Treasures of Yunnan

(10 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Kunming, Dali, Lijiang & Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La (Zhongdian)

This tour explores the rich culture, diverse cuisine and spectacular landscapes of Yunnan Province, a region in southwestern China where Chinese, Tibetans, Laotians, Burmese, Vietnamese, Indians and hill tribe minorities converge.

Begin in Kunming, the lakeside capital of Yunnan Province. During private touring, explore Old Kunming, learn about Yunnan’s ethnic minorities at the Provincial Museum, and perhaps visit the Western Hills, where temples perch in cliffs overlooking Dian Lake. Other options include excursions to Shilin Stone Forest and the Chengjiang Fossil Site, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Continue to Dali, a small town on the edge of Erhai Lake. See the Three Pagodas, a trio of beautiful ninth-century towers, and explore the narrow lanes, ancient city gates and local shops of the historic town center. En route to Lijiang, visit Shaxi, a traditional town on the Tea Horse Road, and Shibaoshan (Stone Treasure Mountain), a mountainous area with a long Buddhist history.

Next, explore atmospheric Lijiang, a well-preserved traditional town in the foothills of the Himalayas in Yunnan Province. During private touring, explore the Old Town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of traditional wood architecture. See ancient Buddhist frescoes, visit Buddhist monasteries, take in views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and learn about the culture and history of the local Naxi ethnic minority. One day, visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, a deep canyon channeling the headwaters of the Yangtze River. Other options include a private tasting of pu’er tea, a Yunnan specialty; a Naxi cooking class; hiking; or private excursions to mountain villages.

Next, visit Shangri-La (Zhongdian), a mountain town near the Tibetan border. During private touring, learn about Tibetan Buddhism at atmospheric Songzanlin Monastery (modeled after Potala Palace in Lhasa), visit beautiful Napa Hai Lake Nature Reserve and walk through the historic town center. Also visit the Nixi Pottery Village to work the black clay with a local artisan and enjoy a private lesson in thangka painting.

Return to Kunming for a night.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world