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12-Day Yunnan & Chengdu Journey: Old Towns, Highland Flavors & Pandas

Prices Start At $4,895.00
Next Tour September 6, 2026 9:30 am
26

12-Day Yunnan & Chengdu Journey: Old Towns, Highland Flavors & Pandas

12-Day Yunnan & Chengdu Journey: Old Towns, Highland Flavors & Pandas

Prices Start At $4,895.00
Next Tour September 6, 2026 9:30 am
China
12 Days 11 Nights
10
Kunming
English
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Ticket Type

Ticket Type Price Quantity

Adult

per person
$4,995.00
- 13 left

Child

per person
$4,895.00
- 10 left

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Overview

This 12-day journey explores southwest China through Yunnan’s old towns, regional food culture, highland scenery, and living traditions, before ending with a relaxed stay in Chengdu. Begin with Kunming’s local flavors and the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, then continue to Dali, Xizhou, Shaxi, and Lijiang, where Bai and Naxi cultures come alive through markets, tea traditions, village life, hands-on food experiences, and the UNESCO-listed Lijiang Old Town.

Continue through Tiger Leaping Gorge to Shangri-La for Tibetan Buddhist heritage and highland landscapes, then finish in Chengdu with giant pandas, relaxed teahouse culture, Sichuan flavors, and Sichuan Opera. Comfortable pacing, guided support, and selected boutique-style stays make this a culturally rich journey for travelers looking for more than a standard sightseeing route.

Trip Type: Small-Group Tour. Also available as a private tour, tailored to your dates, pace, and interests — contact us for a personalized quote.

Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights

Regions: Kunming, Dali, Xizhou, Shaxi, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Chengdu

Activity Level: Moderate

Group Size: 4-10 travelers

Language: English

Best Travel Periods: March – May or September – November

 

Private & Custom Tours

These travel dates are the optimal times to visit China based on weather and popularity. Please contact us if you would like to take this tour during times outside of our typical availability.

This journey can be arranged as a private tour or tailored to your dates, pace, interests, and accommodation preferences. Send us an enquiry or chat with our team for a personalized quote.

 

Planned Departure Dates

Choose from the planned departure dates below, or contact us to arrange a private departure on alternative dates. All dates are subject to availability and final confirmation.

2026 Planned Departures
Month Departure Dates
September 6 (Sun), 13 (Sun)
October 11 (Sun), 21 (Wed)
November 8 (Sun), 25 (Wed)
December 13 (Sun)
2027 Planned Departures
Month Departure Dates
January 10 (Sun)
February 28 (Sun)
March 7 (Sun), 24 (Wed)
April 4 (Sun), 14 (Wed)
May 9 (Sun), 26 (Wed)
June 13 (Sun)
July 11 (Sun)
August 22 (Sun)
September 1 (Wed), 19 (Sun)
October 10 (Sun), 27 (Wed)
November 7 (Sun), 24 (Wed)
December 19 (Sun)
2028 Planned Departures
Month Departure Dates
January 9 (Sun)
February 27 (Sun)
March 12 (Sun), 22 (Wed)
April 9 (Sun), 19 (Wed)
May 14 (Sun), 31 (Wed)
June 18 (Sun)
July 9 (Sun)
August 27 (Sun)
September 3 (Sun), 13 (Wed)
October 8 (Sun), 25 (Wed)
November 12 (Sun), 22 (Wed)
December 17 (Sun)

 

Tour Highlights

Taste Yunnan through old-street snacks, regional meals, market visits, tea culture, and hands-on food experiences.

Explore the Stone Forest and Green Lake, combining Kunming’s iconic karst scenery with local city life.

Discover Bai culture in Dali and Xizhou through old residences, local markets, Erhai lakeside scenery, and traditional tea culture.

Slow down in Shaxi, one of Yunnan’s most atmospheric old towns along the historic Tea Horse Road.

Experience Lijiang’s Naxi heritage through village life, local food traditions, and old-town atmosphere.

Stand before Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and visit Blue Moon Valley, weather and scenic-area operations permitting.

Travel through Tiger Leaping Gorge and continue to Shangri-La for Tibetan Buddhist heritage and highland landscapes.

End in Chengdu with giant pandas, Sichuan flavors, old alleys, relaxed teahouse culture, and Sichuan Opera.

