Duration

13 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

About This Trip

Travel from Hong Kong to Yunnan to experience the striking contrast between China’s most westernized metropolis and most diverse plateau landscapes and minority cultures. Starting in Hong Kong, witness the dazzling skyline of Victoria Bay and appreciate the Ruins of St. Paul on the excursion to Macau. Continuing to Yunnan, marvel at the karst wonder of the Stone Forest, cycle around the otherworldly alpine lake of Erhai, listen to the roar of the Tiger Leaping Gorge, and delve into the lost land of Shangri-la. Between and in them, encounter friendly and mysterious ethnic groups of Bai, Naxi, and Tibet. Concluding in Chengdu, a rising international port in southwest China, meet adorable pandas and sample local people’s laidback lifestyle.

Itinerary Summary

DAYPLACEHIGHLIGHTS
1 – 3Hong KongVictoria Peak Tram, Hong Kong Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Extension tour to Macau
4 – 5KunmingStone Forest, Jingxing Bird and Flower Market
6DaliCycling around Erhai Lake, Xizhou Ancient Town
7 – 8LijiangOld Town of Lijiang, Naxi Villages and Family Visit
9 – 11Shangri-LaTiger Leaping Gorge, Pudacuo National Park, Gedan Songzanlin Monastery with Lama Chat
12 – 13ChengduChengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Wenshu Temple with Tea Tasting
Quick Question

Itinerary

Welcome to Hong Kong! Starting from this dynamic city, you will have a 13-day captivating journey. Be met at the airport and escorted by your private tour guide and driver, and then you can have some relaxing time at the hotel to recover from jet lag.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

No matter how many times you’ve visited Hong Kong, Victoria Peak will always be on your list. The panoramic city view attracts tourists and the locals alike day and night. Drop a visit to Man Mo Temple and then relish a mouth-watering dim sum lunch.

In the afternoon, be intoxicated in the lively Central Mid-Levels Escalator area. Ride the longest escalator in the world, marvel at Central Market, and explore Tai Kwun. Don’t miss the chance to hop on the “Ding Ding Tram” and experience the local life while learning about Hong Kong’s history from your private tour guide. By taking the Star Ferry and feeling the breeze, the final stop of today’s tour is the celebrated Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today, you will have a whole day trip to Macau, starting and ending in Hong Kong by ferry. Ascend the 338-meter Macau Tower to enjoy the clear city view and sip a cup of coffee while appreciating the amazing scene through the window. Visit A-Ma Temple to learn about the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. Even if you are not skilled at photography, try to capture some photos of the landmark – Ruins of St. Paul’s.

Wander through Leal Senado Square. As part of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site, this site is ideal for combining a visit to the Portuguese House Museum in Taipa Island, allowing you to delve deeper into Macau’s colonial history. Take some free time to the casinos, then go back to Hong Kong.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Finish your Hong Kong tour and flight to Kunming. Have a rest after your tour guide and driver pick up and transfer you to the hotel. Enjoy your free time in this comfortable city.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Drive 1.5 hours to the Stone Forest to explore the karst wonders. With their various odd shapes, the stone pillars stand erect like a forest. Be imaginative! You can find mushrooms, towers, swords, and more surprises in this masterpiece of nature.

Return to Kunming, then enjoy a diverting time at the Jingxing Bird and Flower Market to experience the hustle and bustle of daily life.

After finishing your tour of Kunming, take the bullet train to Dali for 2.5 hours. Your tour guide and driver will then take you to the hotel for some rest.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start your tour by cycling along the tranquil and blue-surface Erhai Lake in the morning. Spend 1.5 hours embracing the stunning natural scenery and cultural landscapes while passing some bustling local markets, Bai Minority villages, and seasonally changed farmlands. You can stop anytime to take photos while seeing the birds flying over the lake. Conclude your half-day journey physically refreshed and mentally fulfilled, having immersed yourself in the beauty of nature.

