PERFECT FOR:
- Nature Lovers & Photographers
- History & Architecture Buffs
- Unique Cultural Experiences
- Active Travelers (nature hikes, etc.)
- First time and returning travelers to China
A Private Tour of China’s Yunnan Province – Beijing, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Chengdu, Shanghai
15 Days / 13 Nights – Tour Code (SYN) – Daily departure
Designed for the discerning traveler looking to immerse in China’s inspiring multi-faceted culture, natural beauty and sensational cuisines, this unforgettable China tour promises an overload of the senses. Here, embark on an epic journey to China’s Yunnan province, a road less traveled that rewards the traveler with some of the most amazing sights, sounds and tastes all of China has to offer.
Starting with Beijing, you’ll have the opportunity to step foot upon some of the most remarkable sights known to mankind. Visit the ancient and present-day capital’s revered landmarks such as the Forbidden City, the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties; Summer Palace, a grand imperial palace and a royal garden of the Qing Dynasty; Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world; Temple of Heaven, the largest temple compound and one of the most strictly protected cultural heritages of China, formerly privy only to the great Emperor himself; Beijing’s Old Quarters (Hutongs), showcasing the capital’s modest homes and traditional way-of-life, accented by chic sidewalk cafes and quaint art galleries; and of course, the magnificent Great Wall of China, the symbol of Ancient Chinese civilization built two millennia ago
After a few days in the big city, we journey southwest and touch down in one of China’s most scenic and cultural towns — Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient city hidden amid towering mountain ranges built in the Song and early Yuan Dynasties. Revered by locals and foreigners alike for centuries, Lijiang’s old town comprises a labyrinth of cobbled streets and tiny alleyways beautifully complemented by tranquil, Koi-filled waterways, peaceful willow trees, and vibrant red lanterns. Lined with small shops, restaurants and local residences, strolling the Old City guarantees a relaxing, yet fascinating experience like nowhere else on Earth. Climb (by cable car) the breathtaking Yulong Snow Mountain, visit a mountain top Tibetan Monastery, and take a stroll through one of the many rural Naxi Minority Tribal villages in the region. Lijiang delights the visitor in just about every way.
We continue overland to Shangri-la, an enchanting oasis synonymous with an earthly paradise and mythical Himalayan utopia isolated from the outside world. At an altitude of 10,000 feet, this “Lost Horizon” is located between Yunnan and Tibet, hidden in a valley surrounded by soaring snow-capped peaks and primeval forests further characterized by rustic villages and timeless traditions. As a gateway into the Ancient Tibetan Kingdom for centuries, Shangri-la boasts a heavy Tibetan influence, offering the visitor a rare glimpse into the Tibetans’ distinctive culture, religion and eccentric way of life. Here, visit the sacred Songzanlin Monastery, an imposing architectural masterpiece dubbed the “Little Potala Palace” that was chosen by the Dalai Lama himself in 1679 through divination. Today, Songzanlin stands as the largest Tibetan Temple complex in Yunnan Province. Get up close and personal with Mother Nature at her finest with an invigorating hike in the breathtaking Pudacuo National Park, one of the most bio-diverse nature preserves on the planet blessed with pristine lakes, beautiful fauna and nearly 100 endangered species of wildlife.
Next up, Chengdu – a laid back city in Sichuan Province, renowned for its Panda Research & Breeding Center. Significant strides have been made here toward the conservation of the endangered Giant Panda species since its inception in 1987, when six of these gentle giants were rescued from the wild. Today, there are roughly 100 Giant Pandas, and visitors are rewarded with a glimpse of a day in the life of these amazing animals that were once on the brink of extinction. Awarded the City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, Chengdu is home to a plethora of culinary delights, so be sure to bring your appetite for some tantalizing Sichuan cuisine!
Last and certainly not least, we fast forward time and end this incredible trip in Shanghai, a world-class city of glam & sophistication, fantastic shopping and a futuristic skyline that is virtually out of this world. Relax, dine, and soak up the city’s cosmopolitan vibes that sets the trends for the rest of the world to follow.