 

Why Choose This Journey

Best for: Travelers interested in Yunnan’s old towns, local flavors, and highland scenery, with a relaxed Chengdu finale featuring giant pandas.

Travel style: Guided, comfortable, culturally immersive, and moderately active.

Signature moments: Kunming’s old-street flavors, Bai tea culture, Shaxi’s Tea Horse Road atmosphere, Naxi village traditions, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, giant pandas, and Sichuan Opera.

 

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming
Day 2: Kunming
Day 3: Kunming – Dali – Xizhou
Day 4: Dali – Shaxi
Day 5: Shaxi – Lijiang
Day 6: Lijiang – Yuhu or Baisha Village
Day 7: Lijiang
Day 8: Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La
Day 9: Shangri-La
Day 10: Shangri-La – Chengdu
Day 11: Chengdu
Day 12: Chengdu – Departure

Included / Exclude

  • Accommodations
  • Airport Transfer
  • Entrance fees and scheduled activities listed in the itinerary
  • Guide
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Vehicle Transportation

Included Activities

  • City Tours
  • Cooking Experience
  • Cultural Experiences
  • Food Experiences
  • High Speed Rail Experience
  • Nature Experiences
  • Tea Experience
  • Tram/Gondola Ride

Daily Schedule

Arrival Day Arrival in Kunming: Old Street Food Welcome

Arrive in Kunming, Yunnan’s relaxed provincial capital, and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to settle in after your journey.
Complimentary activity, subject to arrival time: Join a relaxed food walk through Kunming’s old streets, sampling local favorites such as rice noodles and grilled snacks while experiencing neighborhood food stalls and everyday city life.

For later arrivals, transfer directly to the hotel and rest.

Meals: Dinner, subject to arrival time

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Delta Hotels Kunming, Sofitel Kunming, or similar

Daily Itinerary Kunming: Stone Forest, Green Lake & Regional Yunnan Flavors

After breakfast, travel to the Stone Forest, one of Yunnan's most distinctive karst landscapes. Walk among dramatic limestone formations shaped by time, weather, and local legend, while your guide shares the geological and cultural stories behind the landscape.

Later, return to Kunming for a relaxed walk around Green Lake, where local residents gather for music, conversation, exercise, and everyday leisure. Dinner features a selection of regional Yunnan flavors.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Delta Hotels Kunming, Sofitel Kunming, or similar

Daily Itinerary Kunming to Dali: Xizhou Market, Erhai & Bai Flavors

Take a morning high-speed train from Kunming to Dali, known for its old-town atmosphere, Bai culture, and mountain-and-lake setting. Continue by vehicle to Xizhou, a historic Bai town known for traditional residences, local markets, and food culture.

Visit a local market and rose farm, then try your hand at making rose cakes, a fragrant local specialty. Later, enjoy a relaxed walk or light cycling along Erhai Lake before exploring Dali Old Town in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch 

Accommodation: Handpicked distinctive boutique properties in Dali or Xizhou such as Mengjing Yayuan Hotel, The Linden Centre, or similar

Daily Itinerary Dali to Shaxi: Bai Tea Culture & Tea Horse Road Atmosphere

Begin the day with a traditional Bai Three-Course Tea experience. More than a simple tasting, it offers insight into Bai hospitality, symbolism, and the role of tea in local life.

After lunch, travel to Shaxi, one of Yunnan's most atmospheric old towns along the historic Tea Horse Road. On arrival, slow down with a walk through stone lanes, old bridges, village courtyards, and quiet streets. End the day with a locally prepared dinner that reflects Shaxi's rustic flavors and unhurried pace.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked distinctive boutique properties such as Old Theatre Inn, Landscape Hotel Shaxi, or similar

Daily Itinerary Shaxi to Lijiang: Slow Morning & Naxi Flavors

Spend a relaxed morning in Shaxi, with time for an old-town walk, local coffee or tea, and a visit to a village bookstore or another local cultural stop. This quieter setting offers a different view of Yunnan, away from the busier old towns and major scenic areas.

