| Length | 11 days |
|---|---|
| Route | Beijing, Kunming, Mi'le, Yuanyang, Jianshui, Kunming |
| Fly in and out | In to Beijing (PEK), out of Kunming (KMG) |
| Pace | An easier pace |
| Price | From $4,439 per person, twin share. Single supplement $951. |
Day by day
- Day 1
Arrive in Beijing
Your guide meets you at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK). Time to settle in, then a welcome dinner together.
- Day 2
Forbidden City, old Beijing lanes and acrobats
Walk through the Forbidden City and the hutongs, the old courtyard lanes where Beijing families have lived for generations, then an evening with the Beijing acrobats.
- Day 3
Great Wall and Summer Palace
A day on the Great Wall and in the lakeside gardens of the Summer Palace, finished off with Peking duck.
- Day 4
Fly to Kunming
Fly south to Kunming, Yunnan's capital, for a welcome dinner of Yunnan dishes.
- Day 5
Jiuxiang Caves, Stone Forest and Mi'le hot springs
The caves of Jiuxiang and the limestone pillars of the Stone Forest, then a soak in the hot springs at Mi'le.
- Day 6
On to Yuanyang
A visit to the Rose Honey winery, then a drive up into the mountains to Yuanyang.
- Day 7
Hani rice terraces
A day among the Hani rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including the village of Azheke.
- Day 8
Jianshui
Ride Jianshui's heritage train and explore the Zhu Family Garden, a grand old merchant family home.
- Day 9
Back to Kunming
Return to Kunming and visit the Flying Tigers museum, the story of Americans and Chinese who flew and fought together in World War II.
- Day 10
Western Hills and Dragon Gate
Climb to Dragon Gate in the Western Hills above Dianchi Lake, then an afternoon of tea and tie-dye.
- Day 11
Fly home from Kunming
Transfer to Kunming Changshui Airport (KMG) for your flight out.
2027 and 2028 dates
2027: Jan 16, Feb 27 ★, Mar 6 ★, Apr 17, May 9, Sep 4, Oct 16, Nov 20, Dec 18
2028: Jan 9, Feb 19 ★, Mar 4 ★, Apr 15, May 20, Sep 16, Oct 14, Nov 18, Dec 16
★ Best season to go. Departures run every month except June to August and Lunar New Year.
Every date is guaranteed. It runs with as few as 2 travelers, and the price per person stays the same whether your group is 2 or 20. Your group travels privately with its own guide.
Your group, your own guide
- Runs with just 2. Pick a date and it goes ahead, whether you are two travelers or thirty.
- Private to your group. You travel with your own guide and vehicle: a private van for 2 to 5, a minibus for 6 to 15, a coach for 16 to 30.
- Groups of 10 or more who book at least 6 months before departure get the 11th place free.
- Want a different date or a few extra days? Tell us. We tailor this route for families, groups and special occasions.
No visa needed for most travelers
Fly in to Beijing from the U.S. or Canada and out of Kunming to a third country or region, such as Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong. Both guaranteed departures fit China's 240-hour visa-free transit, so most U.S. and Canadian passport holders need no visa at all. We check your flight times to be sure they fit.
What's included
Included: all travel inside China, hotels, meals, licensed English-speaking guides, scheduled activities and entry fees, and gratuities.
Not included: international airfare, alcohol, extra activities, souvenirs and travel insurance. We strongly encourage travel insurance that covers medical care and evacuation.
Ready to pick a date?
Tell us your dates and group size and we'll come back within 24 hours with availability and next steps. Booking terms are here.
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