7-Nights China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming - Classic from $1,229

G Adventures

OFFER ID 1569211

China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming
Exploring all of China’s ancient wonders could take a lifetime, but on this eight-day adventure, you’ll uncover some of its best-kept secrets in no time. Skip the usual tourist spots and dive into the magic of lesser-known gems like Chengdu’s Tian'fu Square, Lijiang's Black Dragon Pool, and the ancient towns of Shaxi and Dali. Led by a rockstar local CEO, this trip gives you an insider’s view of the country’s rich history and culture. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through China's hidden treasures.

Highlights
People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu, Lijiang Old Town Visit, Black Dragon Pool Park, Shaxi Walking Tour, Dali Old Town, Dali Xizhou Old Town walking tour.

Accommodation
Hotel (7nts)

Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout

Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 14

Meals Included
1 dinner

What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu. Lijiang Old Town Visit. Black Dragon Pool Park. Shaxi Walking Tour. Dali Old Town., Dali Xizhou Old Town walking tour. Transport to and from included activities

7 nights from $1,229 per person

Valid on new bookings between Now – December 4, 2026 for travel from Now – August 31, 2027. Saving tiers range from 10%, 15%, 25%, and 30% on select departures.

*Promotion cannot be combined with any other promotions. Subject to availability and airline booking guidelines. Other restrictions may apply. Ask your Travel Advisor for more information.

Itinerary

Click here for Full Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

G Adventures: China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming

Day 1: Chengdu
Welcome to China! Arrive at the starting hotel by 1:00 pm and join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting. Then head out to visit the People's Park & Tianfu Square then opt to join your group for an optional dinner together.

Day 2: Chengdu/Lijiang
Spend the morning free in Chengdu. Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center, visit the Wenshu Monastery or Kuanzhai Alley. Take an afternoon flight from Chengdu to Lijiang.

Day 3: Lijiang
After a morning orientation walk of Lijiang, visit the the Black dragon Pool and the spectacular views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain above the marble bridge. Upon finishing the tour, opt to head to Lijiang Old town to and explore the must see spots like The Giant Water Wheel, Wangu Tower and Lion Hill. Then enjoy a free evening. Opt to visit the Mufu Museum or grab dinner with your group.

Day 4: Lijiang/Shaxi
Drive to Shaxi Old Town first thing this morning and head out for a walking tour of this ancient, medieval town full of Buddhist culture. Visit the iconic spots of the town like the Old Market Square, the Old Theater, and Yujin Bridge. This afternoon, enjoy free time in this beautiful town. Opt to visit the Xingjiao Temple or the Ouyang Courtyard.

Day 5: Shaxi/Dali
We head to the next town this morning, the thousand year old village of Xizhou Old Town. Explore the well preserved architecture with a tour led by your CEO. Then after a bit of free time in Xizhou, drive to Dali. Head out for an orientation walk and to Dali Old Town. Join your group and CEO for dinner together at a local restaurant. On the way back to the hotel, admire the lanterns that light up this beautiful town at night.

Day 6: Dali
This beautiful lakeside town is yours to do as you wish today! Opt to explore the Old Town, cycle around Dali town or Lake Erhai. Maybe visit the National Geological park of Cangshan Mountain on a hike or on the cable car. A local favorite is the Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple or you could learn the art of traditional Tie-Dying by the local Bai people. With so many options, the choice is yours!

Day 7: Dali/Kunming
Together we'll catch a morning train to Kunming, known as one of China's best natural phenomenons with all its waterfalls, lakes and karst formations. After an orientation walk of the town, opt to head to lunch to try the famous local rice noodle dish. This afternoon, visit the jaw dropping Kunming Flower Market. Then head to the Green Lake (Cuihu) Park where not only will you see your first glimpse of this karst mountain, lake filled town, but you'll also witness locals dancing, singing and playing instruments during their leisure time.

Day 8: Kunming
Depart at any time.

Featured Destinations

Shaxi (Shaxizhen)

Kunming

Located 400 mi/645 km south of Chengdu at an elevation of 6,200 ft/1,900 m, Kunming, the "city of eternal springs," is surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery. It's a pleasant, well-laid-out city, with a temperate climate and many gardens and lakes. The city was a base for the Flying Tigers during the early stages of World War II. It also played a key role in the Sino-Japanese War as the end point of the Burma Road.

Kunming also has a number of golf courses. China's burgeoning middle class is enthusiastically taking to the sport of golf, and greens are being built around the city. The Lakeview Country Club course was designed by British golf pro Nick Faldo.

Kunming is home to many of China's ethnic minorities—tribal people—who consider themselves distinctly different from China's predominant ethnic group, the Han. The city is also intriguing because some of the neighborhoods escaped the ugly 1950s Chinese modern architecture that characterizes most cities in the rest of the country, although given Kunming's rapid growth and ongoing construction this may not always be the case.

Things to see in Kunming include an interesting market, some ruined pagodas, the Yuantong Temple (a glorious building set on Green Lake) and stores selling tribal handicrafts.

