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Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours
Unique Experiences
Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.Well-Selected Local Guides
Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!Your Booking is Risk-Free
Cancel up to 24 hours before the travel date in advance for a full refund
14 Days Wild China Tours from Shanghai to Yunnan on Expresses
The Hunan Province in middle region of China, and Yunnan, Guizhou in the southwestern China are believed as three of the wildest regions in China where you can see extraordinary natural landscapes – Karst, snow mountains, gorges, etc., and experience exotic and unique ethnic culture.
In the December of 2016, a new and advanced high speed railway was put into operation to connect Yunnan, Guizhou and Hunan with the eastern metropolis Shanghai, which changed the travelling way in these wild regions a lot. You can now travel by high speed trains – fast, comfortable and safe while enjoying your trip. You will start your trip from Shanghai, then go to explore the Avatar world in Zhangjiajie. After that, you will take a high speed train to Kaili, the very center of Guizhou ethnic culture. The last part of your trip is Yunnan exploration. You will visit the ancient city of Lijiang, hike Tiger Leaping Gorge, discover the land of Shangri-la and finish your tour in Kunming, the spring city.
Day 1 Shanghai Arrival
Airport or railway station pickup.
Ni Hao! Welcome to Shanghai, the biggest metropolis of China!
Upon arrival, you will be met by local tour guide at the arrival hall of the airport/train station/port and escorted to check in your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to relax. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide.
Optional Activity – Attend an entertaining Acrobatic Show, including breathtaking “balls of death” acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, walking in the air, and other breathtaking performances (usually performed during 19:30~21:00).
Arrival Ideas: At present, there are many international and many domestic flights to and from Shanghai. Also, you can arrive in Shanghai city by taking a high speed train from Beijing (5-6hrs), Xian (6-7hrs), Suzhou (30mins), Huangshan (4hrs), and so on.
Day 2 Shanghai ( B, L )
Today’s highlights: Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Shanghai World Financial Center, the Bund
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to start your Shanghai exploration. Your first stop is Shanghai Museum, one of the Best Four Museums in China. This modern museum, with a round top and a square base which symbolizing the ancient Chinese perception of the world as “round sky, square earth”, has collected many international-standard exhibits of bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, sculpture, ceramics, jade from more than 5,000 years ago to the Qing dynasty. To help you learn about the history and facts about the relics in the museum easily, an Audio Explanation Device will be prepared for you.
Then you will take an interesting visit to Yu Garden, a shining star among all the ancient Chinese gardens in Jiangnan. This garden fully embodies the traditional design of Chinese architecture with jagged pavilions with elegant decorations, glittering pools with roving fish, and pine trees sprouting to the sky, all designed to refresh your mood and spirit. Adjacent to the garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar where you can savor tasteful local snacks and explore elaborate traditional Chinese handicrafts and art works. Next, you will drive several kilometers to enjoy a panoramic view of the modern face of Shanghai from the 100th floor (474m) of “the Eye of Shanghai” Shanghai World Financial Center.
You will then be transferred to another popular landmark of Shanghai, Nanjing Road, a shopping paradise as well as a great place to take a wonderful walk to experience the modern atmosphere of the City. Lastly, you will stop at the Bund, originally a simple towpath for transporting goods but now transformed into a feverish trading district. You will stroll along the Bund, seeing and feeling the perfect fusion of Chinese and Western cultures while at the same time taking in the stunning Shanghai skyline with your own eyes!
Optional Activity – Take a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise to see the city’s most significant edifices and streets sparkling under the atmospheric cover of darkness (about 50 minutes).
Day 3 Shanghai – Zhangjiajie (B, L)
Today’s highlights: Zhujiajiao Water Town
After breakfast, an hour’s drive will take you away from the city’s hustle and bustle and you’ll visit Zhujiajiao Water Town which is known as the “Venice of Shanghai”.
Zhujiajiao has a history of 1,700 years and is a well-preserved waterside ancient town. You’ll stroll along Hundred-year-old North Street, take some awesome pictures on the Fangsheng Bridge, have a panoramic view of Zhujiao by climbing up to Yuanjin Buddhist Temple, enjoy some leisure time on the traditionally decorated boat, cruise along the canals and see the old residences, shops and bridges which are filled with classic architectural style in Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 AD – 1911 AD).
