Tour Overview
This 7-day Yunnan World Heritage Tour combines natural wonders and ancient human history. You will visit the Chengjiang Fossil Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012, where 530-million-year-old fossils provide a rare window into early multicellular life.
Then, travel northwest to Yuanmou, where archaeologists discovered the earliest-known human fossils in China—the Yuanmou Man, dating back nearly 1.7 million years.
In the second part of the tour, you’ll fly to Xishuangbanna, a tropical paradise home to lush rainforests, wild elephants, and diverse ethnic groups like the Dai and Aini. Discover temples, tea plantations, vibrant markets, and minority cultures in southern Yunnan’s most biodiverse region.
This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of science, history, culture, and nature—all within one of China’s most diverse provinces.
Important Notes
- Best travel seasons: March to May and October to December
- This tour is suitable for all ages, with moderate walking required
- Accommodations range from 3★ to 4★ depending on local conditions
- A valid China visa is required before entry
Tour Facts
- Trip Starts: Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Trip Ends: Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China
- Activities: Cultural Exploration, Heritage Visits, Light Overland Travel
- Group Size: Minimum 3 people, Maximum 12 people
- Single Supplement: USD $255 (applies when a room is occupied by one person)
What’s Included
- ✔ Licensed English-speaking tour guide
- ✔ Accommodation (based on double occupancy)
- ✔ One-way economy class flight: Kunming → Xishuangbanna
- ✔ Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- ✔ Private ground transportation throughout the tour
- ✔ Entrance fees to all listed attractions
- ✔ Meals as indicated in the itinerary
What’s Not Included
- ✘ International or domestic airfare (not listed above)
- ✘ China visa and related application fees
- ✘ Meals not listed in the itinerary
- ✘ Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, snacks, laundry)
- ✘ Medical expenses or travel insurance
- ✘ Single supplement (if room is occupied by only one traveler)
Detailed Itinerary
Click each day to view detailed program
Day 1: Arrival in Kunming
Upon arrival at Kunming Airport or train station, your local guide and driver will meet you at the arrival hall and transfer you to your hotel. Check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: 4★ Hotel, Kunming
Meals: None
Day 2: Kunming – Chengjiang Fossil Site – Kunming
Drive ~80 km southeast to visit the Chengjiang Fossil Site, covering over 500 hectares. First discovered in 1984, the site is world-renowned for its Cambrian-era fossils—over 530 million years old—offering insight into the early evolution of life on Earth. Return to Kunming in the late afternoon.
Overnight: 3★ Local Hotel, Kunming
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Kunming – Yuanmou – Kunming
After breakfast, drive ~200 km northwest (~2.5 hours) to Yuanmou County, where the fossilized remains of Yuanmou Man were discovered. These ancient hominids lived during the early Paleolithic Age and represent some of the oldest human ancestors in East Asia. Visit the Yuanmou Man Museum, followed by an exploration of the Yuanmou Earth Forest, a stunning geological formation shaped over millennia. Return to Kunming by late afternoon.
Overnight: 4★ Hotel, Kunming
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Kunming – Xishuangbanna (Flight)
Take a morning flight to Xishuangbanna, known historically as Mengbanaxi, meaning “a magical, peaceful land”. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and visit the Wild Elephant Valley, located in the Sanchahe Nature Reserve, the only habitat in China where wild elephants still roam.
Overnight: 3★ Hotel, Xishuangbanna
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Botanical Gardens & Dai Culture
Drive along the Mekong River to Menglun, a lesser-known destination rarely touched by mass tourism. Visit the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, home to over 13,000 plant species and known as the “Pearl of the Tropical Forest.” On the way, stop at a local farmers’ market to see fresh produce and handmade goods, and later explore Ganlanba Village, where you’ll visit ancient Dai Buddhist temples and gain deeper insights into local traditions.
Overnight: 4★ Hotel, Xishuangbanna
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Menghai Excursion – Dai & Aini Ethnic Villages
Drive to Menghai County and visit the Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion, built in honor of Sakyamuni Buddha. This unique architectural gem fuses Dai and Han elements. Continue to an Aini ethnic village, where you may witness local life or even take part in a traditional wedding ceremony (subject to chance). Later, visit a Pu’er tea plantation, where you’ll learn about tea cultivation and its health benefits—especially for digestion and weight management.
Overnight: 4★ Hotel, Xishuangbanna
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Departure from Xishuangbanna
Your journey concludes today. We’ll transfer you to Xishuangbanna Airport according to your flight schedule. Farewell and safe travels!
Overnight: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any special permits or documents?
No special permits are required for this tour, but you will need a valid Chinese visa. Please check visa requirements for your nationality in advance.
Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?
Yes. The tour includes moderate walking and light overland travel. It is suitable for most fitness levels and ages, including older travelers and families with children over 10 years old.
What is the best time to join this tour?
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to December) offer the most comfortable weather for travel in Yunnan, with lush landscapes and minimal rain.
What kind of accommodation is included?
We arrange comfortable 3★ to 4★ hotels, selected for their quality, location, and local character. All rooms are based on double occupancy unless you request a single room.
Can dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes. Vegetarian and other special dietary requests can be accommodated with prior notice. Please inform us at the time of booking.
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