Day 1 Various locations → → Kunming ★ Assembly day
All day
Tourists from all over the world will check in at their Kunming hotels (submit "China-TravelNote + your name" when checking in). This will be a day of free time. (Unlike typical tour groups that often book hotels far from the city center for added convenience, China-TravelNote has specially arranged a meeting point hotel close to the heart of Kunming for easy travel.) Stroll through the streets of Kunming, soak up the warm sunshine unique to the City of Spring, and explore the city's history on a city walk. Please be safe during this free time!
Day 2 Kunming → Fuxian Lake
·morning
Opening the back garden of Spring City, the vast blue waters of Fuxian Lake
After breakfast, we'll set off by car. Less than two hours later, we'll reach the beautiful plateau lake Fuxian Lake (China's largest freshwater lake by volume, boasting pristine, crystal-clear waters, rippling with the plateau breeze). We'll first visit the Luchong Scenic Area. Friends in Kunming say you haven't been to Fuxian Lake if you haven't visited Luchong. We'll stroll along the beach and climb Bijia Mountain for a panoramic view of Fuxian Lake. (Bijia Mountain has gentle steps, and the hike to the summit takes about 20 minutes, making it a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all ages.) We'll have some free time for lunch in the scenic area (we highly recommend the copper pot fish and copper pot potato rice).
·afternoon
Afternoon tea with lake view and 180° panoramic view of the lake, sailing out of the lake to see the lake from a different angle
In the afternoon, we'll enjoy afternoon tea at a secret location (China-TravelNote Deep Dive) overlooking Fuxian Lake. The azure waters of the lake unfold before us, and the East Coast Highway hangs high above the mountain. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Then, we'll drive to the east shore and begin our lake circuit. The Time Plank Road stretches over the water, shimmering like ripples on the reeds. Find a spot you like to stop and take photos. After a short walk, we'll reach the Fuxian Lake Sailing Base. Thanks to its excellent water quality, Fuxian Lake has become a popular destination for many water and underwater sports. Take a non-powered sailboat for a more intimate perspective on the lake.
[Special Note] If the weather conditions are bad on the day (strong wind, rain, etc.), the Fuxian Lake sailing experience will not be available and the fee will be refunded.
Live in the middle of the mountain and watch the sunset over Fuxian Lake
Stay in a B&B halfway up the mountain at the right time, overlooking Fuxian Lake and waiting for the sunset.
Day 3 Fuxian Lake → Ailao Mountain
·morning
First sight of Nan'en Waterfall, entering the quiet Ailao Mountains
After breakfast, we will depart for Ailao Mountain, passing Nan'en Waterfall on the way. From a distance, the waterfall looks like a giant white dragon rushing down from the mountain. As we approach the waterfall, the majestic momentum and the deafening roar make us feel the infinite power of nature.
·afternoon
Explore the "Yunnan Insect Valley" at Jinshan Primeval Forest Park and uncover the mysteries of Ailao Mountain
While ensuring safety, we ventured deep into the primeval forest, checking in on the internet-famous monkeys and the primeval forest stone tablet. Here, moss permeates every corner of the mountain, offering breathtaking views of the misty forest, towering ancient trees, lush vines, and rich moss. It felt like a real-life version of the Wizard of Oz and a natural oxygen bar.
Hiking in Shimen Gorge, winding paths lead to the secluded Ailao Mountains
Shimen Gorge is located in Jiasa Town, Xinping County, Yuxi City, nestled deep in the eastern slopes of Mount Ailao. It's named "Shimen Gorge" for the five stone gates naturally found within the gorge. Next, head to Shimen Gorge for a hike, following the stream into the area and returning the same way. The hike is approximately 5 kilometers long, with numerous mountain paths offering a natural mix of cliffs, pristine forests, and waterfalls and streams. The streams are crystal clear, so this route is perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Day 4 Ailao Mountain → Yuanyang
·morning
Sunrise over the sea of clouds at Ailao Mountain, the warm sunshine and the stunning clouds hitting the shore
Get up early today and go to the Cloud Sea Sunrise Observation Deck after breakfast. Look out to the east, enjoy the broad view, and wait for a magnificent sunrise over the sea of clouds.
Warm reminder: The weather in Ailao Mountain is changeable. Sometimes you cannot see the sunrise over the sea of clouds due to weather reasons or other force majeure factors. If you can see it, you are lucky. If you can't, please treat it with a normal mind!
Red River Dry Valley, the Kingdom of Tropical Fruits
We will then depart for Yuanyang, stopping at the Yuanjiang Fruit Market. Yuanjiang boasts a typical dry-hot valley climate, abundant heat, where tropical fruits like sugar apples, mangoes, jackfruit, and dragon fruit thrive. We'll explore the Yuanjiang tropical fruit market and experience the wonders of tropical fruits right where they originate.
