Beijing to Kunming: Undiscovered China

5.0Based on

Explorer Self Guided

Carbon neutral

14 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Beijing, China

Ends

Kunming, China

Highlights

Forbidden City Visit.

Tiananmen Square.

Great Wall of China excursion.

Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour.

Giant Panda Breeding Center.

People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu.

Lijiang Old Town Visit.

Black Dragon Pool Park.

Shaxi Walking Tour.

Dali Old Town walking tour.

People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu.

Lijiang Old Town Visit.

Black Dragon Pool Park.

Shaxi Walking Tour.

Dali Old Town walking tour.

Itinerary

What if you could see China’s icons and its hidden wonders in just two weeks? The 'Beijing to Kunming: Undiscovered China' trip delivers a 14-day small group journey that expertly balances the country's ancient heritage and cutting-edge modernity. Begin in Beijing, where you’ll check off classics like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Warriors. Your route then leads south through vibrant Chengdu and the multicultural gem of Lijiang. Along the way, discover lively People’s Park, stroll the timeless alleys of Shaxi and Dali, and uncover the less-traveled corners of Kunming. Perfect for travelers who crave both legendary sites and undiscovered gems, this tour stands out for its harmonious mix of city thrills and rustic charm.

day 1 - Beijing

Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening followed by an orientation walk with your CEO in the area of Beijing near the joining hotel. There will be an optional group dinner afterwards at a local restaurant.

Accomodation:Dong Fang Hotel Beijing (or similar)

Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Orientation Walk Distance : 1 km

day 2 - Beijing

Visit the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Use free time to explore the Hutongs (historic narrow streets and alleys) or The Temple of Heaven, the Drum and Bell Tower, Lama Temple, or Summer Palace.
Explore bustling Beijing including the famous Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City.

Accomodation:Dong Fang Hotel Beijing (or similar)

Transport:Metro

Included Activities:Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City Visit Duration : 2.0 hr

Optional Activities:Hutong Walk Take a walking tour through some of Beijing's traditional alleyways and backstreets (known as hutongs) and get a taste of this magnificent metropolis. , Temple of Heaven Explore the stunning Temple of Heaven, which was built during the rule of the Ming dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing., Lama Temple Visit Tour Lama Temple, or Yonghe Temple as its formally known, to learn more about the history of Buddhism in Beijing. The temple is ornately decorated with impressive frescoes, arches, and intricately carved architecture. Admire some of the statues in the different pavilions and halls, then head to the Wànfú Pavilion to see the Maitreya Buddha. , Drum and Bell Tower Visit , Summer Palace This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of palaces, lakes, and gardens in Beijing and is absolutely stunning. Its main components are Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, which is 60m (200 feet) high and has many buildings on it. Kunming Lake is actually man made, and measures 2.2sq km (1.4 sq mi).

day 3 - Beijing

Travel north to the Great Wall, one of the most iconic sights in all of China. Spend the better part of the Day exploring and taking photos, soaking in the atmosphere.
Head out to discover the wonders of the Great Wall of China.

Accomodation:Dong Fang Hotel Beijing (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr - 2.5 hr Distance : 80 km

Included Activity:Mutianyu Great Wall Visit Duration : 3.0 hr

Optional Activities:Toboggan at Great Wall , Cable Car at Great Wall

day 4 - Beijing/Xi’an

In the morning catch a bullet train from Beijing to vibrant Xi'an. After settling in at your hotel go on an orientation walk with your CEO and visit points of interest around the city like the bustling Muslim Quarter. Known as one of Xi'an's most fascinating areas, you will pass the lovely and unusual Great Mosque and wander by food stalls with some of the best street eats in China.

Accomodation:HNA Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Bullet Train

Included Activities:Orientation Walk Duration : 1.0 hr, Muslim Quarter Visit Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr

Optional Activities:The Great Mosque Discover this hidden oasis behind the markets of the Muslim Quarter. Learn about the Great Mosque's centuries-old history, and explore the temples and gardens to see how Chinese and Islamic architecture came together in this place of worship.

day 5 - Xi’an

Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. This evening, opt for a dumpling banquet with your CEO and group.

Meal:Lunch

Accomodation:HNA Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle

Included Activities:Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 2 km, Local Family Lunch Xi'an Duration : 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:Big Goose Pagoda Visit , Cycling Xi'an City Walls Rent a bike and cycle the Xi’an city walls. The walls – built for protection in the Tang Dynasty and expanded in the Ming dynasty –are a great way to absorb local history. Hop off where you like and admire the views as you pedal along the 12m (39 ft) wide wall, which takes about 2 hrs to cycle along. , The Tang Dynasty Cultural Show with Dumpling Banquet , Xi'an City Wall South Gate Xian City Wall is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Along the moat is a beautiful park. You could either walk on the wall or rent a bike and cycle around, traffic free! The wall was first built in 1370. In rectangular shape the whole length is 13.7 Km.

day 6 - Xi’an/Chengdu

Spend a free morning in Xi'An then board a bullet train in the afternoon to Chengdu. After getting settled at the hotel, join an orientation walk around the city. In the evening sit down for a Hotpot dinner with the group.
Hotpot is a very local way to have a meal. We sit around a table with a pot built in the middle – the pot is divided into 2 halves (spicy vs. non-spicy usually). The restaurants flavoured soup is added and brought to a boil, then we can start adding our food in the pot to cook ( including vegetable, meat or fish). The table also offers various sorts of herbs, spices, oil etc so you can make your own soup to taste.

