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3 Days Kunming World Heritage Tour: Explore the Spring City & Stone Forest

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Recommended Rating: 5 Star
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4.6 (9 reviews)
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  • Yunnan Stone Forest
  • Yi Minority People dance in Stone Forest
  • Visit Stone Forest & Discover the Magical Shapes made by Nature
  • Yuantong Temple, Kunming
  • Yunnan Hand Grabbed Rice
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Classic Kunming Tour: Discover Flower City’s Nature Wonders & Minority Culture

Why a Kunming World Heritage Tour? Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, is renowned for the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join our 3 Days Kunming World Heritage Tour to Explore the Spring City & Stone Forest.

Our Classic Kunming Tour offers a glimpse into the natural wonders and minority cultures of the Flower City, along with delightful Yunnan cuisine. From the awe-inspiring karst landscape of the Stone Forest to the captivating Garden Architecture surrounding Green Lake Park, you'll witness the magic of time as the Stone Forest was once beneath the sea, and Green Lake Park was part of Dianchi Lake. Experience the religious history of the city through visits to Yuantong Temple (Buddhist) and West Hill's Dragon Gate (Taoist Grottoes).

Contact us for your 3-day Kunming Tour to Stone Forest (World Heritage), while also exploring Kunming's parks, temples, and streets, savoring delicious Yunnan food, and immersing yourself in the rich minority culture.

You Can Experience “Must-see & Must-do” with This Tour
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Highlight 1: Discover Kunming, the hometown of Zheng He (the famous Ming Dynasty navigator) and Nie Er (the composer of China's national anthem, The March of the Volunteers). Relaxing vacation in Kunming, known as the "Spring City" and "Flower City."
Autumn in Green Lake Park
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Highlight 2: Explore the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness the ancient sea's transformation into a captivating natural wonder, and delve into the unique karst landforms, rich geological history, and the accompanying Yi ethnic culture.
Stone Forest, a National Geological Park
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Highlight 3: Visit the over 1,200-year-old Yuantong Temple, China's oldest Guanyin Temple, known for its distinctive "Downhill Temple" design. Instead of ascending steps, one gradually descends upon entering the mountain gate. This temple holds high repute in SE Asia.
Buddha Hall of Yuantong Temple
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Highlight 4: Take a stroll in Green Lake Park, once a marshy bay of Dianchi Lake, renowned as the "Green Gem" and "Jade within the City" of Kunming. Visit historic building while Join locals walking, feeding fish, dancing, and enjoying local life.
Bird's-eye view of Cuihu Park
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Highlight 5: Enjoy the panoramic view of Dianchi Lake from West Hill, Yunnan's premier scenic spot. Explore the Dragon Gate Grottoes, the largest and most exquisite Taoist grottoes in Yunnan, crafted over 22 years by over 70 stonemasons.
View Dianchi Lake & Kunming City from West Hill
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Highlight 6: Immerse yourself in Yunnan's diverse minority cultures through visits to local parks, streets, and markets, and indulge in delicious Yunnan cuisine and snacks, including Yunnan Rice Noodle, Rushan cheese, and Fresh Flower Pancakes.
Yunnan Cross-bridge Rice Noodle
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Itinerary at a Glance

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Kunming City (3 Days)

Yuantong Temple, Green Lake Park, West Hill (Dragon Gate; Bird’s Eye View of Dianchi Lake)

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Shilin Yi Autonomous County (0.5 Day)

Stone Forest

Itinerary Day by Day

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Day 1 Kunming/Yunnan Arrival | Airport Pick-up & Hotel Check-in, Free Time Explore

Welcome to Kunming, the Capital City of Yunnan Province! Upon arrival in Kunming, your guide will meet you at the airport/train station and escort you to your hotel. You can have a good rest in your hotel. You can explore on your own based on your arrival time. Feel free to seek practical suggestions from your tour guide.

