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Secrets of Southwest China (Yunnan & Sichuan)

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Operated by Wendy Wu
Tripcode: CYS_AU
Overview
Destination:
China, 
Duration:17 days
Type:Group tour (max 18)
Travel Period
May 2026 - October 2027

As two of the most fascinating, diverse and colourful provinces in China, Yunnan and Sichuan are utopias of wonder, from the lofty peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the colourful calcite pools of Huanglong, to the lovable nature of the Giant Panda.

Tour highlights:
  • Emaishan, Take a cable car to the summit of Emeishan and admire the striking and diverse natural beauty of the mountain
  • Lijiang, Admire panoramic views around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
  • Leshan, See the awe inspiring Leshan Buddha, the largest pre-modern sculpture in the world
  • Nine Villages Valley, Uncover the beauty of the Huanglong Pools and Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou) from ragged peaks and saphire lakes to abundant forests and rushing waterfalls
Tour experiences:
  • Taste Across the Bridge noodles, A speciality dish of Yunnan province, tuck into a delicious bowl of Across the Bridge noodles in provincial capital Kunming, a famous and flavourful noodle soup with a touching story behind it.
  • Xizhou Village Market, Visit the village of Xizhou where, as well as browsing the laden stalls of the bustling, local market, you'll be able to see members of the Naxi minority community in their colourful, traditional dress.
  • Visit 'Matchmakers Corner', Explore the quirks of local culture in Chengdu at the fascinating 'Matchmaker's Corner', a place where parents search for potential suitors for their children.
Places visited:
  • Kunming (2N)
  • Dali (2N)
  • Lijiang (3N)
  • Chengdu (1N)
  • Emeishan (2N)
  • Nine Villages Valley (2N)
  • Chengdu (2N)
Price notes:
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2025. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
  • Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB755 pp (AU$165pp) is paid locally in China.
  • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
  • International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
  • Meals as stated (refer to itinerary)
  • Domestic transportation
  • Touring with guides and entrance fees
  • 4-star accommodation
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Itinerary
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Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Kunming
Fly to the relaxed city of Kunming. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Stone Forest
Spend the morning meandering through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland. Return to Kunming and in the evening, sample the local delicacy, Across the Bridge Noodles. Tonight, there is also the option to see a colourful showcase of Yunnan's performing arts.
Day 4: Discover Dali
Travel to Dali, a charming town that offers a peek at the China of times-gone-by. Begin your tour by exploring the fascinating old quarter and lively market to soak up the local atmosphere. Next, visit the age-old Three Pagodas and later this evening, take a stroll down Foreigners' Street.
Day 5: Erhai Cruise
Spend the morning cruising the mirror-like waters of Erhai Lake, admiring the spectacular scenery provided by the Cang Mountains. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore the area.
Day 6: Travel To Lijiang
This morning, explore Xizhou Village, where you can mingle with traditionally-dressed Naxi women, and browse its lively local market. Drive to Lijiang, set in the foothills of the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Visit the Black Dragon Pool, where there are wonderful views of the mountains.
Day 7: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
A magnificent mountain, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest of which soars 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the beautiful high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. On the way back to Lijiang, visit Baisha old town to view the fascinating frescoes painted during the Ming Dynasty followed by a visit to the Embroidery School.
Day 8: Tiger Leaping Gorge
Journey to the 3,000-metre-deep Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its backdrop of snow capped mountains, it is one of China's most extraordinary sights with spectacular and breathtaking views. Return to Lijiang and explore the old quarter; the quintessential Chinese 'old town' and wander the jumble of cobbled streets, traditional wooden buildings and rustic stone bridges.
Day 9: Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. In the evening, wander the night food markets with your local guide on hand to recommend the most delicious Sichuanese snacks!
Day 10: Leshan Grand Buddha
Travel to Leshan to visit the Grand Buddha. The 71-metre Buddha is carved into a hillside overlooking the confluence of the Dadu and Min rivers. Completed in the year 803, it is said that the Buddha's presence has calmed the turbulent waters of the river. A short boat trip will give you an even better perspective. Later, continue to Mount Emei, or Emeishan, the cradle of the Buddhist religion in China with the first temple built on its peak in the 1st century.
Day 11: Explore Mount Emeishan
Take a cable car to the summit and admire the striking and diverse natural beauty of the mountain and surrounding landscape. Spend the day soaking up the ambience and exploring.
Day 12: Jiuzhaigou National Park (Nine Villages Valley)
Transfer to Chengdu for your bullet train to Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou National Park).
Day 13: Jiuzhaigou National Park (Nine Villages Valley)
Considered to be one of China's most beautiful areas, the newly reopened Nine Villages Valley is a pristine national park renowned for its rugged peaks, sapphire lakes, abundant forests, and cascading waterfalls. This natural wonder, named after nine scattered Tibetan settlements, is a World Biosphere Reserve, home to unique flora and a diverse bird population. Enjoy the day exploring in awe and serenity.
Day 14: Huanglong Pools
Travel to Huanglong Valley, where hundreds of vivid pools in striking colours, formed by thousands of years of mineral deposit, tumble gently down through the bright green forests. The whole area is full of spectacular sights and, as it is relatively undiscovered, is a pleasure to explore. Visit Huanglong Temple before your bullet train to Chengdu.
Day 15: Pandas
Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated bears. Later, stroll through People's Park, visit traditional teahouse and see Matchmaker's Corner where parents search for worthy suitors for their children. This evening, dine on mouthwatering Sichuanese cuisine.
Days 16-17: Fly Chengdu To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Days 16-17: Fly Chengdu To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Dates

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Travellers

Operator
Wendy Wu

Wendy Wu Tours is Australia's leading touring specialist, offering extraordinary tours throughout Asia, Latin America, Eurasia, the Middle East – and most recently, Australasia. Since Wendy sent her very first tour to China in 1994, we've grown from strength to strength and are proud of the multiple awards we've won throughout the years and the unique travel experiences we offer to an expanding range of destinations.

Important Information
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*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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$7,961*
per person twin share
16 nights
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