Day 1 USA - Kunming

Today we board an international flight bound for Kunming, China. Cross the International Date Line.

Day 2 Kunming

Arrive in Kunming. Our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the luxury hotel for rest and relaxation. 

Day 3 Kunming - Stone Forest - Jiuxiang - Kunming

After breakfast, we drive to Lunan, tour the Stone Forest, it bristles 75 miles southeast of Kunming. The ashen stone pillars, abandoned by the sea as it receded hundreds of millions of years ago, bunch together into a geological ticket. The journey to the forest is as beautiful as the landscape that surround it. Take an excursion to the remarkable Jiuxiang. Known primarily for its limestone caves, it also boasts an underground waterfall and an awesome gorge. Return to Kunming. In the evening, we are in for a special treat of Yunnan Specialties.

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Kunming - Dali

After breakfast, we take the high speed train to Dali. Dali is a city in the West of Yunan, with historical, scenic and architectural significance. Upon arrival, we take a boat excursion on Lake Erhai-the second largest fresh lake in Yunnan Province. Tour the old city, Butterfly Spring, the traditional minority house, the pagodas at the Congsheng Temple, the Temple was constructed during the Tang Dynasty and is one of China's finest example of the skill and architectural genius of the ancient craftsmen. This evening you will have a special dinner featuring a clay pot fish. After dinner, we will stroll along the famous street "Yangrejie". 

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Dali - Lijiang

After breakfast, we journey by bus to Lijiang, the cultural center of the Naxi Minority. Lijiang has beautiful landscapes and has been designated by the UN as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Gaze in wonder at the sights and sounds of this ancient city as you walk down the cobblestone streets preserved for over 700 years. We see that the Naxi way of life has changed very little over time. Upon arrival, we tour the old town of Lijiang including Black Dragon Pond. Enjoy the famous local cuisine "Wang's Family Banquet" for dinner.  

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Lijiang

A whole day excursion exploring the fantasy of Lijiang, including tour Spruce Meadow of Jade Dragon Snow Mountains. The bus drops us off at the base where we take a cable car to the higher regions that afford a beautiful view. We will enjoy the fantastic outdoor production called "Impression Lijiang", the show is directed by Chinese famous director Zhang Yimou. In the afternoon, on the way return to the city, we visit the Baisha Village, the ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom. Then we stop at the Shuhe Old Town for visit.

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Lijiang - Tiger Leap Gorges - Shangri-la

After breakfast, we will tour the Tiger Leap Gorge. This gorges is 12 miles long with a natural drop of 623ft, and it is considered as one of the three worldwide renowned gorges. Then we drive to Shangri-la. It is the place commonly believed to have been used as the mythical Shangri-la in James Hilton's book "Lost Horizon". 

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Shangri-la

After breakfast, we visit the Songzai Temple. Then drive about 25 miles from Shangri-la, we come upon the Shangri-la Grassland. In the months of May and June azaleas cover this area like a splendid carpet. In the afternoon, we visit Tibetan family and the ancient city. 

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Shangri-la - Kunming

After breakfast, we take the high-speed train back to Kunming. Upon arrival, we tour Daguan Pavilion and West Hill Park. Tonight, we enjoy Yunnan Wild Mushroom hot pot for dinner.

Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Kunming- Xishuangbanna

After breakfast, we will take the high-speed train to Xishuangbanna. Tour[Gaozhuang Xishuangjing]Gaozhuang Xishuangjing means "Nine Pagodas and Twelve Villages" in Dai language. The central Buddhist pagoda is a remarkable sight and is definitely worth a visit. There's no need to rush while exploring Gaozhuang Xishuangjing. During the day, take a leisurely stroll along the Mekong River and immerse yourself in the Buddhist culture at the pagoda. In the evening, visit the night market to "hunt for treasures"—enjoy local tropical fruits, shop for handicrafts, or relax at a bar with friends over drinks while sharing stories and dreams.As night falls, the world-famous [Starlight Night Market] comes to life. Dazzling lights twinkle like pearls, and the Great and Small Golden Pagodas shine brilliantly. Located along the beautiful Mekong River, this night market is one of the largest and most distinctive in the Golden Triangle region. It blends rich Southeast Asian flavors, combining food, culture, folk arts, and more into a unique night market experience.

• Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Xishuangbanna

Visit Wild Elephant Valley. Here, you can observe how elephants learn survival skills in the wild and learn about their daily habits through educational exhibits. You can also interact with and feed the elephants (*Note: Feeding expenses are self-funded at 20 RMB per portion of elephant food*). Enjoy vibrant ethnic performances such as the Wa people’s Wooden Drum Dance and Hair-Swinging Dance. Visit Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park. This park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Here, you may encounter elephants, gibbons, hornbills, golden monkeys, and other rare animals. You can also admire diverse plant landscapes, including ancient trees, lush vines, and exotic flowers. Visit Mekong River Underwater World. This immersive virtual aquarium focuses on Mekong River aquatic life and tropical rainforests. Located within the Primitive Forest Park (a national 4A-level scenic area), it covers over 5,000 square meters. The "Blueberry Six Cuties"—star species including Chinese sturgeon, jellyfish, otters, giant catfish, brown tree frogs, and Siamese giant carp—will guide you deep into an underwater world within the primitive forest, offering a magical journey into the Mekong River (Spirit Dream Kingdom).

Day 12 Xishuangbanna - Kunming

Visit Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Nestled in the tropical forests of Menglun Town, Mengla County, this garden is locally known as Menglun Botanical Garden. It is divided into eastern and western sections, with the main attractions in the west featuring multiple specialized plant gardens. The eastern section is a narrow stretch of tropical rainforest ideal for hiking. The two sections are connected by shuttle buses due to the distance between them. The western area has over 20 themed gardens, with the most popular being the "Garden of Rare Flowers and Strange Plants." Here, you can find color-changing flowers, clock flowers that bloom on time, dancing grass that sways to music, leafless naked trees, and the deadly poison arrow tree—all sure to amaze you. The eastern area consists of vast stretches of pristine tropical rainforest, where you can see wild orchids and marvels like strangler figs. Tour Manjing Park. Once the royal garden of the Dai kings, this park has a long history and strong exotic charm. Nearby, the General Buddhist Temple, features stunning golden architecture perfect for photography. However, please note: visitors are not allowed to enter wearing revealing clothing, off-the-shoulder Dai costumes, or to take style photos. After the visit, we take the high-speed train back to Kunming.

Day 13 Kunming - USA

After breakfast, you are transferred to airport for your return flight back to your home. You will be in the United States the same day. End of tour. 

• Includes Breakfast