Kunming is known as the "Spring City春城" due to its mild year-round climate, making it a popular destination for people from other cities to escape harsh winters or scorching summers. The pleasant climate also results in flowers blooming throughout the year, earning Kunming the nickname "Flower City花都". Kunming is the hometown of Zheng He (郑和1371-1433), the famous Ming Dynasty navigator who led seven voyages from 1405 to 1433, visiting numerous countries in Asia and Africa. Whether you're looking for a relaxing escape, cultural immersion, or a chance to explore breathtaking natural wonders and indulge in delicious Yunnan cuisine, Kunming has something to offer everyone.

Free Time Ideas:
1.Explore Yunnan's Diverse Minority Cultures at Yunnan Ethnic Village, Yunnan Museum of Minority (closed on Mondays), and enjoy the scenic views at Haigeng Park near Dianchi Lake (Meet Black-Headed Gulls from Siberia in winter).
2.Enjoy a Kunming City Walk from Eastern and Western Pagodas (Landmarks in Kunming) to Jinma and Biji Archways (Symbols of Old Kunming), Kunming Flying Tigers Museum (Kunming Museum, Learn about a significant chapter in World War II), and Jingxing Flower and Bird Market (A calling card of the local life in Kunming).
3.Unveil the Amazing Yunnan Food by visiting Daguan Zhuanxin Farmers' Market (all kinds of delicious flowers, mushrooms, ferns, insects, Ham, Rushan cheese, local snacks) and try Yunnan cuisine while strolling around Nanqiang Pedestrian Street (since the Qing Dynasty) and Nanping Pedestrian Street (a historic old street).

Arrival Ideas:
Kunming serves as the gateway city to start a Yunnan Tour. It is a convenient base for exploring nearby top destinations, such as Dali Ancient Town, Dongchuan Red Land, Jiangshui Ancient Town (Zhujia Garden), Yuanyang Rice Terraces (Honghe Hani Rice Terraces), Xishuanbanna, and more. You can choose to reach Kunming by Flight or By Bullet Train.
By Air: Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) offers many direct international flights to destinations such as Laos (Vientiane), Thailand (Bangkok/Chiang Mai/Phuket), Vietnam (Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh), Cambodia (Siem Reap), Nepal (Kathmandu), India (Kolkata), Sri Lanka (Colombo), Japan (Tokyo), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Singapore. There are many direct flights between Kunming and China’s Top Tourist Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Hong Kong, and more. From Kunming, you can easily take a flight to top destinations in Yunnan, such as Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-la, & Xishuanbanna.
By Train: Kunming is served by Kunming Railway Station and South Railway Station. There are many high-speed trains connecting Kunming to other cities in Yunnan, such as Dali (2.5hrs), Lijiang (4hrs), Xishuanbanna (3.5hrs), as well as other cities in China, including Guiyang (2hrs), Chongqing (4hrs), Chengdu (5.5hrs), Guangzhou (7hrs), Hong Kong (7.5hrs), Beijing(11hrs), Shanghai(11hrs), etc. Additionally, there is a Kunming to Vientiane train (China-Laos Railway) that takes approximately 10 hours.

DiningDining:
None
AccommodationAccommodation:
Kunming
Day 2 Kunming Tour | Stone Forest (World Heritage), Yuantong Temple (Zen Buddhist), Green Lake Park, Impress Yunnan (Optional)

This morning, drive 80km (1.5 hours) to the Stone Forest (a World Heritage Site of South China Karst) for a Kunming Excursion. Afterwards, return to downtown for a Classic Kunming City Tour, including visits to Yuantong Temple (a Zen Buddhist temple), Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park), and more, based on your available time and interests.

In the morning, visit the Stone Forest (a World Heritage Site of South China Karst), a must-see natural wonder that was once submerged under an ancient sea. The Kunming Stone Forest (Shilin) is a national geological park famous for its unique stone forest scenery, which represents the magnificent transformations of the natural world over 270 million years (marine sedimentation → crustal uplift → volcanic lava coverage → erosion and leveling → formation of the Stone Forest). Within the Stone Forest, you can closely observe the traces left by the passage of time and gain an understanding of its distinctive karst landforms, rich geological history, and the accompanying Yi ethnic culture. A sightseeing bus will take you to explore the Big Stone Forest and Small Stone Forest. In addition to the touching legend of Ashima (阿诗玛a symbol of Yi ethnic culture), the Stone Forest also served as a filming location for "Journey to the West" (1986 TV series西游记), where Sun Wukong (Monkey King) was depicted as being trapped under Wuxing Mountain (五行山). Use your imagination to discover the magical shapes of the stone forests.

