Visit one of China's most ethnically diverse cultural regions. A special trip organized by SCIC gives participants an opportunity to discover the old and unsophisticated villages and the dreamland of Shangri-la from the modern capital city of Yunnan-Kunming, famous for its mild climate all year round. During this trip you will learn about the customs of Han people, Bai people, Naxi people and Tibetans whilst enjoying the background of plateau jokul, meadows, lakes and onrushing rivers. Besides the World Heritage - Old Lijiang Town, the deepest canyon in the world -Tiger Leaping Gorge and the famous Shangri-la, you will visit many other fascinating places and enjoy the diversity of peoples and culture that China offers. This trip will be an unforgettable experience in your life.

Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, with a history of more than 2400 years, owes its importance to the fact that it was the gateway to the celebrated Silk Road that facilitated trade with Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar and India. Kunming enjoys a pleasant climate and does its best to live up to its title of "the City of Eternal Spring". Whenever you are planning to go, the temperature is always pleasant. With its convenient transport links in and out of the city, Kunming welcomes and sees off tens of thousands of tourists every day. Today the city is the political, economical and cultural center of Yunnan and the provincial center for transport, science and technology and consequently has become the most popular center for tourism in Southwest China.

Lijiang is a beautiful shining jewel on the Northwest Yunnan Plateau neighboring the southeast side of the Tibetan Plateau which is considered to be the Roof of the World.  LiJiangs weather is remark-ably pleasant. Spring there lasts as long as 241 days and there is no hot summer.  Lijiang boasts of breath - taxingly wonderful sights such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan) and its modern maritime glacier, the only one of its kind in the southern end of the Northern Hemisphere; Tiger Leaping Gorge ( Hutiaoxia ); the world - famous grand canyon; Lugu Lake, the cultural cradle of the Matriarchy of the Yongning Mosuo people in Ninglang; the Old Town of Dayan Lijiang, which is referred to by European and American tourists as the Oriental Venice .All these natural sceneries and these cultural treasures of the minority peoples, such as Dongba Culture, Naxi Classical Music, Baisha Murals and Mosuo Customs, have been continuously drawing tourists from all over the world and have recently vote Lijiang as one of the favorite destinations in China.

Dali is a famous national historic relic city and a national key scenic spot area. There, visitors can enjoy many historic relics, beautiful natural scenery and colorful nationality customs. