Delegation Tour to Kunming and Yunnan, China

Shanghai, Kunming, Lijiang, Dali and Beijing – 14 Days

Specially designed for DENKMG Sister City Committee, May 20 – June 2, 2010
Download pdf DENKMG SCC itinerary new

China is a land of history and refinement unparalleled in the world. Attentive visitors are immersed in a sea of visual and cultural experiences unlike any other they may have had elsewhere. Each geographic area in China teems with its own identity as an energetic variation on the great theme of Chinese civilization. You will be amazed at how regions differ vastly yet express similar values and ideas.

From the snow-capped mountains at the foot of the Himalayas to the tropical rainforests of the Mekong valleys, from the Karst mountain ranges on the Yungui Plateau to the bamboo groves along the Shweli River, Yunnan Province stands distinctly apart from other parts of China. Within this single province, unmatched in the complexity and scope of its history, landscape and peoples, you will find a mix of geography, climates and nationalities that elsewhere on earth take entire continents to express. There are 26 recognized ethnic minorities in Yunnan, the greatest number in any single province. The indigenous groups include Dai, Bai, Wa, Lahu, Hani, Jingpo, Nu, Naxi, and Lisu. The colorful ethnic cultures in Yunnan attract visitors from around the world.



Begin your China exploration in Shanghai, China’s financial center and economic powerhouse. The European Bund still retains the glamour of the colonial era; modern western pubs and bars and boutiques scatter all around the center of Shanghai. Visit the traditional Yuyuan Garden and spend some time exploring Shanghai Museum, the best in the country. The World Expo 2010 will showcase countries from around the globe in Shanghai and you will have the opportunity to pay a visit to this fantastic exhibition.

Travel by air to Kunming, the “City of Eternal Spring” and capital of Yunnan Province. Here in our sister city, comfortable climate, relaxed life, and friendly inhabitants make Kunming one of the most desirable places in China. Visit the famous Stone Forest and the Sani villages; check out the universities, local museums, and urban markets; meet with city officials, scholars, and local residents; tour the West Hill, Yuantong Temple, enchanting Green Lake, and much more.

A short flight takes you to Lijiang where the original old town centers and architectures have been well preserved. Meet the local Naxi, Lisu, and Tibetan people, tour the local villages and markets, and enjoy excursions to magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge of the Yangzi River and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Drive through beautiful valleys and quaint villages to the charming town of Dali, capital of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom. This is the homeland of the Bai People. Featuring stone walls, grey-tiled roofs, doors and windows carved with dragon and phoenix patterns, and gardens of varying sizes, the dwellings of Bai people in Dali Old Town have an air of classic sanctity. Visit the Three Pagodas, enjoy boating on Erhai Lake and hiking on the Cangshan Mountain, and tour the famous local ethnic markets.

This journey ends in Beijing with optional extension opportunities.



Kunming China Tour Itinerary Summary

May 20 Depart
Fly from Denver to Shanghai, China via SFO or Vancouver (YVR)


May 21 Shanghai
Arrive in Shanghai this afternoon; met by guide and transfer in motor coach to your hotel for check-in; on-bus city tour if time permits; enjoy a Welcome Banquet featuring Shanghai Cuisine
Astor House Hotel – deluxe rooms (D)


May 22 Shanghai
Visit the Bund, Yuyuan Garden and the Old Town Area; enjoy lunch at Nanxiang Steamed Dumpling Restaurant; afternoon tour Shanghai Museum, Fuxing Park, and French Concession; enjoy dinner followed by an Acrobatic Show this evening.
(B-L-D)


May 23 Kunming
Visit the World Expo (general tour plus selected pavilion tours; lunch on your own); transfer to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport and fly to Kunming; met and transfer to hotel for check in; New Era Hotel
Kunming – business rooms (B)


May 24 Kunming
Full-day exploration in Kunming: Green lake Walk in the morning, visit Yuantong Temple, Old City Center & Flower Market, Qiongzhu Temple, Western Hill, Yuan Xiaocen Art Gallery, and Daguan Park by the Dianchi Lake; Kunming Welcome Dinner featuring Yunnan Cuisine.
(B-L-D)


