Landscapes of Yunnan

China, 13 Nights

Day 1 - London/Beijing
Board your overnight British Airways flight from Heathrow to Beijing.

Day 2 - Beijing
Arrive and check-in to The Peninsula for one night. This afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven and Hongqiao Market, followed by a Hutong tour by pedicab.

Day 3 - Beijing/Kunming
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kunming. Arrive and check-in to the Harbour Plaza Hotel.

Day 4 - Kunming/Dali
This morning, visit the Bamboo Temple and Yunnan Provincial Museum. After lunch in a local restaurant, transfer to the airport for your flight to Dali. Check-in to the Regent Hotel for two nights.

Day 5 - Dali
Drive to the old town of Xizhou, where you can see well-preserved Bai architecture and the colourful market. In nearby Zhoucheng, visit the famous blue-and-white batik workshops. After lunch in Dali's Old Town, head to the striking Three Pagodas.

Day 6 - Dali/Lijiang
This morning, explore the walled city of Dali before driving to Lijiang (approximately 3 hours drive). Check-in to the Banyan Tree hotel for three nights, where dinner is included.            

Day 7 - Lijiang
Drive to the villages of Baisha and Longquan to see ancient frescoes and a glimpse of Naxi culture. Back in Lijiang, explore the delightful Old Town on foot, where a maze of narrow streets is crisscrossed by canals and ancient bridges. Have lunch in a local restaurant.  Stroll through Black Dragon Pool Park for spectacular views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and visit the interesting Dongba Museum. This evening, enjoy a local dance performance.   

Day 8 - Lijiang
Visit Lashi Hai Lake, a wetland reserve where you can spot birds and gain a glimpse into rural life. Drive on to Shigu Village, an ancient town on the first bend of the Yangzi River. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 9 - Lijiang/Zhongdian
Check-out and drive to Zhongdian, stopping en route at Tiger Leaping Gorge. This spectacular sight is one of the deepest canyons in the world, measuring 3900 metres in depth. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking-in to the Banyan Tree Ringha for three nights, where dinner is included.

Day 10 - Zhongdian
Zhongdian has been declared the location of James Hilton's fictional Shangri-La. Begin a full-day of sightseeing with a visit to the Songzangling Monastery, a 300-year old Tibetan monastery. Climb to the top for stunning views over the town. Have lunch in a local restaurant before exploring the market and Old Town of Ringha.

Day 11 - Zhongdian
Visit the Napa Hai Forest Reserve - home to a variety of species including the rare black-necked crane (from September to March). Meet some local villagers and explore the scenic Moon Crescent Gorge. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Day 12 - Zhongdian/Hong Kong
Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Hong Kong, via Kunming. Check-in to The Peninsula.

Day 13 - Hong Kong/London
Enjoy a morning of sightseeing in Hong Kong including Sheung Wan Market, Man Mo Temple, a tram-ride up Victoria Peak and a sampan ride through the floating village at Aberdeen. Experience a dim sum lunch before an afternoon at leisure. Transfer to the airport for your late-night flight back to London Heathrow, arriving the following morning.