Meal:Dinner

Accomodation:Celebrity Ruicheng Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 3.5 hr - 4.0 hr

day 7 - Chengdu

Enjoy a morning visit to see pandas at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Witness the conservation efforts being made to save this endearing species. Afterwards, take time for lunch on your own before your CEO will take the group to People's Park by metro for an orientation walk. End the walk in Tianfu Square, located in the city centre of Chengdu. Take the metro back to the hotel before an optional group dinner in the evening.

Accomodation:Celebrity Ruicheng Hotel (or similar)

Included Activities:Giant Panda Breeding Center Duration : 3.0 hr, People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit

day 8 - Chengdu/Lijiang

Spend the morning free in the bustling city of Chengdu. Opt to visit the Wenshu Monastery or Kuanzhai Alley. Take an afternoon flight from Chengdu to Lijiang.

Accomodation:Lijiang Wangfu Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Plane Duration : 1.5 hr

day 9 - Lijiang

After a morning orientation walk of Lijiang, visit the the Black dragon Pool and the spectacular views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain above the marble bridge. Upon finishing the tour, opt to head to Lijiang Old town to and explore the must see spots like The Giant Water Wheel, Wangu Tower and Lion Hill. Then enjoy a free evening. Opt to visit the Mufu Museum or grab dinner with your group.

Accomodation:Lijiang Wangfu Hotel (or similar)

Included Activities:Lijiang Old Town Visit, Black Dragon Pool Park

day 10 - Lijiang/Shaxi

Drive to Shaxi Old Town first thing this morning and head out for a walking tour of this ancient, medieval town full of Buddhist culture. Visit the iconic spots of the town like the Old Market Square, the Old Theater, and Yujin Bridge. This afternoon, enjoy free time in this beautiful town. Opt to visit the Xingjiao Temple or the Ouyang Courtyard.

Accomodation:Aoding Guesthouse (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.75 hr Distance : 101 km

Included Activity:Shaxi Walking Tour Duration : 4.0 hr

Optional Activities:Xingjiao Temple Visit Enjoy a visit to one of the most fascinating and best preserved temples in China. Constructed as a Buddhist shrine in 1415, the courtyard buildings were used as local government headquarters during the Cultural Revolution, which saved the temple from destruction., Ouyang Courtyard

day 11 - Shaxi/Dali

We head to the next town this morning, the thousand year old village of Xizhou Old Town. Explore the well preserved architecture with a tour led by your CEO. Then after a bit of free time in Xizhou, drive to Dali. Head out for an orientation walk and to Dali Old Town. Join your group and CEO for dinner together at a local restaurant. On the way back to the hotel, admire the lanterns that light up this beautiful town at night.

Meal:Dinner

Accomodation:Nanguo Yuyuan Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 150 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 20 km

Included Activities:Dali Old Town Visit, Xizhou Old Town

day 12 - Dali

This beautiful lakeside town is yours to do as you wish today! Opt to explore the Old Town, cycle around Dali town or Lake Erhai. Maybe visit the National Geological park of Cangshan Mountain on a hike or on the cable car. A local favorite is the Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple or you could learn the art of traditional Tie-Dying by the local Bai people. With so many options, the choice is yours!

Accomodation:Nanguo Yuyuan Hotel (or similar)

Optional Activities:Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple Tour these three striking pagoda towers from the Tang Dynasty arranged on the corners of an equilateral triangle. The Central Pagoda is almost 1,200 years old, and represents a period when Dali was a Buddhist Kingdom. Climb to the top of the towers for a beautiful view of Dali Ancient Town and Erhai Lake below. , Erhai Lake Bike Tour

day 13 - Dali/Kunming

Together we'll catch a morning train to Kunming, known as one of China's best natural phenomenons with all its waterfalls, lakes and karst formations. After an orientation walk of the town, opt to head to lunch to try the famous local rice noodle dish. This afternoon, visit the jaw dropping Kunming Flower Market. Then head to the Green Lake (Cuihu) Park where not only will you see your first glimpse of this karst mountain, lake filled town, but you'll also witness locals dancing, singing and playing instruments during their leisure time.

Accomodation:King World International Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Bullet Train

Included Activities:Kunming Flower Market, Green Lake Park Trip Duration : 1.0 hr

day 14 - Kunming

Depart at any time.

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nts)

Meals

1 lunch, 2 dinners
Note: Allow USD415-540 for meals not included.

Transport

Train, private vehicle, walking, plane, public bus, metro.

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer)

Included activities

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Foodie Moment: Local Family Lunch Xi'an, Xi'anOrientation walk in Beijing, Xi'anForbidden City VisitTiananmen SquareFree time in Beijing, Xi'anGreat Wall of ChinaMuslim Quarters VisitTerracotta Warriors Guided TourLunch with local family in Xi'anGiant Panda Breeding CenterPeople's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in ChengduLijiang Old Town VisitBlack Dragon Pool ParkShaxi Walking TourDali Old TownDali Xizhou Old Town walking tourTransport to and from included activities

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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based on 3 reviews

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