China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming

G Adventures · 8 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming
China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming
China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming
China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming
China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming
China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming
China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming
China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming
China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming
China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming
China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming
China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming
8 Days
From AUD $1709 Was AUD $1899
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(3 reviews)

China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming

China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming

G Adventures · 8 days
4.3
3 Reviews

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Exploring all of China’s ancient wonders could take a lifetime, but on this eight-day adventure, you’ll uncover some of its best-kept secrets in no time.

Includes

Activities

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
  • People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu
  • Lijiang Old Town Visit
  • Black Dragon Pool Park
  • Shaxi Walking Tour
  • Dali Old Town
  • , Dali Xizhou Old Town walking tour
  • Transport to and from included activities

Accommodation

  • Hotel (7nts)
  • 1 dinner

Transport

  • Train, private vehicle, walking, public bus.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout

Highlights

  • People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu
  • Lijiang Old Town Visit
  • Black Dragon Pool Park
  • Shaxi Walking Tour
  • Dali Old Town
  • Dali Xizhou Old Town walking tour.
China's Hidden Highlights: Chengdu to Kunming

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Train, private vehicle, walking, public bus.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Chengdu, China

Finishes

Kunming, China

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Chengdu

Welcome to China! Arrive at the starting hotel by 3:00 pm to join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting. Then head out to visit the People's Park & Tianfu Square then opt to join your group for an optional dinner together.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Built in 1911, the People's Park was the first public park in Chengdu. It's the largest green area in downtown. The park features an artificial lake, gardens, teahouses, and is a popular place for locals to enjoy the outdoors. Walk to Tianfu Square in the centre of the city, surrounded by museums.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Celebrity Ruicheng Hotel
2

Day 2: Chengdu/Lijiang

Spend the morning free in Chengdu. Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center, visit the Wenshu Monastery or Kuanzhai Alley. Take an afternoon flight from Chengdu to Lijiang.


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a free morning in Chengdu.Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Accommodation - Lijiang Wangfu Hotel
3

Day 3: Lijiang

After a morning orientation walk of Lijiang, visit the the Black dragon Pool and the spectacular views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain above the marble bridge. Upon finishing the tour, opt to head to Lijiang Old town to and explore the must see spots like The Giant Water Wheel, Wangu Tower and Lion Hill. Then enjoy a free evening. Opt to visit the Mufu Museum or grab dinner with your group.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Walk through the charming old town of Lijiang, a World Heritage Site and home to the Naxi minority. Observe scenes from another era, with old men smoking pipes and women in their traditional costumes. Get lost in the small pedestrian lanes that meander throughout the town -- every twist and turn reveals picturesque old buildings, local arts and crafts, fast flowing canals, and beautiful arched bridges. You can also spend an afternoon resting in a pavilion in the Black Dragon Pool Park, gazing at the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and listening to the local Naxi music.Activity - Explore the gorgeous Black Dragon Pool, a pond in Jade Spring Park, which is a short walk from the Old Town of Lijiang. Take in a spectacular view of the region’s tallest mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Visit the many temples and pavilions in the park, including the Deyue Lou (Moon Embracing Pavillion), the Longshen Temple, and the Wufeng Tower. Tour the Dongba Culture Research Institute and the Dongba Culture Museum, which help to preserve local culture. Free_time - Enjoy a free evening in Lijiang.Accommodation - Lijiang Wangfu Hotel
4

Day 4: Lijiang/Shaxi

Drive to Shaxi Old Town first thing this morning and head out for a walking tour of this ancient, medieval town full of Buddhist culture. Visit the iconic spots of the town like the Old Market Square, the Old Theater, and Yujin Bridge. This afternoon, enjoy free time in this beautiful town. Opt to visit the Xingjiao Temple or the Ouyang Courtyard.


Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take a walking tour of the city, hitting the main highlights. Each route will be different, but you can expect to see the best this city has to offer.Free_time - Enjoy a free evening in Shaxi Old Town.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Shaxi One Tree House
5

Day 5: Shaxi/Dali

We head to the next town this morning, the thousand year old village of Xizhou Old Town. Explore the well preserved architecture with a tour led by your CEO. Then after a bit of free time in Xizhou, drive to Dali. Head out for an orientation walk and to Dali Old Town. Join your group and CEO for dinner together at a local restaurant. On the way back to the hotel, admire the lanterns that light up this beautiful town at night.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the Old town of Dali and enjoy its traditional architecture. It's a great opportunity to learn more about the minority cultures (mostly Bai but also with many Yi and Hui) and relax in this unique place.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Join your CEO on a walking tour of charming Xizhou Old Town. Visit famous spots like Sifang Street and Yan Family Compound, a Traditional Folk Residences.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Nanguo Yuyuan Hotel
6

Day 6: Dali

This beautiful lakeside town is yours to do as you wish today! Opt to explore the Old Town, cycle around Dali town or Lake Erhai. Maybe visit the National Geological park of Cangshan Mountain on a hike or on the cable car. A local favorite is the Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple or you could learn the art of traditional Tie-Dying by the local Bai people. With so many options, the choice is yours!


Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend today in Dali however you'd like!Accommodation - Nanguo Yuyuan Hotel
7

Day 7: Dali/Kunming

Together we'll catch a morning train to Kunming, known as one of China's best natural phenomenons with all its waterfalls, lakes and karst formations. After an orientation walk of the town, opt to head to lunch to try the famous local rice noodle dish. This afternoon, visit the jaw dropping Kunming Flower Market. Then head to the Green Lake (Cuihu) Park where not only will you see your first glimpse of this karst mountain, lake filled town, but you'll also witness locals dancing, singing and playing instruments during their leisure time.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Activity - Visit the Kunming Flower Market. Enjoy the exotic scents and vibrant colours of this lively flower market.Activity - Check out the brightly coloured pavillions, tree-lined walkways, and locals doing tai chi in centuries-old Green Lake Park (Cui Hu Park). Traverse the bridges that connect the park’s four small lakes, or relax with a visit to the many restaurants, shops, and tea houses lining the park's edge.Accommodation - King World International Hotel
8

Day 8: Kunming

Depart at any time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $1899

AUD $1,709
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Standard
10% Off

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Exploring all of China’s ancient wonders could take a lifetime, but on this eight-day adventure, you’ll uncover some of its best-kept secrets in no time.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 19 Jun 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Mary
Traveled, December 2019

12/15/2019

Good value for money and the guide was on point. Would definitely use them again as an option for budget travel. China would likely have been difficult and beat and undoable without a tour (and I am a fairly a seasoned traveler)

4.5
Beth
Traveled, November 2019

11/29/2019

The best things about this trip was our CEO, Jennifer. She was knowledgeable, helpful and gave a lot of great suggestions about foods to try, what we could do in our free time, etc. The accommodations and food were good for the price. The amount of time spent in transit and carrying around luggage was the main downside. The sleeper trains were also hard to get a good sleep on.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990