10 Days China Yunnan Ethnic Minorities Tour (Shanghai-Yunnan-Lijiang-Dali-Kunming-Shanghai)

Summary

Itinerary Highlight
Day 1 Shanghai Arrival
Day 2 Shanghai-Kunming: Yuyuan Garden, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Jade Buddha Temple, Old French Concession
Day 3 Kunming: Yunnan Nationalities Village, Western Hill, Dragon Gate
Day 4 Kunming-Dali: Yuantong Temple, Green Lake Park, Yunnan Nationalities Museum
Day 5 Dali: Xizhou Village, Dali Ancient Town, Three Pagodas
Day 6 Dali-Lijiang: Er'hai Lake, Cangshan Mountain
Day 7 Lijiang: Lijiang Ancient Town, Yuhu Naxi minority Village, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Day 8 Lijiang-Shanghai: Lugu Lake
Day 9 Shanghai: Nanjing Road, Tianzifang, Boat cruise on the Huangpu river, Pudong New Area, Shanghai Oriental TV Tower
Day 10 Shanghai Departure

Day 1 Shanghai Arrival

Our Shanghai private tour guide will meet you at the exit of Shanghai international airport holding with a welcome signal "China Private Tour" and escort you to your hotel. 

The rest day is free on your own to explore Shanghai city.

Day 2 Shanghai-Kunming

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel. Your first stop is Yuyuan Garden, Yuyuan Garden is the only fully restored classical Chinese garden in Shanghai. It has a total area of 20,000 square meters. Although the Garden occupies less than five acres, demonstrates perfectly the sophisticated art of combining several different elements to create a world in miniature - ingeniously mingling pavilions and corridors, small hills and carefully selected and well-placed rocks, lotus ponds, bridges, winding paths, and trees and shrubs.

Next, head to The Bund. The Bund is a waterfront area in central Shanghai. The area is in the eastern part of Huangpu District centers on a section of Zhongshan Road ,which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River, facing the high, modern skyscrapers of Pudong,Traditionally, the Bund begins at Yan'an Road in the south and ends at Waibaidu Bridge in the north, The Shanghai Bund on which you can embrace the best cityscape, feast on the rich architectural fashions ( Gothic, Baroque, Rome, Renaissance, Classic and Mixed Eastern and Western style, etc.) and know why Shanghai is glorified as "Paris of the East". There are a number of attractions in the area, such as Shanghai World Financial Center, The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Century Park, Century Boulevard, Jinmao Tower etc. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai.

After lunch, visit the Nanjing Road, When people mention Shanghai's Nanjing Road, they're probably talking about East Nanjing Road, a pedestrian shopping street running for blocks between the northeast corner of People's Square and the Bund. Nanjing Road, 5.5 km in full length, enjoys the reputation as China No. 1 commercial center. It was the earliest commercial street in Shanghai since the city opened to the outside world.On both sides of the street, there are more than 360 malls, department stores, specialized shops, restaurants and cultural and recreational facilities, which receive more than 1.5 million customers everyday. In the day - time, the street is crowned with visitors and when the night falls, the colorful neon lights make the street more attractive.

Continue your tour to Jade Buddha Temple, the Jade Buddha Temple, also known as the Shanghai Yufo Temple, is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Shanghai, China. The Jade Buddha Temple was founded in 1882 by Abbot Hui Gen during the reign of Emperor Guang Xu (1875-1908) of the Qing Dynasty and burned down after having been occupied during the 1911 revolution. The temple takes its name from the original two white jade Buddha statues that abbot Hui Gen brought with him from Burma—a sitting statue about 1.95 m (almost 6 1/2 ft) in height and a smaller reclining Buddha.

Your final stop is Old French Concession, listen as your guide sets the historical scene and directs your attention to cobbled streets and wrought-iron railings reminiscent of 19th-century Paris. Hear of the radical cultural transformation that occurred at the site of the First Conference of the Communist Party and absorb the botanical beauty of a French-style park during your stroll.  

After the tour ends, drive you the Shanghai airport to catch the flight to Kunming.

Day 3 Kunming

In the morning, you will be taken to visit the biggest ethnic minority theme village in Kunming-Yunnan Nationalities Village.  Yunnan Nationalities Village is located on the Bank of Dianchi Lake. It is a window to show the social and cultural customs of the 26 ethnic groups in Yunnan. It is also an indispensable link for you to understand the culture of Kunming ethnic minorities. It is a collection of 25 ethnic minority villages in Yunnan, such as Dai, Bai, Yi, Naxi, WA, Bulang, Jinuo, Lahu, Tibetan, Jingpo, Hani, De'ang, Zhuang, Miao, Shui, Nu, Mongolian, Buyi, Dulong, Susu, Pumi, Manchu, Hui, Yao and Achang.

