Wild China Deep Dive into Nature & Culture

Day 1: Welcome to Yunnan

Begin with a visit to the Stone Forest, one of China's most distinctive karst landscapes. Explore quieter sections of the site while learning about its geological history and the folklore of the Yi people, including legends that seek to explain the origins of the towering limestone formations.

Later, transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train to Dali. On arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. Set between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, Dali was once the capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom and remains an important centre of Bai culture in Yunnan. Your guide will return you to your hotel at approximately 6:30pm.

Day 3: Bai Traditions & Cangshan Mountain

Explore Xizhou, a traditional Bai village on the shores of Erhai Lake. Wander through local markets, learn about Bai architecture and sample the village's well-known local speciality, Xizhou pizza.

Continue through the village's white-walled courtyards before learning how rushan is made, a traditional dried cow's milk cheese that is rolled and fried before serving.

Later, head to Cangshan Mountain. Follow sections of the Jade Cloud Road, a mountain pathway that passes waterfalls and temples while offering views across Dali and Erhai Lake. The walk typically takes around two hours.

Travel from Dali to Lijiang through the mountains of northwestern Yunnan. En route, stop in Shaxi, a remarkably preserved market town that once played an important role along the Tea Horse Caravan Trail. Explore its historic streets and learn about its trading heritage.

Continue to Shibaoshan, where a 90-minute walk reveals a series of grottoes containing Buddhist carvings dating back more than 1,300 years. Finish at Stone Bell Temple, dramatically positioned on the mountainside.

Arrive in Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Explore its quieter lanes and gain an insight into local Naxi culture and daily life.

Learn about one of Yunnan's most famous products during a hands-on Pu'er tea experience. Visit a local workshop, discover the tea-making process and create your own Pu'er tea cake.

Continue to Baisha Village, a historic Naxi settlement that retains much of its traditional character. Explore its narrow streets and observe everyday village life beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Later, take part in a copperworking workshop with a local master coppersmith, learning traditional techniques as you create your own copper key.

In the evening, visit a local family home for a traditional Naxi dinner featuring regional dishes, music and dance performances.

Visit Zhiyun Temple, one of the region's most important lamaseries. Explore the temple grounds, prayer wheels and painted halls while learning about the area's Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

Continue into the countryside to Wenhai Valley. Home to numerous plant and bird species, the valley offers a peaceful walking route through meadows and mountain scenery. Along the way, look out for yaks and miniature horses and visit a Yi village shaman.

Day 7: Hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge

Travel to the starting point of the Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail and set out on one of China's most celebrated hiking routes. Beginning at the Naxi Family Guesthouse, ascend the famous 28 Bends before continuing along cliffside trails overlooking the Jinsha River, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. Hiking routes can be adjusted according to your preferences and fitness levels.

After the hike, continue to Daju Village, a former Tea Horse Road settlement known for its traditional Naxi character, terraced farmland and views across the gorge and the Jinsha River.

Travel north towards Shangri-La, a journey of approximately four and a half hours through Yunnan's mountain landscapes. En route, stop at Napahai Lake, a high-altitude wetland surrounded by grasslands and seasonal birdlife. Depending on the time of year, you may see yaks, sheep and horses grazing across the marshes.

Continue to Shangri-La, located at 3,200 metres on the Tibetan Plateau. Historically an important stop on the Tea Horse Caravan Trail, the town remains a centre of Tibetan culture in Yunnan. Time is set aside on arrival for altitude acclimatisation.

Begin at Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan and home to around 700 monks. Explore its halls, prayer rooms and courtyards while learning about the role it continues to play in local religious life.

Continue to Nixi Village, renowned for its black pottery traditions. Visit local workshops to observe artisans shaping and firing clay using techniques passed down through generations.

Later, visit a local Tibetan family to gain an insight into everyday life, household traditions and regional cuisine. Enjoy local refreshments including yak butter tea and tsampa.

Spend the day exploring Pudacuo National Park, China's first national park and a protected landscape of lakes, forests, grasslands and river valleys. On a leisurely two-hour walk, discover a variety of ecosystems that support a remarkable diversity of wildlife and plant species.

Later, visit Dukezong Old Town, a Tibetan settlement with more than 1,300 years of history. Once an important stop along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, the town is known for its prayer flags, markets and enduring Tibetan traditions.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.