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5 Days Kunming, Jianshui & Yuanyang Rice Terraces Tour

Explore Amazing Yuanyang Rice Terrace & Feel Authentic Life in Historic Town

Start from Kunming for a magical journey to Stone Forest which is a geographical miracle and a giant precious art gallery of natural stone landscape. With another 200 kilometers’ driving, you’ll enter into a beautiful world totally carved by local industrious Hani people generation after generation for over 1300 years. The 17,000-hectare Yuanyang Rice Terraces different from Stone Forest is that Yuanyang Rice Terrace is the masterpiece of human, showing the greatest harmony with nature. Travel beyond Yuanyang and move to Jianhsui, giving you a strong sense of what an ancient town looks like. Jianshui Ancient Town is the Museum of Ancient Buildings and Residential Houses for cultural exploration and to travel out of the old town, the time-honored meter-gauge sightseeing train will take you to ancient arched bridges and folk villages. Let’s discover!

  • Type : Private Tour
  • Tour Code : CD-KMJY-05
  • Price : from $984
    1. 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
    2. 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
  • Trip Length : 5D/4N
  • Theme : Nature / Landscape / Architecture

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

  • Explore the must-see Kunming Stone Forest to see the kingdom of world heritage peculiar Karst stones like a maze aboveground;
  • Catch the gorgeous sun rising over the quiet Duoyishu Rice Terrace and shoot the sunset falling down the Bada Rice Terrace;
  • Have a full understanding of an integrated four-fold system of forests, water supply, terraces and houses, and the harmony between nature and humankind;
  • Stroll leisurely along the 1200-year-old Jianshui Ancient Town to feel authentic life and travel out of the town with meter-gauge sightseeing train for 13-kilometers sightseeing.
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Itinerary Day by Day (Can Be Customized)
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Day 1 Kunming Arrival - Stone Forest (L)

Arrive in Kunming - Drive to Visit Stone Forest - Nuohei Village

Welcome to Kunming, the Spring City of China! Upon arrival in Kunming (before 12:00), your tour guide and driver will meet you and escort you to Stone Forest. Or, if you arrive in advance, you’ll be picked up at your hotel in Kunming downtown area.

Later, drive 85 km to the typical Karst landform - Stone Forest. As the “Essence of World Karst Landform”, Kunming Stone Forest has been listed as the UNESCO World Natural Heritage with the incomparable coverage of 12 square kilometers’ stone pinnacle groups. Take the sightseeing bus to visit the Greater Stone Forest Scenic Area to admire the typical concentrating cinerous stone pinnacles by walking through the maze of stone peaks and jumping high for the panorama of the forest of protruding stone peaks. Also, you will see the famous peak on many photos and even stones towering over 40 meters. Then, continue to ride the bus to explore the Lesser Stone Forest to closely look at the iconic stone “Ashima” like a young lady, listen to the touching love story of Ashima, and fill your eyes with the emerald garden-like park of wilder stone peaks surrounded by lush green plants and blossoms. Take the sightseeing bus to exit the scenic park.

If time permits, drive about 40 minutes to visit Nuohei Village which is a typical Yi minority village with more than 600 years history in Shilin County and reputed as “the most famous stony village with Karst landscape”. You’ll totally indulge in this featured village of stone - stone houses, stone walls, stone paved roads, stone squares and stone mills…and have a wonderful time to explore local customs.

Stay overnight in Shilin County.

  • Major Stone Forest Major Stone Forest
  • Yaowadee and Ezio from Italy - Stone Forest, Kunming, Yunnan Our customers Yaowadee and Ezio from Italy visited Stone Forest in Kunming, Yunnan on November 10, 2020.

Day 2 Stone Forest - Yuanyang & Bada Rice Terrace (B, L)

Shilin County to Yuanyang - Bada Rice Terrace

After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet your at your hotel. The following journey is about 293 kilometers’ driving from Shilin County to Yuanyang which takes about 4 hours. On the way, you’ll have the chance to stop for relaxing exploration about some primitive ethnic villages near Yuanyang County.

