7 days Yunnan Yuanyang Rice Terraces tour

Enjoy a photography tour which is filled with breathtaking scenery and ethnic culture in Yunnan province. As the entrance city of this tour, Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan, is renowned as "the City of Eternal Spring" for its pleasant climate and flowers blooming all year long.

As you arrive at the airport or railway station of Kunming, be assisted to the downtown hotel by your local guide and driver. Spend the rest of the day to roam this city on your own. Your local guide will be pleased to offer suggestions on where to go.

After breakfast, drive about 5 hours to Jianshui, one of the famous historical and cultural city in China. Stop to visit the Stone Forest, which covers an area of 400 sq. km. (98,842 ac.) in Lunan and is really the marvelous spectacle of nature. Consisting of six scenic spots like Greater Stone Forest, Lesser Stone Forest, Naigu Stone Forest, Qifeng Cave, Zhiyun Cave, Long Lake, and Dadieshui Waterfall, the Stone Forest now is praised as one of the four most famous natural scenarios in China. 

In Jianshui, you will visit the third largest Confucius Temple in China. Built with a traditional Chinese architectural style, Jianshui Confucius Temple enjoys a history of more than 700 years. Compared with the Confucius temples in other places of China, This place is very special as it is a display of the cultural mixture of the Han and the other ethnic groups of South Yunnan. 

Then explore the old town to the well preserved ancient buildings and the daily life of local people, and visit the Chaoyang Gateway Arch, which is the landmark of Jianshui. 

Visit the Zhu's Family Garden this morning. This garden is regarded as a representative of the rich's residential houses in ancient China. Walkthrough a serious of courtyards in a maze layout to see the well-designed pavilions with steep ridges, painted crossbeams and intricately painted ceilings. Afterward, drive to the Tuanshan Village, which is the only intact cultural village of the Qing Dynasty existed currently in Yunnan. This village is a perfect place to learn about the culture and customs of the Yi ethnic minority as it was ever their habitation for centuries. 

In the afternoon, drive about 3 to 4 hours to Yuanyang, which is well known for its spectacular rice terraces. Notice that the best time to see the rice terraces is from Jan. to Mar. You'll stop at the Tiger Mouth Village so you will catch the sunset time. Make sure your camera is ready while seeing the color of the terraces as though they have been painted by an artist. 

This early morning, admire the splendid scenery of the sunrise in Duoyishu. As the reflections and shadows in the colorful water are constantly changing, the visual impact can be overwhelming. Afterward, head to a local market in Shengcun, where you will see the local ethnic people dressed in their traditional clothes and their lifestyle.

After having lunch, drive to the Jingkou Hani Ethnic Village. The mushroom-like houses are undoubtedly the most distinctive in this village. Walk around here and learn about the culture and history of the Hani Minority with a visit to a Hani Showroom in the village. If you fit enough, you may consider walking through the terraces for about 1-3 hours. The last sight today is the Bada Scenic Area. the sunset here is so amazing as the incessantly changing colors will make you feel that you are in a magical kingdom.

Continue the trip today as you will have a trek to some local villages to capture more spectacular views of the rice terraces. The Hani terraced fields are magnificent and on a large-scale: Azheke, Huangcaoling market. Then head back to Kunming, upon arrival, have a visit to the Green Lake Park, which resembles a beautiful emerald in Kunming. 

After breakfast, roam the Flowers and Birds Market in Kunming's downtown area. This vibrant market offers you a chance to see Kumming in action. This local market is filled not only with flowers and birds but fist and other small animals that many residents take as pets. Then head to visit the famous Taoism temple - Golden Temple. The highlight buildings of this temple are serious of Heavenly Gates, which are highly decorated with painted pillars and carved beams and rafters. 

Afternoon, you will send the rest of the day to explore West Hill and Dragon Gate. It lies along the western shore of Dianchi Lake. It stretches from north to south for about 40 km. The Hills resemble a reclining maiden lying on the banks of Dianchi Lake with her long hair flowing down into the lake.

In the evening, you can return to your hotel to retire or enjoy the Dynamic Yunnan Show - fee on your own. 

Say farewell to your guide and drive this morning as they will pick you up from the hotel to drive to the airport or train station for departure. If you have any special requirements on this tour, please let us know. We are experts in tailor-made trips and ready to assist you in extending your stay in China.