The essence of Southwest China – spectacular nature, ethnic diversity and UNESCO heritage
This freedom tour blends iconic landscapes of Yunnan (Kunming, Yuanyang, Pu’er, Jinghong…), the terraced fields of Duoyishu, the magic of Hani and Yi villages, Puzhehei “the Little Guilin”, the secluded village of Bamei, and treasures from the Bai and Naxi regions (Dali, Xizhou, Shaxi, Lijiang, Shuhe, Shangri-La…). Then discover Lhasa, the Potala Palace and Tibet’s legendary monasteries, ascend near glaciers and experience monastic life at Rongbuk, and immerse yourself in the Hani and Tibetan traditions of Yunnan. Next, head for Sichuan: the pandas of Dujiangyan, Emei Mountain’s spirituality, panoramas of the Giant Leshan Buddha, vibrant local life and unique markets in Chengdu, and escapes to remote valleys and preserved natural sites.
Every stage unveils a facet of Chinese heritage and offers authentic immersion: breathtaking nature, spirituality, craftsmanship, gastronomy, and genuine local hospitality. This Asian trilogy is crafted for travelers eager for immersion, unique encounters, and wide open spaces.
Daily program: Southwest trilogy : Sichuan, Tibet et Yunnan
Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu – Transfer to the hotel
Upon arrival at Chengdu Airport, your driver and guide will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name and will transfer you to the Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Tianfu Square, where you can check in and rest for a while.
Overnight at Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Tianfu Square.
Day 2: Chengdu – Huanglong – Jiuzhaigou (B) ~ 5h transfer (train + car) Altitude: 3250m
Departure from Chengdu East Railway Station by high-speed train to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station. Upon arrival, a short break before visiting the scenic and historical site of Huanglong. Huanglong is the only well-preserved high-altitude wetland area in China. It is famous for its vast expanse, complex karst formations, and colorful travertine landscapes. This exceptional site is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, rated AAAAA (the highest tourism rating in China), and recognized as a major national scenic area. It is nicknamed the “Wonder of the World” and “Paradise on Earth” for its fairy-tale beauty reminiscent of celestial jade pools. After the visit, direct transfer by car to Jiuzhaigou. Hotel check-in upon arrival.
Overnight at Jiuzhai Qianhe Rezen Hotel.
Day 3: Visit of Jiuzhaigou – Return to Chengdu by high-speed train – Dujiangyan (B) ~ 4h transfer (train + car) Altitude: 1200m
After breakfast, depart by private car to Jiuzhaigou Valley. Enter the scenic area in the morning and explore until the afternoon. Jiuzhaigou is a spectacular natural site, ideal for photography and nature observation. The main areas include Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley – notably with Five Flower Lake – and Zechawa Valley. The visit takes about 6 to 8 hours. After the visit, transfer to Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station and take the evening high-speed train back to Chengdu, followed by a transfer to Dujiangyan. Hotel check-in upon arrival.
Overnight at Holiday Inn Express Dujiangyan Ancient City.
Day 4: Dujiangyan Panda Park – Irrigation System – Emei (B) ~ 4h transfer Altitude: 3250m
Departure from your hotel this morning to visit the Panda Park and meet this iconic animal. Enjoy watching them eat bamboo or play together. In the afternoon, discover the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Built over 2,000 years ago, it still plays a vital role in irrigating local farmlands today. Walk through the site to observe its ingenious design, including the fish-mouth-shaped dam, the Feisha spillway, and the Baopingkou opening. Learn how water from the Minjiang River is diverted to surrounding fields. Also enjoy the river landscape and fresh air. After the visit, drive to the Emei region.
Overnight at Emei Mountain Hot Spring Hotel Lingxiu Hot Spring.
Day 5: Visit of Mount Emei – Overnight in Emei (B) ~ 20 min transfer Altitude: 3000m
After breakfast, departure for a visit to Mount Emei. Explore the Golden Summit and its various statues. You may encounter the region’s playful monkeys. This is an ideal day for a peaceful hike (about 3 to 4 hours of walking, mostly flat terrain).
Overnight at Emei Mountain Hot Spring Hotel Lingxiu Hot Spring.
