Arrive Harbin                                                               [L]

Take a morning flight to Harbin where your guide is waiting to greet you. Upon arrival, you are whisked away for the start of your adventure in North-East China. Stop for lunch before settling into your hotel.

In the late afternoon, prepare to be captivated at the Ice and Snow World. This unique and wondrous spectacle is the largest of its kind in the world, featuring ice sculptures adorned with enchanting lights. The dazzling masterpieces are illuminated until 9.30pm and the visit takes about one to two hours. Following this magical excursion, enjoy dinner at your own leisure.

Harbin                                                                          [B,L]

After breakfast, you are transported to the enchanting Snow Sculpture Art Expo, a two- to two-and-a-half-hour experience. Unlike the enchanting ice sculptures that dazzle at night, these snow sculptures reveal their captivating beauty in the radiant daylight.

In the afternoon, embark on a visit to the Siberian Tiger Park, a three-hour exploration located in the northern reaches of the city. Home to over 800 Siberian tigers and various endangered species, this park is a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving and nurturing the Siberian tiger population.

As the day transitions into evening, wander at your own pace along the historic Central Street. Take in the architectural splendour of the exterior of St. Sophia Church in downtown Harbin. Once the largest Russian Orthodox church in the region, the structure now serves as an arts and architectural museum that offers a window into Harbin’s rich history.

Harbin                                                                          [B]

After breakfast visit the Songhuajiang Ice Carnival, an annual winter wonderland in Harbin. This enchanting event transforms the frozen Songhua River into a sprawling ice sculpture extravaganza, featuring towering ice castles, intricate sculptures, and vibrant light displays. As part of the larger Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, visitors can enjoy ice activities and snow sports.

Transfer to the airport for your next destination or flight home.

Lijiang                                                                         [D]

Arrive in Lijiang. Your guide and driver are waiting to pick you up from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. Check in and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Lijiang to Tacheng                                                       [B,L,D]

After breakfast, visit the Wenfeng Temple, one of The Five Famous Temples of Lijiang and the highest institution at an elevation of 4,465m. It is the only temple in northwest Yunnan where monks can stay for over three years to engage in intense meditation. After visiting the main temple, we take a stone path or drive to the mediation cave located in the mountain above. Once we reach the top of the mountain, you can overlook the Lijiang dam to the east, the Beacon Hill and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the north resulting in a spectacular panoramic view.

In the afternoon, depart for Tacheng. The journey takes you past the first bend of the Yangtze River and includes a visit to Shi Gu Village on the way. Continue along the valley of the Yangtze River and arrive in Tacheng in the afternoon. Relax and take in the sights of the beautiful rice and flower fields and the surrounding ancient village.

Tacheng                                                                      [B,L,D]

After breakfast, visit the Dharma Cave and take a walk along the road of pilgrimage (30-minute drive).

Visit Hada Village in the afternoon to learn how to make soy milk and tofu with a local family in their courtyard.

Tacheng to Cizhong                                        [B,L,D]

Today, we visit the Yunnan Golden Monkey national park. The hike in the nature reserve takes about 1-2 hours. After the walk, we take a four-hour drive towards Cizhong along the scenic upper Mekong River. Lunch at a local restaurant or a simple lunch box is provided along the way.

Arrive in Cizhong in the afternoon and explore the nearby Catholic Church. Guests may choose to join the mass service if visiting on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday evening.

Cizhong to Meili                                              [B,L,D]

After breakfast, depart for Meili, stopping on the way at Qudengge, where local people get the “key” to worship Mount Kawagebo. The drive to the village takes about one and a half hours. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding village and visit a local family to learn how to print Tibetan prayer flags.

Meili                                                                [B,L,D]

Begin the day with sunrise vistas at Mount Kawagebo. Experience a small ceremony on the mountain using the prayer flags that were printed yesterday.

Later, hike to Mingyong Snow Mountain. The journey takes about 4-6 hours and includes a simple lunch in a scenic spot along the way. Return to the hotel for an afternoon of relaxation.

