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Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
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Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!
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Cancel up to 24 hours before the travel date in advance for a full refund
Start From 631.14 USD P/P
Per Person
Start From 631.14 USD P/P
Per Person
99.6% positive customer reviews among 1500+
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
3-Day Private Tour to Jianshui and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces from Kunming
Embark on a 3-day guided private tour from Kunming to discover the breathtaking Yuanyang Rice Terraces—where you can chase dramatic sunrise and sunset vistas, wander local Hani villages, and capture postcard-perfect photos—and explore the 1,200-year-old Jianshui Ancient City, home to iconic spots like Double Dragon Bridge, Jianshui Confucius Temple, and Zhu Family Garden.
- Make sure everyone brings their passport
- Full name and passport number are required to book attraction tickets
Quick itinerary view
3-Day Private Tour: Kunming → Yuanyang → Jianshui → Kunming
Day 1: Kunming to Yuanyang – Step into the “Earth Sculpture” of Hani Terraces
1. Transfer to Yuanyang Rice Terraces
Meet your dedicated private guide at the lobby of your Kunming hotel, then embark on a 5.5-hour scenic drive straight to Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Sit back, relax, and let the rolling Yunnan landscapes unfold outside your window along the way. The journey is not just a transfer but a prelude to the natural wonders ahead, with lush hills, scattered villages, and patches of farmland painting a picture of authentic Yunnan countryside life.
One-sentence history: Carved by the Hani people’s bare hands a millennium ago, Yuanyang Rice Terraces were recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site for its time-honored ecological farming and stunning landscape artistry.
2. Explore Qingkou Hani Village
Upon arrival, you can pick your favorite spots to explore first – the journey starts with Qingkou Hani Village typically. As a core zone of Yuanyang’s World Heritage application, the village preserves a complete “forest-water system-village-terrace” ecosystem that has sustained the Hani people for generations. Wander around the unique Hani mushroom-shaped houses with your guide, and dive into the ethnic group’s vivid folk customs, distinctive production methods, and traditional lifestyle. You will have the chance to chat with local villagers, learn about their terrace-farming techniques passed down through centuries, and even catch a glimpse of Hani women weaving colorful textiles with traditional looms.
3. Sunset Viewing at Bada Terrace
In the afternoon, head to Bada Terrace – the largest section of Yuanyang Rice Terraces and the ultimate spot to catch the golden sunset over the layered fields. As the sun dips below the horizon, the terraces transform into a sea of glowing orange and red, with the water reflecting the sky like a mirror. Every step you take offers a new perspective of this natural masterpiece, and your guide will share fascinating stories about how the Hani people have harmonized their lives with nature for over a thousand years. After a day of awe-inspiring views, you will be transferred to your hotel in Yuanyang for a restful night.
Meals: Lunch included
Day 2: Yuanyang to Jianshui – Sunrise Glow & Ancient Bridge Charm
1. Duoyishu Terrace Sunrise
Rise early to meet your guide and drive to Duoyishu Village, where you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise painting the terraces in shades of pink and gold. The mist lingers over the fields in the early morning, creating a fairy-tale-like atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re walking on clouds. As the sun climbs higher, the mist gradually lifts, revealing the terraces’ intricate layers that stretch as far as the eye can see.
One-sentence history (Duoyishu Terrace): As one of Yuanyang’s four iconic terrace clusters, Duoyishu has been nurtured by Hani farming traditions for centuries, offering the most photogenic sunrise views of the region.
2. Shengcun Morning Market Experience
Next, immerse yourself in local life at Shengcun Morning Market, a bustling hub of minority culture where vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, handmade snacks, and ethnic handicrafts. The air is filled with the aroma of local delicacies, and the sound of people bargaining and chatting creates a lively and authentic atmosphere. Your guide will gladly help you bargain if you want to buy local snacks or handicrafts, and even introduce you to some hidden gems that only locals know about. After the market visit, return to your hotel for a hearty breakfast.
3. Stroll Duoyishu Area & Ethnic Villages
Then, stroll the Duoyishu area with your guide to enjoy the full view of terraces cascading from mountain tops to valleys, and explore the colorful villages of Hani and Yi ethnic groups. Each village has its own unique customs and architecture, from the Hani’s mushroom houses to the Yi’s stone houses, and you will have the opportunity to interact with locals, learn about their daily lives, and take memorable photos of the stunning scenery and vibrant culture.
4. Transfer to Jianshui
After lunch, hop on a 3-hour drive to Jianshui – take this time to unwind and recharge, or flip through the photos you’ve taken to relive the magical moments of the terraces. The drive takes you through changing landscapes, from mountainous terrains to flat farmlands, giving you a glimpse of the diverse geography of Yunnan.
5. Visit Double Dragon Bridge
Upon arrival, head straight to Double Dragon Bridge, the star attraction of Jianshui’s ancient architecture. This magnificent bridge stands over the Tachong River, with 17 arches and 3 pavilions that showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Chinese builders. Stroll around the bridge and its surroundings with your guide; feel free to tell your guide if you want to linger longer to watch the sunset bathe the bridge in warm light, turning its stone arches into a golden silhouette against the sky. After the tour, you’ll be sent to your hotel in Jianshui.