After that, you will head back to Kunming for Yuantong Temple. Located in the city center, Yuantong Temple combines tranquility amidst the bustling surroundings, offering a unique water courtyard temple. The temple has a history of over 1,200 years and is the oldest Guanyin Temple in China. Particularly noteworthy is its "Downhill Temple" design, where instead of ascending steps after entering the mountain gate, one descends gradually, creating a rare architectural feature among temples in China. Yuantong Temple is the only sacred place in the country that simultaneously accommodates the Han, Southern, and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. At the rear of the temple, there is a typical Southeast Asian Buddhist architectural structure called the Bronze Buddha Hall (铜佛殿), which was built in 1985 specifically to house a bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha presented by the Buddhist Association of the Kingdom of Thailand. It has gained a high reputation in the Southeast Asian area and attracts many pilgrims and locals to visit every year. In March each year, Yuantong Temple becomes a popular place for locals to admire the cherry blossoms.

Then, you can hike in Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park翠湖) which is 700m away from Yuantong Temple. Cuihu Park was once a marshy bay of Dianchi Lake, which later became a city lake during the Ming Dynasty. It earned its name from its "emerald waters on all sides, bamboo green in all seasons, willow green in spring and summer," and is renowned as the "green gem" and "jade within the city" of Kunming. Two embankments divide the lake into four parts. The north and south embankments, known as Ruandi (阮堤), were constructed during the reign of Emperor Daoguang by Governor Ruan Yuan, inspired by the Su Causeway in West Lake. The east and west embankments, called Tangdi, were built during the Republican era. Besides historical buildings and former residences of famous people, there is a sculpture of Nie Er (聂耳;1912-1935), one of the pioneers of modern Chinese music, who composed China's national anthem, "The March of the Volunteers". Today, Cuihu has become a place where locals take walks, feed fish, observe Black-headed Gulls migrating from Siberia during winter, enjoy lotus flowers, watch flower lanterns, dance, and savor life.

Head back to your hotel and have a good rest at your hotel.

Free Time Ideas:
1.Kunming Old Street(1km from Cuihu Park), with a history of over 900 years, is the only remaining old street in Kunming that retains its ancient charm. Stroll on stone-paved roads, you can taste authentic Yunnan Rice Noodles (Yunnan Cross-bridge Rice Noodle云南过桥米线), explore fascinating Yunnan antiques & traditional medicine shops, visit the former residence of Nie Er (聂耳故居), and more old buildings.
2.Yunnan Impression(云南印象) is a performance (one of the representative's works by Yang Liping杨丽萍, a renowned local dance artist from Yunnan) held at 8:00 p.m. It draws inspiration from the ethnic dance elements of various ethnic groups in Yunnan, such as Yi, Wa, Tibetan, Hani, Dai, Bulang, and Jinuo. It incorporates modern dance elements, showcasing the rich ethnic charm of Yunnan.

DiningDining:
Breakfast, Lunch
AccommodationAccommodation:
Kunming
Day 3 Kunming Departure | West Hill (Dragon Gate, Taoist Grottoes), Hotel Check-out & Airport see-off

This morning, you will enjoy half day tour to West Hill (Dragon Gate, Taoist Grottoes) before depart Kunming.

West Hill (Xishan西山), located by the shores of Dianchi Lake, is known as the West Hill because it is situated in the western suburbs of Kunming. In ancient times, West Hill held the reputation of being The Best Scenic Spot in Yunnan. From the mountaintop, one can overlook the panoramic view of Dianchi Lake, making it an excellent destination for leisurely hikes and enjoying the natural scenery. The Dragon Gate Grottoes on the mountain are the largest and most exquisite Taoist grottoes in Yunnan. It is said that they were completed by over 70 stonemasons after 22 years of work. It is said, "Without visiting the West Hill, one has not fully experienced Kunming; without ascending Dragon Gate, one has not truly explored the West Hill". Additionally, nestled between Taihua Temple and Dragon Gate, there is a gently sloping, sparsely wooded area where Nie Er's tomb is located, serving as a place of reverence and remembrance for the musician Nie Er. Nowadays, on the third day of the third lunar month, people gather at West Hill to go on outings, enjoy the spring scenery, sing mountain songs, and perform traditional dances to celebrate a festive occasion called "San Yue San, Shua Xishan"(三月三, 耍西山).

