Yunnan Jade Dragon Journey

Visit one of the least-traveled and most diverse regions of China. This is a very different and wonderfully scenic corner of the country. Yunnan Province, "Land of Eternal Spring," is located in the southern part of the country just north of Burma, adjacent to Tibet and bordering the eastern Himalayas. Yunnan is home to 25 different cultures and diverse landscapes. Over the years, this JOURNEYS trip has evolved to include more traditional hospitality in small inns, guesthouses, and lodges as a way to offset and avoid the mass group feeling resulting from growing Chinese domestic tourism, which favors large luxury hotels. Your experience begins on arrival in Kunming with a visit to beautiful local museum where you learn about the city’s 2,200-year history. Fly to historic Dali, home of the Three Pagodas, before embarking on a leisurely boat ride on legend-rich Erhai Lake. Learn about the ways of the Bai people, and develop an understanding of their easygoing way of life. Hike to the waterfalls of Mt. Cangshan, and enjoy spectacular views, bird and wildlife watching, and refreshing mountain air. Spend a few days in Lijiang, the architecturally-restored capital of the colorful and artistic Naxi people, before exploring the edge of the Tibetan Plateau on your way to Zhongdian, now officially called Shangri La. You will enjoy local food,  fine climate, friendly people, and great Himalayan scenery.