Upon reaching Yuanyang, you'll be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, capture stunning shots at Bada Rice Terraces(坝达梯田), renowned for its sunset views and panoramic scenery. As the sun sets, the 950-hectare rice paddies, spanning from 800 to 2000 meters, create a breathtaking sight resembling ladders to heaven illuminated by bright light. Witness the terraces transform through shades of pink, rosy, dark red, golden, and white as the sunset glow intensifies.

After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy a restful night.

  • Bada Rice Terrace-20201216-Anne from German-CD-Z Bada Rice Terrace views photoed by Anne from German
  • Local Hani Children in Yuanyang County Local Hani Children in Yuanyang County

Day 3 Duoyishu Rice Terraces - Aichun - Azheke - Laohuzui Rice Terraces (B, L)

Duoyishu Rice Terrace Sunrise - Aichun Blue Rice Terrace - Azheke Mushroom Houses - Laohuzui Rice Terraces Sunset

Start your day early by heading to Duoyishu Rice Terrace (多依树) to witness a captivating sunrise. Positioned amidst high mountains on three sides and stretching into the valley on the fourth, Duoyishu offers a misty Hani village with mushroom-like houses adorning the rice paddies, resembling sailboats at sea. The first light casts a splendid ray over the mountains, transforming the tranquil blue terraces into a brilliant golden hue as the sun rises.

Next, proceed to Aichun Village (爱春), about 5km away, to marvel at the blue rice terrace. The blue color is not from the water but reflects the expansive sky. From a high observation deck, soak in the picturesque scene of azure skies, white clouds above, and layered blue rice terraces on the ground, with traditional Hani houses peeking through the trees. (Travel tip: Visit Aichun Village between 09:00-10:00 for the optimal time to appreciate the blue rice terrace.)

Enjoy a leisurely cultural trip to Azheke Village (阿者科) in the following hours. This primitive Hani Village, with 51 protective mushroom houses, showcases harmonious living between humanity and nature. Explore the village's numerous old mushroom houses, stone mills, and encounter sheep, buffaloes, and black pigs, with smoke rising from chimneys. Visit a local Hani family to engage in insightful conversations about their daily life and ethnic customs.

Later, capture breathtaking shots at Laohuzui Rice Terrace (老虎嘴), the core area of the Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces. Also known as Tiger Mouth, it stands out as the steepest, grandest, and most magnificent rice terrace in Yuanyang. This location provides the best vantage point for a sunset spectacle. From the top of Laohuzui Rice Terraces, enjoy a panoramic view resembling a blooming white flower. As the sun sets, the terraces transition from a clear and bright blue, mirroring the surroundings, to a radiant golden hue. With the sun's glow, the paddies transform rapidly into shades of pink, rosy, and dark red.

After the sunset, return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

  • Hani Village Hani Village
  • Duoyishu Rice Terrace-20201216-Anne from German-CD-Z Duoyishu Rice Terrace photoed by Anne from German
  • Laohuzui Rice Terrace Laohuzui Rice Terrace
  • Blue Rice Terrace in Aichun Village Blue Rice Terrace in Aichun Village
  • Yuanyang Rice Terraces looking like mirrors Yuanyang Rice Terraces looking like mirrors

Day 4 Yuanyang - Jianshui (B, L)

Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang - Drive to Jianshui - Jianshui Ancient Town - Zhu Family Garden

After breakfast, catch the last moment to enjoy the beautiful morning in Yuanyang. Your guide and driver will escort you to attend the Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang, a bustling place for local people who dressed in traditional ethnic costumes trading daily supplies, including fresh vegetable, fruits, meats, and many other kinds of food and daily necessities. It is a great opportunity to get close to Hani people’s living conditions.

