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12 Days Fabulous Southwestern China Nature Tour with Yangtze Cruise

Colorful China

1

Southwest China owns the most charming landscapes and colorful ethnic culture, where you can not enjoy the great beauty of the nature, but also discover how human live harmoniously with the nature. Extended to the Panda's hometown - Chengdu you will spend some happy hours with the cute panda bears. Also a luxury Yangtze River cruise will make your journey more relaxing.

Highlights of this tour:

  • Go to witness the magnificent wonder of mother nature - Stone Forest in Kunming;
  • Explore charming Lijiang Ancient Town and take a sidetrip to beautiful Tiger Leaping Gorge;
  • Be attracted by the mysterious and heavely landscape in Shangrila;
  • Take a relaxing cruise down the Yangtze River from Chongqing to Yichang.

Basic Trip Information

Price:
from Request
  1. 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
  2. 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
Travel Route:
Kunming / Shangri-La / Lijiang / Chongqing / Yangtze River Cruise / Yichang / Shanghai
Travel Length:
12 Days & 11 Nights
Tour Code:
CD-NTY-12
Group Size:
You, your family & friends
Experience:
Departure:
Any day you want
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Your tour - at a glance

Day 1~2 Arrival & Kunming Tour

Explore the best of Kunming by extending to Stone Forest to marvel at natural stone masterpieces and admire Yi minority costumes and cultures in a minority village near Stone Forest.

Day 3~4 Flight to Shangri-La & Shangri-La Tour

Explore Shangri-La by visiting Pudacuo National Park, Songzanlin Monastery and Dukezong Old Town, Tibetan local family, etc.

Day 5~6 Dali to Lijiang & Lijiang Tour

On the way from Shangri-La to Lijiang, visit the First Bend of Yangtze River and thrilling Tiger Leaping Gorge. While in Lijiang, get in-depth understanding about Bai people when visiting Xizhou Ancient Town and its morning market. Stand at Wangu Tower to have panoramic view of Lijiang Old Town with numerous Naxi folk residences.

Day 7~10 Flight to Chongqing & Yangtze River Cruise

On the way from Lijiang to Shangri-La, visit the First Bend of Yangtze River and thrilling Tiger Leaping Gorge. Explore Shangri-La by visiting Pudacuo National Park, Songzanlin Monastery and Dukezong Old Town, Tibetan local family, etc.

Day 11~12 Shanghai Suzhou Tour & Departure

Experience the great contrast of Shanghai by visiting great collections in Shanghai Museum and explore the charming Wukang Road, also discover the modern and prosperous Shanghai World Financial Center, Nanjing Road and the Bund, etc. You will also go to visit Suzhou for a day from Shanghai.

Full Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1 Kunming Arrival

Ni Hao, welcome to Kunming, City of Eternal Spring! You will be met by local tour guide at the arrival hall of Kunming Changshui Airport and escorted to check in your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable vehicle. If you want to explore nearly, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide.

Day 2 Kunming (B, L)

After breakfast, drive 85 km to the typical Karst landform - Stone Forest. Walk into the Greater Stone Forest, marvel at groups of gray-black stone peaks and climb up to have a panoramic view of the intricate stone forest. Visit the Lesser Stone Forest and listen to the legendary story of “Ashima”. It will be a real treat to visit the extraordinary natural stone forest.

Later, it is followed by a trip to a minority village of Sani People to admire their colorful minority costumes and exotic tradition culture. If visit in lunar June 24, you could attend the grand Torch Festival and enjoy some exciting activities with the local ethnic group.

  • Major Stone Forest Major Stone Forest
  • Lesser Stone Forest Lesser Stone Forest

Day 3 Kunming & Flight to Shangri-La ( B, L )

After breakfast, you’ll start the tour to Western Hills, looking like a beautiful young lady lying beside Dianchi Lake. Stop by to see the magic Dragon Gate. There is a saying: If you do not visit Western Hill, you haven't visited Kunming; if you do not come to Dragon Gate, you haven't been to Western Hills. 