From Beijing’s legendary landmarks to Shangri-la’s awe-inspiring monasteries, Lijiang’s serene atmosphere to Shanghai’s electrifying cityscape, your most memorable China vacation awaits.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Economy Class air via Cathay Pacific Airways from USA
- All domestic flights within China
- 13 nights deluxe accommodations per itinerary
- Hotel Breakfasts Daily
- Other meals as specified per itinerary
- Private Tour: Sightseeing & transfers by private car, driver and professional guides
BEIJING (3 nights)
- 3 nights at The Regent Beijing
- 2 full days of private sightseeing, including the Great Wall at Mutianyu with Cable car ride, Beijing’s Old Quarters (Hutongs) by Rickshaw, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven.
- Evening “Legends of Kung Fu” Performance
LIJIANG (3 nights)
- 3 nights at The InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
- Extensive private sightseeing of the Old Town, Black Dragon Pool, Baisha Town and the spectacular Yulong Snow Mountain
SHANGRI-LA (2 nights)
- 2 nights at Songtsam Retreat
- Extensive private sightseeing, including Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo Nature Preserve and local Tibetan Villages.
CHENGDU (2 nights)
- 2 nights at The St. Regis Chengdu
- Extensive private sightseeing of Panda Research & Breeding Center, Sanxingdui Museum & Huanglongxi Ancient Town
SHANGHAI (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Hyatt-on-the-Bund
- Full day private sightseeing, including the Bund, Old Town & its Garden, Tianzifang Art District, Shanghai Museum & Shanghai Urban Planning & Exhibition Center
- Evening Shanghai Acrobatics Show
Day 1 Depart North America
Depart USA for Beijing via Cathay Pacific Airways, connecting in Hong Kong.
Day 2 Arrive Beijing
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your next three nights’ accommodation.
Day 3 Beijing
Today you will visit the spectacular Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, with cable car ride. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Beijing City and enjoy a rickshaw tour of its Old Quarters (Hutongs), visiting a local family residence and the Bell & Drum Tower. This evening, enjoy a Peking Duck Dinner followed by the Legends of Kung Fu Show. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Beijing
Today, enjoy a full day tour of Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. (B,L)
Day 5 Beijing / Lijiang
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lijiang. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel for your next three nights’ accommodation. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure to relax and explore beautiful Lijiang on your own. (B)
Day 6 Lijiang
Lijiang: Enjoy sightseeing of Lijiang’s Old Town, Black Dragon Pond and a local Naxi Village. Afterwards, visit the nearby Baisha Ancient Town, one of the oldest zones in the city of Lijiang. Baisha was the cradle of the Tusi Dynasty, which evolved from the Mu clan, and was also the earliest settlement of the Naxi people. Ancient architecture built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) can be seen throughout Baisha, such as Dabaoji Palace, Liuli Temple, and Wenchang Palace. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. (B,L)
Day 7 Lijiang
Full-day excursion to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with cable car to the Yak Level (weather permitting), followed by a visit to a Naxi Minority Village. Includes lunch at a local restaurant. (B,L)
Note: Cable car to Yunshan level (spruce tree level) will be provided if weather conditions are poor.
