at the Wonders of Nature

   After breakfast, drive to Shangri-La from Lijiang. On the way, marvel at the First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the Yangtze takes a sharp turn and forms a V-shaped bend. You can take pictures of the spectacular views, the rolling hills and lush forests.

   Then arrive at Tiger Leaping Gorge for an exciting hike. Hike the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge section to admire the roaring rivers and towering cliffs. And stand on the viewing platform to witness the famous Tiger Leaping Rock, a large boulder in the middle of the river.

   

   After lunch, journey to Shangri-La and explore the Dukezong Ancient Town. Stroll through the ancient streets to admire the well-preserved Tibetan architecture and tasty delicious Tibetan cuisines. Climb to Guishan Park to observe the world’s largest prayer wheel and overlook the ancient city.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Shangri-La

   

10. Day 10: Shangri-La Discovery Tour, Shangri-La Departure
    Learn about the Splendid Buddhist Culture

    In the morning, continue your Shangri-La tour from Songzanlin Monastery. The architectural complex is modeled on the design of the Potala Palace in Tibet. These magnificent Buddhist temples are home to many exquisite Buddhist statues. Also observe precious Buddhist artifacts such as Buddha statues, thangkas, and scriptures.

    

    Drive to Pudacuo National Park, which boasts lakes, wetlands, forested meadows and various wildlife. Stroll along the Shudu Lake to immerse yourself in the vivid pictures of crystal lakes, stunning mountains and lush forests. At the vast Militang Pasture, admire the colorful flowers and herds of yaks.

    Later visit a local Tibetan family. You can talk with the local people and learn about their culture and customs. Experience the lively local life while tasting homemade butter tea and yak cheese.

    The 10-day China tour in Beijing and Yunnan ends here. The guide and driver will transfer you to the airport or train station for your departure.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: N/A