17 Days South and West China: Ethnic Exploration




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Overview
Highlights
- Enjoy Guilin's Li River folklore show amid stunning scenery.
- Explore Guizhou's vibrant minority villages and ancient towns.
- Discover Dali and Lijiang's unique cultures and breathtaking landscapes in Yunnan.
- Visit Lhasa's iconic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Explore Shigatse's Tashilhunpo Monastery, a key Tibetan Buddhist site.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- Entrance fees for the scenic spots as listed in the itinerary
- All in-destination transport as listed in the itinerary
- 4-star accommodation
- English-speaking guides for sightseeing as listed in the itinerary
- Meals: 16 breakfasts and 12 lunches
- One bottle of drinking water per person per day
Itinerary
Begin your exotic journey in Guilin, the picturesque gateway to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China. Meet your guide at the Guilin airport or railway station, and enjoy a comfortable private transfer to your hotel for relaxation.
Overnight: Guilin
Embark on a four-hour cruise down the Li River to witness its otherworldly beauty, surrounded by lush hills and lively villages with distinct charm. Arrive in Yangshuo in the early afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through West Street, and then enjoy free time at you...
Kick off your morning with a leisurely bike ride through the idyllic countryside of Yangshuo, immersing yourself in green hills, fragrant orchards, and picturesque rice paddies. Alternatively, cool your feet in the crystal-clear waters at a tranquil dock.
In t...
Take a high-speed train from Guilin to Congjiang with your guide. Upon arrival, travel by private vehicle to Zhaoxing Dong Village, the largest Dong minority village in southeast Guizhou. Known as "the village of drum towers," it showcases five magnificent drum towers...
Explore the unique culture and way of life of local ethnic groups. Begin at Basha Miao Village, the last Chinese tribe where men legally carry guns. Next, visit Zhanli Dong Village, known for its mysterious practices related to gender balance for newborns. Then, explo...
In the mountainous region, the industrious farmers make the most of arable land, creating cascading terrace fields in various shapes and sizes, forming a distinct landscape.
Spend two to three hours in the morning hiking from Tang'an Village, enjoying the pict...
Anshun, just about 1.5 hours from Guiyang, is home to a branch of Han people who have preserved their traditional dress and customs for over 600 years—a rare find in contemporary China. Explore the Tianlong Tunbao ancient town, your main destination today. Later, visi...
Hop on a high-speed train to Dali, an enchanting Bai autonomous prefecture known for its picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival, meet your guide for a transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the old town, with its city gate, bustling streets, ancient temples, and vibrant shops and bars.
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight: Dali
Embark on a morning visit to a Bai village in Xizhou. Stroll through its vibrant morning market, witness intermingling ethnic trade, and visit an esteemed family's historic residence. Later, a scenic horse
carriage ride will lead you to Haishe Wetland Park for a tranquil cruise on Erhai Lake, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Dali
Journey towards Lijiang, making a stop at Shaxi Old Town, a well-preserved historical trading post along the ancient Tea Horse Road. Explore the old town and Sideng market square, listed among the 100 Most Endangered Sites by the World Monument Watch.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Lijiang
Lijiang, a cultural hub of the Naxi people, offers a captivating glimpse into their unique heritage of poetry, painting, music, and dance. Explore the old town, visit the Mufu Palace, and savor panoramic views from Lion Hill. Dive deeper into Naxi culture and Dongba religion at the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Lijiang
Today is a free day to delve further into Lijiang. You might visit a Naxi family, immersing yourself in their daily life, or explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the charming Baisha Old Town. Numerous other options await – simply let us know your preference.
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight: Lijiang
Embark on a morning flight from Lijiang to Lhasa, landing on the awe-inspiring Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as the "Roof of the World." Your Tibetan guide will be there to welcome you at Lhasa
Gonggar Airport. Enjoy a private transfer to your hotel and take some time to acclimate to the high altitude, which stands at over 3,600 meters.
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight: Lhasa
Embark on a journey through Lhasa's sacred sites. Begin at the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, an architectural marvel and repository of Tibetan art. Continue to the revered Jokhang Temple, where the scent of incense mingles with the devotion of pilgrims. Stroll Barkhor ...
Embark on a mesmerizing journey about 70 kilometers southwest of Lhasa to the sacred Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three largest holy lakes. Gaze upon its sapphire waters mirroring the snow capped mountains that surround it. After this awe-inspiring visit, continue to ...
Begin the day by immersing yourself in local life at the bustling Free Market in Shigatse. Later, visit the grand Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional monastic seat of the Panchen Lamas, and Tibet's largest active religious institution. Explore the vast religious co...
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics
What's excluded
- International flight
- Visa application & visa fee
- Gratuities to the guides and drivers
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses or any other item not listed in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charge for flight
- Optional activities either recommended by tour guides or out of your own interests
Accommodation
is shared in a double/twin room. Single supplement applies.
Meals: 16 breakfasts and 12 lunches
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