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The 16 Day Roam China - Kunming to Beijing explores Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge trekking, Shangri-La, Songzanlin Monastery, Xi’an, Terracotta Warriors, Beijing, Forbidden City & the Great Wall.

Day 1: Kunming
Your trip starts today with your arrival in Kunming. No activities are planned, so arrive early if you can, as there is plenty to see. There will be a pre-tour briefing with your tour leader late in the afternoon, and then head out for an optional group dinner. Local specialities are a highlight, with dishes such as “across-the-bridge noodles” and other similarly intriguing ethnic fare. Please note that your Tour Leader will collect the Local Payment during your group meeting so be sure to take the 450 US dollars to the meeting along with your travel insurance details. Please bring new USD notes/bills in large denominations. Please see the noticeboard in the hotel reception for details.

Kunming is a vibrant and bustling city, with a flourishing Muslim area, exciting markets, interesting temples and a strong ethnic minority influence. A walking tour will take in the more interesting sites of Kunming, including watching the locals practising Taichi in the morning in People’s Square, and a meander through the bird and flower market, leaving some time for you to make your own explorations.

Please note that due to unexpected changes in flight schedules, especially in winter, our program in Yunnan may vary and the itinerary may even run in reverse. Please be prepared for the possibility of these changes taking place.

Day 2-3: Dali
We depart Kunming and catch a bus to Dali. Dali is one of the favourite places for travellers in China. To the east is Erhai Lake, to the west is Cangshan Mountain, the old town is located at the very centre of the valley. The town’s cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses and laid-back charm make it a wonderful place to relax. Dali is home to the proud Bai people, a traditional minority tribe renowned throughout China for their craftsmanship and literature. There is much to explore in our free days in Dali. There is a chance to go boating on Er Hai Lake and travel across to the village of Wase, or spend a day catching a chairlift up and hiking in the mountains behind Dali (stopping at the occasional monastery along the way). We can also cycle to nearby villages to visit the traditional Bai courtyard or just stroll around town.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Days 4-5: Lijiang
We will take a local bus to start our spectacular journey after a free morning through the rambling Bai and Yi hamlets. On the way we will see the towering mountains, alpine passes and tobacco field beneath the clear blue sky. Lijiang, former capital of the famed Naxi Kingdom, is listed as the world cultural heritage. The Old Town is a maze of cobblestone streets, narrow canals and decorative wooden houses, a wonderful place to wander around and imagine being in a bygone era. A walk up to the Wangu Pagoda on Lion Hill offers an impressive view of the rooftops of the Old Town. Our accommodation is located right in the middle of the Old Town and set up like a local Naxi house, but the rooms contain all facilities that one would expect at home! In the evening, you can witness a performance of the local Naxi orchestra (optional), a unique and entertaining musical experience (please check schedules in Lijiang to see if the show is on during your visit). We may need to repack our luggage in preparation for the trek. Extra luggage can be stored in the vehicle, but remember to pack all your valuables to carry into Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Days 6-7: Tiger Leaping Gorge trekking
On the morning of day 6 we travel by bus (approximately 2 hours) to Qiaotou, the starting point for our trek through the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge - one of the deepest gorges in the world. The entire gorge is 16km long but rises up to 3900m above the waters of the Yangtze. Over the next three days we embark on some exercise, as we hike along scenic trails, overlooking the upper reaches of the Yangtze River (known here as the Jinsha River). The river thunders through Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is in turn framed by 5,000-metre-high snow-capped mountains.

The walking in the gorge is serious going – expect to walk 4-8 hours each day. The reward, however, is great – simply stunning views! There is no hurry so we take our time and stop to talk with the local villagers en route. The accommodation is extremely basic, as we are visiting a remote area that is only frequented by adventurous travellers. Please note that this walk is geared towards travellers who like to enjoy some physical activity, but it is not an extreme trek for advanced mountain walkers. The walk can be quite challenging for some people, depending on weather conditions, and good footwear, preferably hiking boots, is essential. It is necessary to bring warm clothing, especially for the evenings, and, in general, for the cooler months. The degree of difficulty on the particular trail that we take will vary greatly, depending on the time of year. Depending on the time of the year and weather conditions, our trekking route can vary greatly. Our tour leader may not be able to advise us of the actual itinerary until the last minute.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Days 8-9: Shangri-La
We will meet our mini-bus after a moderate morning walk, and then drive to Shangri-La. The town is the inhabitant of distinct Tibetan people. The two-story local farmhouses, the hot yak butter tea and Tibetan religion are all different from what you’ve been to. If lucky we might see the yaks wandering on the road leisurely. Due to Zhongdian’s high altitude (3,200 metres), it is advisable to bring warm clothing. (Please note that sometimes due to bad road conditions caused by poor weather, it may not be possible to travel to Zhongdian. If that is the case, additional time may be spent in Lijiang). The highlight of Shangri-La is a visit to the Songzanlin Monastery, one of the top 13 monasteries of Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Lamaism and once again a place of homage for Tibetan Lamaism. We also visit a Tibetan family and gain an understanding of their unique way of life.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 10: Shangri-La – Kunming- Xi’an
After the flight from Zhongdian to Kunming, then we connect the flight to Xi’an. Upon arrival we will be transferred to hotel.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Days 11-12: Xi’an
Xian topped the other ancient capital cities in China. Many wonderful places are on your exploration list. Food options are excellent here as well, ranging from delicious Muslim fare to great little dumplings in local restaurants. Widely known as the first capital of a united China in 221 BC, the city is the deep root of Chinese history.

A half-day tour to the renowned Terracotta Warriors shows us to these unearthed pottery statues, considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th Century. Over 6,000 of them were individually sculpted from clay, each having a different costume, height, even facial expression. They are standing in battle formation, facing east in order to protect the tomb of China's first Emperor, the great Qin Shi Huang Di. These soldiers were accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974.

A free day can easily be spent wandering the narrow streets among the Muslim quarter where we find quaint shops, lively markets, groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in dingy cafes. For those who are interested in history, please do not miss Shaanxi History Museum, which introduces you the total history of Chinese civilization. On the evening of Day 12, we board another overnight train for our final destination - Beijing.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Days 13-15: Beijing
Beijing is abundant in cultural and historical sites. The vast Forbidden City, built nearly 600 years ago and off limits to citizens for almost all that time, is a truly amazing place. The size might surprise you (it is huge!), but what makes it fascinating is that every square metre is interesting, ranging from intricately carved walkways to colourful, painted ceilings. Temple of Heaven is the other fine example of extraordinary workmanship and architecture. We will travel to Simatai Great Wall, a largely unrestored and, as such, more authentic section of the famous wall, not crowded with hordes of other tourists. Climbing up this incredible man-made engineer and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience. There is also ample free time in the itinerary, allowing you to make your own discoveries and explorations of old Hutongs and shop in Silk Market and Pearls Market. In the evening, you have the chance to enjoy a performance of the unique Beijing Opera or Kongfu (Martial Arts) Show (optional).
Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 16: Beijing
Your tour PANDA organized will end after breakfast. A transfer to the airport is not included; however, your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the options available.
Meals included: 1 breakfast