13 Days China Gold Triangle Tour with Yunnan Discovery

Meals: NA

Nihao, Welcome to Shanghai, one of the world's major centers for finance, business and economics, China's cosmopolitan financial hub, dazzles with its futuristic skyline along the Bund and iconic landmarks.

Upon your arrival in Shanghai, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Shanghai.

The rest of the day will be at your leisure to relax and explore the city. Feel free to ask our travel consultant for suggestions if you'd like to explore the city instead of taking a rest.

Overnight in Shanghai.

Meals: B/L

Upon arrival in the morning, you will be picked up by your local tour guide and escorted to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is your leisure time.

Welcome to Shanghai, one of the world's major centers for finance, business, and economics, China's cosmopolitan financial hub, dazzles with its futuristic skyline along the Bund and iconic landmarks.

Then you’ll start the day of the Shanghai city tour. In the morning, you will visit:

1. Oriental Pearl TV Tower: This iconic tower’s second sphere has a transparent circular corridor. Walk on its glass walkway for thrilling views of the Huangpu River below.
2. Shanghai Historical Development Museum: Located under the tower, it displays 1,300 artifacts tracing Shanghai’s 6,000-year history. Exhibits range from ancient pottery to photos of colonial-era treaty ports.

After enjoying an authentic lunch in a time-honored brand restaurant, you are going on the tour in the afternoon:

1. Huangpu River Cruise: It is one of the best ways to experience both the historic and modern sides of Shanghai. As you sail toward the East China Sea, enjoy stunning views of the Bund’s iconic waterfront and the futuristic skyline of Pudong.
2. The Bund: This waterfront strip has grand European-style buildings from before 1937. Across the river, modern skyscrapers create a stunning skyline contrast.
3. Nanjing Road: Shanghai’s busiest shopping street glows with neon lights and endless stores. Find everything from local snacks to global brands in this lively area.

After the tour, enjoy a comfortable drop-off service at your hotel, marking the end of a wonderful day in Shanghai.

Overnight in Shanghai.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at 8:00 am – 8:30 am to continue your exploration of Shanghai. In the morning, you will visit:

1. Yu Garden: Built 500 years ago in the Ming Dynasty, this classical garden features peaceful ponds and rockeries. Its winding bridges and pavilions offer a quiet escape in the city center.
2. Shanghai Old Town: Traditional shikumen houses and markets blend with modern life here. Explore old streets to see Shanghai’s cultural roots and daily local life.

After enjoying an authentic lunch in a time-honored brand restaurant, you are transferred to the airport to take the flight to Kunming for around 3 hours 45 minutes.

Welcome to Kunming, known as the "Spring City”, it’s the capital and largest city of the province of Yunnan in China, famous for its pleasant weather and beautiful landscapes.

Upon arrival at Kunming, you’ll be transferred to the hotel in Kunming for rest. 

Overnight in Kunming.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at 8:00 am – 8:30 am to start the day of the Kunming tour. In the morning, you will visit the Stone Forest 86km from Kunming downtown.

1. The Stone Forest: It is a breathtaking natural wonder with towering limestone formations that look like a forest of stone. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit attraction near Kunming.

After tasting authentic Yunnan cuisine, you’ll driven to Yunnan Ethnic Village for around 1.5 hours.

Yunnan Ethnic Village displays the culture and traditions of Yunnan’s 26 ethnic groups. You can explore villages of the Yi, Bai, Dai, and others, each featuring traditional architecture and colorful costumes. The village also hosts regular singing and dancing performances, offering an immersive experience of Yunnan’s rich ethnic heritage.

After touring the Village, your tour guide will escort you to the Green Lake Park in Kunming downtown, a beautiful park in the heart of Kunming, known for its peaceful lakes, willow trees, and scenic walkways.

After the tour, your tour guide will escort you to the hotel, and the rest of the time is yours.

Overnight in Kunming.

Meals: B

After breakfast, you’ll take the bullet train from Kunming to Dali for around 2 hours.

Welcome to Dali, a charming ancient town in Yunnan, famous for its traditional Bai architecture, stunning Erhai Lake, and beautiful mountain views. It is a great place to explore history, relax by the lake, and experience local culture.

Upon arrival, you’ll head to visit Erhai Lake along the ecological corridor. Over there, you’ll explore:

1. Erhai Lake: a stunning highland lake in Dali, known for its clear blue waters and beautiful mountain backdrop. You can take a boat ride, cycle along the shore, or enjoy the peaceful scenery.
2. Dali Old Town: a historic town with well-preserved Bai-style architecture, ancient city walls, and lively streets. It is a great place to explore local culture, visit traditional shops, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

After the tour, you’ll be transferred to the hotel for rest. 

Overnight in Dali.

Meals: B

After enjoying breakfast, today you’ll be driven to Lijiang for around 2.5 hours. Welcome to Lijiang! After a short break, you’ll go to explore Lijiang Old Town in a half day.

1. Lijing Old Town: is a UNESCO-listed ancient town known for its cobbled streets, wooden houses, and beautiful canals. It is a great place to experience Naxi culture and enjoy traditional tea houses, shops, and local music.
2. Yuhu Naxi Minority Village: is a peaceful village near Lijiang, where the Naxi people have preserved their traditional way of life. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, it was once the home of explorer Joseph Rock.

After the tour, you’ll be transferred to the hotel. And the rest of the time is yours. 

Overnight in Lijiang.

Meals: B/L

Today’s trip will be a bit longer. After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:30 am, and you will head to Shigu Town. The main highlights of the day are Shigu Town and Tiger Leaping Gorge. The drive from Lijiang Old Town to Shigu Town takes about 1.5 hours.

