An Immersive Journey Through Southern Yunnan

Itinerary:
Morning: Travel to the scenic Puzhehei area.
Afternoon: Take a gentle outdoor hike along lakeside trails, enjoying the sparkling waters framed by layered karst peaks, breathing in the fresh air and soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Along the way, visit filming spots from the hit drama Eternal Love (“Three Lives, Three Worlds”), observe migratory birds, explore caves, and fully connect with the natural surroundings.

Attractions:
Puzhehei Scenic Area (Free entry): "Puzhehei" means "pond filled with fish and shrimp" in the Yi language. The area is divided into a core zone (old area) and an outer zone (new area). The core zone features caves, vast lotus fields, classic pastoral karst landscapes, and ethnic minority villages such as Puzhehei and Xianrendong. The outer zone includes Swan Lake and wetlands. The karst caves are a highlight—Moon Cave, Torch Cave, Guanyin Cave, and Immortal's Cave—each showcasing unique stalactites and rich local legends.
Filming Location of Eternal Love (“Three Lives, Three Worlds”) (Ticket included): Located in Puzhehei Village, Qiubei County, this site gained fame as a filming location for the Chinese popular TV series Eternal Love. With breathtaking scenery of fluttering peach blossoms and rivers reflecting karst peaks, it feels like stepping into a dreamlike painting. Horse-drawn carts in here offer a charming way to explore the hilly terrain and local life.
Puzhehei Lake (Free entry): A freshwater karst lake nestled in the hills of Qiubei County, Puzhehei Lake is known for its mirror-like surface and serene charm. The name means "a place full of fish and shrimp," and it truly lives up to its name, offering picturesque views of lush peaks, calm waters, and rural life.

Included Activity: Puzhehei Light Hike
A gentle hike through serene lakes and villages. Surrounded by clear waters and lush peaks, this experience is like wandering through a fairy-tale landscape, sharing the region's natural beauty.

Dining:
Breakfast: Included at your hotel
Lunch: Local specialties (own expense)
Dinner: Local specialties (own expense)

Hotel: Banmu Yunshan Inn or similar
Step into a peaceful retreat where traditional ethnic architecture with strong ethnic charm. The garden, filled with blooming flowers and greenery, is an ideal spot to relax—breathe deeply, listen to birdsong, and let the day's worries melt away.

Itinerary:
Morning: Begin the day with a tranquil boat ride from Qinglong Mountain to Pucaotang. Drift past vast lotus-covered lakes and karst peaks while observing scenes of rural village life. Along the way, admire the reflections of solitary peaks and the quiet beauty of hidden caves and wetlands.
Afternoon: After lunch, head to Bise Village, a charming village with preserved French colonial architecture. Wander through the historic railway station, once part of China's earliest international rail line. It's also a popular photo stop, especially for fans of the Chinese film Youth, which was shot here. In the late afternoon, continue to the renowned Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Follow a scenic route through viewpoints like Qingkou, Quanfuzhuang village, and Malizhai village, before ending at Dawazhe Terraces to witness a magical sunset over the terraced hills of the Ailao Mountains.

Attractions:
Pucaotang Lake (Free entry): Located at the entrance of the Puzhehei Scenic Area, Pucaotang is the starting point of many countryside tours. With crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding peaks, it's a peaceful place to enjoy picturesque views of karst landscapes and lush fields.
Bise Village Railway Station (Free entry): Situated in Mengzi, Yunnan, Bise Village is home to a century-old railway station built by the French for the Yunnan–Vietnam Railway—China's first international rail route. With its nostalgic charm and historical significance, this picturesque station also served as a filming location for the movie Youth.
Yuanyang Rice Terraces (Ticket included): Shaped over centuries by the Hani people, the Yuanyang Terraces stretch across the southern slopes of the Ailao Mountains. In winter and early spring, the flooded terraces reflect the sky like mirrors, creating surreal and colorful landscapes that change with the light. This awe-inspiring landscape is a masterpiece of traditional agriculture and nature in harmony.

Included Activity: Qinglong Mountain to Pucaotang Boat Ride
Enjoy a leisurely boat journey through emerald lakes lined with lotus blossoms and dramatic peaks. With reflections of solitary karst hills and lush greenery all around, this ride offers a poetic experience into the tranquil beauty of rural Yunnan.

Dining:
Breakfast: Included at your hotel
Lunch: Recommended local specialties like rice noodles (own expense)
Dinner: Local specialties (own expense)

Hotel: Yuanyang Yuanshe Azheke Hotel (Azheke Ancient Village) or similar
Nestled in a traditional Hani village, this boutique hotel offers immersive views of the surrounding rice terraces. As dawn breaks, the mirrored fields reflect the sky in hues of gold and blue. Experience the slower rhythm of life and the soaking in the serenity of the mountains.