After visiting the Dragon Gate, be followed a trip to visit the Flowers & Birds Market to witness Kunming is a city of "flower".

After the happy tour, transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Shangri-La (about 1 hr). Upon arrival, be escorted to your hotel in Shangri-La. 

  • Dragon Gate at Western Hills-20210404-Adrian from Philippines-CD-HA Dragon Gate at Western Hills photoed by our customer Adrian
  • Western Hill & Dragon Gate Kunming Western Hill

Day 4 Shangri-La ( B, L )

Today is a full day to explore the earthly paradise described in the famous novel Lost Horizon by James Hilton.

You’ll first visit Songzanlin Monastery, reputed as the Little Potala Palace. Established by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1679, the monastery belongs to Gelug sect of Buddhism, and it is also the largest Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Walk 143 steps to get atop of the monastery and pay clockwise visit to the major lamasery buildings and get in-depth understanding about Tibetan Buddhism. If time permits, take some quiet time to walk around the peaceful Lamuyangcuo Lake and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this pure land.

Later, drive to the first national park in China - Pudacuo National Park. Throw yourselves into the lush green forest with diverse species of flora and fauna, walk along the plank road to catch the gorgeous scenery of Shudu Lake (hike 3.3 km, about 1 hr) and Bita Lake (hike 4.2 km, about 1.5hrs ) and seek for a real paradise in this natural wonderland. (Note: the altitude of Pudacuo is at 3500m-4150m and you should avoid strong activities. There’s no problem to hike in the park.) After the merry time in the park, pay a visit to a local Tibetan family and experience the highly-praised hospitality of Tibetan people.

Optional Activity: You could take a boat sailing on Shudu Lake or Bita Lake to save energy and time instead of walking all the way.

  • Songzanlin Monastery - Mutia from Indonesia Mutia's Group from Indonesia Visiting Songzanlin Monastery with China Discovery in 2018
  • Pudacuo National Park in August, Picture Shared by Daisy Pudacuo National Park in August

Day 5 Shangri La & Drive to Lijiang (B, L)

Drive more than 200 KM northern to Lijiang, about 4.5 hours. Stop on the way for a dramatic view of the Yangzi's near-180-degree turn. Then is the Tiger Leaping Gorge. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountains and the Haba Snow Mountains lean close to each other and a large volume of torrent moving between them cutting deeper and deeper into the bottom of the gorge.

A gathering place of the Naxi minority, Lijiang Ancient Town is a mountain town of stone and tile, laced with canals and lanes, which has been listed as an UNESCO world monument.

Enjoy a panoramic view of this fascinating old city from Wanggu Tower, the landmark building of Lijiang. This pure wood building was built at 33 meters tall on the top of Lion Hill where you could also overlook Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.

  • Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge-202010-Ana's Group from Belgium and Mexico Ana's Group from Belgium and Mexico visited Tiger Leaping Gorge in 2020
  • Sightseeing at First Bend of Yangtze River-2018-Daisy from Thailand Daisy from Thailand visited First Bend of Yangtze River in 2018

Day 6 Lijiang (B, L)

After breakfast, drive 20 km to Yuhu Village which is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. When walking into this authentic Naxi Village, you’ll see unique stone houses, Naxi ladies dressing in traditional clothes, kids playing, a tranquil Yuhu Lake…explore leisurely around the village and then get to the Former Residence of Joseph Rock, who was an Austrian-American Botanist came to Lijiang and stayed in Yuhu Village for 27 years and made huge research work on Naxi minority.

Later, head to Baisha Village and appreciate the ancient Baisha Mural Paintings. Visit Dabaoji Palace and Liuli Temple to view murals painted over 1000 years ago which is a combination of Tibetan Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Then, it is followed by a trip to Shuhe Ancient Town - one of the earliest settlements of Naxi people as well as the well-preserved stop of the Ancient Tea Horse Route. 

After that, transfer to Dongba Culture Museum where more than 10,000 Dongba cultural relics show mysterious Dongba culture of the Naxi people. Take a gentle walk to Black Dragon Pool Park to enjoy gorgeous view and peaceful surroundings.