Perhaps the best thing about Kunming, however, is that its traditional Chinese teahouses have survived. Tucked into side streets, they serve as neighborhood centers where older citizens play games and smoke the afternoon away—visitors are welcome.

There are many lakes and old temples outside the city that make fun destinations for day trips. Most notable are the Huating Temple in the Western Hills (built in the 1300s) and the 300-year-old Golden Temple (bronze-covered pillars, roofs and gates), linked by cable car to the World Horticultural Expo Garden.

Another attraction in the vicinity is the Shilin Stone Forest of Lunan county. These oddly shaped rock formations are actually better seen during an overnight stay rather than a day trip because they're about 75 mi/125 km southeast of town, although a highway makes a day trip possible.

Well-connected by road and rail, as well as the Kunming Airport, Kunming makes an excellent hub from which to explore the Yunnan province. The metro system, comprised of six lines, is a great way of getting around.

Dali

Lijiang

Chengdu

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

11/20/2026 - 11/27/2026

from $1,229 per person

12/04/2026 - 12/11/2026

from $1,229 per person

01/15/2027 - 01/22/2027

from $1,229 per person

01/29/2027 - 02/05/2027

from $1,229 per person

03/05/2027 - 03/12/2027

from $1,229 per person

03/12/2027 - 03/19/2027

from $1,229 per person

03/19/2027 - 03/26/2027

from $1,229 per person

04/02/2027 - 04/09/2027

from $1,229 per person

04/16/2027 - 04/23/2027

from $1,229 per person

05/16/2027 - 05/23/2027

from $1,229 per person

05/21/2027 - 05/28/2027

from $1,229 per person

06/04/2027 - 06/11/2027

from $1,229 per person

06/18/2027 - 06/25/2027

from $1,229 per person

07/02/2027 - 07/09/2027

from $1,229 per person

07/09/2027 - 07/16/2027

from $1,229 per person

07/16/2027 - 07/23/2027

from $1,229 per person

08/08/2027 - 08/15/2027

from $1,229 per person

08/20/2027 - 08/27/2027

from $1,229 per person

09/03/2027 - 09/10/2027

from $1,229 per person

09/17/2027 - 09/24/2027

from $1,229 per person

10/15/2027 - 10/22/2027

from $1,229 per person

10/22/2027 - 10/29/2027

from $1,229 per person

10/29/2027 - 11/05/2027

from $1,229 per person

11/05/2027 - 11/12/2027

from $1,229 per person

11/12/2027 - 11/19/2027

from $1,229 per person

11/19/2027 - 11/26/2027

from $1,229 per person

12/03/2027 - 12/10/2027

from $1,229 per person

12/24/2027 - 12/31/2027

from $1,229 per person

12/31/2027 - 01/07/2028

from $1,229 per person

01/14/2028 - 01/21/2028

from $1,229 per person

01/21/2028 - 01/28/2028

from $1,229 per person

02/25/2028 - 03/03/2028

from $1,229 per person

03/03/2028 - 03/10/2028

from $1,229 per person

03/10/2028 - 03/17/2028

from $1,229 per person

03/17/2028 - 03/24/2028

from $1,229 per person

03/31/2028 - 04/07/2028

from $1,229 per person

04/14/2028 - 04/21/2028

from $1,229 per person

05/14/2028 - 05/21/2028

from $1,229 per person

05/19/2028 - 05/26/2028

from $1,229 per person

06/02/2028 - 06/09/2028

from $1,229 per person

06/16/2028 - 06/23/2028

from $1,229 per person

06/30/2028 - 07/07/2028

from $1,229 per person

07/07/2028 - 07/14/2028

from $1,229 per person

07/14/2028 - 07/21/2028

from $1,229 per person

08/06/2028 - 08/13/2028

from $1,229 per person

08/18/2028 - 08/25/2028

from $1,229 per person

09/01/2028 - 09/08/2028

from $1,229 per person

09/15/2028 - 09/22/2028

from $1,229 per person

10/20/2028 - 10/27/2028

from $1,229 per person

10/27/2028 - 11/03/2028

from $1,229 per person

11/03/2028 - 11/10/2028

from $1,229 per person

11/10/2028 - 11/17/2028

from $1,229 per person

11/17/2028 - 11/24/2028

from $1,229 per person

11/24/2028 - 12/01/2028

from $1,229 per person

12/01/2028 - 12/08/2028

from $1,229 per person

12/22/2028 - 12/29/2028

from $1,229 per person

12/29/2028 - 01/05/2029

from $1,229 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $1,229 per person

Length

7 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Moderate

Remarks

Pricing is per person, land only, in US dollars and based on double occupancy. For specific validity dates, discount amount and tour information, please return to the promotion in question. Promotion valid on G Adventures small group tours excluding Independent, MS Expedition or National Geographic Journeys, unless otherwise stated. Promotion applicable to new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Does not apply to airfare (unless otherwise stated), pre-/post-accommodation, 'My Own Room' or 'My Own Tent', transfers, theme packs, insurance, polar kayaking & camping excursions or other in-country services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time. Itinerary and map subject to change.

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1569211

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7-Nights China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming - Classic from $1,229

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