Simatai Fortress & Gubei Water Town Journey
An Immersive Journey Through Yunnan's Natural Wonders and Cultural Treasures
Tour Overview
This 10-day expedition takes you through the most spectacular landscapes of Yunnan Province, combining cultural immersion with challenging trekking adventures. Experience the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge hike, explore ancient towns, and discover Tibetan Buddhist culture in Shangri-La.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kunming - Gateway to Yunnan
Activities: Airport transfer and hotel check-in
Meals: No meals
Accommodation: Kunming hotel
Arrive in Kunming, the provincial capital known as the "Spring City," where you'll be transferred to your hotel for rest and acclimatization.
Day 2: Kunming City Exploration - Urban Oases and Stone Forests
Activities: Green Lake Park, Flowers and Birds Market, Stone Forest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Jinjiang Hotel ★★★★
Morning leisure tour of Green Lake Park, followed by exploration of the vibrant Flowers and Birds Market. After lunch featuring Yunnan Rice Noodles, journey to the spectacular Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring remarkable karst formations.
Day 3: Kunming Countryside - Western Hills and Ethnic Culture
Activities: Western Hill, Dragon Gate, Village of Ethnic Culture
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Jinjiang Hotel ★★★★
Explore the Western Hill and Dragon Gate with their carved cliffside temples, then visit the Village of Ethnic Culture to learn about Yunnan's diverse minority groups and traditions.
Day 4: Journey to Lijiang - Ancient Town Charm
Activities: Bullet train to Lijiang, Lijiang Ancient Town exploration
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Golden Hotel ★★★★
Take a scenic bullet train ride to Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Settle into your hotel before exploring the ancient town's cobblestone streets and Naxi architecture.
Day 5: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Alpine Majesty
Activities: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain cable car, Yufeng Temple, Baisha Mural, Black Dragon Pond Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Golden Hotel ★★★★
Ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain via cable car to Glacier Park at 4,506 meters. Visit Yufeng Temple with its 500-year-old camellia tree, explore Baisha Mural, and photograph mountain reflections at Black Dragon Pond Park.
Day 6: Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek - Upper Section Challenge
Activities: Drive to Qiaotou, trek from Qiaotou to Halfway Guest House
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Halfway Guest House
Hiking Duration: 6-7 hours
Begin your Tiger Leaping Gorge adventure with a drive to Qiaotou Town. Trek through Changsheng Village, Zhong Nuoyu Village, and conquer the challenging 28 Zigzag Bends Trail to reach Halfway Guest House.
Day 7: Tiger Leaping Gorge Descent - Middle Gorge Exploration
Activities: Trek from Halfway Guest House to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, transfer to Haba Jokul
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Haba Jokul International Youth Hostel
Hiking Duration: 6-7 hours
Morning trek to Tina's Guesthouse, then descend to the dramatic Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge where the Yangtze River crashes through narrow cliffs. Transfer to Haba Jokul International Youth Hostel for overnight stay.
Day 8: Journey to Shangri-La - Alpine Terraces and National Parks
Activities: Baishui Terrace, Potatso National Park, drive to Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tian Rui Sunshine Hotel ★★★★
Visit the stunning Baishui Terrace with its limestone formations, then explore Potatso National Park with its pristine lakes and forests before arriving in the Tibetan-inspired town of Shangri-La.
Day 9: Tibetan Culture - Monasteries and Return to Kunming
Activities: Songzanlin Lamasery, flight to Kunming
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Jinjiang Hotel ★★★★
Explore Songzanlin Lamasery, Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, often called the "Little Potala Palace." Fly back to Kunming in the afternoon.
Day 10: Departure from Kunming
Activities: Airport transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy free time before your transfer to Kunming Airport for your departure flight.
Important Note
Trekking Season Advisory: Tiger Leaping Gorge trekking is not recommended between May and August due to rainy season conditions, potential thunderstorms, and high temperatures that can make the challenging hike more difficult and potentially dangerous.