  • Black Dragon Pool Park-20210316-Carrie from China Carrie from China visited Black Dragon Pool Park in 2021
  • Former Residence of Joseph Rock-2018-Daisy from Thailand Daisy from Thailand visited Former Residence of Joseph Rock in 2018
  • Baisha Mural Paintings-2018-Daisy from Thailand Daisy from Thailand visited Baisha Village in 2018

Day 7 Lijiang - Flight to Chongqing (B, L)

Free until being escorted to the airport for your flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival, be met by local tour guide at the airport and transferred to downtown for sightseeing.

In the afternoon, go t visit the Chongqing Zoo. If you haven’t seen Giant Panda yet, you could take this great chance to have a closer contact with the cute panda bears here. This zoo, surrounded by beautiful mountains with abundant natural scenery, is also the home to more than 6,000 animals of over 200 different species in total, such as golden monkeys and South China Tigers. Later, move to next highlighting site - Ciqikou Ancient Town. It was Chongqing's old harbor and was once the residential houses of many of Chongqing's rich merchants, where you can still see lots of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, local shops, tea houses, local Sichuan street performance and so on.

After the tour, you’ll be transferred to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your cruise ship between 18:00-20:00 that evening. Your once-in-a-lifetime Yangtze River cruise sails at 21:00! (Please note: the boarding time and departure piers change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather, and other factors. Your travel consultants will ensure you have the actual departure time and boarding pier before your boarding.)

  • Visit Ciqikou Old Town Visit Ciqikou Old Town
  • Chongqing Zoo Chongqing Zoo

Day 8 Yangtze River Cruise ( B, L, D )

In the morning, wake up leisurely and enjoy the gentle sunshine shining over the tranquil and beautiful Yangtze River. It will be colorful and interesting whether you decide to stay onboard or go ashore at river stops. 

Onboard you will enjoy different kinds of activities, like practicing Tai Chi on the boat’s sundeck, drinking a relaxing morning coffee, attending a Yangtze River history and culture lecture, or taking part in the Captain’s Welcome Party and evening shows. 

Next follow a local guide and make a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda, one of the “Pearls” of the Yangtze River. A gem of Chinese architecture, this 12-story, 18th century red wooden temple on the northern bank of Yangtze River is an architectural delight full of legends and beautiful stories. (Note: Comfortable shoes are highly recommended since there will be lots of stairs to climb up!)

Optional Excursion: Take a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City for an extra fee. Called the “City of Ghosts”, it is endowed with mysterious stories about underworld and cruel tortures and different kinds of devils and Chinese demons. Entering this ghost city, you will find many statues of demons and vivid scenes of their perfidious activities. (Note: Once again, the visit to Fengdu Ghost City requires much walking and comfortable shoes are again highly recommended!)

  • Peter's Family - Relaxing Yangtze River Cruise Peter's Family enjoyed a leisure break on Yangtze River Cruises
  • Shibaozhai Pagoda Shibaozhai Pagoda

Day 9 Yangtze River Cruise ( B, L, D )

Today you will sail through the spectacular Three Gorges while relaxing on the sun deck and soak up the breathtaking gorge scenery passing by as you drift through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge respectively. 

In Wu Gorge you will take an enjoyable adventure to primitive Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream). Switch to a smaller boat to sail down this beautiful stream running in a narrow side gorge where you will have close-up views of high mountain peaks and hanging coffins on the steep cliff faces. After watching an entertaining music and dance show of local Tujia ethnic minority, sail back to your ship.

In the evening, you will firstly enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates onboard, and then watch the fascinating process of passing the ship through the Three Gorges Dam Five-stage Ship Locks at 23:00 PM.

Optional Excursion: Take a shore excursion to White Emperor City for an extra fee. Located at the entrance of Qutang Gorge, this excursion offers the best viewing spot to appreciate the magnificent Kuimen Gate. 