Later, you’ll head to Jianshui County (116km, about 3-3.5 hours’ driving). Upon arrival, you’ll first reach the grand Chaoyang Tower, the landmark of Jianshui. Reputed as “Little Tian’anmen” with similar construction, Chaoyang Tower has a history even older than Tian’anmen in Beijing. This imposing Ming edifice is also modeled on the Yellow Crane Town in Wuhan and Yueyang Tower in Hunan. (Extra experience: you can climb up to this three-storey tower for a panoramic view of the whole Jianshui Ancient Town.)

Then, enjoy a relaxing visit to Jianshui Ancient Town which is reputed as “Museum of Ancient Buildings and Residential Houses”. With a history over 1200 years, Jianshui Ancient Town is even older than Lijiang Old Town. Stroll leisurely along the old street and explore different kinds of ancient wells to witness how water plays an important role in making the famous Jianshui Tofu and Steam Pot Chicken. Afterwards, walk to Confucius Temple, the third largest as well as the second grandest Confucius Temple in China. The temple has operated as a school for 750 years and was so successful that over half of all Yunnan’s successful candidates in imperial examinations during this period came from Jianshui. Walk through the axis and visit the main hall - Dacheng Hall to worship the great sage.

Later, move your steps to Zhu Family Garden, a spacious 20,000-sq-meter residential complex built in Qing Dynasty comprising ancestral buildings, family homes, ponds and lovely gardens. When walking into the garden, you’ll get amazed at its layout, exquisite design and elegant garden scenery.

Have a good sleep tonight!

  • Zhu Family Garden Zhu Family Garden
  • Jianshui Ancient Town-Anne from Denmark-20210719-CD-Ze Our delighted customers from Denmark visited Jianshui Ancient Town
  • Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang

Day 5 Jianshui - Kunming & Kunming Departure (B, L)

Double Dragon Bridge - Tuanshan Village - Drive to Kunming for Departure

In this morning, you will enjoy a scenic journey by taking the meter-gauge sightseeing train to travel out of Jianshui Ancient Town to see Double Dragon Bridge and Tuanshan Folk Houses. Yunnan meter-gauge railway, which has a gauge of only 1 meter (1000 mm), has been in operation for 110 years. It is the only meter-gauge railway that still operates in China, and works as a connection with the neighboring countries.

Hop on the train at Lin’an Station (near Chaoyang Tower) and appreciate the idyllic farming scenery along the route and make a stop at Double Dragon Bridge for sightseeing. Double Dragon Bridge, also called Shuanglong Bridge, is a Seventeen-Arch Bridge with 148 meters long and 3 meters wide. It crosses above the injunction of Lu River and Tachong River which looks like two Chinese dragons, hence got the name Shuanglong Bridge. This bridge is a masterpiece and listed as one of the top 10 famous bridges in China. You can either look it from afar or walk on the ancient bridge for close appreciation.

Afterwards, continue your train journey moving to Tuanshan Village. Built in Ming Dynasty, Tuanshan Village is regarded as the Gem of Chinese Civil Houses and the most beautiful village in Yunnan. Its architectural style of the 19th century and beyond remains intact and the distinctive way of people's life is preserved, fully showcasing China's indigenous cultural characteristics. Have a wonderful stroll in this historic village and explore the distinctive buildings like Zhang Family Garden, unique lifestyle and folkways of Tuanshan Villagers.

After the tour, your guide and driver will take you to Kunming. After arriving in Kunming, transfer to the airport or train station to catch your flight/train (after 18:00) to next destination or back home.

  • Tuanshan Village Tuanshan Village
  • Twin Double Dragon Bridge Twin Double Dragon Bridge

The quotation for this trip is from $984 Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 6.85. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.

What's included?

  • Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
  • Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard);
  • Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary;
  • Domestic flights (economy class) and high-speed trains (second class) as listed in the itinerary;
  • Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off;
  • Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
  • All meals as listed( “B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
  • Accident insurance;
  • Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What's excluded?

