Prices 16 days from £3,490pp
DAYS 1-2 ARRIVE IN KUNMING
Fly to the relaxed city of Kunming. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
DAY 3 STONE FOREST
Spend the morning meandering through the formations of the UNESCO listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand treelike in a fascinating illusion of woodland. Return to Kunming and in the evening, sample the local delicacy, Across the Bridge Noodles. Tonight, there is also the option to see a colourful showcase of Yunnan's performing arts.
DAY 4 DISCOVER DALI
Travel to Dali, a charming town that offers a peek at the China of times-gone-by. Begin your tour by exploring the fascinating old quarter and lively market to soak up the local atmosphere. Next, visit the age-old Three Pagodas and later this evening, take a stroll down Foreigners' Street.
DAY 5 ERHAI CRUISE
Spend the morning cruising the mirrorlike waters of Erhai Lake and admire the spectacular scenery provided by the Cang Mountains. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore the area.
DAY 6 TRAVEL TO LIJIANG
This morning, explore Xizhou Village and browse its lively local market. Drive to Lijiang, set in the foothills of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Visit the Black Dragon Pool, where there are wonderful views of the mountains, before mingling with traditionally dressed Naxi women in the bustling markets.
DAY 7 JADE DRAGON SNOW MOUNTAIN
A magnificent mountain, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest of which soars 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the beautiful high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. On the way back to Lijiang, visit Baisha Old Town to view the fascinating frescoes painted during the Mong Dynasty followed by a visit to the Embroidery School.
DAY 8 TIGER LEAPING GORGE
Journey to the 3,000 metre deep Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its backdrop of snowcapped mountains, it is one of China's most extraordinary sights with spectacular and breathtaking views. Return to Lijiang and explore the old quarter; the quintessential Chinese 'old town' and wander the jumble of cobbled streets, traditional wooden buildings and rustic stone bridges.
DAY 9 WULONG
Fly to Chongqing and transfer to Wulong - an area of stunning natural scenery with towering limestone karsts, deep gorges, caves and natural bridges. Its remote location has ensured that the park is relatively un-spoilt. It comes as no surprise that Wulong is a UNESCO World Heritage site!
DAY 10 THREE BRIDGES NATIONAL PARK AND LONGSHUIXIA
Today, visit Three Bridges National Park, a rare geological wonder consisting of three natural karst bridges: Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge and Heilong Bridge. Continue to Longshuixia Fissure, a narrow fault line that has been carved out by the river.
DAY 11 LESHAN
Drive to Leshan and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 12 GRAND BUDDHA
Take a day trip to see the 71-metre high UNESCO listed Grand Buddha. Completed in the year 803, it is said that the Buddha's presence has calmed the turbulent waters of the river. View the Buddha from above before taking a short boat trip, which will give you an even better perspective from below. Continue to Emeishan.
DAY 13 EXPLORE MOUNT EMEI
Mount Emei is the cradle of the Buddhist religion in China with the first temple built on its peak in the 1st Century. Admire the striking and diverse natural beauty of the mountain and spend the day soaking up the ambience and exploring.
DAY 14 CHENGDU
Travel to Chengdu and take a walk through the famous snack street - Jinli! Tonight, there is an option to see a performance of the Sichuan Opera, famous for 'face changing'.
DAY 15 PANDAS
Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated icons. See them up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat as they chomp through piles of bamboo. Later, stroll through People's Park, visit a traditional teahouse and see Matchmaker's Corner where parents search for worthy suitors for their children. This evening, dine on mouth-watering Sichuanese cuisine.
DAY 16 FLY CHENGDU TO UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
From £3,490 per person
Please contact us for alternative dates, durations and departure airports. Prices shown are for guidance only and are subject to availability.
Call our specialists on 01202 544876
Price Includes*
- International flights and current taxes
- 3* plus - 4* accommodation
- Visa fees for UK passport holders
- Domestic transportation
- All meals
- Maximum group size 28 passengers
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
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