The Award-Winning Tour Specialist
Celebrating 25 Years of tour excellence
Close

Secrets of Southwest China (Yunnan & Sichuan)

  • Duration
    16 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Go Beyond
  • Price From
    £4,640pp
OFFERS
Earlybird Sale

Save up to £1,000 per person on touring worldwide Offer ends: 31 Oct 2024 View Offers

As two of the most fascinating, diverse and colourful provinces in China, Yunnan and Sichuan are a cornucopia of wonders, from the lofty peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the stunning natural scenery of the Nine Villages Valley, to the lovable nature of the Giant Panda.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 14 , Lunches: 13 , Dinners: 10
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    14 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Visa Included
    Visa fees for UK passport holders
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 18
  • Physical Rating 2Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
Travel Expert

How can we help?

For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.

Call 0808 274 8594

Tour Highlights

Our Secrets of Southwest China (Yunnan & Sichuan) tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.

Tour Experiences

Tour Itinerary

This tour is suitable for those with a good amount of time available to tour in China and who are interested in enjoying an in depth tour of the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan. This tour is a moderate pace, and therefore there are periods of walking.

  • Days 1-2
    Fly overnight to Kunming
    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.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Explore Stone Forest
    Day 3: Explore 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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Discover Dali
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Erhai Lake Cruise
    Day 5: Erhai Lake 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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 6
    Travel to Lijiang
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Tiger Leaping Gorge
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 9
    Fly to Chengdu
    Day 9: Fly to 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!

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 10
    Leshan Grand Buddha
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Explore Mount Emeishan
    Day 11: Explore Mount Emeishan

    Take a cable car to the summit of Emeishan and admire the striking and diverse natural beauty of the mountain and surrounding landscape. Spend the day soaking up the ambience and exploring.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Jiuzhaigou National Park (Nine Villages Valley)
    Day 12: Jiuzhaigou National Park (Nine Villages Valley)

    Transfer to Chengdu for your bullet train to Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou National Park).

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Jiuzhaigou National Park (Nine Villages Valley)
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Huanglong Pools
    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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 15
    Chengdu Panda Reserve
    Day 15: Chengdu Panda Reserve

    Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre learn about China's celebrated bears and see them up close. Later, stroll through People's Park, visit a traditional teahouse and see Matchmaker's Corner where parents search for worthy suitors for their children. This evening, dine on mouth-watering Sichuanese cuisine.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 16
    Fly Chengdu to UK
    Day 16: Fly Chengdu to UK

    Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

    • Breakfast

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

  • Nights 2
    Jinjiang Hotel
    Jinjiang Hotel
    JinJiang Hotel is located close to Kunming's main attractions. Each of its air conditioned, modern en-suite rooms include satellite television, a minibar, complimentary toiletries and tea making facilities. The hotel is home to one revolving restaurant as well as 6 dining options and a bar. The onsite fitness centre and spa is a highlight.
  • Nights 2
    Landscape Hotel
    No. 96 Yuer Road, Dali Ancient Town, Yunnan, China
    Landscape Hotel
    Landscape Hotel is a 3-star hotel situated inside the Dali Ancient Town, close to Dali railway station and Dali airport. The simplistic style of the rooms keeps the focus on how the hotel seamlessly blends the traditional courtyard style with local influences. Each room offers guests Wi-Fi and Chinese cuisine is served at breakfast.
  • Nights 3
    Lijiang Wangfu Hotel
    No.9, Yigu Lane, Nanmen Street, Gucheng District, Lijiang
    Lijiang Wangfu Hotel
    Ideally located in South Gate Square within the ancient city of Lijiang, the Lijiang Wangfu Hotel offers guests comfortable 4-star accommodation. Featuring ornate doorways and lanterns, and peaceful courtyards, you will feel truly immersed in your local surroundings. Each room features air-conditioning and Wi-Fi for your comfort and convenience.
  • Night 1
    Xin Liang Hotel
    No.246, Shangdong St., Chengdu·Sichuan
    Xin Liang Hotel
    The 4-star Xin Liang Hotel is centrally located in the Chunxi Road Business District, adjacent to Tianfu Square, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Chengdu. The hotel draws inspiration from Bashu culture, seamlessly blending elegant and modern elements, providing a tranquil oasis in the bustling city. Featuring Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast, the property also provides rooms with soundproof windows, a work desk, refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV featuring satellite channels.
  • Nights 2
    Le Méridien Emei Mountain Resort
    No 555 Mingshan Road South Section, Leshan, Sichuan, 614200
    Le Méridien Emei Mountain Resort
    Situated in the heart of the Sichuan Province, Le Méridien Emei Mountain Resort offers 4-star luxury accommodation, exuding elegance and premium comforts. Nestled at the foot of the mountains, the hotel boasts striking views in addition to the assortment of bars and restaurants offering a variety of delectable cuisines. There are also multiple pools and a fitness centre. All rooms feature a contemporary design and are equipped with a flat-screen TV, high speed Wi-Fi and luxury linens.
  • Nights 2
    Xin Liang Hotel
    No.246, Shangdong St., Chengdu·Sichuan
    Xin Liang Hotel
    The 4-star Xin Liang Hotel is centrally located in the Chunxi Road Business District, adjacent to Tianfu Square, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Chengdu. The hotel draws inspiration from Bashu culture, seamlessly blending elegant and modern elements, providing a tranquil oasis in the bustling city. Featuring Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast, the property also provides rooms with soundproof windows, a work desk, refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV featuring satellite channels.