Notes: A half-day tour to the West Hill usually includes a shuttle sightseeing bus (round trip), a one-way cable car ride, and another one-way electric car ride inside the West Hill Scenic Area.

Then, time to say goodbye to Kunming, the Spring City. Though it is time to end your 3-day Kunming Tour today, you will have some free time in Kunming and explore more on your own till your guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to next destination.

Extension Ideas:
1.If you prefer to spend more time in Kunming, you can add a one-day tour to include the Yunnan Provincial Museum, Guandu Ancient Town, Dounan Flower Market (the largest fresh-cut flower trading market in Asia, open 24 hours), and Nanqiang Night Market (local life and dishes).
2.If you wish to extend your trip and explore other highlighted parts of Yunnan, such as Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Jianshui, Dongchuan Red Land, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-la, Xishuangbanna, and more, we can help you with the arrangements.
3.If you plan to continue your exploration to other cities in China, such as Chengdu, Lhasa, Xian, Beijing, and Shanghai, or even take a train from Kunming to Vientiane to start your Laos Tour, please feel free to let us know. We can customize your itinerary and assist you with travel arrangements.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Yunnan tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!

DiningDining:
Breakfast
AccommodationAccommodation:
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Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

Price: Request
Accroding to your require, we are happy to recommend and book 3-5 Star hotels for you.
Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.

What's Included:

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Guide Service: English-speaking guides provided throughout the trip.
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Attraction Tickets: Entrance tickets for all listed attractions are included, guaranteeing full visits. In case of unexpected circumstances, alternative arrangements will be discussed with the tourists.
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Transportation Arrangement: air-conditioned vehicles.
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Accommodation: Throughout the trip, stay in hotels/cities as listed in the itinerary.
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Meals: Breakfast is included in the Yunnan tour. For specific information regarding the meals provided, please refer to the itinerary.
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Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip.

What's Excluded:

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Visa;
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Optional activities and experiences recommended in the itinerary.
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Check-In and Check-Out Times: Check-in time for the hotels is generally after 14:00 (2:00 PM), allowing you to settle in and freshen up before starting your Yunnan adventure. On the day of departure, please check out before 12:00 noon to ensure a smooth transition and allow time for the hotel staff to prepare for incoming guests.
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Personal Expenses: Other personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, internet, fax, etc., within the hotel.
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Tipping: Tips for drivers and guides (Tipping practices may vary depending on the region and nature of service; it is recommended to consult the guide's opinion in advance).
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Unexpected Circumstances: In case of uncontrollable and non-agency-related factors (such as natural disasters, war, strikes), flight delays or cancellations, delayed visa processing at embassies, insufficient number of participants, the travel agency reserves the right to cancel or modify the itinerary. Additional charges may apply for expenses beyond the agency's control (e.g., visa fees, accommodation, meals, transportation, adjustments in airfares).

Important Travel Tips for Visiting Yunnan

1.Altitude Awareness:

Yunnan is a highly mountainous province, with many destinations situated at high elevations. Be prepared for potential altitude sickness, especially if traveling to places like Lijiang (2,400m) or Shangri-La (3,400m). Acclimate gradually and stay hydrated.

2.Dress in Layers:

Yunnan's climate can vary dramatically, even within the same day. Bring clothing that can be easily layered, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly, especially in the highlands.

3.Pack Sun Protection:

The high-altitude sun in Yunnan can be intense. Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from sunburn and UV exposure.

4.Respect Local Customs:

Yunnan is home to a diverse array of ethnic minority groups. Be mindful of local customs and traditions, and ask for permission before taking photographs of people.

5.Try Local Cuisine:

Yunnan is renowned for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Be adventurous and sample local specialties like crossing-the-bridge noodles, Yunnan ham, and the region's unique variety of mushrooms.