Later, travel to Lijiang. In the evening, explore Lijiang Old Town and enjoy a Naxi-style barbecue and hotpot dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties or distinctive boutique properties such as InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort, Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town, The Bivou Lijiang, or similar

Daily Itinerary Yuhu or Baisha Village: Naxi Heritage & Hands-On Food Culture

Today focuses on the living traditions around Lijiang. Visit Yuhu Village, Baisha, or a similar village area for a quieter look at Naxi heritage, mountain views, local homes, and everyday village life beyond the busy old town.

Take part in a hands-on food experience, such as tofu making led by a local Naxi family. This experience offers a relaxed way to understand how food, family, local identity, and regional traditions come together in everyday Naxi life. Enjoy a free evening in Lijiang.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties or distinctive boutique properties such as InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort, Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town, The Bivou Lijiang, or similar

Daily Itinerary Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Blue Moon Valley

Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, one of Lijiang's most dramatic alpine landscapes. Ascend by cableway where conditions allow, then continue to Blue Moon Valley for its turquoise waters, mountain views, and scenic walking areas. Later, return to Lijiang and visit Shuhe or Dayan Old Town. The exact route, cableway access, and sightseeing order may be adjusted based on altitude considerations, visibility, weather, and scenic-area operations.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties or distinctive boutique properties such as InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort, Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town, The Bivou Lijiang, or similar

Daily Itinerary Tiger Leaping Gorge to Shangri-La

Travel from Lijiang toward Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of Yunnan's most dramatic canyon landscapes. With your guide, visit selected scenic viewpoints and walk suitable sections where conditions allow, taking in the contrast between steep cliffs, mountain roads, and the rushing Jinsha River below.

Continue to Shangri-La, a highland town known for its Tibetan heritage, mountain scenery, and old-town atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties or distinctive boutique properties such as Shangri-La Resort, Arro Khampa Shangri-La, or similar

Daily Itinerary Shangri-La: Songzanlin, Pudacuo & Highland Culture

Visit Songzanlin Monastery, an important center of Tibetan Buddhist heritage in Yunnan. Your guide will share cultural context to help you better understand the monastery and its traditions.

In the afternoon, continue to Pudacuo National Park for highland forests, lakes, wetlands, and open mountain scenery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties or distinctive boutique properties such as Shangri-La Resort, Arro Khampa Shangri-La, or similar

Daily Itinerary Shangri-La to Chengdu: Nixi Pottery or Napa Lake Wetland

Depending on flight timing, join a hands-on Nixi black pottery workshop with local artisans or visit Napa Lake Wetland for open highland scenery. Nixi pottery offers a hands-on introduction to a traditional craft rooted in local Tibetan cultural life, while Napa Wetland provides a gentler nature-focused option.

Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Tibet Hotel Chengdu, Grand Hyatt Chengdu, or similar

Daily Itinerary Giant Pandas, Teahouse Culture & Sichuan Opera

Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the morning to observe giant pandas and learn about their care, behavior, and conservation. In the afternoon, experience Chengdu’s relaxed local rhythm at a traditional teahouse in People’s Park, then stroll through Kuanzhai Alley. Enjoy tea, local snacks, shaded lanes, and everyday city life.

In the evening, enjoy a Sichuan Opera performance featuring regional music, theatrical traditions, and face-changing—a lively finale to the journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Tibet Hotel Chengdu, Grand Hyatt Chengdu, or similar

Final Day Departure from Chengdu

After breakfast, transfer to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: None

Daily Itinerary WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • - A complimentary Old Town food experience, subject to flight arrival time; the Stone Forest; and Green Lake Park.

  • - Xizhou Market; a rose farm visit and rose-pastry making; a lakeside walk or gentle cycling along Erhai Lake; and a Bai three-course tea experience.

  • - Shaxi Ancient Town; Lijiang Old Town; Naxi-style dining experiences; Yuhu or Baisha Village; and a Naxi family cooking experience.

  • - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, including a round-trip cable car and required scenic-area transport; Blue Moon Valley; and Shuhe or Dayan Ancient Town.

  • - Tiger Leaping Gorge; Songzanlin Monastery; Pudacuo National Park, including required park shuttle transport; and either a Nixi black-pottery workshop or a Napa Lake wetland visit, depending on flight timing.

  • - Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding; a traditional teahouse experience in People’s Park; Kuanzhai Alley; and a traditional Sichuan opera performance featuring face-changing.