Day 6: Emei – Leshan – Suji – Return to Chengdu (B) ~ 4h transfer Altitude: 500M
After breakfast, drive to Leshan to visit the Giant Buddha. Located 150 km from Chengdu, this gigantic Maitreya Buddha was carved into the cliff in the 8th century. Also discover Suji, an old district of Leshan with traditional buildings dating from the Cultural Revolution, and possibly enjoy tasting local specialties. Return to Chengdu in the afternoon.
Overnight at Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Tianfu Square.
Day 7: Wuhou Temple – Wenshu Monastery – Du Fu Thatched Cottage – People’s Park – Sichuan Opera (B) ~ 1h transfer Altitude: 500m
After breakfast, visit Wuhou Temple, dedicated to the history of the Three Kingdoms and the heroes of the Shu Kingdom. Then, explore Wenshu Monastery, a spiritual Buddhist temple nestled in the heart of the city. Admire the refined architecture, feel the serenity of the place, and stroll along its peaceful paths. Continue to Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage, the former residence of the great Tang Dynasty poet. This museum, built on the poet’s original dwelling, is a major cultural site. Visit the Hall of Poetry History, the Ministry of Works Shrine, and other pavilions. The museum houses over 30,000 documents and 2,000 objects related to Du Fu. Finally, take a walk in People’s Park and discover local tea culture.
Overnight at Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Tianfu Square.
Day 8: Chengdu – Lhasa (B) ~ 1h30 transfer Altitude: 3650m.
Flight 3U8697 from Chengdu (Shuangliu) to Lhasa: departure at 08:30, arrival at 11:05. Upon arrival, meet your driver and English-speaking guide, then transfer to the Thangka hotel. Rest of the day for acclimatization to the altitude; your English-speaking guide remains available for walking visits from the hotel. Meals at your expense.
Overnight at Thangka Hotel.
Day 9: Lhasa (B) ~ 1h transfer. Alt.: 3650m.
Visit of Jokhang Monastery and a walk around the monastery with other pilgrims along the Barkhor path (may be visited the day before depending on arrival time). Discovery of the Potala Palace. Lunch. In the afternoon, visit of Sera Monastery. Although it was heavily damaged during the Chinese invasion of Tibet and the Cultural Revolution, it has been restored and has retained its function as a monastic university. Today, it still hosts a large number of monks and pilgrims.
Overnight at Thangka Hotel.
Day 10: Lhasa – Gyantse (B) ~ 5h drive Altitude: 3950m.
Morning departure for Gyantse via the stunning Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s sacred lakes. Pass through the Karo Pass (5000m). Scenic view of a beautiful glacier along the way. Arrival in Gyantse, climb to the Dzong. This is where the decisive battle took place during the British invasion in 1904. The Gyantse fortress offers a magnificent view over the valley and the entire town of Gyantse.
Overnight at Yutuo Hotel.
Day 11: Gyantse – Shigatse (B) ~ 2h drive Altitude: 3800m.
Morning visit of Pelkor Monastery and the old town of Gyantse. Then drive to Shigatse. En route, visit the lovely village of Shalu and its monastery. Shalu Monastery dates back to the 11th century, and its renovation began in the 15th century thanks to financial support from the Mongol Empire. The architectural style of Shalu Monastery is very different from all other monasteries in Tibet due to its Chinese-style roof made of glazed green and yellow tiles. In the afternoon, discover Tashilhunpo Monastery: residence of successive Panchen Lamas, built by the 1st Dalai Lama in the 15th century. It houses the largest bronze statue in the world, built in 1904 to represent the future Buddha Maitreya.
Overnight at Shigatse Gesar Hotel.
Day 12: Shigatse – Tashizong (B) ~ 6h drive Altitude: 4200m.
Visit the Shigatse market, followed by a kora (ritual circuit) with pilgrims around Tashilhunpo Monastery. Then drive toward the Everest region.
Overnight at Zhufeng Wuji Hotel.
Day 13: Tashizong – Everest – Sakya – Shigatse (B) ~ 7h drive Altitude: 3800m.
Early morning departure for the Everest Base Camp and Rongbuk Monastery via a spectacular road, known as one of the highest in the world (average altitude of 5000 meters with passes over 5200 meters). Visit the “highest temple in the world,” which offers an exceptional view of Mount Everest (specifically the north face, visible only from Tibet). The structure is modest and contrasts with previously visited monastic cities but is remarkable for its charm and authenticity. Return to Shigatse with a stop to visit Sakya. Its monastery, founded in 1073, is the seat of one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, the Sakyapa school. The monastery’s medieval Mongol architecture differs from the temples of Lhasa.
