Luxury China Tour Featuring Chengdu and Colorful Yunnan

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu

  Begin your colorful journey in Chengdu, whose international airport provides the convenience of direct flights worldwide. Upon arrival, an air-conditioned vehicle will take you to your hotel after a warm greeting from your exclusive guide. From a century-old Qing Dynasty courtyard to ultra-modern tower rooms, the Temple House in the busy city center will provide a special and ultimate comfortable stay experience.

  • Chengdu

• Day 2: Encounter Giant Pandas & Local Life Experience

  Rise early to meet cute Giant Pandas at Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, which aims to protect and breed endangered wild animals such as giant pandas and red pandas. Spend the afternoon as the locals do in People's Park. Learn about Chinese blind dating culture, sample tasty Sichuan snacks, take a break in a teahouse with a cup of tea, and experience local entertainment like playing Mahjong. End with a steaming hot pot in a renowned restaurant.

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  • Chengdu

• Day 3: Cooking Class & Sanxingdui Museum Visit

  As a haven for foodies, Chengdu has various bright Sichuan cuisine except spicy hot pot. This morning, your guide will bring you to a vibrant local market to select some necessary ingredients and then cook some typical Sichuan dishes step by step under the instructions of a professional chef. Enjoy your lunch, which you cooked.

  For the rest of the day, you'll get a deep insight into the mysterious ancient Shu civilization - One of the most important parts of ancient Chinese history - in the Sanxingdui Museum. A bronze figure of 1.8 meters in height, a huge bronze tree with numerous intricated decorative elements, and bronze heads shaped like aliens… all promise to leave you in awe.

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  • Chengdu

• Day 4: Chengdu - Dali

  Enjoy some leisure time until flying to Dali. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel for check-in. There are all types of luxury hotels to choose from, and there is always one to suit your taste. Haina'er Yunshu Holiday Hotel by Erhai Lake features a unique natural landscape and extreme private experience, providing various activities to allow you immersed in the local culture.

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  • Dali

• Day 5: Leisure Day in Dali With Erhai Biking

  Walk in the busy morning markets to catch a glimpse of native life and learn about some local specialties that you can't see anywhere else. Later, a relaxing bike around Erhai Lake will let you take in the breathtaking scenery of this area. Have a break at Xizhou, where you'll be treated to baked tea, called "three courses of tea" by hospitable Bai ethnic people, and acquaint yourself with Bai embroidery.

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  • Dali

• Day 6: Dali - Lijiang, Break at Shaxi Ancient Town

  Drive north to visit Shaxi Ancient Town, an important stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road. Here, time feels as if it is frozen, and everything remains just as it was back then. Continue to the Old Town of Lijiang, a vibrant UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with ancient buildings, traditional crafts, and ethnic culture. Make sure to explore the Mu Fu Mansion, the official residence of the Naxi chieftain Mu. Amandayan on the mountainside of Lion Rock provides a panoramic view of Lijiang.

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  • Lijiang

• Day 7: Walking in Lashihai Wetland Nature Reserve & Visit a Naxi Family

  Have a leisurely morning in Lashihai Wetland Nature Reserve. Walk along its wooden paths to enjoy the stunning views of the lake, wetland, and surrounding mountains. Outside it is the magnificent Zhiyun Temple, gaining insight into Tibetan Buddhism.

  Later, step into a Naxi family and listen to the host introduce the local folklore. Chances are good that you'll see old ladies in Naxi costumes chatting in their native dialect, learn some Dongba hieroglyphics, and try your hand at grinding tofu with a stone mill.

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  • Lijiang

• Day 8: Lijiang - Shangri-La, Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge En-Route

  Leave Lijiang behind for Shigu Town, where the Jinsha River bends 180 degrees to the north. After getting a vista view of the river, drive north to Tiger Leaping Gorge, famous for its breathtaking canyon landscape and swift river. Descend to the bottom of the gorge to feel the power of nature: the rough waters of the Jinsha River whip up white waves and crash against the rocks, creating a thundering roar.

  After the tour, head to Shangri-La for the night. Songtsam Shagnri-La Linka surrounded by idyllic scenery and decorated with traditional Tibetan features, is a great place to experience Tibetan culture.

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  • Shangri-La

• Day 9: Old Town of Dukezong & Talk to a Lama at Songzanlin Temple

  Enjoy a morning stroll in Dukezong, an old town with Tibetan architecture that dates back to the seventh century. Continue with a visit to Songzanlin Temple, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan. Here you'll be taken to the Lama's room, listen to a Buddhist sutra that is recited for you, and then get information first-hand about their daily life through face-to-face communication.

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  • Shangri-La

• Day 10: Napa Lake & Potatso National Park

  Take in the stunning breathtaking natural beauty of Shangri-La today. Spend the morning in Napa Lake, a beautiful plateau lake that turns into a vast meadow when its water volume diminishes. Ride the vehicle around the lake to immerse yourself in its dazzling views. Later, proceed to Potatso National Park for leisure hiking. Nearby, you can immerse yourself in Tibetan nomadic culture by sipping butter tea and tasting traditional Tibetan snacks.

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  • Shangri-La

• Day 11: Shangri-La Departure

  Time to say goodbye. Enjoy free time at leisure until your private driver transfers you to the airport to catch your flight to the next city wherever you can connect your homebound flight conveniently.

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