Highlands to Rainforest
River & Nature · Remote West

Highlands to Rainforest

12 Days · Chongqing · Chengdu · Lijiang · Dali · Xishuangbanna

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Overview

From Chongqing's neon mountainsides to Xishuangbanna's tropical rainforest — pandas in Chengdu, a snow-capped old town in Lijiang, and a lake ringed by mountains in Dali, all in one descending arc through China's southwest.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

DaysDestinationCore ExperienceAccommodation
D1–D3ChongqingMountain-city skyline, Hongya Cave, Yangtze night views, local food2 nights in Chongqing
D4–D5ChengduGiant pandas, Kuanzhai Alley, Wuhou Shrine and Jinli, city life at a slower pace2 nights in Chengdu
D6–D7LijiangLijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley, Shuhe/Baisha3 nights in Lijiang
D8–D9DaliErhai Lake, the old city, Xizhou, Cangshan mountain corridor2 nights in Dali
D10–D12XishuangbannaTropical rainforest, Dai culture, night markets under the stars2 nights in Xishuangbanna

Highlights

  • Chongqing's hillside skyline and Yangtze-side hotpot, best seen after dark
  • A private panda encounter and Chengdu's teahouse-and-alleyway pace
  • Lijiang's old town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at first light
  • Erhai Lake and Dali's old city, framed by the Cangshan range
  • Xishuangbanna's tropical rainforest and Dai minority villages, China's only true tropics

What's Included

  • Private, English-speaking guide throughout
  • Private car or van transfers between cities
  • Handpicked boutique accommodation
  • Daily breakfast and select local meals
  • All permits, entrance fees, and internal transport
  • Travel and medical insurance guidance

Not Included

  • International flights to and from China
  • Chinese visa fees
  • Personal expenses and gratuities

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