In addition to understanding the architectural styles, costumes and customs of various ethnic groups in Yunnan, the village can also watch laser fountains, water screen films, folk songs and dances, and elephant performances. Our professional tour guide will explain the customs of various ethnic minorities for you. At the same time, various minority activities will be held in various ethnic villages, such as "march street", Dai's "Water Splashing Festival", Yi's "Torch Festival", Susu's "Dao Gan Festival", Jingpo's "Mu Nao Zongge" and Naxi's "three flower festival".

After the typical ethnic lunch, you will be taken to the Western Hill, where you can have a bird views of the hole Kunming  city and Dianchi lake. Standing on the Hills, you can have a magnificent overview of Lake Dianchi. On the Hills are several grand temples and pavilions, such uo Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, Sanqing Pavilion,etc. The stairways leading to the Dragon Gate are carved out of the cliffs, which attract many tourists.

At last, drive back to your hotel in Kunming.

Day 4 Kunming-Dali

Pick up from your hotel in the morning, first pay a visit to Yuantong Temple: The largest Buddhist temple in Kunming with a history of more than 1,200 years. It is located on the south side of Yuantong Hill, famed for its grand architecture and design. Yuantong Temple was first built in the late 8th and early 9th century, the time of the Nanzhao Kingdom in the Tang Dynasty. After two major restorations and expansion in the Chenghua period (1465-1487) of the Ming Dynasty and the 24th year of Emperor Kangxi's rule (1686) of the Qing Dynasty, the temple took on its present design, with covered corridors, bridges and grand halls. 

After lunch, head to the Green Lake Park: Also named Cuihu Park, is located on the west side of Wuhua Mountain. The lake is divided into four parts by two long banks. The banks are covered with an abundance of willow trees and dotted with a variety of vibrant lotuses. This contrast between the pale green of the willows and the array of colors in the lotuses makes the park a popular destination for nature lovers. During the winter months, black-headed gulls from Siberia migrate to Green Lake and entertain the crowds of visitors as they circle around and snap up bread, usefully provided by a herd of local vendors, thrown up into the air by tourists.

In the afternoon, move on to the Yunnan Nationalities Museum: Built in 1964, it is a comprehensive museum showing the history and cultural of Yunnan Province. The museum has a has a collection of over 400,000 pieces of cultural relics from all parts of Yunnan. The major exhibitions in the museum include bronze wares, art works, Buddhism relics, Jewelry and Jade Articles, porcelains, carving craft etc.

After the tour, you will be taken to the Kunming airport to catch your flight to Dali. Upon your arrival, drive back to your hotel.

Day 5 Dali

Today, you first stop is Xizhou Village, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture is a city with Bai people as the main part. Xizhou Village is the best starting point for you to understand the culture of the hundred nationalities. Xizhou Village is one of the Bai ethnic minority villages around the Erhai Lake and has historic prominence with a cluster of over 100 protected buildings. Your tour guides will lead you into the courtyards of several families and experience the lifestyle of the Bai people.

Move on to visit the Three Pagodas, originally built a thousand years ago, they still stand intact as a marvel of architecture. Three Pagodas is made of one big pagoda and two small pagodas forming a symmetric triangle. If you look at it from a distance, the pagodas are like three giant ballpoint pens breaking up the landscape of the never-ending mountains. 

Drive back to the Dali downtown and head to the Dali Ancient Town. Used to be the ancient capital of Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, Dali Ancient Town is formed in the square-shaped structure, laid out on a typical north-south, east-west axis with five north-south and eight east-west streets. Wander leisurely through the historic streets with weeping willows dancing and colorful flowers blooming in the sunshine.

After dinner, drive back to your hotel in Dali.

Day 6 Dali-Lijiang

After breakfast, drive to the Erhai Lake, located in the suburb of Dali city, is the second largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province. Because of its shape like an ear, so it is named Erhai Lake. Erhai Lake has excellent water quality and rich aquatic resources. Although it is called the sea, it is actually a lake. It is said that Yunnan is located in the inland, and the Bai people call it Erhai Lake to express their yearning for the sea.

Then, move on to the Cangshan Mountain. Cangshan mountain is the main peak at the southern end of Yunling mountain range, as the holy mountain of Dali city, hiking on the Cangshan Mountain can purify your mind. Cangshan Mountain composed of 19 peaks from north to south. Cangshan 19 peaks, towering and majestic, form a strong contrast with the beautiful scenery of Erhai Lake. 

Hiking is a popular way to enjoy the mountain scenery. Near Tianlong Babu Studio City at the foot of Cangshan Mountain is a hiking route, and many locals take their morning exercise along this route. Visitors can hike this route, too. It takes about one hour to reach Yudai Rd, a 18km walking trail on the mountainside. Walking along Jade Belt Rd, you can not only get a bird’s eye view of Erhai Lake but also enjoy many attractions like Longyan Cave, Zhonghe Temple and Qilongnv Pool.

After the hiking tour on the Cangshan Mountain, drive about 2 hours to get to the Lijiang city. Stay overnight in Lijiang.

