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Tel: 03 364 3400
Freephone: 0800 747 737
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Secrets of Southwest China (Yunnan & Sichuan)

17 Day Fully Inclusive Go Beyond Group Tour

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.

Your tour highlights

  • Lijiang
  • Leshan
  • Wulong Gorge
  • Giant Pandas

Tour itinerary

Day
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
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

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 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, Dinner

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

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

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, Dinner

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, Dinner

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

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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day
12
Jiuzhaigou National Park (Nine Villages Valley)

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

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

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 flight to Chengdu.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day
15
Chengdu Panda Reserve

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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day
16
Fly Chengdu To New Zealand

Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the following day.

Breakfast

What you’ll see on the tour

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Tour pricing:

from $10,080

per person twin/double share*

To secure your place now:

Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Contact Us for details

Tour Inclusions:

  • Fully Inclusive Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals: Breakfasts: 14 , Lunches: 13 , Dinners: 14
  • Flights: International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation: 14 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Group Tour – Max Group Size: 18
  • Domestic transportation
  • Touring with guides and entrance fees

Not included:

Conditions:

Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes and are subject to change. Correct as of 1 June 2025 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. Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB755pp (2026), RMB795pp (2027) is paid locally in China. Based on departures from Auckland Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available upon request Land only from $8,380 per person, twin share Single Supplement from $1,500 (does not apply to Solo Exclusive Departures) Price listed is based on new bookings only Physical Rating 2 Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet WW
What a trip! The whole trip was amazing and I have come away with my preconceived ideas about the region changed in a positive way. Most young people have some English. Many young ones wanted to engage in conversation to practice their English. They seemed genuinely interested in us. It was very surprising to see NZ wines on the list of many books the hotels we stayed in and also in a remote very small dairy type store. Many of our hotels were outstanding. The odd accommodation we had in more remote areas were not so salubrious but considering where we were I was very happy. They were all clean and tidy. Lyndon was a great tour leader. Both Kylie and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and feel privileged to be able to visit these countries at an early stage in their tourism journey.
Silk Road Odyssey, May2025, Karen & Kylie
We would like to thank you for organising our Japan trip, everything about it was perfect. Our guided activities struck a good balance between history, both ancient and more recent, as well as just the right amount of opportunity to experience daily Japan life. Our accommodations struck the right balance and the private vehicles with drivers were super prompt and most comfortable. The Toyota Alphard limousines with Lazy Boy style seats were quite something! All our guides were excellent.
Japan, Tim & Malin
We have had an amazing time in China and our guide was superb. There was just so much to see and do as the country is huge. A very relaxing Yangtze River Cruise and then jam-packed days exploring many highlights of China. So, thanks for your help and support.
China, Elizabeth & Keith
We had an amazing time in India, loved it. Thank you for your recommendation and for making all the arrangements for us. Our Intrepid guide was fantastic - I think he won best Intrepid guide for India in 2023.
India, Paul & Sheila
Our trip was fabulous!! Every aspect was extremely well organised and so easy. GAdventures and our tour guide, Tam, had a well planned and great itinerary so while we got to see some amazing sights, it was still really well paced and relaxing. The timing for everything that you and the GAdventures tour organised for us was perfect. We had no glitches at all and would highly recommend all of the options to others. Thanks so much for all of your efforts for us; they were much appreciated. Hopefully we can arrange another wonderful trip with you again in the not too distant future.
Vietnam & Cambodia, Chris & Robyn
We have had an excellent holiday and a much-needed break. Thank you for your part in making our holiday a success.
Indonesia, Jane & Richard
Our trip was outstanding, our guide was great and we had a whole lot of optional extras that we took the opportunity to enjoy. Everything was seamless and well organised, we had a fantastic group that was just 11 people through Vietnam and 1 extra joined us through Cambodia. I couldn't speak highly enough of G Adventures and their staff. It was a truly memorable experience and I would certainly recommend. Many thanks for all your help and yes we are slowly readjusting to the freezing weather here!
Vietnam & Cambodia, Robyn
My trip to India was fabulous and went without any issues. Thank You!
India, Janine
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