Best of Yunnan and Beijing - 13 day tour

Today we explore the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. On our guided tour of the city we’ll visit the iconic Bund, with its waterfront promenade and grandiose pre-1949 buildings, Shanghai Museum, the picturesque Yuyuan Gardens and the Old City as well as feasting on a declicious dumpling lunch. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Shanghai  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Shanghai - Kunming. This morning we escape the fast pace of the city and go for a relaxing stroll in Fuxing Park, a once private garden during the Ming Dynasty before the French took it after the Opium War and redesigned some elements. We witness locals performing their morning exercises, singing opera and dancing. Continue on a walking tour through the French Concession admiring the colonial buildings, outdoor cafes and funky art shops. After lunch, we board our flight to Kunming – Yunnan’s capital. Remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Kunming  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Kunming - Dali. After breakfast, travel from Kunming to the ancient city of Dali. Picturesquely situated on Lake Erhai with a backdrop formed by the peaks of the 50km long Cang Shang range. Our first stop is to Dali’s old town, to admire the Bai ethnic architecture, parks, markets and temples. We then make our way to the foot of Cangshan Mountain to marvel at the famous Three Pagodas. Built when the region was a major Buddhist centre, Dali’s distinctively tall pagodas remain upright, despite wars and earthquakes. The largest of them - Qianxun tower dates back to 824 AD, some hundred years older than the two smaller octagonal pagodas behind, is 64m high, and is embellished with Buddhas made from local richly veined marble on each of its 16 levels. Whilst sealed (preventing entrance inside), in any case the pagodas are best seen from a distance to take in their sheer size. We then take the scenic chairlift for aerial views of the city before checking into our hotel, a unique estate which has previously served as a hospital and military barracks.
Overnight: Dali  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Located to the north of Dali is Xizhou village, once a military stronghold during the Nanzhao Kingdom which flourished in the Ming Dynasty and became known as home to tea merchants, is now a farming town surrounded by rice paddy fields. Take time to stroll through the towns market admiring the unique Bai architecture until reaching Yan’s Compound, one of the towns finest structures. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure to partake in some of the many optional activities available, try your hand at some cooking or calligraphy or perhaps relax with some yoga.
Overnight: Dali  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Dali - Zhoucheng - Lijiang. This morning we take the short drive to the town of Zhoucheng. Known as the "home of tie-dyeing", a traditional art of the Bai minority. We have some free time to walk through the town and admire the locals making their tie-dyed garments. We then continue our journey to Lijiang, a Naxi stronghold where we have the evening at leisure to enjoy free time in the labyrinthine streets of Dayan Old Town.
Overnight: Lijiang  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Today we explore the city and surrounding areas of Lijiang. Our first stop is to Baisha village, known for its Naxi people and ancient murals, many of which are housed in the Liuli Dian Temple. Next, we visit Dr Ho, famous for being “the Taoist physician in the Jade Dragon Mountain”, before heading onto Jade Dragon Mountain for a visit to the Yugeng Monastery and the former residence of famous botanist, Joseph Rock, which now serves as a museum. Our final stop is to Lion Hill for incredible views of the landscape. Return to Lijiang for evening at leisure.
Overnight: Lijiang  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Dali- Tiger Leaping Gorge - Shangri-La. Bid farewell to the city of Dali this morning as we make our way to spectacular Shangri-La making a few stops on the way. Our first stop is to the first bend of the Yangtze River, due to the sudden drastic turn the river takes, and the old Naxi town of Shiguzhen. After visiting the old town and view point we continue to Tiger Leaping Gorge where there is time to walk and take in the scenery. Some 16km long and up to 3000m deep, it is the world's deepest canyon. The gorge is so narrow at various points that legend has it a tiger once escaped pursuit by leaping across. Upon arrival in Shangri-La we have the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Shangri-La  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Wake up in Shangri-La, on the border of Tibet, and take a walk through the cobbled lanes of the Old Town, passing the Zhuangjin Tong, the world’s largest prayer wheel standing 21 meters high. Next, we head to the viewpoint at Napa Lake, Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan and finish our day visiting a local Tibetan family to gain insight into their unique way of life. Tonight, we have a group meal together.
Overnight: Shangri-La  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Today we explore the Chinese capital. First, we learn about Beijing’s hutongs in the Hutong Musuem, before making our way to the Summer Palace for a boat cruise on Kunming Lake. Lunch is a group affair in a local restaurant. Our afternoon finds us exploring the famous Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City before visiting Jingshan Park for incredible views of the city.
Overnight: Beijing  |  Breakfast, Lunch

No trip to Beijing would be complete without a visit to one of the city’s greatest landmarks – the Great Wall. This morning we visit Mutianyu, the best-preserved section of the wall, to learn about the incredible history and structure and stop for a picnic lunch amongst the incredible scenery. Return to Beijing where our feet are rewarded with a relaxing foot massage after a long day of touring. Evening at leisure
Overnight: Beijing  |  Breakfast, Lunch