  • China visa;
  • Personal expenses;
  • Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
  • Single Room Supplement;
  • Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
  • Recommended optional activities;
  • Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
  • Excess Baggage Charges;
  • Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Hi Mr Wang,

Thanks! I had a weekend away to Xi’an, China to celebrate my birthday. It was an exciting weekend and it was certainly something off the beaten trail for most of my friends. The itinerary you have suggested provided good coverage of the city’s rich history. From the fascinating Terracotta Army to the City Walls to the sacred Mount Hua, to the Muslim Quarter to the Drum & Bell Towers, there’s an interesting story from every historical era in Xi’an. I managed to hike up Mount Hua from North Peak to West Peak, but I didn’t get to do the dangerous plank walk as it was closed.

The hotel Eastern House was very accessible too with food places within steps and its proximity to the Drum Tower is a plus. The room was very clean and comfortable.

At this point, I have to quickly mention our amazing tour guide Betty Jiao Yan who was assigned to us as part of our private tour package. She made our time feel so very special and I wonder if Xi'an would have been as awesome without her. She had such a positive and caring nature and when we had to say goodbye, we felt very sad. It was strange to miss a guide after only knowing her for 5 days! Luckily we still keep in touch on WeChat. Our driver Mr Ma was very polite, punctual and accommodating, making our travel a pleasant experience

Anne

Anne‚ Singapore, January 25, 2024

Hi Jack,

Thanks. The Harbin and Snow Town trip was excellent and very enjoyable. We are now in Japan skiing, and will send our feedback upon our return on 31st Jan.

Best wishes

Leong

Leong‚ Singapore, January 24, 2024

Hi Rita,

From my end, everything is remarkable! Jane is amazing! She really make us feel welcome.

All the hotels were amazing too! My parents also very impressed.

I will definitely reaching out again, next time when I visit China. There’s many more places I want to visit.

Best regards,

Jefry

Jefry‚ Indonesia, January 21, 2024

Dear Rita,

We are home. Thanks for arranging this nice trip. Everything worked out nicely except the smoking room problem in Chengde.

Thanks again.

John

John‚ USA, January 19, 2024

Hi Rita,

In response to your enquiries, we had a wonderful experience with the tour arrangements in both Guilin and Yangshuo. Both the tour guide and driver were very professional and handled the arrangements well.

I am surely recommending any friends or relatives who are interested in travelling to China in future to use China Discovery. Also, will be looking at other destinations for ourselves too.

Thanks once again for the wonderful experience.

Kwan

Kwan‚ Malaysia, January 18, 2024
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Thitikorn C
"China Discovery is very professional agent in China...last January 2024, I contacted Vivien again to Huangshan and she has shown her professional as an agent with quick response and keep contacting me..." read more »
Reviewed on February 17, 2024
Read all reviews(1,800+)

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There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Photo gallery of this trip

  • Major Stone Forest Major Stone Forest
  • Yaowadee and Ezio from Italy - Stone Forest, Kunming, Yunnan Yaowadee and Ezio from Italy - Stone Forest, Kunming, Yunnan
  • Bada Rice Terrace-20201216-Anne from German-CD-Z Bada Rice Terrace-20201216-Anne from German-CD-Z
  • Local Hani Children in Yuanyang County Local Hani Children in Yuanyang County
  • Hani Village Hani Village
  • Duoyishu Rice Terrace-20201216-Anne from German-CD-Z Duoyishu Rice Terrace-20201216-Anne from German-CD-Z
  • Laohuzui Rice Terrace Laohuzui Rice Terrace
  • Blue Rice Terrace in Aichun Village Blue Rice Terrace in Aichun Village
  • Yuanyang Rice Terraces looking like mirrors Yuanyang Rice Terraces looking like mirrors
  • Zhu Family Garden Zhu Family Garden
  • Jianshui Ancient Town-Anne from Denmark-20210719-CD-Ze Jianshui Ancient Town-Anne from Denmark-20210719-CD-Ze
  • Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang Ethnic Market & Bazaar in Yuanyang
  • Tuanshan Village Tuanshan Village
  • Twin Double Dragon Bridge Twin Double Dragon Bridge

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