Kunming - Yuanyang

Yuanyang County - Begin your journey through the diverse landscapes of China’s most spectacular province in the regional capital of Kunming. One of our English-speaking tour guides and a professional driver will pick you up in the morning from your hotel. We will take the 7-hour journey south to one of the most spectacular sceneries in the world, the Yuanyang Scenic Area, maybe Yunnan’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Yuanyang is a big area, with the stunning rice terraces spread between several small villages. We will first visit Qingkou Village, tucked away in a valley. Qingkou is a typical Hani ethnic minority hamlet, where the Hani people managed to practice their agriculture in perfect balance with nature for over a thousand years. Primal country life still exists in this place where forest, village, watering system and fields created a unique working ecosystem.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces - We then visit Bada Rice Terraces, the biggest of all the rice terraces in Yuanyang area, that covers the entire valley like a colorful carpet. Later in the evening, we’ll head to the rice terraces at Laohuzui, or translated ‘Tiger Mouth’. A fierce name that reflects the intensiveness of magnificence of the terraced valley, with vivid and iridescent reflections on the water during sunset, her colors changing like a kaleidoscope. Definitely a stop for photographers, but also for anyone who wants to experience this magical moment without lens.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces - Later in the evening, we’ll head to the rice terraces at Laohuzui, or translated ‘Tiger Mouth’. A fierce name that reflects the intensiveness of magnificence of the terraced valley, with vivid and iridescent reflections on the water during sunset, her colors changing like a kaleidoscope. Definitely a stop for photographers, but also for anyone who wants to experience this magical moment without lens.

Yuanyang

Yuanyang Rice Terraces - In the afternoon we drive to Xinjie Town, where we will visit Quanfuzhuang Village. This village has one of the most beautiful terraces in the region. You can hike along the terraces if you’d like.

Jianshui

Jianshui Ancient City - We continue our way to Jianshui ancient town, with still the original style of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Many buildings are still intact, like the impressive gate tower Chaoyang Tower, the only city gate to have survived wars, weather and time.

Zhu’s Family Garden (Zhu Jia Huayuan) - The most famous attraction in Jianshui is the Zhu Family Garden. This 20.000 square meter private complex was built over 30 years in the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911) by the influential Zhu brothers, and is downright impressive in its gigantic size and historical importance. The brothers earned their wealth by trading in everything possible from tin to opium until they eventually fell victim to the political chaos in 1911.

Jianshui - Kunming

Jianshui Confucius Temple - After breakfast we will visit a local tofu workshop (about 30 minutes) as tofu is one of the most important foods of the area. See how they still produce this local product the traditional way, from sweet water from an old well, and have a try at it yourself. Afterwards we visit the Confucius Temple, which is the second largest of its kind in the whole of China. Built in 1285 and astoundingly well preserved, this temple is a precious architectural and cultural relic.

Continuing to Kunming (about 3 hours) where you will be dropped off at your hotel or train station if wanted.

• Entrance tickets to the attractions listed in the itinerary
• Private transportation and transfers, including pick-up and drop-off, with skilled driver
• 24/7 English speaking customer service
• 2 half-liter bottles of drinking water per person per day
• Meals: 3 hotel breakfasts
• Supplement for the meals and accommodations for the tour guide and driver
• 3 nights accommodation with breakfast (as per chosen category, based on twin-bed room for 2 pax)
• English speaking tour guide
• Government taxes

• Flight tickets
• Chinese visa
• Meals not listed in the program
• Additional days caused by unexpected nature disasters. e.g. landslides etc.
• Personal travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Tips for tour guide and driver (not requested, but highly appreciated)
• Surcharges for upgrades from standard twin-bed rooms to double-bed rooms
• Single room supplement if the guest requests a private room in the hotel
• Attractions not in the itinerary
• Anything not listed in inclusions

This 4-day Photography Tour to Yuanyang and Jianshui offers a blend of nature, ethnic diversity, adventure, and culture! Participants will witness the breathtaking beauty of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Known for its acclaimed and preserved landscape, distinctive terrace-shaped mountains, ethnic traditions, and cultural heritage, Yuanyang is a superb travel destination! Following this, explore the historical heart of Yunnan in Jianshui and soak in the ambiance of the Qing and Ming dynasties.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.