Itinerary:
Morning: This morning, visit the Aichun Blue Terraces, a stunning section of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces renowned for their dreamlike reflections. As sunlight hits the water-filled fields, the terraces mirror the sky in shades of blue and white, creating a breathtaking fusion of color and light.
Then, take a leisurely walk through Azheke Village, a traditional Hani settlement. Here, you'll see the distinctive "mushroom houses," built from earth and wood, and gain insight into the Hani people's architectural traditions and way of life.
Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the hotel's viewing terrace with a cup of tea and panoramic views of the terraced fields. If the weather is good, this is also a great opportunity to connect with local villagers, observe their daily routines, and perhaps enjoy a traditional Hani-style dinner to round off the day.

Attractions:
AichunlanTerraces (Free entry): Located near the Duoyishu area, Aichunlan is also known as the "Blue Terraces" for the vivid blue reflections seen in the flooded fields during clear mornings. The best time to visit is around 9:00 AM, when the terraces shine brightest under the morning sun. Light and shadow dance across the water's surface, creating a magical, almost painterly scene.
Azheke Village (Free entry): Nestled deep in the mountains, Azheke is one of Yuanyang's best-preserved Hani villages. Its iconic mushroom-shaped houses and unspoiled atmosphere offer a rare, authentic glimpse into the region’s indigenous culture.

Dining:
Breakfast: Included at your hotel
Lunch: Local specialties (own expense)
Dinner: Hani-style cuisine (own expense)

Hotel: Yuanyang Yuanshe Azheke Hotel (Azheke Ancient Village) or similar

Itinerary:
Morning: Begin your day exploring Jianshui Ancient Town, one of Yunnan's best-preserved cultural hubs. Wander through ancient streets lined with historic landmarks such as the Confucius Temple,Chaoyang Town, Shuanglong Bridge, Zhujia Garden, and more. These timeworn structures offer a window into the region's Confucian heritage and traditional architecture. On weekends, classical music performances can be enjoyed at the temple. Next, stroll to the Jianshui Railway Station and soak in the nostalgic charm of its early 20th-century design. Board the vintage sightseeing train for a short yet scenic ride through the countryside, passing golden rice fields and historic bridges.  (note: due to the 4-hour train ride, this itinerary includes only a station visit for photos and brief exploration).
Afternoon: In the afternoon, travel to Fuxian Lake, a vast alpine lake known for its crystalline waters and serene setting. By day, the lake glistens under the sun; by night, it becomes a tranquil mirror beneath the moonlight.

Attractions:
Jianshui Old Town (Free entry): Formerly known as Lin'an, this ancient town is rich in cultural and historical heritage. Its well-preserved temples, mansions, and gardens especially the Confucius Temple and Zhujia Garden, reflecting a long-standing reverence for education and tradition. It's said that in imperial times, half the successful scholars in Yunnan came from Jianshui—earning it the nickname "Lin Half-the-List (临半榜)."
Chaoyang Gate Tower (Ticket included): Built in 1389, this three-story structure is the sole surviving city gate of Jianshui's ancient walls. Despite centuries of war and natural disasters, it still stands as a symbol of resilience and local pride and a favorite spot for locals to gather.
Jianshui Sightseeing Train (Ticket included): Departing from the historic Lin'an Station, this retro train ride takes visitors past idyllic countryside scenery. The scenic route winds through changing landscapes and includes short stops at key sights such as Shuanglong Bridge and Xianghui Bridge.
Fuxian Lake (Free entry): Located about 60 kilometers from Kunming, Fuxian Lake spans over 200 square kilometers and is one of Yunnan's largest and deepest freshwater lakes. Its crystal-clear waters and peaceful ambiance make it a perfect place to unwind. Interestingly, the lake is also rumored to conceal an ancient underwater city beneath its surface.

Included Activity: Zitao Pottery Experience
Get creative with a pottery wheel and try your hand at making Jianshui Zitao. As a proud symbol of local intangible culture, Jianshui Zitao is a black clay pottery famous for its rich sheen.

Dining:
Breakfast: Included at your hotel
Lunch: Local specialties (own expense)
Recommended Food: Crossing-the-Bridge rice noodles, Jianshui tofu, and steamed chicken in clay pot
Dinner: Local specialties (own expense)

Hotel: Fuxian Lake Tongchenyuan Lakeview Hot Spring Hotel or similar
Set by the lake's edge, this elegant retreat offers breathtaking lake views from every room. By day, the water sparkles like polished glass; by night, the calm is mesmerizing. The on-site hot springs provide the perfect way to unwind after your journey. With poetic garden landscapes and architecture infused with local charm, this tranquil resort feels like a hidden sanctuary.

