Flights

Domestic flight (Shangri-La - Kunming), and departure tax.

Guide

English speaking tour guides in each destination, except on the trains; All Truly China group trips are accompanied by one of our tour guides. The aim of the tour guide is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your guide will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Truly China Travel we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your guide can recommend a scenic spot guide service in most of the main scenic spot of your trip.

Others

Private bus and entrance tickets for the excursions; Dali - Walking tour; Xizhou - Day trip; Protection fee of the old town Dali and Lijiang; Lijiang - Walking tour; Tiger Leaping Gorge; Tiger Leaping Gorge - Guided trek; Ganden Sumtseling Monastry in Shangri-La; Yangshuo - Walking tour; Cycling tour in Yangshuo.

Meals

12 breakfasts are included, and normally they are Chinese and Western buffet. VEGETARIANS & VEGANS: Vegetarians in China certainly won’t go hungry as there are always plenty of meat free options on menus including vegetable, tofu and egg dishes. Your tour guide can advise on some local favourites. Dairy is uncommon in Chinese cooking, although in some regions like Tibet, Xinjiang and Yunnan you will find milk products as part of the local cuisine. Vegans should also have few problems finding tasty meals in most locations. Nearly all cities will have vegetarian restaurants, often near to temples or monasteries that specialise in Buddhist cuisine. DIETARY NEEDS: Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may wish to supplement inclusions with their own supplies from markets or supermarkets. Please note that some dietary requirements, such as Gluten Free, will be uncommon in China and you may need to explain to your tour guide what you can and can’t eat as well as research common dishes before you travel. ALLERGIES: For those suffering from particular food allergies, your tour guide will endeavor to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic and research suitable local foods before travelling.

Transport

All transportation during the tour is included; Train (Dali - Lijiang), soft seat; High-speed train (Kunming - Dali, Kunming - Guilin, Guilin - Hong Kong), 2nd class; Truly China Travel believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Truly China Travel uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun. Depending on which trip you’re on while in China, you may find yourself travelling by: Bicycle Cycling through China is a great way to see the country from ground level. Whether you’re pedalling through the hutongs or the countryside, you’ll see the sights and get to meet locals along the way. High-speed train Speed across China in a super fast bullet train. It’s one of the most effective ways to cover long distances in a short time. You can also book an extra arrival transfer on the first day and extra departure transfer on the last day through us.

Accommodation

All accommodations in double and twin share rooms with private facilities. Hotel (10 nights), Guest House (2 nights) Kunming Longteng Hotel, a 3-Star Hotel(1 night) Dali Shiguang Boutique Inn, a 3-Star Hotel(2 nights) Lijiang James Joyce Coffetel, a 3-Star Hotel(1 night) Tiger Leaping Gorge Tea-Horse Trade G·H, a 3-Star Standard Guest House(1 night) Tiger Leaping Gorge Tina’s G·H, a 3-Star Standard Guest House(1 night) Shangri-La Xiangruiju Inn,a 3-Star Hotel(2 nights) Yangshuo New Century Hotel, a 4-Star Hotel(3 nights) Hong Kong Metropark Hotel Kowloon, a 4-star hotel (1 night) Travelling with Truly China Travel is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible. When travelling with us in China you may find yourself staying in a: Overnight Sleeper Train Your overnight journey will give you plenty of time to finally learn how to play mah-jong, mingle with the locals or simply relax and watch the scenery whiz by. Monastery Enjoy the simpler things in life, waking up to the sound of monks chanting amongst peaceful mountain scenery. Staying in a monastery is truly an unforgettable experience. Special Information A Single Supplement to have your own room is bookable on this trip, with the exception of the overnight train, subject to availability. If you wish to arrive a few days early in Kunming, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Not included:

Others

International flight and departure tax; Arrival transfer on Day1 and departure transfer on Day13; Lunches and dinners; Other optional excursions and entrance tickets; Tips to drivers and tour guides; Other personal expenses; Travel insurance; Visa to China.

Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won’t be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

Optional

Kunming - Yuantong Temple Kunming - Green Lake Park Kunming - Stone Forest Dali - Cangshan Mountain Dali - Cangshan cable car Dali - Three Pagodas Lijiang - Cycling Lijiang - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & cable car Lijiang - Naxi Orchestra Lijiang - Black Dragon Pool Lijiang - Mu Family Mansion Yangshuo - Tai Chi/Kung Fu class Yangshuo - Cooking School & Market Tour Yangshuo - Impression Sanjie Liu/Culture Show Yangshuo - Tea Plantation+Xianggong Hill Yangshuo - Li River Cruise The above Optional Activities are for tourists to reference only, and tour guides from travel agencies cannot force or indirectly force tourists to consume.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Arrive In Kunming & Group Meeting
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arrive In Kunming & Group Meeting

Nimen Hao! Welcome to China. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place.