In the afternoon, drive back to Shanghai to catch your flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon your arrival, your private tour guide and driver will pick you up at Zhangjiajie Airport, and transfer you to check in your hotel in downtown.
Day 4 Zhangjiajie (B,L)
Today’s highlights: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
After breakfast, be ready for today’s exciting adventures. You’ll first drive about 60km from Zhangjiajie downtown area to visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. You will start from the Tourist Center to Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge to walk on the highest and longest glass bridge in the world. After that, appreciate the charming sightseeing of running waters, flying waterfalls, lush vegetation, etc. at the Rainbow Square, Yilian Youmeng, Momo Cave, the Holy Spring Lake and other beautiful attractions in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. (Please note: In Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, you can choose to only experience the thrilling glass bridge or fully explore the Grand Canyon by hiking together with the Glass Bridge. Feel free to tell your likes to your travel consultants.)
Next, you’ll drive about 20km to see the natural wonder in the Yellow Dragon Cave, also known as Huanglong Cave. It is a underground-lost palace which is praised as the most beautiful cave in the world by UNESCO Experts, with an area of 100,000 square meters, a length of 7.6 kilometers, a height of 140 meters. There are two underground rivers, four waterfalls, 13 caverns and 10,000 stalagmites and stalactites is this huge limestone cave. The Magic Needle and Chair of Dragon King are two most famous sights in the cave.
After the sightseeing, drive to Wulingyuan to check in your hotel.
Please Note: The regular itinerary for the Day 2 is to visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, and walk the Glass Bridge in the morning, then drive to Zhangjiajie National Forest Pak to visit Huangshi Village and Golden Whip Brook in the afternoon. But we have to replace Huangshi Village and Golden Whip Brook with Yellow Dragon Cave because currently the road between Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Huangshi Village and Golden Whip Brook is under a big reconstruction (will complete in early 2019).
Day 5 Zhangjiajie (B, L)
Today’s highlights: Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain
On this day, you’ll first take Bailong elevator up to Yuanjiajie, which is situated in the north of Zhangjiajie National Park. This scenic area is world famous as the mountains here inspired the floating mountains in the Hollywood movie Avatar. The peaks in Yuanjiajie are nearly at the same height, which makes it a mountain platform great for enjoying sweeping vistas.
Next, take a sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain, where you can have a stunning view of the peaks rising one after another. Atop of the mountain offers a full extent of the whole scenic area, which is magnificent and spectacular. There are four wonders in Tianzi Mountain: the Sea of Clouds, the Radiance of the Moonlight, Rays of Sunshine and the Snow in winter.
After the exciting tour, you’ll be transferred back to Zhangjiajie City for accommodation.
Day 6 Zhangjiajie – Kaili (B)
Take a fast train from Zhangjiajie to Kaili of Guizhou
On this day, you’ll take a fast train from Zhangjiajie to Kaili in Guizhou Province for about 9 hours. After your arrival at Kaili Railway Station, be picked up by your local tour guide, then drive to check in your downtown hotel. Have a good rest!
Day 7 Kaili – Xijiang (B, L)
Today’s highlights: Datang Miao Village, Wuji Miao Village and Upper Langde Miao Village
Today you will have three amazing villages to visit and very beautiful countryside landscapes to enjoy along the road.
Matang Gejia Village is famous for its brilliant skills of making batiks and embroidery which are listed as provincial intangible cultural heritage. The buildings and custom there are also very original. Gejia group living in the village is not listed in the 55 minority groups in China just because of their tiny population.
Datang Miao Village is also called as Xinqiao Village by locals. It is a small but beautiful village of Short Skirt Miao people whose women wear home-made short skirts all year around even when they are doing farm work. This tradition has lasted more than 6 hundred years. Short Skirt Miao people construct their granaries above the water to keep from mice, mosquitoes and fire, which is another highlight in the village.
Upper Langde Miao Village, named Chinese Folk Art Village, is a very primitive and local Miao village which still maintains the old way of living of the Miao people. Women here usually wear long skirts. Upper Langde Miao Village is falso amous for their hospitality. Visitors to the village will usually be welcomed by many ceremonies – dancing, singing, rice wine drinking, etc.After visiting Upper Langde Miao Village, drive about 25km to Xijiang Miao Village for accommodation.