Daily Itinerary WHAT'S EXCLUDED

- International flights and airport taxes

- Visa fees (if applicable)

- Meals not specified in the itinerary

- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and alcoholic beverages; optional activities arranged on request; and any costs not listed as included

- Travel insurance (highly recommended)

- Single room supplement

- Gratuities for the guide and driver

Daily Itinerary NOTICE:

  • A minimum of 4 people is required to schedule a tour. If you are traveling alone, please consult our customer service department, and they will assist you in joining another group. Early booking is highly recommended as availability may be limited.

  • Please note that this itinerary serves as a sample. The order and locations of planned events may change due to factors such as flight arrival times, road and weather conditions, as well as our desire to tailor the tour to your abilities and interests. Your guide will provide daily updates to keep you informed. Our priority is to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe adventure, creating cherished memories and an unforgettable experience!

  • Accommodations on this journey are selected for overall comfort, location, facilities, service level, character, and suitability for the itinerary rather than star rating alone. Hotel ratings and guest expectations may vary between local and international platforms, so listed properties are intended as a guide to the standard and style of accommodation provided. If a listed property is unavailable, it may be replaced with a similar-standard accommodation, including selected feature stays where noted.

  • This journey includes high-elevation areas such as Lijiang, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Shangri-La. Guests should be comfortable with mountain sightseeing, cableways, scenic-area transport, moderate walking, and changing weather conditions.

Daily Itinerary DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

  • Please note that itineraries are subject to change due to unforeseen issues and/or delays.

  • This tour operating company acts solely as an intermediary for suppliers, facilitating the sale of travel-related services and accepting reservations or bookings for services not directly provided by the company (such as air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). The company shall not be held responsible for any breach of contract arising from intentional or negligent actions or omissions on the part of such suppliers, which may result in loss, damage, delay, or injury to you, your travel companions, or group members.

  • Unless the term "guaranteed" is explicitly stated in writing on your tickets, invoice, or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee the rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling, or handling of personal effects by such suppliers.

  • The travel agent shall not be liable for injuries, damages, or losses incurred by any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, criminal acts, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or circumstances beyond the control of the travel agent.

  • The traveler assumes full responsibility for verifying passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements for each destination, as well as safety and security conditions during the proposed travel.

  • Traveler voluntarily assumes all risks associated with such travel, whether expected or unexpected. The traveler is hereby informed of these risks and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage to mitigate them.

Daily Itinerary CANCELLATION OF A TOUR

  • More than 60 days before departure: 80% refund of the total trip cost; a 20% cancellation fee applies.

  • 59 to 35 days before departure: 50% refund of the total trip cost; a 50% cancellation fee applies.

  • Within 34 days of departure: No refund can be issued; a 100% cancellation fee applies.

F.A.Q

Will altitude be a concern on this journey?

This journey includes stays in Lijiang at approximately 7,875 feet (2,400 m) and Shangri-La at approximately 10,500 feet (3,200 m), with sightseeing areas on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reaching up to around 14,765 feet (4,500 m).

Allow time to adjust, stay hydrated, avoid overexertion and alcohol at higher elevations, and tell your guide if you feel unwell. Travelers with medical conditions or concerns about altitude should consult a doctor before departure. Activities may be adjusted for health, weather or operating conditions.

What weather should I expect?

Weather varies considerably with elevation and between day and night. Bring layers, a warm jacket, waterproof outerwear, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen, especially for Lijiang, Shangri-La and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

What type of accommodation is used?

The journey combines full-service city hotels with selected boutique and heritage-style stays. Smaller local properties may differ from international hotels in room style and facilities. Listed hotels may be replaced with a similar-standard property if unavailable.

What are the road journeys like?

Several transfers include winding mountain roads, and journey times may vary with weather and road conditions. Comfortable private transportation is arranged. Travelers prone to motion sickness may wish to prepare suitable medication before departure.

 

What meals are included?

Meals are included as listed in the itinerary. Larger hotels generally offer Chinese and Western breakfast options, while boutique properties may serve simpler local breakfasts. Please advise us of any dietary restrictions or food allergies when booking.

 

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From
$4,995.00 / Adult
From
$4,895.00 / Child

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