Kunming- Yuanyang (L)

Yuanyang Rice Terraces - Meet your private guide in the hotel’s lobby in Kunming and head directly to the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, a journey of about 5.5 hours. Relax and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Yuanyang is famous for its rice terraces, considered the world’s largest and most spectacular, created by the Hani people over a thousand years ago and still in use today. These rice farmers practiced ecology and land preservation long before these concepts were globally recognized. Today, these terraced fields, known as ‘land sculpture,’ are officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.

Bada Terrace - Upon arrival, choose the sites that interest you most and set off to explore. Typically, you will start from Qingkou Village, the key area for the World Culture Heritage Site designation. It maintains a complete ecosystem of forests, water systems, mountain villages, and terraces. Follow your tour guide to explore their Mushroom House and learn about the Hani people’s unique cultural customs, production methods, and lifestyle.

Spend the rest of the day at Bada Terrace, the largest attraction in terms of acreage in the Yuanyang Terraces and known for its stunning sunset views.

Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel in Yuanyang.

Yuanyang-Jianshui-Kunming (B,L)

Jianshui Ancient City - Afterwards, hop on your private vehicle and head directly to Jianshui Ancient City, a 2.5-hour journey. Relax and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Jianshui is renowned for its grain and sugarcane and is a fascinating place with a mix of central plains and border cultures. With over 100 ancient temples, 50 ancient bridges, and 56 state-protected cultural relics, Jianshui is known as “the Museum of Ancient Constructions,” highlighting ancient Chinese culture and art.

Follow your tour guide to explore the major attractions in Jianshui Ancient City.

Jianshui Confucius Temple - Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then visit Jianshui Confucius Temple. With a history of over 600 years, it is the third largest Confucius temple after those in Qufu and Beijing. Stroll through the halls and courtyards with your tour guide, learn about the symbolic significance of the architecture, and visit memorial archways, pavilions, palaces, and temples. Discover Confucius’ life and many other historical and cultural items related to Confucius and his teachings.

Zhu’s Family Garden (Zhu Jia Huayuan) - Next, visit Zhu’s Family Garden, a large-scale residential complex from the Qing Dynasty, known as the “Grand View Garden at the Southwest Border of China.” It features about 42 courtyards and 214 rooms. Stroll through the halls and gardens, admire the steep ridge eaves, painted beams, intricate painted ceilings, and exquisite elegance.

Double Dragons Bridge - The final stop is the Double Dragon Bridge.

Built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the Double Dragons Bridge now has 17 arches and 3 pavilions. It is the largest ancient multiple-arch bridge with the highest artistic value, combining the main characteristics of Chinese bridges with formative arts. It showcases the superb skill and wisdom of the local people of southern Yunnan.

Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kunming.

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Private guide
• Lunch
• Private air-conditioned comfortable car
• Breakfast
• Entrance fee
• Overnight accommodation of standard twin room (two beds), based on twin share if choose the option

• Single supplement charge of accommodation
• Gratuities