Day 8 Xijiang – Kaili – Kunming (B)
Today’s highlight: Xijiang Miao Village
After breakfast, have in-depth exploration in Xijiang Miao Village, the largest Miao village in Asia, with more than 1000 Miao households. While walking on the paths, you will appreciate an amazing view of the river valley with terraced fields, intricate wooden houses, enjoy Miao’s traditional clothing, daily life and join to sing and dance.
After the tour, drive back to Kaili and go to catch your high speed train to Kunming.
Day 9 Kunming – Lijiang ( B, L )
Today’s highlight: Lijiang Ancient Town
This morning, you will be escorted to airport to catch a flight to Lijiang (about 1 hour), a very charming ancient city! Upon arrival at the airport, your guide and driver will meet you at the arrival hall and transfer you to the hotel with a private car.
After a short rest, you’ll start a memorable tour from Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan Ancient Town). Pay a visit to Ming-dynasty style Mufu Palace, the “Forbidden City” of Lijiang to know Tusi’s ruling history and appreciate Naxi people’s brilliant culture and fine arts. Then, wander through the old alleys, old bridges, featured shops and bars to Sifang Street Square, a mingling ground to enjoy lively atmosphere and unwind yourself. If time permits, join the Naxi people and tourists to dance happily in a round. (Optional Activity: Take a leisure walk up to the Lion Hill and climb up the 33-meter-tall Wanggu Tower – the landmark building of Lijiang to enjoy a panoramic view of the whole old town and overlook the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.)
Day 10 Lijiang (B, L)
Today’s highlight: Yuhu Village, Baisha Mural Paintings, Shuhe Ancient Town, Black Dragon Pool Park
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. First, you’ll be transferred out of Lijiang Old Town to Yuhu Village which is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. When walking into this authentic Naxi Village, you’ll see unique stone houses, Naxi ladies dressing in traditional clothes, kids playing, a tranquil Yuhu Lake…explore leisurely around the village and then get to the Former Residence of Joseph Rock, who was an Austrian-American Botanist came to Lijiang and stayed in Yuhu Village for 27 years and made huge research work on Naxi minority.
Later, head to Baisha Village and appreciate the ancient Baisha Mural Paintings. Visit Dabaoji Palace and Liuli Temple to view murals painted over 1000 years ago which is a combination of Tibetan Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Then, it is followed by a trip to Shuhe Ancient Town – one of the earliest settlements of Naxi people as well as the well-preserved stop of the Ancient Tea Horse Route.
After that, transfer to Dongba Culture Museum where more than 10,000 Dongba cultural relics show mysterious Dongba culture of the Naxi people. Take a gentle walk to Black Dragon Pool Park to enjoy gorgeous view and peaceful surroundings. If weather permits, get to the best spot to overlook the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and shoot some amazing pictures.
Day 11 Lijiang – Shangri-La ( B, L )
Today’s highlight: Tiger Leaping Gorge
After breakfast, drive 45 km to view the First Bend of Yangtze River, an extraordinary turn nearly about 180 degrees with beautiful and marvelous views like a wonderful landscape painting unfolding before you. Visit Iron Chain Bridge in Shigu (Stone Drum) Town.
Later, transfer to visit the one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world – Tiger Leaping Gorge. It measures 16 km in length and is a giddy 3900m from the waters of Jinsha River to Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.You’ll walk about 1,000 stairs along the plank road from the entrance to the Tiger Leaping Rock. Take a moment to enjoy the magnificent gorge view and rolling waves.
After the hiking tour, you’ll be driven to Shangri-La. With 2 hours’ driving, enjoy the enchanting natural scenery along the way. Welcome to Shangri-La (Zhongdian, altitude: 3459meters), the Garden of Eden! Upon arrival, check in your hotel and explore this fairyland on your own.
Day 12 Shangri-La ( B, L )
Today’s highlights: Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, Pudacuo National Park
Today is a full day to explore the earthly paradise described in the famous novel Lost Horizon by James Hilton.
After breakfast, you’ll be driven about 5 km to visit Songzanlin Monastery (Ganden Sumtseling Gompa), reputed as the “Little Potala Palace”. Established by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1679, the monastery belongs to Gelug sect of Buddhism, and it is also the largest Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province with around 600 monks.