  • Our Guest Lone with a Yangtze River Cruise Our customer Lone took a photo with a Yangtze River Cruise
  • Shennv Stream Shennv Stream

Day 10 Yichang & Flight to Shanghai from Yichang (B, L)

Today’s highlight is a morning excursion to Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project, located at the middle of Xiling Gorge near Yichang. You will marvel at this gigantic dam from different angles, learn more of the background history of the Three Gorges Dam Project and enjoy the surrounding beautiful landscape and scenery. 

After this excursion, it is back to your ship to continue your cruise to Yichang. Your ship will arrive at Yichang Port around 12:30 where you will go through a check-out procedure and disembark. You will be picked up by our local tour guide at the port and escorted to visit the Yichang Museum. From there you will drive to the Yichang airport and take your flight to Shanghai. 

After arrival in Shanghai, our local tour guide will pick you up at the airport, and escort you to your hotel for check in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this cosmopolitan and lively city.

  • Three Gorges Dam Three Gorges Dam

Day 11 Shanghai (B, L)

You will take a full day of sightseeing to explore both the past and present of Shanghai. Your first stop is Shanghai Museum, one of the Best Four Museums in China. This modern museum, with a round top and a square base which symbolizing the ancient Chinese perception of the world as "round sky, square earth", has collected many international-standard exhibits of bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, sculpture, ceramics, jade from more than 5,000 years ago to the Qing dynasty. Then you will take an interesting visit to Yu Garden, a shining star among all the ancient Chinese gardens in Jiangnan. This garden fully embodies the traditional design of Chinese architecture with jagged pavilions with elegant decorations, glittering pools with roving fish, and pine trees sprouting to the sky, all designed to refresh your mood and spirit. Adjacent to the garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar where you can savor tasteful local snacks and explore elaborate traditional Chinese handicrafts and art works. Next, you will drive several kilometers to enjoy a panoramic view of the modern face of Shanghai from the 100th floor (474m) of “the Eye of Shanghai” Shanghai World Financial Center

You will then be transferred to another popular landmark of Shanghai, Nanjing Road, a shopping paradise as well as a great place to take a wonderful walk to experience the modern atmosphere of the City. Lastly, you will stop at the Bund, originally a simple towpath for transporting goods but now transformed into a feverish trading district. You will stroll along the Bund, seeing and feeling the perfect fusion of Chinese and Western cultures while at the same time taking in the stunning Shanghai skyline with your own eyes! 

Optional activities: 1) Attend an entertaining Acrobatic Show, including breathtaking “balls of death” acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, walking in the air, and other breathtaking performances (usually performed during 19:30~21:00); 2) Take a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise to see the city’s most significant edifices and streets sparkling under the atmospheric cover of darkness (about 50 minutes).

  • The View of Lujiazui from the Bund -  Our Guest Laszlo The View of Lujiazui from the Bund, Shot by Our Guest Laszlo
  • Yuyuan Bazaar Shot by Our Customer Paul Yuyuan Bazaar Shot by Our Customer Paul
  • Jinmao tower The Landmark Supertall Skyscraper of Modern Shanghai

Day 12 Shanghai & Shanghai Departure (B, L)

Today you will sail through the spectacular Three Gorges while relaxing on the sun deck and soak up the breathtaking gorge scenery passing by as you drift through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge respectively. 

In Wu Gorge you will take an enjoyable adventure to primitive Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream). Switch to a smaller boat to sail down this beautiful stream running in a narrow side gorge where you will have close-up views of high mountain peaks and hanging coffins on the steep cliff faces. After watching an entertaining music and dance show of local Tujia ethnic minority, sail back to your ship.

In the evening, you will firstly enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates onboard, and then watch the fascinating process of passing the ship through the Three Gorges Dam Five-stage Ship Locks at 23:00 PM.

Optional Excursion: Take a shore excursion to White Emperor City for an extra fee. Located at the entrance of Qutang Gorge, this excursion offers the best viewing spot to appreciate the magnificent Kuimen Gate. 

  • Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center with Visitors Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center with Visitors
  • Woo's group visited Jade Buddha Temple Woo's group visited Jade Buddha Temple with China Discovery
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