Day 8 Lijiang / Shangri-la
This morning depart by road for Shangri-la. En-route, visit the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is believed to be among the deepest gorges in the world. Confined between the steep, narrow cliff wall, the torrential Jinsha River roars through the 18-kilometer gorge. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your scenic overland journey to Shangri-la. Check in to your resort for your next 2 nights’ accommodation. This evening, enjoy a local dinner in the enchanting Old Town. (B,D)
Day 9 Shangri-la
Today’s excursion takes you on an invigorating tour of Pudacuo Nature Preserve, located in one of the most bio-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species, and almost 100 endangered species. Enjoy a nature walk through the reserve amid pristine lakes and rolling hills. (B,L)
Day 10 Shangri-la / Chengdu
This morning, enjoy a visit to the magnificent Songzanlin Monastery, the biggest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Known as the little “Potala Palace”, it was deemed devine by the then Dalai Lama in 1679, and went on to become the uppermost Buddhist Temple in Yunnan province. Afternoon flight to Chengdu. Transfer to your hotel for your next 2 nights’ accommodation. Upon arrival, an International Buffet dinner will be served. (B,D)
Day 11 Chengdu
Enjoy a morning tour of the Panda Research & Breeding Center. Also known as the “Panda Base”, it was specially designed to imitate the pandas’ natural habitat, making it suitable for breeding. The Center also cares for other rare and endangered wild animals, covering an area of 92 acres. Giant pandas, lesser pandas, black-necked cranes, white storks and over 20 other species of rare animals are fed and bred there throughout the year. After lunch, visit Sanxingdui, located in the city of Guanghan. Sanxingdui Museum is recognized as one of the most important ancient remains in the world for its vast size, lengthy period and enriched cultural contents. The site is believed to be an ancient Chinese city dating back 1,000 to 2,000 B.C. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. (B,L)
Day 12 Chengdu / Shanghai
Enjoy a morning visit to Huanglongxi Ancient Town, a charming town over 1,700 years old, renowned for its cobbled streets, temples and ancient houses along its curving alleys, dating backto the Qing Dynasty. Transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Shanghai. Transfer to your hotel for your next three nights’ accomodation and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 13 Shanghai
Today, a full day of sightseeing in Shanghai features the Old Town and its Yu Garden, Urban Planning & Exhibition Center, the Bund, Shanghai Museum and the art district of Tianzifang. Famed for its Old Shanghai Shikumen houses, Tianzifang offers a laid back atmosphere with cobbled streets that are lined with art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Enjoy a western lunch at one of Shanghai’s exclusive restaurants located on the Bund. This evening, enjoy a breathtaking Shanghai Acrobatics Performance. (B,L)
Day 14 Shanghai
Full day free at leisure to relax, shop and explore Shanghai on your own. (B)
Day 15 Depart Shanghai
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home. (B)
| 2021/22 Air and Land Price Chart (Prices valid thru March 31, 2022) | ||||
| Departs Daily | Land Only | West Coast | East Coast | Single Supplement |
| Jan. – Feb. ’20 | 6,195 | 7,425 | 7,525 | 2,105 |
| March | 6,275 | 7,525 | 7,625 | 2,205 |
| Apr. – May* | 6,375 | 7,595 | 7,695 | 2,325 |
| Jun. – Aug. | 7,345 | 7,975 | 8,175 | 2,195 |
| Sep. – Nov. | 6,375 | 7,595 | 7,695 | 2,325 |
| Dec.** ’20- Feb. ’21 | 6,185 | 7,375 | 7,475 | 2,075 |
| March ’21 | 6,335 | 7,525 | 7,625 | 2,275 |
|
Tour requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate West Coast: LAX/SFO/SEA East Coast: JFK/EWR/BOS/IAD/ORD |
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- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Price includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotel taxes & service charges
- Price excludes personal expenses, beverages, gratuities to guides and drivers
- For Air & Land Option
- U.S. & Foreign departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges are not included (Approx. $200- subject to change)
- When Trans-Pacific travel takes place on a weekend (Fri-Sun), add $50 per person each direction.
- *June rates apply for departures between May 24-31 (due to peak season airfares)
- **A supplement of $500 (SFO/LAX/SEA) | $600 (NYC/CHI/BOS) applies for departures between December 10 – 31
- Land-only price includes China Domestic Airfares
- China visa required for entry. Not included in package. Passport must NOT expire within 6 months from end of trip
- All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Mutianyu Great Wall
- Beijing’s Forbidden City & Summer Palace
- UNESCO Lijiang Old Town
- Tiger Leaping Gorge & Songzanlin Monastery
- Pudacuo Nature Preserve
- Panda Research & Breeding Center
- Shanghai’s electric city vibes
Price Starting From:
$7,425
RELATED TOURS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Beijing – The Regent Hotel
Lijiang – The InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town
Shanghai – Hyatt on the Bund
Shangri-La – Songtsam Retreat
Chengdu – The St. Regis Hotel
WHAT PRIVATE TOUR MEANS