Continue to explore the ancient Bai village of Xizhou. Uncover the Bai-style wooden courtyard houses by visiting the Yan Family Compound. One of the must-do activities in Xizhou Village is experiencing local hospitality through the “sandaocha” ceremony.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

After breakfast, be guided to the railway station for a high-speed train (about 1.5 hours) headed to Lijiang.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted warmly and taken to your hotel in a private vehicle. Take some time to relax before exploring the UNESCO-protected Old Town, famous for its picturesque cobblestone streets and classic wooden buildings. As the day winds down, venture up Lion Hill for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Begin your journey by exploring Baisha Village, the former capital of the Naxi kingdom, located just 8 km north of Lijiang. Dating back over 300 years, the village boasts exquisite Mural Paintings that depict local folklore, daily life, and spirituality, showcasing a beautiful fusion of Tibetan, Han, and Naxi cultures.

Afterward, immerse yourself in the warmth of Naxi hospitality with a visit to a local family in Yuhu Village, renowned as the “No.1 Village at the Foot of the Snow Mountain.” Dressed in traditional attire, the host will offer insights into household goods, Dongba characters, paper-making techniques, and more. Feel free to join in the preparation of soy milk and tofu curd if you wish.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Embark from Lijiang in the morning for a picturesque journey toward Shangri-La. Along the way, marvel at the First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the powerful waters make a sharp turn around Hailuo Mountain. Then, prepare for the highlight of the day – Tiger Leaping Gorge, a breathtaking natural marvel nestled between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. Choose between a stroll along the upper trail, soaking in the gorge’s majestic “roar,” or opt for a more adventurous 3 to 4-hour hike through the captivating Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. Finally, return to your hotel in Lijiang to unwind and recharge.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Step onto your journey through Shangri-La with a visit to the unspoiled Pudacuo National Park. Here, immerse yourself in the untouched splendor of serene lakes and verdant woodlands. Later, delve into a spiritual experience at Gedan Songzanlin Monastery, the grandest Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary in Yunnan province. Engage in meaningful discussions with a respected lama, learning about their daily rituals and way of life.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Savor a relaxed morning before your tour guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to Chengdu, the captivating metropolis of Sichuan province. Upon landing, a warm welcome awaits as you are greeted, picked up, and transferred to your hotel for the night.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Experience a delightful day meeting charming giant pandas up close at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, delve into their distinctive habitats and growth journey. Encounter not only giant pandas but also red pandas, golden monkeys, and other endangered species.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Chengdu’s rich history at the Chengdu Museum, where historical artifacts, traditional crafts, and local customs are showcased. Conclude your day by seeking tranquility at the revered Wenshu Temple, where you can join locals for a tea-tasting experience amidst peaceful surroundings.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

This morning marks the conclusion of your journey. Meet your driver at the appointed time and take a private transfer to the airport for your flight home.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Why Choose Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd.

12-Year TripAdvisor Award

Travellers’ Choice winner every year since 2013

No Commission Shopping

Zero shopping stops, zero pressure, zero hidden agendas

100% Private

Every tour is exclusively yours — no strangers, no shared buses

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge

Real reviews from real travellers

  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eI highly recommend Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd. The team is very easy to work with, has excellent ideas and the guides are knowledgeable and easy to be with. Very solid itineraries and execution — flexible, high quality, and great value for money.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    James T.
    Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe visited both Xi’an and Shanghai under Jiuhong’s arrangement and received the same first-class service in both cities. The guides were knowledgeable, flexible, and happy to discuss all aspects of modern China — giving insights difficult to obtain elsewhere. Strongly recommended.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Greenfly
    Couples · Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe had a wonderful action-packed day. Fei Fei was amazing — her knowledge was very impressive and she was a real pleasure to be with. This was certainly the highlight of our stay in this beautiful city. Thanks so much.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Ludovic V.
    Couples · London, UK · Verified · TripAdvisor

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