1. Shigu Town: is a historic town along the Yangtze River, famous for its First Bend, where the river dramatically changes direction. It is rich in history and offers stunning river and mountain views.

After exploring Shigu Town and enjoy an authentic lunch, you will continue by private car to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge for an-hour drive.

The Tiger Leaping Gorge one of the deepest gorges in the world, known for its dramatic cliffs and roaring river. It is a popular hiking destination with breathtaking scenery and thrilling trails. You’ll have a half-day to explore the gorge

After the tour, you’ll transfer to the hotel in Lijiang for around 2 hours. The rest of the time is for you to recover and enjoy the last day in Lijiang.

Overnight in Lijiang.

Meals: B

Enjoy breakfast and spend some free time in Lijiang before transferring to Lijiang Airport for your flight to Xi’an. The flight takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Welcome to Xi’an, one of China’s oldest cities and was the capital of several ancient dynasties. As the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an has a rich blend of history, architecture, and traditions waiting to be explored.

Upon arrival in Xi’an, you’ll be escorted to the hotel in Xi’an, and the rest of the time is yours. Feel free to ask our travel consultant for suggestions if you'd like to explore the city instead of taking a rest.

Overnight in Xian.

Meals: B/L/D

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at 8:00 am – 8:30 am to start the day of the Xi’an city tour. In the morning, you will visit one of the greatest man-made wonders in the world: The Terracotta Warriors and Horses.

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xi’an is a famous ancient site with thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots. Built over 2,000 years ago, they were buried to guard China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. This incredible archaeological discovery is a must-visit to learn about China’s rich history and culture.

After enjoying an authentic Xi’an lunch in the Muslim Quarter, known for its delicious street food, bustling markets, and rich cultural heritage, you are going on a tour in the afternoon.

1. Bell Tower of Xi’an: a symbol of Xi’an, it’s a famous ancient architecture in the heart of Xi’an city, built during the Ming Dynasty. With over 600 years of history, it is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient bell towers in China.
2. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: built in the Tang Dynasty to store sacred scriptures from India. This ancient pagoda is an important cultural site, known for its elegant design and connection to the famous monk Xuanzang.
3. Daci’en Temple: best known as the home of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It was built during the Tang Dynasty and plays an important role in learning about Chinese Buddhism and history.

You’ll go to enjoy an authentic Xi’an dinner in a time-honored brand restaurant, and then head to Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City for a fabulous night view of Xi’an.

1. Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City: it is a lively cultural street in Xi’an, showcasing the glory of the Tang Dynasty with stunning light displays and performances.

You will finish the trip around 8:30 pm. Then, you will be escorted to the hotel for a good rest.

Overnight in Xi'an.

Meals: B

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the Xi'an Railway Station and check in with your guide for the high-speed train to Beijing. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you travel at 300 km/h for about 5 hours. 

Upon arrival at Beijing West Railway Station, you'll be escorted to the Summer Palace for a visit.

The Summer Palace is a beautiful royal garden known for its lakes, pavilions, and ancient temples. Once a retreat for Chinese emperors, it offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. You can enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake or explore the Long Corridor with its colorful paintings.

After the Summer Palace visit, head to the hotel in Beijing for check in. The rest of the time is yours to explore the city freely.

Overnight in Beijing.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at 8:00 am – 8:30 am to start the day of the Beijing city tour. In the morning, you will visit:

1. Tiananmen Square: One of the largest public squares in the world. It is a historic and cultural landmark in the heart of Beijing. Surrounded by the Forbidden City and the Great Hall of the People, it is a must-visit destination to experience China’s rich history and political significance.
2. Forbidden City: The highlight of the day. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Forbidden City is a grand imperial palace that served as the home of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years. It’s the most famous palace in all of Chinese history. With its stunning architecture and vast courtyards, it offers a glimpse into China’s royal history and culture.

After enjoying an authentic Beijing roast duck lunch in a time-honored brand restaurant, you are going on a tour in the afternoon.

1. Temple of Heaven: a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture, is a sacred site where emperors once held ceremonies to pray for good harvests.
2. Kung Fu Show: an exciting performance that combines martial arts, acrobatics, and storytelling. It showcases the strength, skill, and beauty of traditional Chinese Kung Fu in a dramatic stage production.

You will finish the trip after the show ends. Then, you will be escorted to the hotel for a good rest. 

Overnight in Beijing.

Meals: B/L

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:00 am – 8:30 am. The day begins with climbing the Mutianyu Great Wall. It’s a highlight of your 4-day Beijing tour. You’ll visit:

1. Mutianyu Great Wall: It is a well-preserved section of the Great Wall of China, known for its stunning scenery and fewer crowds. It offers an easy way to explore ancient history with cable cars and scenic hiking trails.

Lunch will be served in Beijing downtown. When you drive back, you could stop at the Bird’s Nest to take a photo. After a short rest, you’ll continue on your half-day tour of the cultural Hutong.

1. Hutong Tour by Rickshaw: It is a great way to explore Beijing’s traditional alleyways and old courtyard homes. It offers a close look at local life, history, and culture in a fun and relaxing ride.
2. Hutong Family Visit: Visit a local family living in Hutong lets you experience traditional Beijing Hutong life. You could learn about their daily routines, history, and culture up close.

After the tour, your tour guide will escort you to the hotel, and the rest of the time is yours.

Overnight in Beijing.

Meals: B

After breakfast, enjoy your free time until you’re transferred to the Beijing airport/train station for the flight to your next destination.

Tour service ends here.

Hope you enjoyed a great trip with us and we look forward to seeing you next time.

Note: If you’re planning to explore Indochina region, like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, please never hesitate to tell us, we’re tour experts for all of these destinations.