May 25 Kunming
Full day excursion to the Stone Forest, an ethnic Sani Village with its local market, and Golden Temple; late afternoon free and dinner on your own; in the evening enjoy a wonderful Dance Show “Dynamic Yunnan” (B-L)


May 26 Kunming
Breakfast in hotel; DENKMG SCC’s own arrangements to meet with local government officials and other activities (tour operator ACT provides group transportation, interpreter service, networking luncheon, and farewell banquet for 30 people); enjoy Farewell Banquet – Yunnan
Cuisine Dinner at a local restaurant. (B-L-D)


May 27 Lijiang
Breakfast in hotel; transfer to airport and fly to Lijiang; met and transfer to hotel; after your own lunch, take a guided tour of Lijiang Old Town-Dayan (including Lion Hill, Wangu Tower, and Produce Market) in the afternoon; enjoy a Local Cuisine Dinner
Lijiang Wangfu Hotel (standard rooms). (B-D)


May 28 Lijiang
Full-day excursion to Baisha Village (murals), Yufeng Tibetan Monastery (hundreds-year-old camellia tree), Yulong Snow Mountain (by gondola to Yak Meadow), Shuhe Village (courtyards and homes of Naxi residents), and Black Dragon Pool Park (including Naxi Culture Center); your own dinner tonight. (B-L)


May 29 Lijiang
Excursion to Shigu Town (to see the First Bend of Yangzi, Stone Drum, and Long March Monument), Tiger Leaping Gorge (easy hike on Lijiang side or longer hike to Walnut Garden Village on Shangri-la side); rest of the day is free for own exploration or relaxation. (B-L)


May 30 Dali
After breakfast, leave Lijiang and drive through beautiful mountainous countryside to Dali; on the way visit the exquisite Shizhongshan Grottoes, Shaxi Old Village, Bai Houses in Zhoucheng Village with batik workshop; arrive in Dali in late afternoon and check in hotel and enjoy Local Cuisine Dinner.
Landscape Hotel Dali – VIP rooms (B-L-D)


May 31 Dali
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day tour in and around Dali – boating on Erhai Lake, visit Three Pagodas, Cangshan Mountain (including Zhonghe Temple) by Gantong Cable, and afternoon tour of Dali Old Town; some free exploration at the end of the day; dinner is on your own.
(B-L)


June 1 Beijing
Early breakfast and then transfer to Dali Airport and take a morning flight to Kunming and connect to Beijing; met and transfer to hotel for check-in; enjoy a Peking Duck Dinner. Courtyard by Marriott Beijing – comfort rooms (B-D)


June 2 Return
Transfer to Beijing Capital Airport and fly home via SFO or Vancouver;
arrive in the USA on the same day. (B)


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Optional Beijing Extension
June 2 Beijing
Visit Tiananmen Square and the “Egg” – National Performing Arts Center in the morning followed by a tour of the Forbidden City; after a lunch, take part in a “Hutong & Courtyard” tour, visit Durm & Bell Towers, and enjoy a walk in the Houhai Area; tonight’s dinner is the famous Sichuan Cuisine.
Courtyard by Marriott Beijing – comfort rooms (B-L-D)


June 3 Beijing
Visit Temple of Heaven and Hongqiao Market in the morning; afternoon visit Summer Palace with a boat ride on Kunming Lake; enjoy an Imperial Cuisine Dinner in Baijiadayuan.
(B-L-D)


June 4 Beijing
Excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu; stop by a mountain village for lunch and meet local rural residents; return to the city and stop at the Olympic Park for exterior views and photo opportunities; balance of the day is at leisure.
(B-L)


June 5 Return
Transfer to Beijing Capital Airport and fly home via SFO or Vancouver; arrive in the USA on the same day.
(B)


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Changes to Itinerary: Access China Tours has made all possible attempts to ensure the accuracy of tour itineraries. Circumstances beyond our control may occur. We reserve the right to change itineraries, sightseeing activities, and common carriers, and to substitute hotels when necessary. Service of a similar category and standard will be maintained if such changes are made. The Service Voucher in
your last pre-departure packet will provide the operational itinerary summary, final transport and hotel information.