6 Days Yunnan Ethnic Minorities Tour

Welcome to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province in southwestern China, and enjoys a mild year-round climate and is often called the city of spring. Your private guide picks you up at the airport on time and takes you in a comfortable vehicle to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city by yourself.

Today, we will visit the Stone Forest, which is an essential site in Kunming. Stone Forest is a 350-square-km topographical turmoil wrought by a jungle of 100 or so groups of monoliths in shapes ranging from overhanging cliffs to grotesque boulders. "Number One Bizarre Spectacle Under Heaven," as the Stone Forest is nicknamed. The natural spectacle is made all the more alluring by its inhabitants, the Sani people, whose peculiar habits and customs never fail to keep the visitors mesmerized.
Then transfer you to the train station for your high speed train to Dali.

Visit to the houses of the Bai ethnic group in Xizhou village. Xizhou is not only a famous historical village, but also a typical commercial village of the Bai people. You will see traditions and typical dresses of Bai. Some buildings are old and typical old architectures, which are the 'local royal' houses. On the exterior walls of each house, there are numerous exquisite paintings, showing the importance of art in this area.
Three pagodas are arranged in a triangle on the slope of Cangshan Mountain to the northwest of Dali. The largest of the three, Qianxun Pagoda, was built when the area was ruled by the State of Nanzhao during the Tang Dynasty(618-907). The two smaller pagodas on the north and 'south were built during the Five Dynasties(907-960). These are solid brick octagonal structures with ten levels, measuring forty-two metres high. These are solid brick octagonal structures with ten levels, measuring forty-two metres high.
In Zhoucheng Town, where the Bai minorities live and is famous for its elaboration of batik, you can see the traditional way of making the exquisite handicrafts of the Bai minorities, their delicate skills and methods of elaboration will leave a deep impression. You can also select by buying some nice crafts.
The ancient city of Dali, located between Er Hai to the east and the Cang Shan mountain range to the west, receives a multitude of visitors. The history of the city dates back to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Its old town, surrounded by the remains of a Ming wall, is characterized by cobbled streets and stone houses. Spend the night in the old city.
 

Your guide and private driver will drive you directly from Dali to Lijiang.
The Old Town of Lijiang is a well-preserved city; it was inscribed on UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage List in 1997. It has beautiful wooden houses of the Naxi ethnic group, small streams flow into the city. Now the old city is also the commercial centre of Lijiang. It's a better place to walk and shop. You can also climb Lion Hill for a bird's eye view of the entire city.
Then visit the Black Dragon Pool Park at the northern end of the city, which is a picturesque enclave where the elegant Deyue Lou rises in the middle of a pond full of tents, with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background.

Today, we will visit the villages around Lijiang. The village of Baisha was the cradle of the Naxi ethnic culture. Baisha's frescoes have a history of more than 500 years. They show us the local life and religious elements.
Yuhu village is located at the foot of the snow-covered mountain, about ten kilometres north of Lijiang. There is an artificial lake in the village. The reflection of the mountain on the lake is one of the most famous landscapes in Lijiang. The village houses are built of stone. It's special. In the village, you can also visit the former residence of Joseph Rock, a famous American photographer.
Ancient Town of Shuhe, a miniature of the old town of Lijiang, is a well-preserved village. You can see the water flow, old houses, small alleys and local ethnic groups.

Day 6 Tiger Leaping Gorge and First Bend of the Yangtze River, Lijiang Departure
Today you go by car 2 hours to see First Curve of the Yangtze River with the imposing landscape of the gorge and Bridge of iron chains in the village Shugu (stone drum). Surrounded by mountains and rivers, the First Curve of the Yangtze River has a picturesque landscape. Three rivers meet here and turn suddenly. After lunch, explore the Tiger Leaping Gorge which is one of the deepest canyons in the world. During the rainy season, we will be surprised by its stormy water.
After the visit, you finish the visit of the essence of Yunnan. We will transfer you to the airport for your next destination.