Meili to Shangri-La                                                   [B,L,D]

Experience another morning sunrise over Mount Kawagebo. After breakfast, depart for Shangri-La and visit the Balagezong valley on the way. This area is much admired for its ancient and mysterious landscapes, including the village of Bala which is home to hospitable villagers, sacred snow-capped mountains, a plank road over the Gangqu River and steep gorges such as the Grand Canyon of Shangri-La. Isolated from the outside world, this scene of pure wonder seems to have been waiting for visitors to uncover its unparalleled beauty and the rich Tibetan culture that surrounds it.

Enjoy a hotpot lunch featuring local flavours such as Nixi chicken. Then continue to Shangri-La and check in at the hotel.

Shangri-La to Kunming                                                            [B,L,D]

After breakfast, visit the Napa Lake, which is both an ideal field for herdsmen and a paradise for many species of birds. Every winter the lake turns into a temporary habitat for migratory birds, such as bar-headed geese, wild ducks and black-necked cranes, which is one of the twelve rarest bird species in the world. During this period, the lake becomes an ideal place for birdwatchers and nature-oriented travellers from around the world.

Built in 1679, Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan province and is sometimes referred to as the ‘Little Potala Palace’. It belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism of the Gelukpa order of the Dalai Lama. At its peak, the monastery contained accommodation for up to 2,000 monks but now currently houses 700 monks in 200 associated residences. Being a traditional centre of Tibetan culture, this spiritual sanctuary has also earned a reputation as being a ‘Tibetan Art Museum’.

In the evening, take a flight to Kunming and check in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

Kunming to Luang Prabang                                                     [B]

Continue on your journey and take the high-speed train to Luang Prabang.

Arrive  Xishuangbanna                                                                         [D]

The journey begins in Xishuangbanna, an autonomous prefecture in China’s southwestern Yunnan province. Situated near the border of Myanmar and Laos, this remote region is home to scenic rainforests, mountains and ethnic communities who engage in centuries-old customs and traditions. You are greeted on arrival in Xishuangbanna and transferred to your hotel.

Xishuangbanna – Jingmai Mountain                                                              [B,L,D]

Start the day with a thrilling encounter with elephants! Your journey begins with a transfer to the enchanting Wild Elephant Valley, nestled 30 kilometres away, accessible by a picturesque 40-minute drive. This pristine sanctuary is celebrated for its ancient tropical rainforest and the presence of Asia’s majestic wild elephants. In the heart of Xishuangbanna’s lush rainforests, the Wild Elephant Valley stands as the exclusive haven where these magnificent creatures frequently grace us with their presence. Following this unforgettable experience, we will seamlessly transition to the captivating Jingmai Mountain, a 160-kilometre journey that unfolds over roughly three hours. Here, you will have the privilege of visiting the Bulang ethnic minority village. For generations, the Bulang people have lovingly tended to tea trees, with their ancestors earning the revered title of ‘Tea Ancestors’ among the Bulang and neighbouring minority communities.

Optional tour with dinner: Enjoy Luhu Minority cuisine along with a live music show

The Lahu minority village, situated just 25 kilometres from Jingmai Mountain and accessible via a scenic 40-minute drive, is celebrated for its vibrant musical heritage. It is truly captivating to experience that tradition in this remote mountain village of Yunnan where a remarkable 80% of its residents are skilled guitarists who also practice Christianity. During this visit, you will have the opportunity to immerse in Lahu culture, savouring their delectable cuisine while being serenaded by a live musical performance.

Jingmai Mountain – Xishuangbanna                                                      [B,L,D]

Begin your day with a captivating morning hike through the age-old tea plantation forest, immersing yourself in the history of the venerable tea trees. In the afternoon, your journey will take you to the opposite side of the mountain, where you’ll have the privilege of visiting a traditional Dai village. For centuries, the Dai people have thrived in harmony alongside the Bulang community, preserving their timeless way of life. As the late afternoon approaches, transfer back to Xishuangbanna, where you can indulge in the enchanting atmosphere of the night market, free to explore its bustling delights.