Itinerary:
Morning: Begin your day with a relaxed stroll through Dali Ancient Town, nestled at the foot of the scenic Cangshan Mountains. Wander along Fuxing Road, a lively pedestrian street lined with boutiques, handicraft shops, and local snack stalls. Here, you'll experience Dali's laid-back rhythm of lifestyle, where daily life flows gently in harmony with nature and tradition.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, make your way to the shores of Erhai Lake. Walk along the tranquil lakeside paths as sunlight sparkles across the surface. Pause for a lakeside Western-style afternoon tea, where you can sip and relax while soaking in the expansive views of the lake and surrounding peaks.

Attractions:
Dali Ancient Town (Free entry): Once the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, Dali Ancient Town is a beautifully preserved cultural gem, famous for its mountain backdrop and relaxed pace of life. Fuxing Road, the town's main thoroughfare, is a popular walking street offering everything from marble carvings and ethnic costumes to traditional Bai snacks—perfect for a laid-back exploration of local life.
Erhai Lake (Free entry): Erhai Lake lies just east of Dali Old Town, framed by the green slopes of the Cangshan Mountains. Known for its clear blue waters and idyllic lakeside villages, it's one of Dali's most iconic natural landmarks. Along the eastern shoreline in Shuanglang, sunlight pierces through the clouds and reflects on the lake's surface, forming the legendary "Erhai Divine Light."

Dining:
Breakfast: Included at your hotel
Lunch: Local specialties (own expense)
Afternoon Tea: Western-style afternoon tea by the lake
Dinner: Local specialties (own expense)

Hotel: Sound on the Clouds Hotel Santorini, Dali or similar
Inspired by the charm of Santorini, this boutique resort features iconic white buildings that contrast beautifully with the blue sky and shimmering waters of Erhai Lake. From your private courtyard or terrace, enjoy uninterrupted views of the lake and stunning sunsets. With its peaceful atmosphere, unique design, and natural surroundings, it's the ideal retreat after a day of sightseeing.

Itinerary:
Morning: Begin your day with a scenic drive to the serene Heiyu River Scenic Area. Stroll along the riverbank as crystal-clear waters flow gently by, accompanied by the soft, melodic sounds of nature. It's a tranquil moment that feels both grounding and rejuvenating. Then continue to one of Tengchong's most iconic landmarks—the Rehai Scenic Area.
Afternoon: Step into a surreal geothermal world at the Rehai Scenic Area, where over 80 natural hot springs and steam vents create a constantly shifting landscape of mist and bubbling pools. For those in search of relaxation, the park's natural hot spring spas offer an unforgettable wellness experience. Whether you soak in cedar-scented baths, indulge in coffee- or rice wine-infused pools, or unwind in a cave-like grotto, you'll be immersed in mineral-rich waters surrounded by mountains and forested slopes. Remember to try the unique hot spring boiled eggs in here.

Attractions:
Heiyu River Scenic Area (Free entry): Named for the schools of black fish that appear during the summer and autumn, Heiyu River —meaning "Black Fish River", is the largest low-temperature spring in Tengchong. Its waters run crystal clear all year, and its peaceful atmosphere makes it a peaceful stop along the journey.
Rehai Scenic Area, Tengchong (Ticket included): Located about 10 km from Tengchong's town center, Rehai is one of Yunnan's most remarkable geothermal areas. More than 80 hot springs, fumaroles, and steam vents dot the lush hillsides, forming a landscape full of raw natural energy. Walk along the scenic loop path to encounter striking geothermal features like the Pregnancy Well, Pearl Spring, Lion's Head, and Frog's Mouth, each with its own unique shape and legend.

Dining:
Breakfast: Included at your hotel
Lunch: Local specialties (own expense)
Dinner: Local specialties (own expense)

Hotel: Tengchong Bodu Hot Spring Resort, Tengchong GLVAN Huali Hot Spring Hotel or similar
Tucked away in the mountains, these boutique resorts offer a peaceful retreat surrounded by trees, flowers, and fresh mountain air. Soak in your own private hot spring under the open sky—an especially cozy experience on cooler evenings.

Itinerary:
Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning at your own pace, whether you choose to unwind at the hotel or take a final stroll through the nearby town.
If you're traveling during ginkgo season, you may opt for a short visit to Ginkgo Village. As golden leaves blanket the ground and autumn breezes drift through the trees, the village transforms into a living postcard. Take in the rustic charm, wander through sun-dappled paths, and capture beautiful photos.
Afternoon: At the appropriate time, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your journey home.
· Note: As most flights from Tengchong require a layover, we recommend choosing a later flight to ensure a smooth transfer.

Dining:
Breakfast: Included at your hotel
Lunch: Local specialties (own expense)
Dinner: Local specialties (own expense)