China’s Ethnic Diversity & Natural Beauty
14-Day Journey through Southwest China（Private Tour）
Embark on a 14-day private journey through the soul of Southwest China — a region where dramatic landscapes meet centuries-old minority traditions. From the limestone spires of the Stone Forest to the snow-capped peaks of Shangri-La, and from Bai tie-dye workshops to bamboo rafting in the karst valleys of Yangshuo, this immersive itinerary connects you to the rich ethnic diversity and stunning natural beauty of Yunnan and Guangxi. Ideal for culture lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone eager to explore the authentic side of China, off the beaten path.
📅 Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights
🎯 Ideal For: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, photographers
🚗 Transportation: Private transfers + eco-bus inside the park
🍽 Meals: Daily breakfasts, selected lunches
💼 Highlights: Avatar-style mountains, world’s highest glass bridge, Tianmen Mountain skywalk
Highlights
Itinerary Overview
Our standard itineraries are for reference only — just let us know your preferences in the form, and our travel experts will customize a trip just for you!
Private airport pick-up. Hotel check-in and orientation. Free time to explore Green Lake Park or a local food street.
- Accommodation: 4★ Hotel in Kunming
- Meals: None
Kunming – Stone Forest – High-Speed Train to Dali
Visit UNESCO-listed Stone Forest. Afternoon bullet train to Dali (~2 hrs).
- Dinner: Bai-style welcome meal
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Dali Old Town
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dali Old Town & Bai Culture
Walking tour of Dali Old Town, Three Pagodas, Erhai Lake. Visit Bai village for tie-dye or crafts experience.
- Accommodation: Dali
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive to Shaxi Ancient Town – Countryside Walk
Scenic drive to Shaxi (~2 hrs). Afternoon walk in surrounding villages and fields.
- Dinner: Family-style courtyard meal
- Accommodation: Traditional guesthouse in Shaxi
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lijiang Old Town & Naxi Culture
Drive to Lijiang (~2.5 hrs). Guided tour of UNESCO-listed old town. Naxi music performance or Dongba museum visit.
- Accommodation: Boutique inn in Lijiang Old Town
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Baisha Frescoes
Cable car ride to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Visit Baisha village for frescoes and local lunch.
- Accommodation: Lijiang
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lijiang to Shangri-La via Tiger Leaping Gorge
Scenic drive through Tiger Leaping Gorge. Continue to Shangri-La (~5 hrs total).
- Dinner: Tibetan-style hotpot
- Accommodation: Tibetan-style lodge in Shangri-La
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shangri-La – Songzanlin Monastery & Tibetan Culture
Visit Songzanlin Monastery. Explore Tibetan village and yak pastures. Optional: hike or horse riding in Napa Lake area.
- Accommodation: Shangri-La
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Flight to Guilin – Rest & City Exploration
Morning flight to Guilin (via Kunming or Lijiang). Free time to explore rivers and lakes area.
- Accommodation: 4★ Hotel in Guilin
- Meals: Breakfast
Longji Rice Terraces – Ethnic Village Stay
Drive to Longji (~2.5 hrs). Afternoon hike and sunset view from minority village.
- Dinner: Yao or Zhuang family meal
- Accommodation: Lodge in Longji Village
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning Hike – Transfer to Yangshuo Countryside
Morning hike or cable car. Drive to Yangshuo (~3 hrs). Check-in to countryside retreat.
- Accommodation: Boutique eco-lodge near Yulong River
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Li River & Karst Adventures
Morning bamboo rafting or cycling. Optional: cooking class, tea tasting, or Moon Hill.
- Accommodation: Yangshuo
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
High-Speed Train to Guilin or Guangzhou – Free Time
Free morning. Afternoon train to Guilin or Guangzhou for departure.
- Accommodation: Based on departure city
- Meals: Breakfast
Private airport transfer based on flight time
- Meals: Breakfast
Value-added Services
Where You’ll Stay
Standard Accommodation
You’ll stay in carefully selected 4-star hotels offering a comfortable blend of modern convenience and warm hospitality — perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Upgrade Options
While the standard is twin-sharing rooms in 4-star hotels, you can easily upgrade to single rooms or opt for 5-star hotels or preferred properties to suit your tastes and preferences.
Unique Traditional Stays
In select destinations, enjoy a night or two in charming boutique guesthouses featuring traditional Chinese architecture and local character, for a truly immersive experience.
Tour Testimonials
“This trip was a perfect blend of breathtaking nature and fascinating culture. Visiting the Stone Forest and hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge were unforgettable highlights. Our guide was knowledgeable and made every place come alive with stories about local traditions. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience authentic China!”
— Emma, March 2025
“The Tibetan culture in Shangri-La was a highlight I didn’t expect. The Songzanlin Monastery visit and yak pasture hike gave a deep insight into local life. The whole trip was well-organized, and the hotels were charming and comfortable.”
— Lars, January 2024
“As a photographer, this trip exceeded my expectations. The dramatic landscapes of the Longji Rice Terraces and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain provided endless photo ops. Plus, learning about minority cultures added a meaningful dimension. The guide was patient and very professional.”
— Isabella, May 2024
Photo Highlights
Useful Information
At Travel China, we believe your journey should be as unique as you are. Our itineraries are here to inspire—but every trip can be fully customized to match your interests, pace, and preferences. Simply share your ideas with us through the form, and our travel experts will craft a tailor-made adventure just for you, along with a personalized quote.
All our tours can be adjusted to suit your needs—whether it’s adding destinations, changing pace, or tailoring experiences. Just tell us what you have in mind!
A small deposit of just 10% per person confirms your booking and secures your hotels, tickets, and private transport. The remaining balance is paid upon your arrival in China.
A visa is required for travel to mainland China. We recommend applying at least two months in advance.
Ages 14–70 must apply in person at a Visa Application Center.
Ages 13 and under / 71 and over can apply online.
We’ll provide you with the necessary documents and guidance to make the process smooth and easy.
Comfortable private cars are arranged within cities. For intercity travel, we use China’s efficient high-speed trains or domestic flights. Please note: lighters and aerosols are not allowed on trains or planes.
The local currency is the Renminbi (RMB / CNY / Yuan). We suggest exchanging money before departure. US dollars are also commonly accepted. Credit cards work in most hotels and malls, but small shops may only accept cash. ATMs are widely available.
Hotels may require a credit card or cash deposit upon check-in.
You’ll be warmly greeted by your local guide upon arrival. Throughout your trip, a knowledgeable local guide will accompany you in each city to offer expert insight and support.
We handpick hotels for comfort, location, and character—typically at a 4-star standard. Ratings may differ from international norms, but we inspect all our partner properties regularly to ensure quality. All rooms come with private bathrooms.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. Unlike the western world, Chinese people do not normally pre-heat their plates and food can be presented at a variety of temperatures, which is a typical Chinese way of doing things.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. Bottled water will be available at shops and hotels.
If your visit falls during a major Chinese holiday, such as Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb) or Golden Week (May 1–3 & Oct 1–7), note that transportation may be busier and attractions more crowded. Shops may close temporarily, but scenic sites remain open.
