Kunming : Stone Forest and Jiuxiang Cave -Dali(L)

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park - Meet your private guide in the hotel’s lobby in Kunming and head directly to Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park, which takes about 1.5 hours. On the way, your tour guide will share related stories, and you are welcome to ask any questions.

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park Kunming Stone Forest is a stunning collection of limestone formations and a prime example of South China’s karst landscape. Since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it has been regarded as the ‘First Wonder of the World’. Around 270 million years ago, during the Carboniferous period of the Paleozoic era, the area was a vast sea. Over time, movements of the lithosphere caused the sea to retreat and the limestone landscape to rise. Continuous erosion by natural elements eventually shaped the area into its current form. The entire park is a vast natural treasure gallery. Upon arrival, follow your tour guide to explore the park, using your imagination to discover its wonders. Your guide will share many legendary stories and show you the best spots for photos. You will spend 2-3 hours visiting the Big Stone Forest Area and the Small Stone Forest Area.

Jiuxiang Scenic Region - Enjoy a typical Yunnan-style lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Jiuxiang Scenic Region (50 minutes).

Jiuxiang Scenic Region, known as the Museum of Karst Caves, is a cluster of hundreds of karst caves, forming the largest such complex in China. Here, you will not only enjoy beautiful landscapes but also be amazed by the customs and culture of the Yi and Hui minorities. Jackie Chan’s movie “The Myth” used this unique landscape as a backdrop.

Upon arrival, follow your tour guide to take the sightseeing elevator, which descends 53 meters (174 feet) to Green Shady Valley. Green Shady Valley, also known as Lover Valley, was once a place where boys and girls sang love songs to each other. Taking a boat through the narrow gorge, you can admire variously shaped limestone formations covered with lush plants on both sides of the river. Next, walk through The Grand Underground Valley to the Grand Lion Hall, the Fairy Palace of Jiuxiang Scenic Region. Here, you will find differently shaped stalactites and stalagmites, highlighted with colored lights, making them bright and mysterious. Passing through Diehong Bridge, you will enter Lying Dragon Cave, where you can see two huge waterfalls. Have your camera ready for photos. Then, visit Yi Minority Village, where young people perform traditional minority dances for you. Your last stop is Bat Cave, where a stone ‘forest’ hangs upside down from the cave’s ceiling. The stone forest is notable for its great and irregular inclination.

At the end of the path, take the chairlift to the exit.

Dali Railway Station - You will then be transferred back to the railway station for a 2-hour bullet train ride to Dali (you will take the train on your own). Upon arrival, your driver will hold a sign with your name, waiting for you at the exit of the arrival hall. You will be transferred to your hotel in Dali.

Dali-Lijiang (B, L)

Chongsheng Three Pagodas - Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your Kunming hotel. Then head directly to Dali Chongsheng Three Pagodas. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple are an 1,800-year-old national treasure under preservation. They also record the development of Buddhism in the area. They stand at the east foot of the tenth peak of the massive Mt. Cangshan and face the west shore of Erhai Lake.

Upon arrival, stroll around the temple and courtyards with your tour guide, admire the over 1,000-year-old pagoda, and learn about its history, culture, religion, and art.

Dali Town - Continue to Dali Ancient Town. Spend some leisure time strolling around the ancient town, enjoying its grand city wall, traditional Bai ethnic minority folk houses, and marvelous scenery. You will have lunch at a restaurant here.

Dali Ancient Town was a gateway to the Silk Road in Southwest China and also served as a seat of government and a major military barracks for Yunnan Province in ancient times.

Erhai Lake - Then, continue to Erhai Lake. Erhai Lake is the largest highland lake and one of the seven biggest freshwater lakes in China. Its name means ‘sea shaped like an ear’ in Chinese.

Old Town of Lijiang - China - After the tour, head directly to Lijiang Old Town, which takes about 2 hours. Sit back and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Lijiang City Highlights (B, L)

Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain - Meet your private guide in the hotel’s lobby in Lijiang and head directly to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which takes about 1 hour. Sit back and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Consisting of 13 peaks, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Viewed from Lijiang Old Town, the snow-covered and fog-enveloped mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence the name Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Learn about its legendary stories from your tour guide. Upon arrival, take the convenient cable car to the scenic viewing point (4,506 meters) and marvel at the spectacular glacier and mountain views. You can choose to hike up to 4,680 meters via wooden stairs. When you are ready to leave, descend by cable car.

Lijiang Impressions Show - Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then experience the amazing Lijiang Impressions Show. The show is performed during the daytime, using Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as its stage background. More than 100 horses and 500 non-professional peasant actors from 16 local villages and over 10 ethnic minorities give their best performance. They use unique movements and original songs to showcase their culture, history, and customs. When booking, you can choose your preferred tickets for the show.

Old Town of Lijiang - China - Next, head directly to the Old Town of Lijiang.

The Old Town of Lijiang is a well-preserved old city of ethnic minorities with a brilliant culture. The town was first built in the late Song Dynasty (960 - 1279) and has a history of more than 800 years. As a result of the combination of multinational culture and the progress of the Naxi ethnic minority, the buildings here incorporate the best parts of the architectural traits of Han, Bai, and Tibet into a unique Naxi style.

Mufu Palace - Next, visit the Mufu Palace. The top ruler of the Naxi minority, the Mu Family, ruled in Lijiang from the Yuan Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, spanning 470 years and 22 generations. The present Mufu Palace represents ancient central China architectural style from the Ming Dynasty while retaining characteristics of the Tang and Song Dynasties. Inside, the details reflect the features of the Bai and Naxi groups. Besides its architectural value, it also serves as an outstanding plant museum with ancient trees and extraordinary plants. The garden combines imperial and Suzhou styles. Explore the palace and learn about its history and stories from your tour guide.

After the tour, you can choose to end your tour in Lijiang or return to Kunming by bullet train.

• Private air-conditioned vehicle transportation
• Round-trip cable car ride to Glacier Park
• Shuttle bus service at key attractions
• Admission fees included
• English-speaking tour guide
• Meals provided, including breakfast and lunch
• Middle Seats Show Ticket
• Train ticket provisions
• Twin room overnight accommodation (option available)

• Accommodation if you choose to have the tour only
• Gratuites