Imperial China Unveiled: Ancient Capitals
A Private Expedition Through Ancient Cultures & Geothermal Wonders
Day 1: Arrival in Dali & Bai Cultural Immersion
Dali Airport/Train Station Pick-up & Dali Ancient City Exploration
Romantic Dali welcomes you! Upon morning arrival at the airport or train station, our guide will greet you for transfer to your hotel. After check-in, we delve into Dali Ancient City, the birthplace of Bai culture. Marvel at Ming Dynasty city walls, stroll flagstone-paved Foreigners' Street past artisan shops, and visit landmark Wuhua Tower. At Temple of Guan Yu, witness the famous Three-Course Tea ceremony of the Bai people.
Evening Dining Experience Chimido Farm Restaurant offers Dali's premier "farm-to-table" dining with seasonal organic ingredients and occasional courtyard fairs featuring local crafts and music.
Day 2: Erhai Lake Cycling & Journey to Tengchong
Lakeside Adventure & Scenic Transfer
Experience Erhai Lake's natural beauty cycling along the Ecological Corridor (bicycle rental at own expense). Capture stunning photos of mirror-like waters reflecting Cangshan Mountain. Afterward, enjoy a 4.5-hour private transfer to Tengchong, renowned as China's "Natural Volcanic Geology Museum."
Day 3: Tengchong's Geothermal Wonders & Ancient Town
Dieshui River Waterfall, Hot Sea & Heshun Cultural Discovery
Begin at Dieshui River Waterfall, China's only volcanic barrier waterfall, where water cascades 46 meters creating rainbow mists. Continue to Tengchong Hot Sea geothermal area with 80 hot spring groups, including the spectacular Big Boiling Pot. Optional hot spring bathing available (extra fee).
Afternoon Cultural Exploration Discover Heshun Ancient Town, an Ancient Tea-Horse Road hub where Chinese and Western cultures have blended for 600 years. Explore ancestral halls, Ming-Qing architecture, Wenchang Palace, and folk museums.
Evening Culinary Experience Fireplace of Boss Ji restaurant offers unique volcanic stone barbecue, featuring local specialties like Wrapped Tofu.
Day 4: Mountain Sanctuary & Golden Ginkgo Forest
Yunfeng Mountain Taoist Retreat & Ginkgo Village
Ascend sacred Yunfeng Mountain via cable car to visit Ming Dynasty Yunfeng Temple amid cloud-wreathed peaks. Experience local Dai village culture at the mountain's base.
Afternoon Natural Immersion Visit primitive Ginkgo Village with over 30,000 ginkgo trees creating a "village in the forest" landscape. Discover local crafts including shadow puppets, paper umbrellas, and Jiangdong Embroidery.
Local Delicacy Experience Sample "Great Rescue for Emperor," Tengchong's famous fried rice cake slices with historical significance.
Day 5: Volcanic Landscapes & Wetland Departure
Volcano Park & Beihai Wetland Exploration
Explore Tengchong Volcanic Geothermal National Geopark, home to 97 volcanic formations. Visit the Volcanic Geology Museum, climb Dakong Hill crater, and optionally experience hot air ballooning (extra fee).
Final Natural Wonder Beihai Wetland Park showcases volcanic-formed lake scenery with floating plant carpets and waterfowl habitats.
Departure Preparation Our guide escorts you to Tengchong Airport for flights after 5pm, concluding your Yunnan volcanic and cultural journey.