Overnight at Shigatse Gesar Hotel.
Day 14: Shigatse – Lhasa – Kunming (B) ~ 3h30 drive Altitude: 3700m.
This morning, drive to Lhasa along the Brahmaputra River. During the journey, you’ll be able to observe this great river that flows through Tibet, India, and Bangladesh. Transfer to the airport for flight MU9738, departing at 16:20 and arriving in Kunming at 19:05. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel conveniently located near the Green Lake.
Overnight at Grand Park Hotel.
Day 15: Kunming - Luoxiagou (B) ~ 3h30 transfer. Altitude: 1800m.
Meet your driver and English-speaking driver-guide at 9am. Morning drive to Dongchuan, then to the “Red lands” region of Lexiaguo. First walk this afternoon through the different sites of the region. Meals at your expense.
Overnight at the charming Luoxiaju 3* hotel.
Day 16: Luoxiagou – Kunming - Puzhehei (B) ~ 3h30 transfer. Altitude: 1800m.
Morning of discovery of the terraced landscapes of the region, especially near the villages Huashitou, Lexiaguo and Damakan. In the afternoon, return to Kunming and transfer to the railway station for the high-speed train to Puzhehei, train D3962 departing at 17:35 and arriving at 19:10. Transfer to your hotel and check-in.
Overnight at U House Lake View Boutique Inn.
Day 17: Puzhehei (B) ~ 1h30 transfer. Altitude: 1450m.
Puzhehei is nicknamed the “little Guilin” of Yunnan, take a boat to stroll along rice fields and lakes in the region, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of karst hills. Passage along several small villages. At the end of the circuit, possible visit of small caves, and climb the Qing long hill for two superb views of the surroundings.
Overnight at U House Lake View Boutique Inn.
Day 18: Bamei – Guangnan – Kunming – Jinghong (B) ~ 1h30 transfer Altitude: 1450m.
Departure around 8:00am towards Bamei, a two-hour drive through green hills and Zhuang and Miao villages. Around 10:00am, access by a navigable cave via boat (approx. 20 minutes) to the village of Bamei, isolated from the modern world and accessible only by water. Discovery of this traditional rural village, surrounded by rice fields and untouched by modern development. Spontaneous encounters with locals and immersion into traditional daily life. Lunch at your expense at a local guesthouse. Return to the entrance of Bamei via the same cave, and continue by road to Guangnan station (approx. 1H30). High-speed train D3831 to Kunming South, departing at 16:54 and arriving at 18:32 (first-class seats), then train C365 to Xishuangbanna (19:05–22:59, also first-class seats). Transfer to your hotel, well located in Jinghong.
Overnight at Jing land Hotel.
Day 19: Jinghong city tour
Meet your driver and guide at 9:00am at your hotel and drive to the Valley of Wild elephants that you can visit throughout the morning. Lunch at your expense and transfer this afternoon to Manting Park and its botanical garden where you can take time to discover the local tropical plants at your own pace. In the evening, watch Mengbalanaxi show to soak up the vibrant colors and sounds of Dai culture.
Overnight at Jing land Hotel.
Day 20: Jinghong – Menghai – Manzhao – Jingmai Mountain (B) ~ 4h drive
Departure at 9:00am from your hotel. Visit the Sunday market in Menghai and meet various ethnic minorities. Continue to the village of Manzhao, known for its traditional handmade paper production. Lunch at your expense, then journey to Jingmai Mountain, famous for its ancient tea forest. Walk through the forest of old tea trees, then settle in the small village of Mengjing at a wooden guesthouse run by one of the main tea-growing families. Dinner at your expense.
Overnight at Yunqi Xiaozhu Guest House.
Day 21: Jingmai – Nuogang – Lahu Village (B) ~ 2h drive
Guided morning visit to the traditional Aini village of Nuogang and encounter with local residents. Also visit the village pagoda of Jingmai. Lunch at your expense, then continue to a fertile valley and visit the traditional Lahu village of Laodabao. The Lahu people are renowned for their traditional music and dance. Long walk through the village, visit of local homes and friendly encounters with villagers. Possibility to organize a small community-run show of songs and dances (with proceeds going directly to the local community). Return to Jingmai Mountain in the late afternoon. Dinner at your expense.