The best times to visit China are in spring (April to May) and autumn, (September to October) when temperatures are warm and humidity low.

City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chengdu
  • 6°c
  • 8mm
  • Dali
  • 8°c
  • 14mm
  • Kunming
  • 9°c
  • 16mm
  • Lijiang
  • 6°c
  • 2mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chengdu
  • 8°c
  • 12mm
  • Dali
  • 9°c
  • 23mm
  • Kunming
  • 10°c
  • 16mm
  • Lijiang
  • 8°c
  • 6mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chengdu
  • 12°c
  • 20mm
  • Dali
  • 12°c
  • 28mm
  • Kunming
  • 14°c
  • 20mm
  • Lijiang
  • 10°c
  • 17mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chengdu
  • 17°c
  • 44mm
  • Dali
  • 14°c
  • 24mm
  • Kunming
  • 17°c
  • 24mm
  • Lijiang
  • 13°c
  • 21mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chengdu
  • 22°c
  • 78mm
  • Dali
  • 18°c
  • 66mm
  • Kunming
  • 19°c
  • 97mm
  • Lijiang
  • 17°c
  • 56mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chengdu
  • 24°c
  • 107mm
  • Dali
  • 20°c
  • 178mm
  • Kunming
  • 20°c
  • 181mm
  • Lijiang
  • 18°c
  • 167mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chengdu
  • 26°c
  • 224mm
  • Dali
  • 20°c
  • 186mm
  • Kunming
  • 20°c
  • 202mm
  • Lijiang
  • 18°c
  • 242mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chengdu
  • 26°c
  • 201mm
  • Dali
  • 19°c
  • 219mm
  • Kunming
  • 20°c
  • 204mm
  • Lijiang
  • 17°c
  • 207mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chengdu
  • 22°c
  • 119mm
  • Dali
  • 18°c
  • 158mm
  • Kunming
  • 19°c
  • 119mm
  • Lijiang
  • 16°c
  • 161mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chengdu
  • 18°c
  • 35mm
  • Dali
  • 15°c
  • 104mm
  • Kunming
  • 16°c
  • 79mm
  • Lijiang
  • 13°c
  • 70mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chengdu
  • 13°c
  • 16mm
  • Dali
  • 11°c
  • 33mm
  • Kunming
  • 12°c
  • 42mm
  • Lijiang
  • 9°c
  • 16mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Chengdu
  • 8°c
  • 5mm
  • Dali
  • 8°c
  • 15mm
  • Kunming
  • 9°c
  • 11mm
  • Lijiang
  • 6°c
  • 4mm
+ -
Secrets of Southwest China (Yunnan & Sichuan) map

Places Visited: UK - Kunming (2N) - Dali (2N) - Lijiang (3N) - Chengdu (1N) - Emeishan (2N) - Nine Villages Valley (2N) - Chengdu (2N) - UK

2024 - Download Detailed Itinerary

2025 & 2026 - Download Detailed Itinerary

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

Offers
Applicable

Earlybird Sale

The early bird catches the worm! Secure an amazing deal on a 2025 or 2026 tour. Save up to £1,000pp

If you can find a tour with the same inclusions cheaper, we will match it AND give you a reward. We will also match the price of any Wendy Wu Tour quoted elsewhere and we guarantee the price of your tour will never rise after you've paid.

Fetching Price Information - please wait

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

Group Tour includes

Additional Price Information

Extensions and Stopovers

Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.

From our China Blog

Read our latest articles or travel inspiration, exciting news about our destinations and all things Wendy Wu Tours

4
Jul

Air China Means Business

China’s national carrier and a member of Star Alliance, Air China is an airline you’ve probably not...
1
Jul

How China finally bounced back after the pandemic

“How China finally bounced back after the pandemic” was originally published on 1 July...
5
Oct

Making Tracks: the Joys of Travelling by Train

There is an inherent romance to travelling by rail. A hangover from the lauded golden age in the...
Read more China blogs
Call us on 0800 1445 282 to book this tour