6.Prepare for Weather Variations:

Yunnan can experience sudden changes in weather, from heavy rains to snow, even during the same trip. Pack appropriate clothing and gear to be prepared for varying conditions.

By keeping these tips in mind, travelers can help ensure a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience during their visit to the stunning Yunnan province.

Hotel Conditions for Your Yunnan Tour

Yunnan Hotel
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Yunnan Recommended 4 Star Hotel
Yunnan Recommended 4 Star Hotel
Yunnan Recommended 4 Star Hotel

In Yunnan, there are many different hotel styles and types to choose from. No matter travelers choose to overnights in Kunming, Shilin, Yuanyang, Jianshui, Dali, Lijiang, or Shangri-la.

To cater to diverse traveler preferences and budgets, we offer a curated selection of accommodations. Our options include luxurious 5-star hotels, comfortable 4-star options, and economical 3-star establishments. All our selected hotels are conveniently located near city centers or popular tourist spots.

Find your perfect hotel for a great Yunnan experience! Our knowledgeable travel experts can provide you with various pricing options based on different hotels. Whether you seek a luxurious stay or have specific preferences, our experts will assist you in choosing the best option that suits your needs.

Photo Gallery for This Itinerary

  • Green Gem within the city of Kunming
  • Play Taiji near Nie Er Statue, Green Lake
  • Unique Water Courtyard Temple, Yuantong Temple
  • Yunnan Rice Noodle
  • Stone Forest, a World Natural Heritage Site
  • Yi Ethnic People
  • Bridges, Water Lily, Pavilion, Yuantong Temple
  • Summer Lotus, Green Lake
  • Hike to Dragon Gate, West Hill
  • View Dianchi Lake from Dragon Gate, West Hill
  • Taoist Grottoes, Dragon Gate
  • View Dianchi Lake from West Hill

Latest Yunnan Tours Reviews from Our Customers

Discover what our customers are saying about the latest Yunnan Tours. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>
Evelyn L
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Amazing tour in Yunnan, for 8 days
Thoroughly enjoyed our Yunnan tour in Kunming! Our guide Janet was very informative, patient and attentive to our needs. We learned a lot about the sites we visited and the history of the Yunnan province from her. Lunch was good. We felt very safe as our driver was very careful through the traffic. Highly recommend, 10/10!!!
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Evelyn L
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Thoroughly enjoyed our Yunnan tour in Kunming! Our guide Janet was very informative, patient and attentive to our needs. We learned a lot about the si...
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Destination(s): Yunnan

Date of Experience: Jun 23, 2024

Tour Customized by: Cici

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Bill D
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Excellent time back in nature
It's hard to find nature trails (without any concrete) in China, but this national park near Shangri-La has them. Excellent summertime temperatures too)
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Bill D
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It's hard to find nature trails (without any concrete) in China, but this national park near Shangri-La has them. Excellent summertime temperatures to...
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Destination(s): Yunnan

Date of Experience: Jun 21, 2024

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Aman
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Amazing experience of something truly unique
The stone forest is truly beautiful and amazing. My guide was nice and spoke good English. Overall, it was a great day and I can certainly recommend this trip to anyone!
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Aman
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The stone forest is truly beautiful and amazing. My guide was nice and spoke good English. Overall, it was a great day and I can certainly recommend t...
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Destination(s): Yunnan

Date of Experience: Jun 09, 2024

Tour Customized by: Isaac

You May be Interested in This Tour: 3 Days Kunming World Heritage Tour: Explore the Spring City & Stone Forest

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Destinations
  • Kunming City
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  • Shilin Yi Autonomous County
Tour Information
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Flexible Dates
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Trusted Route
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Guaranteed Experience
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Trip Style: Private Tour (flexible travel dates & numbers of travelers)
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Tour Code: AOT-TYN-002
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Travel Route: Kunming - Stone Forest - West Hill
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Features: World Heritage Site, Geological Wonders, Ethnic Culture, Lakes, Parks, Old Streets, Museums, Yunnan Cuisine, Markets, Hill, Minority, Buddhist, Taoist, Spring City, Flower City

Price: Request

(Based on a private tour for two people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people.)

Free Enquiry! You don’t need to pay for the reservation.

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