Hotel Information:

Hotel Name: Kunming Longteng Hotel

酒店名称：昆明龙腾大酒店

Hotel Address: No. 632 Beijing road, Kunming,Yunnan Province, China

酒店地址：云南省昆明市北京路632号

Hotel Tel/酒店电话: +86 871 63168999

We’ll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these ready to provide to your leader. If you arrive early, go for a stroll and get acquainted with this pleasant ’eternal spring city’, so called for its temperate nature. Perhaps head to Green Lake Park where you can see locals spending their leisure time on all kinds of activities and games. Check out The Loft, a disused factory area west of the city centre, home to many small galleries and cafes. Or perhaps visit Yuantong Temple, the grandest Buddhist temple in Yunnan province.
Day 2 Kunming To Dali
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Kunming To Dali

Travel by high-speed train to your next destination, Dali (approximately 2 hours). For many years this spot has been a favourite destination for foreign travellers and backpackers, thanks to its laidback atmosphere and spectacular surroundings. There are snow-capped mountains on one side and the vast Erhai Lake on the other, making for an impressive sight. This afternoon you will take a guided walk around Dali’s ancient town with your leader. Present-day Dali is a city that combines history with modern convenience. It is divided into two areas: the Ancient City and the New District (widely known as Xiaguan). After your tour, enjoy a free evening in this picturesque town. Perhaps circle back to Foreigner Street in the Ancient City, where handicrafts and local culinary delights rightly attract many visitors.
Day 3 Dali
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Dali

Take a private bus to Xizhou, around 23 kilometres north of Dali on a day trip today. Xizhou is famous for its Butterfly Spring and Bai architecture. Enjoy a guided tour of the town and the local markets – a great chance to learn more about Bai architecture. Interact with some local families living in the traditional courtyards to get a feel for local life. Be sure to try some tasty local snacks such as baba (fried rice cake) or the local cheese. Enjoy some more free time upon your return to Dali - perhaps take the cable car up Cangshan Mountain or stop in at the Three Pagodas.
Day 4 Dali To Lijiang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Dali To Lijiang

Travel by travel by soft seat train to Lijiang(approximately 2 hours & 39 mins). This World Heritage-listed town is home to the Naxi people, a matrilineal society descended from Tibetan nomads. After arrival, enjoy some free time. Maybe visit the Wangu Pagoda, situated at Lion Hill in a small park and has amazing views over Lijiang. Or visit he picturesque Heilongtan Park and wander the cobbled streets in the old town and take the chance to do some shopping. In recent years, Lijiang has become very popular with domestic tourists, so don’t be surprised if you see the streets full of tourists from home and abroad.
Day 5 Lijiang To Tiger Leaping Gorge
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Lijiang To Tiger Leaping Gorge

Travel by private bus to Qiaotou (approximately 1 hour 40 mins), the starting point for your trek through the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge. This is one of the deepest and most spectacular gorges in the world. The entire canyon is 16 km long and rises up to 3,900 metres above the waters of the famous Yangzi River. Though the gorge has become very popular in recent years, and the area has developed rapidly, it’s still an incredibly rewarding travel experience which many cite as a highlight of their time in China. Prepare a day pack (your larger luggage will be stored for two nights) and embark on your hike. There will be regular stops to rest as needed. The first part of the trek is quite arduous – this is not flat terrain by any means. After a slow and steady climb you will reach the 24 bends (the most challenging part of the trek), a steep and twisting path where you’ll really gain some altitude. After stopping for a break, continue along the flatter section of the gorge to your accommodation. This is a simple but comfortable guesthouse with shared facilities (upgrades to private facilities at your own cost may be possible, depending on availability).

The area is subject to dramatic changes in weather. We schedule departures for the more stable seasons, but it’s still possible that conditions may make travelling through the gorge dangerous. In this case an extra night each will be spent in Shaxi and Lijiang. Should the weather be deemed by your leader and guide as too rainy or foggy to safely complete the trek once in the gorge area, an alternative walking route will be taken or a minivan will be used for transport between destinations, using the recently built highway.