Overnight at Yunqi Xiaozhu Guest House.
Day 22: Lancang – Pu’er (B) ~ 3h drive
Meet at your hotel at 8:30am and depart toward Pu’er, with a stop en route at the local district Museum. Continue the road to the Pu’er region. In the afternoon, visit Wild Duck Pond Coffee Estate, meet the locals, walk through the coffee plantations, and enjoy a tasting. Scenic road with numerous viewpoints. Dinner at your expense on the way.
Overnight at Jiangshanlong Inn.
Hotel alternative suggestion: Red Panda Manor, this hotel is known for the possibility to interact freely with red pandas (extra fee: RMB800/person/night)
Day 23: Pu’er – Dadugang – Nakeli – Pu’er (B) 2h transfer
Morning transfer to Dadugang Tea Plantation for a tea-making workshop. Lunch at your expense then afternoon visit to the small traditional village of Nakeli, once a key stop on the Ancient Tea and Horse Road. Walk through the wooden houses, the big mill and the round path, meet the friendly inhabitants and stroll along the small river, in an atmosphere of yesteryear. Dinner at your expense in downtown Pu’er on the way back to your hotel.
Overnight at Jiangshanlong Inn.
Day 24: Pu’er – Yuanyang (B) ~ 6h drive
Departure at 8:00am from your hotel for a long drive toward Yuanyang via the southern highway. Midway stop in Mojiang, visit of the Tropic of Cancer Park and lunch at your expense. Continue to Yuanyang, arriving late afternoon. First panoramic views of the famous terraced rice fields at sunset. Check-in at 12 Manor Terraces, located directly opposite the rice terraces. Dinner at your expense.
Overnight at 12 Manor Terraces.
Day 25: Yuanyang (B, L) ~ 2h drive. Altitude: 1800m.
Morning departure to a nearby village to attend the local market (based on the Chinese lunar calendar). Meeting with different minorities, including Yi, Hani and Dai. Continuation to a small village where a show of songs and dances was set up by the villagers belonging to the Yi minority. Charming and touching… Note that the income from the show will be donated directly to families. Lunch will then be served at one of the families who participated in the show. In the afternoon, 2h to 3h hike through beautiful landscapes of rice terraces, and small villages. Dinner at your expense.
Overnight at 12 Manor Terraces.
Day 26: Yuanyang - Jianshui (B) ~ 3h drive Altitude: 1500m.
Morning hands-on farming activity in the rice fields with locals. Then drive to the town of Jianshui. Upon arrival, visit the Chaoyang Gate, which houses a beautiful permanent exhibition of old photographs depicting street scenes from late 19th/early 20th century Yunnan, taken by Auguste François, ethnographer, photographer, and former French Consul in Yunnan. Short transfer then to the South gate of the city and free stroll through the alleys, to discover the famous well and its tofu factory, the local specialty. Short transfer then to the temple of Confucius, which is the second largest in China after Qufu, the hometown of the master. The ensemble consists of a large park with pond, several courtyards, superb porticos, temples and pavilions. Check-in at Hanlinyuan Boutique Hotel, and possible visit of the residence of the Zhu family, one of the best preserved in Yunnan, formed by a set of courtyards, pavilions and gardens. Lunch and dinner at your expense.
Overnight at Hanlinyuan.
Day 27: Jianshui - Tonghai – Kunming (B) ~ 2h30 drive
Morning departure to Kunming with a first stop at the traditional Tuanshan village, home to the Zhang family residence and many well-preserved buildings. Lunch at your expense in the small village. Also discover the Double Dragon Bridge and a small French colonial train station in the countryside. Continue toward Kunming with a stop at Xiushan Mountain in Tonghai, and possibly the Liuyi village, where you may still find elderly women with bound feet. Arrival in late afternoon and check-in at your hotel. Dinner at your expense. In the evening, watch the beautiful Yunnan minority dance and song show entitled ” Dynamic Yunnan ” (8pm-9:30pm / no shows on sundays)
Overnight at Grand Park Hotel.
Day 28: Departure from Kunming (B) ~ 1h transfer
Free start of the day without a guide or driver, before transfer to Kunming Airport for the flight to your next destination.
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End of our services, we wish you a pleasant return home, beautiful memories in mind!