Depart Xishuangbanna                                                           [B]

For the final day, begin your morning with a visit to Manting Park, once an imperial sanctuary of the Dai Kingdom and now a vibrant hub for numerous minority events, including the exhilarating Water Splashing Festival. Following this cultural exploration, continue your journey to the serene Zongfo Temple, an exquisite Thai-style Buddhist sanctuary. Around noon, we’ll arrange your transfer to the airport for your next destination or homeward-bound flight.

After a warm welcome from the guide and driver at the meeting point, you start the evening watching a thrilling show from the Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe. Witness talented artists who have won countless medals and awards for their acrobatic skills. The show combines trapeze acts, balancing feats, aerial stunts and motorcycle stunt show and will keep you glued to your chair from the start to the finish.

You will then venture out into the night to experience the sights and sounds of Shanghai. View the beautiful colonial and art deco buildings along the Bund, the waterfront promenade which runs alongside the Huangpu River. On the other side of the river, marvel at the sleek skyscrapers on Pudong. Illuminated at night, they create an impressive backdrop for photographs.

The evening ends at Xintiandi, an entertainment area filled with bars, restaurants and boutiques. Nightlife with a Chinese touch goes on here until the late hours and you will have the opportunity to stay and savour the atmosphere. You can opt to return back on the transfer, or stay to experience the nightlife and make your own way back to the hotel.

In the morning, the driver and guide will collect you from the hotel for the one-hour drive to Shilin county. En route, you can admire the landscape and get a quick glimpse into the local life.

The Kunming Stone Forest is a bizarre and magical place where striking limestone pillars rise up amongst lakes, ponds, forests, caves, underground rivers and waterfalls, to create a unique landscape. Walking through the labyrinth of tightly-packed, natural stone formations will confirm that you are among something remarkable.

You will explore the area by following a series of winding paths, leading from one breathtaking vista to the next. As befits such an enchanted landscape, the region comes with its own fables. According to the Yi people, the forest was the birthplace of a beautiful girl called Ashima who was forbidden to marry her true love and so she chose instead to turn into a stone pillar in the forest. There is even a rock within the forest said to be that of Ashima – it resembles a young girl with a scarf on her head and a basket on her back.

After wandering through these intricate formations, sit and relax over lunch in a local restaurant near the Stone Forest. At the end of the meal, the driver will take you back to the hotel in Kunming.

After an early start in the morning, you head out to the suburbs to admire the Western Hills, one of the region’s most mesmerising views. From a distance this mountain range covered in wild flowers and dense forest resembles a sleeping Buddha and has earned the nickname ‘sleeping Buddha hills’. The guide and driver will take you to Dragon Gate, the steepest spot in the Western Hills. The temple seems to almost hang off the side of a steep cliff and it is accessed by a winding staircase and through a stone archway. From here there are spectacular views over the shimmering Dianchi Lake and the expansive valley.

Nearby is Qiongzhu Temple, also known as Bamboo Temple, this is believed to date back to the Tang Dynasty. Tucked away up a mountain road, it is the first temple dedicated to Zen Buddhism in Yunnan. Inside there are many lifelike statues of Buddha and various animals. The guide will be happy to relate some of the myths and stories that surround the Bamboo Temple.

After lunch in a local restaurant, you will make your way back to Kunming to visit the renowned Golden Temple. This Taoist shrine is located on top of Mingfeng Hill in a park-like environment of pines and cypress trees. The temple is not actually made of gold, but from pure bronze – over 200 tonnes! Climb the steps that lead up to the temple. The walls have been made with cast panels covered with exquisite designs and these are well-preserved examples of the smelting and casting techniques common in Yunnan during the Qing Dynasty. Don’t leave without seeing the beautiful statue of the Guanyin Bodhisattva and the 14-tonne bronze bell.

After exploring the temple, the driver will take you back to the hotel.

After being collected from the hotel by the guide and driver, you will head to Shanghai Tower. This iconic skyscraper boasts several unique architectural features such as a curved, spiral form that completes a 120-degree twist, thereby lessening wind loads on the building by 24 per cent and allowing the structure to withstand the force of typhoon winds. The ear-popping lifts are some of the fastest in the world.

