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Futuristic Modernity and the Mysteries of the High Plateaus
1/22

13 days from Chongqing to Shangri-La

$2,990.00 USD

Group size

6 - 10

Guide language

English, French, and Italian
Highlights
  • Exclusive itinerary: a perfect balance of nature and culture for a pleasant, unhurried pace.
  • UNESCO sites & grand scenery: the Dazu Rock Carvings, Shilin (Stone Forest), Erhai Lake, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri-La—uniting world cultural heritage with spectacular landscapes.
  • Living culture: immersive shows Dynamic Yunnan and Impression Lijiang; traditional Miao, Bai, Yi and Tibetan banquets revealing the richness of local cultures.
  • Hands-on experiences: Erhai Lake cruise; tie-dye and handmade paper workshops; visits to flower and craft markets for a genuine taste of local life.
  • Comfort & peace of mind: carefully selected 4★ hotels, air-conditioned coach and typical meals for a relaxed, enjoyable journey.
Service Standard

  • Accommodation: twin rooms in 4★ hotels as listed in the program; single-room supplement applies where requested.
  • Meals: buffet breakfasts at hotels; Chinese-style lunches and dinners (10 dishes + 1 soup, approx. 10 guests per table).
  • Sites & shows: admission tickets for the mentioned visits and show tickets; eco-shuttle services included where applicable.
  • Transportation: air-conditioned tourist coach (one seat per person).
  • Guides: professional driver and qualified English-speaking guide.
Not Included
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Personal expenses and extras.
  • Single-room supplement.
  • Any items not specified in the itinerary.
  • Tips for driver and guide ($5 per person per day).
  • Unforeseen expenses due to force majeure (flight delays/cancellations, strikes, natural disasters, etc.).

Route Introduction

13-day signature journey in Southwest China

Chongqing – Dazu – Kunming – Chuxiong – Dali – Shaxi – Lijiang – Shangri-La – Chongqing

From Chongqing, a vibrant metropolis with the air of a cyber-city, to the sacred lands of Shangri-La, via the cultural and natural jewels of Dazu, Kunming, Chuxiong, Dali, Shaxi, and Lijiang…

Set off on an unforgettable journey through ultra-modern cities, enchanting landscapes, and age-old traditions — with each stage revealing a new facet of timeless China.

Itinerary

DAY 1 - Chongqing · Discovering a Miao Village (19/10/2025)

Airport meet & greet and transfer to Chiyou Jiuli City, an emblematic site of Miao culture with totems and stilt houses. Miao long-table banquet for lunch and a warm welcome ceremony.
Meal: B/L/D • Overnight: Chongqing
Itinerary photo

DAY 2 - Chongqing · Dazu Rock Carvings (20/10/2025)

Breakfast then visit Beishan and the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings (approx. 2 h). In the afternoon, explore Ancient Changzhou City (Class 5A), a recreated setting evoking old Chinese towns. Return to Chongqing.
Meal: B/L/D • Overnight: Chongqing
Itinerary photo

DAY 3 - Chongqing · City & Culture (21/10/2025)

Stroll through Ciqikou, a millennium-old riverside village rich in local culture. Stop at Liziba monorail station, where the line famously passes through a residential building, then wander Danzishi Old Street to feel the city's soul.
Meal: B/L/D • Overnight: Chongqing
Itinerary photo

DAY 4 - Chongqing → Kunming (22/10/2025)

High-speed train to Kunming. Check in at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy the performance Dynamic Yunnan by Yang Liping — a spectacular fusion of traditional dance and music, delivering a unique cultural experience.
Meal: B/L (boxed lunch on the train)/D • Overnight: Kunming
Itinerary photo

DAY 5 - Kunming · Lakes & Flowers (23/10/2025)

Breakfast, then visit Dianchi Lake and ride the cable car up the Western Hills (Xishan) for panoramic views. Afternoon at Laoyuhe Wetland Park, then discover Dounan Flower Market, the largest in Asia.
Meal: B/L/D • Overnight: Kunming
Itinerary photo

DAY 6 - Kunming · Shilin & Chuxiong · Yi Evening (24/10/2025)

Depart for the Shilin Stone Forest, a spectacular karst formation. After lunch, drive to Chuxiong. In the evening, visit the Ancient Yi Town with a traditional banquet and the immersive show Legend of Weichu.
Meal: B/L/D • Overnight: Chuxiong
Itinerary photo

DAY 7 - Dali · Wind, Flowers, Snow, Moon (25/10/2025)

Drive to Dali. Cruise on Erhai Lake and experience the Bai "Three Teas" ceremony. Visit Nanzhao Island and Dali Old Town, followed by a traditional batik workshop. Dinner show with local specialties.
Meal: B/L/D • Overnight: Dali
Itinerary photo

DAY 8 - Shaxi → Lijiang · Tea & Heritage (26/10/2025)

Excursion to Shaxi, a former stop on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. Continue to Shuhe, then time at leisure in Lijiang Old Town. Dongba paper-making workshop for hands-on cultural immersion.
Meal: B/L/D • Overnight: Lijiang
Itinerary photo

DAY 9 - Lijiang · Snowy Marvels (27/10/2025)

Excursion to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishui River and Blue Moon Valley. Visit Yushui Village, a sanctuary of Dongba culture. Evening grand spectacle Impression Lijiang by Zhang Yimou.
Meal: B/L/D • Overnight: Shangri-La
Itinerary photo

DAY 10 - Lijiang → Shangri-La · Canyon & Culture (28/10/2025)

Visit the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge, then continue to Shangri-La. Explore Dukezong Old Town and Turtle Hill Park with its immense prayer wheel. Festive Tibetan dinner for a vivid taste of local life.
Meal: B/L/D • Overnight: Lijiang
Itinerary photo

DAY 11 - Shangri-La · High-Plateau Mysteries (29/10/2025)

Explore Pudacuo National Park, with lakes, wetlands and alpine meadows. Then discover Songzanlin Monastery, the largest in Yunnan. Return to Lijiang and stroll the UNESCO-listed old town.
Meal: B/L/D • Overnight: Chongqing
Itinerary photo

DAY 12 - Lijiang → Dali → Chongqing (30/10/2025)

Drive to Dali and visit Dali "Santorini" (Ideal Land), a photogenic waterfront complex on Erhai. Afternoon high-speed train to Chongqing.
Meal: B/L/D (boxed lunch on the train) • Overnight: /
Itinerary photo

DAY 13 - Chongqing · Memory of the Old City (31/10/2025)

Excursion to the Eighteen Stairways (Shibati) heritage quarter, the Yangtze River Cableway and the retro "Super 80s Street". Pause at Jiaotong Teahouse to soak up local ambiance. Evening walk at Hongyadong, then transfer to the airport.
Meal: B/L/D
Itinerary photo

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