Yunnan Tropical Tour (3N4D standard)
Kunming-Jinghong (Xishuangbanna)
The unique geographical location and the complex ethnic situation created by 26 nationalities and their interaction have made Yunnan an exotic place to visit. The beautiful natural landscape, the colorful ethnic diversity, the long history and splendid cultures contribute to more than 60 scenery sites in Yunnan. Kunming is historically and culturally renowned throughout the country. With an annual average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius, it is well known as the City of Eternal Spring without bitter cold in winter and intense heat in summer. Xishuangbanna is situated in the southern tip of Yunnan on the borders of Myanmar and Laos. It is a place characterized by tropical scenery, rich and unique ethnic customs and habits. The Dai, those who love freedom and peace in their own language, has three major branches, respectively Han Dai (residing in the mountains), Shui Dai (living by the rivers), and Hua Yao Dai (with a unique costume that has colored waist belt)
Itinerary:
Day 1 Jinghong-Arrival
After airport formalities, meet the local guide in Jinghong and transfer to the hotel. Jinghong is capital city of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture.
Day 2 Jinghong-100km-Menglun-Jinghong
After breakfast, drive along the Mekong River to Menglun. In route, stop and visit local market and Dai villages at Ganlanba. Continue to visit the Tropical Botanical Garden in Menglun. Situated 103 kilometers, or 3 hour ride, from Jinghong, the Tropical Botanical Garden was founded in 1958 and is currently the playing an important role in research in the areas of medicinal plants, taxonomy, economic plants and biochemistry. This garden proudly holds 3,000 species of plants, one of the richest botanical concentrations all over the world. Then drive back to the hotel in Jinghong.
Day 3 Jinghong-Menhai-Jinghong---Kunming
Today, take a day excursion to Mengzhe and Menghai to visit the Octagonal Pavilion, which is the most famous architectural site in Xishuangbanna with a history of over 300 years. In route, take stops and visits of tea plantations, villages of the Dai minority and the Aini people. The Menghai Tea Factory is the largest industrial employer in the prefecture and arrangement to visit the tea factory can be made. On the way from Jinghong to Menghai, tea in plantations is on both sides of the road. Then drive back to Jinghong and transfer to Jinghong Airport for early evening flight Jinghong-Kunming. Meet at Kunming Airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 4 Kunming-Departure
After breakfast, proceed to a day excursion to the Stone Forest. An extremely rare geological phenomenon dating back to 270 million years ago, the Stone Forest is 80 hectares of Karst limestone pillars in fantastic shapes that resemble a forest viewed from a distance some 85 kilometers, or 1.5 hours one way, southeast of Kunming. The Stone Forest is also home to the Sani tribe, a branch of the diverse and scattered Yi minority renowned for their diligence, embroidery and dancing.On the way back to Kunming, visit also a Sani tribe village Qi Xin. Transfer to airport for departure flight in the afternoon. Trip ENDs.