Southern China-13-days: offbeat-culture

Arrive in Chongqing Airport (Code: CKG) and meet a friendly English-speaking guide at the airport, holding a clearly marked welcome sign. Proceed with a smooth transfer into the city, where striking skylines and layered urban landscapes begin to unfold. Check in at the hotel and take a moment to settle in after the journey. Ease into the rhythm of this vibrant metropolis at your own pace—step out for a gentle stroll nearby or simply relax and recharge. Let the first impressions of Chongqing linger, with its blend of modern energy and local character. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Meals Included: None

Step into the cultural depth of Chongqing with a visit to the remarkable Dazu Rock Carvings, an extraordinary collection of religious sculptures carved into cliffs over a millennium ago. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, where intricate figures and inscriptions dating back to the Tang dynasty bring Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist philosophies vividly to life. Wander through Baodingshan, the artistic heart of the site, and take in the dramatic sweep of Dafowan, a horseshoe-shaped cliff lined with detailed reliefs.

Pause at Xiaofowan, the earliest blueprint of the carvings, and notice how spiritual teachings blend seamlessly with scenes of daily life. Admire the craftsmanship in thousands of statues, each telling stories of devotion, morality and tradition across centuries. Step into the museum for deeper insight into the artistry and cultural significance behind these creations.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to the hotel. Settle in and take the afternoon at your own pace, soaking in the rhythm of the city. As evening falls, savour a flavourful dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on a day immersed in history, art and enduring belief.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Set out from Chongqing and journey into the dramatic landscapes of Wulong, where the Natural Three Bridges reveal a striking world of karst formations. Step into a vast ecological wonder shaped by time, and explore one of the most impressive groups of natural stone bridges in Asia. Descend into the Tiankeng, a colossal sinkhole that opens into a hidden realm, and feel the scale of nature as towering cliffs rise all around.

Walk beneath the mighty arches of Tianlong, Qinglong, and Heilong Bridges, each stretching across the Yangshuihe Valley with remarkable height and span. It is the largest natural stone bridge group in Asia. Look up and take in the sheer magnitude of these formations, where mountains connect overhead in a spectacle rarely seen anywhere in the world. Notice the interplay of light and shadow across the rugged terrain, and pause to absorb the quiet grandeur of this unique landscape.

Continue exploring the surrounding trails, where every turn offers a new perspective of this geological marvel. Return to Chongqing and settle in for a relaxed evening at the hotel, carrying with you the memory of a truly extraordinary natural setting.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Begin the day exploring the cultural heart of Chongqing. Step into Ciqikou Ancient Town, where cobbled lanes, wooden stilt houses and riverside views reflect centuries of Bashu heritage. Wander past traditional shops and temples, and absorb the rhythm of a historic water town shaped by trade and craft. Continue to Kuixing Building, an architectural marvel that blends seamlessly into the city’s layered landscape. Ride the Yangtze River Cableway and take in sweeping aerial views of Chongqing’s dramatic skyline, the winding river and the dense urban fabric below. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant before heading out again.

In the late afternoon, explore Hongyadong, a striking cluster of cliffside stilt buildings glowing with character and charm. Roam through its lively spaces, filled with local flavours and cultural displays. Then visit Liziba Monorail Station and watch the surreal sight of a train gliding through a residential building, a true symbol of Chongqing’s inventive spirit.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Begin with a smooth transfer to the train station and board a high-speed bullet train towards Zhangjiajie. Settle into the journey as landscapes shift beyond the window, offering a glimpse of China’s vast terrain. Arrive and meet your English-speaking guide, then continue with a comfortable transfer to the hotel. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavours that reflect the area’s culinary character.

Step into the remarkable expanse of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a naturalist’s haven defined by towering sandstone pillars, misty peaks and lush greenery. Explore Yellow Stone Village, perched high like a natural viewing platform, where sweeping panoramas unfold in every direction. Follow well-marked trails through forested paths, breathe in crisp mountain air, and notice the quiet presence of wildflowers and birds along the way.

Continue to Golden Whip Stream, where a gentle walking trail runs alongside clear, winding waters. Wander at an unhurried pace, pause at scenic viewpoints, and take in the tranquil rhythm of this serene landscape.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Begin the day with a morning pickup and enter the dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Ascend Tianzi Mountain, where ancient quartz sandstone peaks rise in surreal formations shaped over millions of years. Take in sweeping vistas of jagged spires, mist-covered valleys, and untouched wilderness that feels both primeval and otherworldly.

Board the remarkable Bailong Elevator, a glass structure clinging to a sheer cliff, and glide upwards while the landscape unfolds beneath your feet. Step onto Yuanjiajie Scenic Area and wander through a forest of towering stone pillars, each shaped like a natural sculpture. Pause at the iconic Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, its gravity-defying form rising dramatically with lush greenery crowning its summit.

Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared lunch at The Hanging Gardens, set amidst these striking surroundings. Absorb the shifting light and mist as it weaves through the peaks, and let the grandeur of nature guide your exploration.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast before setting out to explore Tianmen Mountain, a striking karst landscape shaped into dramatic peaks and forested canyons. Take in the remarkable aerial stone forest, where jagged rock formations rise like natural sculptures against the sky. Stand before the iconic Tianmen Cave, a natural opening carved into the cliff, resembling a gateway suspended high above the valley. Follow winding trails across the mountain and step onto thrilling glass plank paths, where you look straight down into deep gorges below. Feel the contrast of serenity and exhilaration as the landscape unfolds around you.

