Tour AC10 - Untouched Lands of Yunnan

Day 1: Canada - Beijing
We start our journey to the Middle Kingdom with a transpacific flight to Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing We arrive in Beijing, the political and cultural capital of China. We are greeted at the airport by our local tour guide and make our way to the hotel. We get a good night’s sleep and prepare for our first day of touring in this land of wonder and mystery.

Day 3: Beijing - Kunming
Today, we tour Beijing, the capital of China for five dynasties and over 800 years. We start our day with a visit to Beihai Park, an imperial garden from the tenth century. As one of the best preserved imperial gardens in China, Beihai Park offers a picturesque combination of water and greenery. We then make our way to the Grand View Garden, a beautiful garden modeled after the setting of the Chinese classical novel "Dream of the Red Chamber." In the evening, we fly to Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan. Often referred to as "Spring City," Kunming is said to have the best climate of all Chinese cities. Its long history, many minority groups, and unique natural resources help make this city rich and colourful.

Day 4: Kunming
Today we visit Shilin, Chinese for "Stone Forest." This natural phenomenon right outside Kunming is one of the most popular tourist attractions in China. Through a process of weathering and erosion, nature has created an art gallery of stone sculptures here. The karst formation received its name because it looks like a forest of stone pillars and boulders, each assuming a different shape and vying to surpass the others in grandeur and beauty. In the evening, we return to Kunming for a dinner featuring local flavours.

Day 5: Kunming - Dali
This morning, we travel by coach to Dali, the home of the Bai minority group. As we cross the province of Yunnan, we appreciate its natural beauty untouched by man. Known for its ethnic diversity, the province is home to 25 of the country's 56 ethnic groups. Built among a maze of streams, covered beautiful gardens, and accented by unique architecture featuring stone carvings of dragons and phoenixes, Dali offers visitors something completely different from the rest of China. In the afternoon, we visit a traditional Bai village, taking part in the famous Three-Course Tea tradition.

Day 6: Dali - Lijiang
Today we journey by coach to Lijiang, the cultural centre of the Naxi minority group. Known for its beautiful landscapes, Lijiang has been designated by the United Nations as a World Heritage Site. We take in the sights and sounds of the ancient city as we walk down the cobblestone streets preserved for over 700 years. As we learn about the fascinating Naxi culture in this town, we realize that life here has changed very little with the passing of time. A short bus ride away is Black Dragon Pond, where we take a leisurely stroll around the pristine surroundings.

Day 7: Lijiang
As the highlight of our excursion to Lijiang, we visit Jade Dragon Mountain, the mythical mountain worshipped by the Naxi people since ancient times. On the way, we visit the village of Baisha, the ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom. Here, our eyes are treated to the beautiful Baisha Frescoes, a unique style of painting known for its fine lines, bright colours, vivid patterns, and balanced composition. When we arrive at the mountain, we board a chair lift to gain a vantage point of the famed Thirteen Peaks. In the evening, we return to Lijiang for dinner.

Day 8: Lijiang - Dali
Today we return to Dali, where we visit Butterfly Spring. Each Spring, thousands of butterflies come here, attracted by the fragrant blossoms of the Happiness Tree. In the afternoon, we visit the famous Three Pagoda Temple, a well-known landmark of the region.

Day 9: Dali - Kunming - Guiyang
This morning, we return to Kunming by plane. Upon arrival, we visit the Western Hills and Dragon Gate. The Hills resemble a reclining maiden lying on the banks of the Dianchi Lake with her long hair flowing down into the lake. As a result, these hills are also referred to as "Sleeping Beauty Hills." Later, we tour the Grand View Pavilion and Golden Temple Park. This temple, weighing in at over 280 tons, is one of the four largest bronze temples in China. In the evening, we continue flying to Guiyang.

Day 10: Guiyang
In Guiyang, our tour takes us to Qianlingshan Park, Jiaxu Tower, and Hongfeng Lake. The mountains, waters, caves, and forests of this region come together to create some of the most picturesque sceneries of China. In the afternoon, we visit several Miao minority villages along the hills and by the waters, where we get to experience their customs, hospitality, and traditions through heartwarming performances.

Day 11: Guiyang - Anshun
Today we travel by coach to Anshun, where we visit the famous Huangguoshu Falls. As the largest waterfall in China, its awe-inspiring might and beauty have been fascinating tourists for years. As the water hits the bottom of the cliffs, it sends up geysers of droplets that thicken the dense fog already present. A rainbow also often appears in the midst of the vapour, adding a feminine touch to an otherwise muscular image.

Day 12: Guiyang - Anshun
After breakfast, we visit Dragon Palace Cave. After navigating the zigzagging waterways by boat, we visit an ancient stone village. In the evening, we travel back to Guiyang.

Day 13: Guiyang - Beijing - Canada
Today, our local tour guide sees us off at the airport, and we fly home to Canada via Beijing. Have a wonderful trip!