Special Information

Trekking in the gorge area can be hard going for some but for more experienced hikers it will pose no problem. You can expect to walk about 4–6 hours on the first day, tackling some long, steep sections, and about 4 hours the next. You’ll be in the hands of an experienced local guide. The route and duration of walks will vary depending on the weather and the fitness of the group. This part of the trip definitely requires a good level of fitness.
Day 6 Tiger Leaping Gorge
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Your second day of trekking starts with a nice, easy section that has spectacular views. There are only a few uphill battles (and one slippery downhill stretch) before you reach your destination for the night – Walnut Grove. Those with the energy can enjoy further hikes to some excellent lookout points from here. Otherwise, this a tranquil place to simply sit back, relax, enjoy the scenery and rest your weary legs. It’s important to note that Tiger Leaping Gorge is subject to dramatic and unpredictable weather conditions. We have scheduled departures in the more stable seasons, but the possibility still exists that conditions may make travelling through the gorge dangerous.
Day 7 Tiger Leaping Gorge To Shangri-La
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tiger Leaping Gorge To Shangri-La

Today you’ll travel to a place so beautiful it was officially renamed Shangri-La, a reference to the mythic utopia from James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon. Make the 5-hour drive to Shangri-La and feel the modern world fade away as you head higher into the mountains. This charming Tibetan town lies on an altitude around 3200 metres, so take it easy upon arrival and give yourself some time to acclimatise. Later take a stroll on winding streets past prayer halls and pagodas in Dukezong Ancient Town. A fire tore through the area in 2014, destroying most of the town, but painstaking restoration work continues and the town remains charming. It’s also home to a towering, gilded prayer wheel – the largest in the world.
Day 8 Shangri-La
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Shangri-La

Learn more about Tibetan Buddhism with a visit the Sumtseling Monastery. Located just outside the city and modelled after the Potala Palace, Sumtseling is the predominant monastery in the region and a popular destination for pilgrims. Constructed in 1681 and subsequently destroyed during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s, the complex was rebuilt in 1981 and the red and gold buildings now house hundreds of monks. Enjoy a free afternoon in Shangri-la. You might want to hire a van and drive to Xiaozhongdian, where the beautiful landscape is dotted with Tibetan villages. If you’re lucky you may even get invited to a local’s home to enjoy some Yak butter tea!
Day 9 Shangri-La To Kunming, Transfer To Guilin/Yangshuo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Shangri-La To Kunming, Transfer To Guilin/Yangshuo

This morning you’ll fly from Shangri-La to Kunming, after arrival at Kunming airport, transfer to Kunming train station catch a high-speed train to Guilin (approximately 6 hour 53 mins), then transfer to the hotel in Yangshuo. It’s long big travelling day.

Please note: If flight schedule change, we will stay one night in Kunming. Surrounded by limestone karsts, Yangshuo is super popular with both international and domestic tourists, which isn’t a bad thing if you’re into your cafes and bars. It’s one of the best places in the country to get a feel for local culture and traditions while having plenty of fun at the same time. Take a walk through the town with your leader on arrival and head down to the Li River to get a feel for a landscape immortalised in plenty of Chinese paintings.
Day 10 Yangshuo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Yangshuo

The dramatic countryside surrounding Yangshuo is best seen on an optional cruise down the Li River. Float past limestone monoliths, rice paddies, and water buffaloes drinking at the river’s edge. For those feeling active, why not jump on a bike and explore the splendid green surrounds and nearby villages or perhaps participate in a peaceful Taichi session. Enjoy a guided walk through a local market before visiting a converted country house to learn to cook local specialties.
Day 11 Continue To Explore And Discover The Beauty Of Yangshuo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Continue To Explore And Discover The Beauty Of Yangshuo

A great optional activity for the day is picking tea leaves, tea making, drinking tea and listening to the rhyme leisurely at the Seven Fairies Peak tea plantation; mountaineering Xianggong hill and viewing Li River meandering, enjoy sunlight and shadow、clouds sea、sunrise、the sunset、the rosy clouds; Discovery the mystery of the Ancient Stone Village. You are highly recommended.
Day 12 Yangshuo To Hong Kong
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Yangshuo To Hong Kong

Leave Yangshuo and continue your journey to the final stop, Hong Kong. You’ll be transferred to Guilin and then hop on the high-speed train (approximately three and half hours) to Hong Kong West Kowloon High Speed Railway Station, from there head to your centrally located hotel. Go on a walking tour with your leader, then maybe check out the Temple Street night market or the light show at Victoria Harbour. Take the chance to celebrate your final night with the group in this awesome city.
Day 13 Hong Kong (Departure)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hong Kong (Departure)

Your China tour comes to an end this morning. There are no activities on the final day and you are free to leave your accommodation at any time before 12:00.

Kindly Reminder: the check out time normally is 12:00. If you have booked an airport transfer through Truly China Travel, please confirm the pick up time with your tour leader in advance.

+10

13 days tour

Essence Of Southwest China

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Essence Of Southwest China

Arrive In Kunming & Group Meeting

Kunming To Dali

Dali

Dali To Lijiang

Lijiang To Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge To Shangri-La

Shangri-La

Shangri-La To Kunming, Transfer To Guilin/Yangshuo

Yangshuo

Continue To Explore And Discover The Beauty Of Yangshuo

Yangshuo To Hong Kong

Hong Kong (Departure)

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