Continue to the airport and board your flight to Kunming, a city known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its gentle climate and lush greenery. Arrive and meet your local expert before transferring to the hotel. Settle into Kunming’s relaxed rhythm, where diverse cultures and flavours come together. End the day with dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional tastes.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Begin the morning with breakfast before meeting your travel expert and setting out towards the remarkable Stone Forest. Walk through a striking landscape of towering limestone pinnacles, shaped over millions of years by wind and water, creating the illusion of a forest turned to stone. Follow winding pathways as you take in the scale and texture of this natural wonder. Discover the legend of Ashima, a beloved figure in Yi tradition, whose story adds a layer of emotion and meaning to the terrain. Sense how culture and landscape intertwine, giving this place both geological and spiritual significance.

After a local lunch, transfer to the station and board a high-speed train bound for Lijiang. Settle in and watch the scenery shift from Kunming’s gentle plateaus to the valleys and lake districts of central Yunnan. Arrive in Lijiang and meet your travel expert before a smooth transfer to your hotel, where the evening settles in quietly.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Local Lunch

Begin the day with breakfast before setting out towards Lashi Lake, a serene wetland reserve just beyond Lijiang. Take in the still waters and surrounding meadows, where migratory birds gather in graceful numbers. Walk along the lake’s edge or explore by boat, soaking in the quiet rhythm of nature. Continue to Baisha Village, one of the earliest Naxi settlements. Stroll along its single street and step into temple courtyards adorned with vivid murals that narrate ancient Buddhist tales. Pause for a local lunch, savouring regional flavours.

In the afternoon, wander through Lijiang’s Dayan Old Town, set against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Meandering canals flow beside willow-lined streets, guiding you through a maze of wooden homes and lively corners. Discover a blend of Tibetan, Han, and Naxi influences in its architecture and atmosphere. Let the town’s heritage unfold as you explore its hidden alleys and cultural landmarks. Return to the hotel and unwind at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Local Lunch

Begin the morning with breakfast before setting out towards Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a defining presence that shapes the spirit of Lijiang. Take in the sweeping landscape as thirteen dramatic peaks rise above the plains, their snow-dusted forms woven into local legends and traditions. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and notice how the scenery shifts gently as you move through the park.

Continue to Blue Moon Valley, where pale limestone terraces cradle clear pools in shades of turquoise and deep blue. Walk along the pathways at an easy pace, pausing to absorb the stillness and the striking contrast of water against mountain peaks. After a local lunch, head to the quiet charm of Shuhe village, where cobbled lanes and traditional houses reflect a slower rhythm of life. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Lijiang—explore further, unwind, or simply soak in the calm, highland atmosphere at your own pace.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Local Lunch

Begin the day with breakfast before setting out from Lijiang towards Shangri-La, travelling through mountain landscapes that shift in both scenery and culture. Notice villages and terraced hillsides reflecting the transition from Naxi traditions to Tibetan-influenced highland life. Pause at Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest river canyons, where the Jinsha River surges between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. Stand at a viewpoint and take in the immense scale and raw power of the landscape.

Continue north and enjoy a local lunch en route. As elevation rises, feel the air grow cooler and clearer. The scenery opens into highland pastures, forests, and wider plains, with prayer flags and shrines appearing along the roadside. Arrive in Shangri-La and settle into your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure; rest, acclimatise gently, or take a short stroll through the peaceful surroundings, absorbing the calm rhythm shaped by open skies and mountain air.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Local Lunch

Begin the day with a visit to Ganden Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Set on a hillside, its golden roofs gleam against the mountain backdrop, revealing an impressive complex of layered halls and prayer rooms. Step inside and observe intricate murals, fluttering prayer banners and the gentle rhythm of chanting, creating a deeply reflective atmosphere. Gain insight into monastic life and the spiritual traditions that shape this region.

Continue to a local Tibetan family home and experience warm hospitality. Share simple moments that offer a glimpse into daily life, customs and a strong connection to the land. After a local lunch, head into Pudacuo National Park. Walk along boardwalk trails through alpine lakes, pine forests and open meadows, where crisp air and still waters bring a sense of calm.

Later, wander through Gyalthang Old Town. Notice timber houses, spinning prayer wheels and a relaxed market square. Spend the remaining time at leisure, soaking in the peaceful highland surroundings.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Local Lunch and Dinner

Begin the morning in Shangri-La with a relaxed breakfast, taking in the crisp mountain air and unhurried surroundings. Let the early hours unfold at your own pace; enjoy a quiet moment at the hotel or step out for a gentle stroll nearby, where prayer flags flutter and the landscape feels serene and untouched. Soak in the calm rhythm of this highland retreat, allowing time to pause and reflect on the journey so far. When it is time to depart, proceed with a smooth transfer to the airport. The transition feels seamless, carrying forward the tranquillity of the morning as travel arrangements continue onward. Leave Shangri-La with a sense of stillness and quiet connection, as the journey moves ahead.

Meals Included: Breakfast