Kunming - Yuanyang

Yuanyang County - Start your adventure through the diverse landscapes of China’s most breathtaking province in the regional capital of Kunming. An English-speaking tour guide and a professional driver will greet you in the morning at your hotel. Embark on a 7-hour journey south to the Yuanyang Scenic Area, renowned as one of Yunnan’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Yuanyang is expansive, with stunning rice terraces spread across several small villages. The first stop is Qingkou Village, nestled in a valley. Qingkou is a typical Hani ethnic minority hamlet, where the Hani people have practiced agriculture in harmony with nature for over a thousand years. Primal country life thrives here, where forest, village, watering system, and fields create a unique working ecosystem.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces - Next, visit Bada Rice Terraces, the largest of all the rice terraces in the Yuanyang area, covering the entire valley like a colorful carpet. In the evening, head to the rice terraces at Laohuzui, or ‘Tiger Mouth’. This fierce name reflects the magnificence of the terraced valley, with vivid and iridescent reflections on the water during sunset, her colors changing like a kaleidoscope. It’s a must-visit for photographers and anyone who wants to experience this magical moment without a lens.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces - Later in the evening, head to the rice terraces at Laohuzui, or ‘Tiger Mouth’. This fierce name reflects the magnificence of the terraced valley, with vivid and iridescent reflections on the water during sunset, her colors changing like a kaleidoscope. It’s a must-visit for photographers and anyone who wants to experience this magical moment without a lens.

Yuanyang

Duoyishu - Rise early and drive through the twilight hours to Duoyishu Village. Here, witness the golden sunrise over the mountains, casting pink and azure light on the shimmering water of the rice paddies. Visit Sheng Village, a key trade center where locals from nearby villages come to trade goods. Every five days, a bustling market takes place, featuring Hani and Yi minorities, many in traditional attire, weaving baskets, selling fruits, homemade alcohol, livestock, and fresh meat, or smoking bamboo bongs.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces - In the afternoon, travel to Xinjie Town to visit Quanfuzhuang Village, home to one of the region’s most beautiful terraces. Enjoy a hike along the terraces if desired.

Jianshui

Jianshui County - In the morning, travel to Jianshui (3.5 hours). En route, stop at the architectural gem, Tuanshan Village. For a glimpse of how the Chinese lived centuries ago, this Qing-dynasty village is a must-see. Founded in the late 14th century, most of its current buildings date back to the late 19th century. Grand houses with courtyards were built by villagers who profited from trade facilitated by the Yunnan-Vietnam railroad.

Jianshui Ancient City - Continue to Jianshui ancient town, which retains the original style of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Many buildings remain intact, including the impressive Chaoyang Tower, the only city gate to have survived wars, weather, and time.

Zhu’s Family Garden (Zhu Jia Huayuan) - The most renowned attraction in Jianshui is the Zhu Family Garden. This 20,000 square meter private complex, built over 30 years in the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911) by the influential Zhu brothers, is impressive in its size and historical significance. The brothers amassed wealth by trading in various goods, from tin to opium, until they fell victim to the political chaos in 1911.

Jianshui - Kunming

Jianshui Confucius Temple - After breakfast, visit a local tofu workshop (about 30 minutes) as tofu is a staple food in the area. Observe the traditional production process using sweet water from an old well, and try it yourself. Afterwards, visit the Confucius Temple, the second largest of its kind in China. Built in 1285 and remarkably well-preserved, this temple is a valuable architectural and cultural relic.

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

• 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 4-star accommodation, shared twin room with breakfast
• Breakfast
• 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 stunning 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
• Full payment will be collected in advance, including all admission fees, fuel, and equipment rental.

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.