Pingyao Through the Lens: Cultural Immersion
From Ancient Towns to Terraced Landscapes - An Immersive Journey Through China's Minority Cultures
Day 1: Arrival in Kunming - Gateway to Yunnan
Spring City Welcome
Our professional team greets you at Kunming Airport and transfers you to your boutique hotel. The remainder of the day offers free time to explore the Spring City at your leisure.
Recommended Evening Activity
Visit Green Lake Park to admire weeping willows, emerald waters, and Qing Dynasty architecture including the beautiful Mid-Lake Pavilion. Seasonal highlights include summer lotus flowers and winter black-headed gulls.
Day 2: Kunming to Lijiang - Naxi Cultural Immersion
Bullet Train Adventure & Baisha Village
A scenic 3-hour bullet train ride brings you to Lijiang. Begin your cultural exploration at Baisha Village, the original Naxi settlement and former political center. Marvel at 300-year-old Baisha Murals blending Han, Tibetan, and Naxi artistic traditions.
Naxi Family Experience
Visit a local Naxi family to learn traditional customs, Dongba language, and hieroglyphic writing. Evening brings culinary delights at recommended local restaurants featuring Yunnan's famous wild mushrooms.
Day 3: Lijiang Old Town Discovery
UNESCO World Heritage Exploration
Spend the day exploring the maze-like streets of 800-year-old Lijiang Old Town. Experience the unique water-town architecture, early morning tranquility, and vibrant evening atmosphere with local bars and cafes.
Day 4: Stone Forest Wonders
Karst Landscape Marvel
Return to Kunming by bullet train before visiting the spectacular Stone Forest in Lunan. Explore this natural labyrinth of karst formations with intriguing names like "Mother and Son" and "Rhinoceros Looking at the Moon," while learning about local Yi culture.
Day 5: Journey into Guizhou Province
Scenic Drive & Cultural Encounters
Travel through Shizong to Xingyi, visiting local tobacco farms (May-August) and country markets. Explore Maling River Canyon, known as "the most beautiful scar on the planet," with its dramatic cliffs and natural limestone murals.
Day 6: Forest of Ten-Thousand Peaks
Karst Museum & Lake Cruise
Marvel at the cone-shaped hills of Forest of Ten-Thousand Peaks, then enjoy a scenic cruise on Wanfeng Lake. Visit the fairytale-like Jilong Castle on its private islet, surrounded by pristine natural beauty.
Day 7: Mountain Roads to Huangguoshu
24-Bend Road & Buyi Culture
Experience China's most beautiful highway along the winding 24-Bend Road. Explore Beipanjiang Grand Canyon, cross the Baling River Bridge, and visit a Buyi village to witness traditional batik craftsmanship.
Day 8: Asia's Largest Waterfall
Huangguoshu Waterfall & Ancient Towns
Witness the magnificent Huangguoshu Waterfall complex before traveling to Guiyang. Explore 600-year-old Qingyan Ancient Town and the iconic Jiaxiu Tower, followed by evening culinary adventures at Qingyun Market.
Day 9: Miao Village Traditions
Ancient Papermaking & Village Life
Visit Shiqiao Miao Village to observe traditional papermaking techniques, explore Dustpan Miao Village's unique layout, and experience warm hospitality during a family visit in Qingman Miao Village.
Day 10: Long-skirt and Short-skirt Miao
Cultural Performances & Dong Architecture
Compare traditions in Langde Long-skirt and Datang Short-skirt Miao villages, enjoying traditional performances. Visit 800-year-old Huanggang Dong Village with its five impressive drum towers.
Day 11: Dong Agricultural Wisdom
Rice Terrace Ecosystems & Grand Songs
Explore Zhanli Dong Village's innovative rice terrace farming system and Basha Miao Village's unique tree worship traditions. Evening brings the unforgettable UNESCO-listed Dong Grand Song performance.
Day 12: Terraced Landscapes & Wind-Rain Bridges
Tang'an Rice Terraces & Architectural Marvels
Discover Tang'an Dong Village's 700-year-old stone-terraced fields before traveling to Sanjiang. Visit the magnificent Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, the largest of its kind.
Day 13: Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces
Seasonal Beauty & Zhuang Culture
Experience the breathtaking Longsheng Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces, changing colors with the seasons. Visit a Zhuang village to observe traditional embroidery and batik craftsmanship.
Day 14: Li River Cruise & Countryside Cycling
Karst Landscape Paradise
Enjoy a 4-hour cruise along the stunning Li River to Yangshuo, passing the scene featured on the CNY 20 note. Explore Yangshuo's countryside by bicycle and visit a local family.
Day 15: Guilin's Natural Wonders
Reed Flute Cave & Iconic Landmarks
Explore the spectacular Reed Flute Cave, known as the "Palace of Natural Arts," and visit the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill before airport transfer and departure. ```