Day 7 Lijiang

Pick up service will be arranged at your hotel. Our guide will take you to explore the Naxi Minority Village that is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This small village can reflect the culture and traditions of its people. Here the houses are built with processed stone and mud locally called monkey head. The street is bordered by house gates carved with simplicity. Everything here reveals the peaceful and original life of the Naxi people. The open-minded Naxi people will happily welcome foreigners to their village.

Then,take a short hiking tour to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is called "Oulu" in Naxi language, meaning "Tianshan". Its thirteen snow peaks are continuous, just like a "giant dragon", so it is called "jade dragon". Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the holy mountain of Naxi people. It is said that the protection god of Naxi nationality "Sanduo" incarnates.

After the tour, you will be taken back to your hotel in Lijiang.

Day 8 Lijiang-Shanghai

Check out from your hotel and you will visit Lugu Lake today. The lugu lake is embraced in mountains. The best-loved one by the Mosuo people is the Holy Gemu Mountain (the Lion Mountaion). The local people worship it as their Goddess Gemu. On 25th July of each lunar year, they will gather at the foot of the mountain for a great sacrificial rite.

Many cultural sites and scenic spots are scattered along the lakeside. They are Mosuo villages, plateau hot springs, the underground maze-The Lucky Cave, the Chieftain's Palace, the Zhamei Lamaist Temple, Riyuehe - The Ruins of the Yuan Army Quarters when Kublai Khan was on his south - expansion, yongning - the key town on the ancient tea and horse trading route. Many beautiful legends have been circulating among the people.

After lunch, you will be taken to the Lijiang airport to catch your flight to Shanghai. Drive back to your hotel once you arrived in Shanghai by our local driver.

Day 9 Shanghai

After breakfast, meet your guide at your hotel lobby. Drive you to the popular landmark of Shanghai, Nanjing Road: When people mention Shanghai's Nanjing Road, they're probably talking about East Nanjing Road, a pedestrian shopping street running for blocks between the northeast corner of People's Square and the Bund. Nanjing Road, 5.5 km in full length, enjoys the reputation as China No. 1 commercial center. It was the earliest commercial street in Shanghai since the city opened to the outside world.

Then, continue your tour to Tianzifang in Taikang Road. It has become an amazing cluster of the trendy and cultural spots. It is an arts and crafts enclave that has developed from a renovated residential area in the French Concession area of Shanghai, China. It comprises a neighborhood of labyrinthine alleyways off Taikang Road, and is therefore also referred to as Taikang Road or Taikang Lu. Tianzifang is known for small craft stores, coffee shops, trendy art studios and narrow alleys. It has become a popular tourist destination in Shanghai, and an example of preservation of local Shikumen architecture, with some similarities to Xintiandi.

Later on, take Boat cruise on the Huangpu River, Sailing down the river, along the way you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides including such sights as the Yangpu Bridge, the Nanpu Bridge, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. In addition, the varied western architecture on the west bank of the Huangpu River and the towering modern buildings on the east bank present a spectacular contrast, increasing the beauty and magnificence of the river.

In the afternoon, head to the Pudong New Area, lying in the east of Shanghai and at the east edge of the Yangtze River Delta, Pudong New Area (hereafter referred to as Pudong) is located at the estuary of the Yangtze River on the west side of the Pacific Ocean, connecting both Nanhui District and Minhang District in the south and looking on to the other side of the river where lie the districts of Xuhui, Luwan, Huangpu, Hongkou, Yangpu and Baoshan both in the north and west of Shanghai.

The last stop is Shanghai Oriental TV Tower, It was designed by Jiang Huan Cheng of the Shanghai Modern Architectural Design Co. Ltd. Construction began in 1991 and the tower was completed in 1995. At 468 m (1,535 feet) high, it was the tallest structure in China from 1994–2007, when it was surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center. The Oriental Pearl Tower belongs to the World Federation of Great Towers.

Drive back to your hotel.

Day 10 Shanghai Departure

Free on your own in the morning, then you will be transferred to the airport and you can fly back home. Have a pleasant trip!

Price Per Person in US Dollars

Price Includes 1. All transfer and city transportation 2. Air-conditioned car or van 3. Hotels specified in the itinerary, all based     on two persons sharingone standard room; 4. Meals specified in the itinerary: Western     breakfast in hotels Chinese lunch and     dinner in local restaurants 5. Sightseeing: All arrangements mentioned     in the itinerary will be covered All first     admission/entrance fees in the itinerary 6. Tour guide: Conducted by a professional     tour guide

Price Excludes 1. International air-tickets 2. Airport departure tax. 3. International or domestic air tickets which     are not listed in the itinerary. 4. Insurance coverage of personal loss, illness     or damages incurred during your trip 5. Tips to the tour guide and driver 6. Meals not specified in the itinerary. 7. Personal expenses: phone bills, laundry,     optional tours, postage, excess baggage     charge, entertainment fees out of the     itinerary. 8. Single Room Supplement.