Walk 143 steps to get atop of the monastery and pay clockwise visit to the three main lamasery buildings where you can not only see the Buddhism treasures, but also enjoy large number of monks of all ages going about their daily routines, praying, chanting, cooking and resting. It should a nice trip to get in-depth understanding about Tibetan Buddhism. If time permits, take some quiet time to walk around the peaceful Lamuyangcuo Lake and take photo of the breathtaking scenery of this pure land.
Later, drive to the first national park in China – Pudacuo National Park which is mainly comprised of Shudu Lake, Militang Grassland, Bita Lake. Shudu Lake is a famous pasture, herds of yak and goat grazing beside the lake. Militang Grassland is located between Shudu Lake and Bita Lake with lush grass in meadow. Bitahai Lake, regarded as a pearl of the Plateau, is an intact natural attraction with outstanding landscapes.
Visit the spots by clockwise and throw yourselves into the lush green forest with diverse species of flora and fauna, walk along the plank road to catch the gorgeous scenery of Shudu Lake (hike 3.3 km, about 1 hr) and Bita Lake (hike 4.2 km, about 1.5hrs), stand at the viewing spot to enjoy Militang Grassland stretching to the horizon and seek for a real paradise in this natural wonderland. (Note: the altitude of Pudacuo is at 3500m-4150m and you should avoid strong activities. There’s no problem to hike in the park.)
After the merry time in the park, pay a visit to a local Tibetan family to experience the highly-praised hospitality of Tibetan people and taste some special Tibetan snacks and butter tea.
Important Notice: Militang Pasture (弥里塘草场) and Bita Lake (碧塔海) in Pudacuo National Park are closed for tourists due to maintainance from 3th September, 2017. The administrative office of Pudacuo National Park hasn’t confirmed when they will be open exactly. Shudu Lake Scenic Area (属都湖) is still open for tourists. Please contact your travel consultant to adjust your itinerary.
Day 13 Shangri-La & Flight to Kunming ( B, L )
Today’s highlights: Western Hill and Green Lake Park in Kunming
In this morning, cherish your time in Shangri-La to explore the 1300-year-old Dukezong Old Town by climbing up to the top of Guishan Hill (or Tortoise Hill) to have a panoramic view of the old town and Shangri-La County and join in the tourists to turn the largest Prayer Wheel in the world. Then, be escorted to the airport for your flight to Kunming (about 1 hour), the Spring City of China! Upon arrival, the local tour guide and driver will meet you in the arrival hall and escort you to your hotel.
After a rest, you’ll start a tour to Western Hills which is called “Sleeping Beauty Hills”, looking like a beautiful young lady lying beside Dian Lake (the largest freshwater in Yunnan and famed as the “Pearl on the Plateau”). It will be a perfectly lovely trip to walk in this long wedge of parkland and explore the famous temples (Huating Temple and Taihua Temple included) and other cultural relics. There is a saying: If you do not visit Western Hill, you haven’t visited Kunming; if you do not come to Dragon Gate, you haven’t been to Western Hills. Make some effort to climb up to magic Dragon Gate where you’ll appreciate the panoramic view of Dian Lake as well as see a group of grottoes and sculptures.
Later, transfer to explore the most picturesque park in Kunming urban area – the Green Lake Park. Here you can share the happiness of local people’s doing tai chi, performing local opera, and other vibrant activities. If you visit the park in November or December, you will see the grandeur of huge flocks of black-headed gulls that migrate there from Siberia.
Later, drive back to your hotel
Day 14 Kunming & Kunming Departure ( B, L )
Today’s highlights: Stone Forest, Nuohei Village
After breakfast, drive 85 km to the typical Karst landform – Stone Forest. Walk into the Greater Stone Forest, marvel at groups of gray-black stone peaks and climb up a pavilion to have a panoramic view of the intricate stone forest. Visit the Lesser Stone Forest and listen to the legendary story of “Ashima”. It will be a real treat to visit the extraordinary natural stone forest. You feel like come into a “stone world”.
Later, drive about 40 minutes to visit Nuohei Village which is a typical Yi minority village with more than 600 years history in Shilin County and reputed as “the most famous stony village with Karst landscape”. You’ll totally indulge in this featured village of stone – stone houses, stone walls, stone paved roads, stone squares and stone mills…and have a wonderful time to explore local customs.
After the tour, drive back to Kunming and be escorted to the airport or railway station for your flight / train (after 17:00) to next destination.
