Rice Terraces and Tea Forests: A Road Trip Accross Yunnan
The trip in a nutshell
Kunming → Naigu Stone Forest → Jianshui→ Yuanyang → Pu’er → Ximeng → Lancang → Jingmaishan → Pu’er → Kunming
Join me on this epic journey through Southern Yunnan! Discover the breathtaking beauty of this extraordinary region, from the mirror-like rice terraces of Yuanyang, the ancient UNESCO-listed tea forests of Jingmai Mountain, and the rich tea culture of Pu’er. Experience the unique local cultures, stunning landscapes, and hidden treasures that make this corner of China truly outstanding.
- Nature
- Culture
- On the Road
- Relax
- City
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Physical effort
LOW_MEDIUM
This itinerary requires a LOW-MEDIUM level of physical fitness with a steady trip pace. Expect medium to long transfers ranging from 3 to 5 hours, along with excursions and easy hikes. Accommodations will change almost daily, so a flexible and adaptable attitude is essential for enjoying this journey.
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Trip type
360°
This trip lets you experience the destination from every angle. We’ll keep the pace lively to see as much as possible, but there will still be time to relax and have fun: a perfect mix!
– Explore two UNESCO-listed sites
– Discover the local ethnic groups
– Visit ancient tea forests
– Join me on this epic journey
Why Traveling With Me
I’m a professional photographer and travel blogger passionate about capturing the true essence of the places I explore. Having lived in Yunnan for 10 years, I bring a deep understanding of its landscapes, traditions, and people, far beyond what most travelers see. Over the years, I’ve witnessed a surge of group tours to China, but this journey is different. I’ve carefully designed it to showcase a rarely seen side of the country. If you’re looking for an authentic experience and a fresh perspective, join me on this trip and discover Yunnan and its hidden gems. Together, we’ll explore, photograph, and immerse ourselves in a rich culture few get to experience.
By law, all group tours in China need to be arranged through a licensed local travel agency. That’s why a trusted Chinese partner handles the bookings and takes care of all the logistics.
Why Southern Yunnan
Yunnan, known as ‘South of the Clouds,’ is China’s most culturally rich province, bordering Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. This region offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience with incredible landscapes and different ethnic cultures.
The food is equally interesting, blending spicy, sour, and fresh flavors unique to the region. Southern Yunnan provides an unforgettable journey where time seems to slow down.
Highlights
If you are not familiar with these places, you can have a look at my travel guides, where I explain what makes this part of China so unique:
XIMENG
Detailed Itinerary
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Round-trip flights are not included, so you’re free to choose when and where to fly, giving you maximum flexibility. Check in at the hotel in Kunming and join the rest of the group for a welcome dinner.
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In the morning we will visit the beautiful Naigu Stone Forest famous for its towering limestones. We will then head to Jianshui, an ancient town originally built during the Tang Dynasty famous for the traditional Chinese architecture. – Driving time: about 2h
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In the morning we will first head to the Shuanlong Bridge, just outside Jianshui, and the we will visit the Confucian Temple, one of the best preserved in China. We will then head to the Yuanyang Rice Terraces just in time for the sunset view. – Driving time: about 2h
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After watching the sunrise from our guesthouse, we will head to the local market, where we will see the Hani people busy buying and selling local products. We will spend the rest of the day exploring beautiful villages such as Azheke and hiking the terraces. We will then drive to Samaba and spend night there. – Driving time: about 2h
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Samaba it’s one of the hidden gems in Yunnan that even few Chinese know about. Similar to Yuanyang but much less crowded. We will spend most of the day there and then drive to Pu’er and spend the night there. – Driving time: about 4.5h
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We will first visit a local market and then explore two sacred sites for the Wa People, the local ethnic group. These are two places where spirits are said to gather and locals connect with ancestors and deities. Then we will head back to Pu’er where we will be staying in a beautiful glamping site built in the mountains. – Driving time: about 2h
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Today we will visit the Aileng Mountain Ancient Tea Forest and visit some more villages like the incredibly beautiful Nuogang and Manghong. We will spend a second night in the same guesthouse. Not much driving today.
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We will immerse ourself in a 3-hour tea-picking experience and then visit the Jingmai Mountain Heritage Exhibition Center, before heading to Ximeng. – Driving time: about 3h
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Jingmaishan is one of my favourite places in all of China. The Dai and Bulang villages like Wengji are incredibly well preserved and due to their traditional architecture with clear influences from Southeast Asia, you will wonder if you are even still in China. We will spend the night in a local guesthouse. – Driving time: about 3h
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On our last day we will drive back to Kunming and on our way there we will stop in Nakeli, a small ancient town built along the Tea-Horse road. We will arrive in Kunming in late afternoon.Hotel accommodation in Kunming is NOT included. – Driving time: about 5h
Total Price: 2500€
Departure date: 2027 TBA
2026 DATES SOLD OUT
Cancellation policy: 100% refund up to 31 days before departure.
What’s included
- Nine nights’ hotel in a twin/double room with private bathroom. This means that you will share the room with another traveler. If you want a single room, there’s a supplement of 480€
- All breakfasts. Please remember that in the remote areas of Yunnan, you won’t find coffee or international food served in the morning. Instead, breakfasts commonly consist of traditional Chinese dishes such as various types of noodles or steamed buns, rice porridge, and other local specialties
- Welcome dinner
- All transfers between destinations
- Tickets to the various scenic areas and a local certified guide
- Travel coordinator services
- Travel Insurance
What’s NOT included
- Round-trip flight to/from Kunming
- Food and beverages, when not specified
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, snacks, extra activities)
- Tips (optional but customary)
- Hotel accommodation in Kunming on the last day is NOT included.
- Anything not mentioned in the “What’s included” section
Type of accommodation
We will be staying in 4-star or equivalent hotels for most of the trip, except in the villages of Jingmaishan, where we will stay at a local guesthouse.
- Kunming: one night in a 4* hotel
- Jianshui: one night in a 4* hotel
- Yuanyang: two nights in a 4* hotel
- Pu’er: one night in a 4* hotel
- Lancang: one night in a 4* hotel
- Jingmaishan: two nights in a guesthouse
- Puer: one night in a 4* glamping resort
If the minimum number of participants required for departure is not reached, the trip will still take place, but without my participation.