·afternoon
Ailao Mountain 3D Sculptures and Bada Rice Terraces Waiting for the Sunset
Depart for Yuanyang at the right time. Along the way, you'll encounter a dazzling array of tropical fruit stalls and banana groves undergoing harvest. After a short rest, we'll ascend the winding mountain road to the Ailao Mountains. Upon entering the Yuanyang Scenic Area, check in (depending on your arrival time) and head to Bada for sunset. As the sun sets, filling the sky with crimson clouds, standing in Bada, you'll see the terraced fields, carved by the Hani people for millennia into the Ailao Mountains, stretching far below. The mirror-like surfaces reflect the sunset, casting a warm golden hue, highlighting the graceful curves. One cannot help but marvel at the uncanny craftsmanship of man and nature.
Day 5 Yuanyang → Jianshui
·morning
Go early to watch the sunrise and the shadows of the clouds and sky at the Duoyishu Terraces
Before the sun comes out, we set off for the Duoyishu Rice Terraces, a great place to watch the sunrise in Yuanyang, and also the highlight. Pugao Old Village, the colorful clouds, sea of clouds, terraces, villages, morning mist, the poetic and majestic scenery are all in sight.
Visit the old Hani village of Azheke and hike through the terraced fields
Then we will visit the Hani village [Azheke] in the terraced fields. This is the filming location of "Ask the East and the West", with its original Hani mushroom houses. The village is pristine and peaceful, with simple folk customs, a strong local flavor, and rich cultural heritage. Here, you will hear the interpretation of Hani culture and experience the Hani people's straw weaving and cloth dyeing. Finally, there will be a light hike in the terraced fields:
1. Dyeing cloth (activity time: 30 minutes)
2. Straw weaving (activity time: 30 minutes)
3. Azheke Village Hani Customs Tour (Duration: 60 minutes)
4. Terraced Fields Hiking (Activity Time: 60 minutes)
·afternoon
Jianshui local experience, intangible cultural heritage purple pottery intaglio and yang filling
Depart for Jianshui at the right time. Upon arrival, we'll first visit a purple pottery studio. Jianshui purple pottery is renowned as one of China's four great potteries. Its most important and artistic craft is intaglio carving and yang filling: on a semi-dry, semi-wet clay, tools are used to carve patterns where ink will be applied, then fill with other colored clay. After firing, the resulting work becomes a seamless, natural result. Under the guidance of the studio's instructors, we'll incorporate our own new design language into our intaglio carving and yang filling creations. The pieces will then be left in the studio, where they'll trim, air-dry, fire, and polish the pieces in stages before shipping them home.
Day 6 Jianshui → Kunming ★ Disbandment Day
·morning
Yunnan-Vietnam train, experience time travel
After breakfast, we'll head to Lin'an Station to board the Jianshui Yunnan-Vietnam Railway (Route: Lin'an Station - Shuanglong Bridge - Xianghui Bridge - Tuanshan Station). Experience Jianshui's uniquely retro wooden train. The vintage wall lamps, oscillating old fans, and French-style architecture at the stations along the way will transport us back to the early 20th century, when the railway was first completed. The journey will slowly pass by farmland, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and the old station building. Disembarking at the final station, a few minutes' walk will take you to Tuanshan Ancient Village, where the Luxi River flows through the village entrance, vast paddy fields, and fruit and vegetable fields grow in front of and behind the houses.
·afternoon
Wandering around Jianshui Ancient City, looking for cultural heritage
Upon arrival in Jianshui, we'll experience the China-TravelNote-inspired Jianshui Ancient City City Walk. We'll pass by Jianshui Chaoyang Tower, the legendary predecessor of Tiananmen Square and known as "the first building in Yunnan Province," then stroll along Lin'an Old Street, discover the Daban Well, and visit a tofu shop. Along the way, we'll also visit the Jianshui Confucian Temple, second only to the Confucius Temple in Qufu in size. This temple embodies the flourishing of Central Plains culture in Jianshui, offering a glimpse into Jianshui's cultural heritage.
Jianshui Tofu Flipping, Experience Jianshui Fireworks the Local Way
We will arrive in Jianshui in the evening. This ancient city, which has been featured in many programs such as "A Bite of China" and "12 Tastes of China", also has many hidden delicacies. In addition to the well-known grilled tofu, steamed chicken, grass sprout rice noodles, barbecue, etc. are also unique. We will take you to Jianshui's grilled tofu stall, sit around the fire pit, eat while grilling, chat about life, and feel the flavor of Jianshui's fireworks.
15:00 Depart Kunming Airport/Station Drop-off:
1. We will depart from Jianshui to Kunming Changshui Airport at 15:00 and arrive at Changshui International Airport around 17:30. Please book your return flight after 19:30. Please relax the departure time during holidays.
2. Tourists who need to return to Kunming city or take the high-speed rail will be dispersed at Kunming Station South Square after being dropped off at the airport. The dispersion time is around 18:30. For the return trip from Kunming Station, please book a train after 19:00. Please relax the schedule during holidays.