A visit would not be complete without a climb to the ‘Top of Shanghai’ on the 118th floor – the world’s highest indoor observation deck. From this sky-high location, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the Huangpu River and the sprawling city below, a densely packed mass of streets and high-rise buildings.

Then head down to the 37th floor to visit the Guanfu Museum which has five galleries filled with Chinese antiquities. You can enjoy browsing the 500-plus artefacts, including Buddhist art, furniture, silk and an impressive ceramic collection dating back to the Song Dynasty. Also on this floor, you can stroll through the highest indoor Chinese-style garden in the world.

At the end of the tour, the driver will take you back to your hotel.

The guide and driver will collect you from the hotel and take you to the ancient Wenshu Monastery. Located in a lovely garden in the heart of the city, this monastery is still an active religious site. You can watch monks go about their daily lives and see the typical traditions and customs that take place. You will discover many different structures such as halls, pavilions, pagodas and statues, as well as the original temple which dates back to the Sui dynasty. There will also be time to explore the adjoining bazaar.

The religious exploration continues at the Wuhou Temple. This temple honours several famous historical figures, namely legendary military strategist, Zhuge Liang, and Emperor Liu Bei, whose tomb is located next to the temple. The entire complex is framed by cypress trees and a museum was set up in 1984 to house cultural relics.

Next, you will take a walk down adjoining Jinli Street, Chengdu’s oldest shopping street. It can be traced back to the Three Kingdoms period, over 1,800 years ago. A stroll along the historic lanes passing by old official residences, inns and shops will take you back to the days of ancient China. The elegant style of the architecture gives you an idea of what Sichuan looked like during the Qing Dynasty.

You can get a taste of authentic Chengdu flavours by trying local snacks and specialties from street food stalls while watching talented street entertainers.

At the end of the tour, the driver will take you back to the hotel.

In the later afternoon, the guide and driver will collect you from the hotel. The first visit of the evening is to Hongya Cave located in the riverside area where the Yangtze River and the Jialing River converge. The name is misleading as it is not actually a cave – but a military fortress that dates back over 2,300 years. The site is now home to a large complex of stilt houses called Hongyadong. These unique, 11-storey buildings, built alongside a steep cliff on the bank of the river, are an excellent example of Bayu architecture. This is a vibrant place full of bars and restaurants that is beautifully illuminated at night.

Next, you will board a boat for a cruise along the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. Sit back and relax and take in views of the glittering riverbank, the city skyline and the old and new architecture.

At the end of the tour, the driver will take you back to the hotel.

For even more views, there is the option to go to Pipa Mountain Park, or the well-known sightseeing spot, Yi Ke Shu, on the top of South Mountain.

A team of passionate foodies welcomes you at around 6 pm at your central meeting point in Xi’an (transfers from and to your accommodation is not included). The excitement starts from the moment you board onto your private tuk-tuk for a night out of town, diving deep into what Xi’an has been cooking. A maximum of 2 guests per tuk-tuk is permitted; parties exceeding 2 clients will be spread over multiple tuk-tuks.

Food is almost a religion in China, and Xi’an forms no exception. A family matter of great importance, cherished recipes are transferred over from generation to generation to keep their unique flavours and stories preserved. During this 3-hour evening tour, a plethora of dishes will fill the evening, washed away with local drinks.

One can expect to savour up to 10 different snacks, dishes and gastronomical highlights of the Xi’an kind while being tuk tuk’ed effortlessly through the streets and alleys of frantic Xi’an. Each dish comes with its own story, often loaded with secrecy on how it found its way to the people, and your guide eagerly translates the stories told by the local families you. Aside from enjoying what’s on the menu at various street stalls, your guide will take you to 4 restaurants, known by the Xi’an residents as culinary institutions and protectors of the city’s gastronomical allure.

At the end of the evening, a small brewery marks the end of a tuk-tuk journey. To round off this unique culinary trail that supports the local community, a cold freshly tapped brew marks the perfect end of an in-depth motorized wander through Xi’an’s food culture. With a kaleidoscope of impressions and a full stomach, the tuk-tuk ride back to the meeting point marks the end of an exciting night tour through this mesmerizing metropolis.