One-sentence history (Double Dragon Bridge): First built in the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), the 17-arch, 3-pavilion Double Dragon Bridge is Yunnan’s largest and most artistically valuable ancient multi-arch bridge, showcasing the ingenuity of local craftsmen.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch included
Day 3: Jianshui to Kunming – Ancient City Wonders & Cultural Exploration
1. Walking Tour of Jianshui Ancient City
Meet your guide at the hotel lobby to start a leisurely walking tour of Jianshui Ancient City. The city is enclosed by ancient walls, with narrow cobblestone streets that wind through traditional courtyard houses, ancient temples, and local shops. As you walk, your guide will point out hidden details – from the intricate carvings on door frames to the old banyan trees that have stood for centuries – and share stories about the city’s rich history as a cultural and commercial hub in southern Yunnan.
One-sentence history: Founded in the Tang Dynasty (618–907), Jianshui is a cultural melting pot of Central Plains and border ethnic traditions, hailed as the “Museum of Ancient Constructions” for its 100+ ancient temples, 50+ historic bridges, and 56 state-protected cultural relics.
2. Visit Jianshui Confucius Temple
Delve into Confucian culture at Jianshui Confucius Temple, a 600-year-old architectural gem that stands as a testament to the spread of Confucianism in southwestern China. The temple is a sprawling complex with solemn halls, tranquil courtyards, and lush gardens, all designed to reflect the teachings of Confucius. Walk through its solemn halls and courtyards with your guide, admire the intricate memorial archways and pavilions, and learn about the symbolic meanings behind every architectural detail, as well as Confucius’ life story and the essence of Confucian culture. You may even have the chance to see local students paying their respects to Confucius, a tradition that has been kept alive for centuries.
One-sentence history (Jianshui Confucius Temple): Built over 600 years ago, it ranks as China’s third-largest Confucius Temple after those in Qufu and Beijing, embodying the spread of Confucian culture in southwestern China.
3. Explore Zhu’s Family Garden
Continue your cultural journey at Zhu’s Family Garden, a grand Qing Dynasty residential complex known as the “Grand View Garden of Southwest China’s Borderlands”. The garden is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape architecture, with 42 courtyards and 214 rooms that are arranged in a harmonious layout, surrounded by ponds, rockeries, and lush plants. Wander around its 42 courtyards and 214 rooms, and marvel at the exquisite architecture – from the soaring upturned eaves and painted beams to the delicate ceiling carvings, every corner exudes elegance and refinement. Your guide will share stories about the Zhu family, a prominent clan in Jianshui’s history, and how they lived in this luxurious estate.
One-sentence history (Zhu’s Family Garden): A large-scale Qing Dynasty mansion with 42 courtyards and 214 rooms, it is a masterpiece of Yunnan’s traditional residential architecture, earning the title of “Southwest China’s Grand View Garden”.
4. Final Stop: Chaoyang Gate Arch
Your last stop is Chaoyang Gate Arch, the iconic symbol of Jianshui – an ancient military town with a history dating back to 1389. This imposing gate stands tall at the eastern entrance of the ancient city, with a grand tower that offers panoramic views of Jianshui’s skyline. As the cultural landmark of the city, it stands as a testament to Jianshui’s long and storied past, and is a perfect spot to take your final photos of this charming ancient city.
One-sentence history (Chaoyang Gate Arch): Built in 1389, this imposing gate is the historical symbol of Jianshui’s ancient border military town and a cultural icon of the city.
5. Lunch & Return to Kunming
After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor authentic Jianshui delicacies like tofu snacks and rice noodles, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kunming, bringing an end to this unforgettable 3-day journey filled with natural wonders and cultural treasures.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch included
Tour including 4 Star Hotel| group size | Adult (11-80 years old) price/person | Children (4-10 years old) price/person | Infant (0-3 years old) price/person |
| 1 person |
$1,232.72
|
$261.75 | Free but no seats |
| 2 adults | $726.13 | / | / |
| 3 adults | $700.80 | / | / |
| 4 adults | $588.92 | / | / |
| 5 adults | $588.92 | / | / |
| 6 adults | $546.71 | / | / |
| 7 adults | $525.60 | / | / |
| 8 adults | $504.49 | / | / |
| 9 adults | $483.38 | / | / |
| 10-15 adults | $483.38 | / | / |
| group size | Adult (11-80 years old) price/person | Children (4-10 years old) price/person | Infant (0-3 years old) price/person |
| 1 person |
$1,179.95
|
$251.19 | Free but no seats |
| 2 adults | $694.46 | / | / |
| 3 adults | $662.80 | / | / |
| 4 adults | $557.26 | / | / |
| 5 adults | $557.26 | / | / |
| 6 adults | $515.04 | / | / |
| 7 adults | $493.94 | / | / |
| 8 adults | $472.83 | / | / |
| 9 adults | $451.72 | / | / |
| 10-15 adults | $451.72 | / | / |
| group size | Adult (11-80 years old) price/person | Children (4-10 years old) price/person | Infant (0-3 years old) price/person |
| 1 person |
$1,053.30
|
$198.42 | Free but no seats |
| 2 adults | $631.14 | / | / |
| 3 adults | $578.37 | / | / |
| 4 adults | $493.94 | / | / |
| 5 adults | $493.94 | / | / |
| 6 adults | $451.72 | / | / |
| 7 adults | $430.61 | / | / |
| 8 adults | $409.50 | / | / |
| 9 adults | $388.40 | / | / |
| 10-15 adults | $388.40 | / | / |
There are discounts in the off-season, please call us!
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before your travel date and get a full refund
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DepartureKunming
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Departure Time7:30am, 8:00am, 8:30am, 9:00am, 9:30am, 10:00am
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IncludedEnglish speaking tour guideEntrance feeTravel by private vehicleBottled waterLunch (3)Breakfast (2)
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Not IncludedGratuitesAccommodation if you choose to have the tour only
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