6 days Yunnan Tour to Kunming – Jianshui – Yuanyang
Tour Overview
As the capital city of Yunnan, Kunming is also known as the “spring city” because of its warm weather. It was once the center of the “bronze culture” in the Dianchi Lake basin. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, the local customs are gorgeous treasures on the red land of Yunnan. It gathers the advantages of residents of several ethnic minorities.
Take this 6-day Yunnan in-depth minority tour, you will be totally refreshed by each day of the exploration. The Yuanyang Rice Terraces are a highlight of this trip, adding charm to your Yunnan adventure.
Travel destinations: Kunming, Jianshui, Yuanyang
Suitable for: Cultural Explorers, Shutterbugs, Nature Lovers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Visit the Dianchi Lake, known as “the pearl of the plateau”, and feed lovely black-headed gulls.
- Capture the beauty of nature in the magnificent Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces which is the paradise of photography tourists.
- Walk into the extraordinary natural Stone Forest and marvel at groups of gray-black stone peaks.
- Explore the hidden history and culture in this marvelous “alive ancient town”, Jianshui Ancient Town.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Kunming ArrivalVisit a Serene Oasis with Lush Beauty of Green Lake
Welcome to Kunming for the 6-day Yunnan trip! The guide will greet you at the airport holding a welcome sign with your name or "China Xian Tour". Boarding a private, air-conditioned car, you will be transferred directly to your hotel to check in.
Later on, you will follow the guide to visit Green Lake Park, one of Kunming's most beautiful parks, which features clear water, verdant willows, and tropical forests.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: in Kunming
Lotus Flowers in Green Lake Park - Day 2: Kunming to Jianshui TourMarvel at Karst Wonders, Explore Jianshui's Ancient Charm
In the morning, the guide will meet you at your hotel lobby and then begin your Kunming tour at the famous Stone Forest, which is known for the typical karst landscape. Roaming in the special forest, you will be surprised by the surroundings that can be fantasied into the forms of swords, towers, mushrooms, and even human beings, the scene of which is peculiar and wonderful.
After lunch, drive 2 hours to Jianshui Ancient Town, which can be called a “museum of ancient architecture” and “museum of folk dwellings”. You can freely explore the town on your own, or just have a good rest in the hotel keeping energy for the next day's visit.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Jianshui
Stone Forest - Day 3: Jianshui to Yuanyang TourExplore Elegant Zhu Family Garden and Well-Structured Confucius Temple
Today, you will pay a visit to Zhu Family Garden, the mansion built in the late Qing dynasty for Zhu's family. Your local guide will show you around the garden and delight you with each unique part of the design, including the exquisite decorations, the function of the houses, and the story at that time.
Then, be guided to Jianshui Confucius Temple, with a history of more than 700 years. The temple adopted the palace-type design with north-south axis symmetry. The whole building is magnificent and well-structured, giving people a sense of solemnity. It also highlights the property of Confucianism.
In the afternoon, we drive for around 3 hours to Yuanyang county. You will check in at the local hotel tonight.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Yuanyang
Admire the Traditional Chinese Architecture in Zhu Family Garden - Day 4: Yuanyang Rice Terraces TourApperciate Spectacular Terraces, Glimpse Traditions of Hani Minority People
In the morning, meet your guide at the hotel lobby and then head to Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces. It is the masterpiece that Hani minority people left by generations, which looks very spectacular. Walk through the surrounding villages and experience the ethnic customs of Yuanyang. You will also encounter the distinctive architecture and costumes.
What comes after is Qingkou Hani Ethnic Village. Visitors can experience the essence of Hani terrace culture in just a few hours by walking along the village’s stone path and viewing the national costumes, harrows, hoes, looms, and other production and living tools.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Yuanyang
Views from Tiger Mouth of Hani Rice Terraces - Day 5: Yuanyang Ethnic Market Tour, Back to KunmingGain an Insight into the Daily Life of the Local Minority
After your breakfast, follow your guide to a local ethnic market to gain an insight into the daily life of the native minority. You will see people wearing their traditional costumes and women carrying the special pack basket made of bamboo, for carrying babies. The guide will narrate the customs and other ethnic things to make your tour more interesting.
Say goodbye to Yuanyang and hop in the car for a 6-hour ride back to Kunming City. Enjoy the scenery outside the window along the road. When you get to Kunming, the guide will help you check in at a local hotel.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Kunming
A local market - Day 6: Kunming Departure
In the morning, you will be led to visit a bird & flower market. Feed your sight on the large varieties of plants, pet birds, and insects. What might surprise you is that eating insects is a popular dietary habit here.
At the end of this 6-day in-depth minority tour of Yunnan, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Price includes
- Transfer in air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- English speaking guide
- Admission fees to listed tourism sites
- Meals listed in itinerary
- Hotels with breakfast
- Fuel surcharge, parking fee
Price excludes
- Personal expense
- Optional activities
- Gratuities (recommended)
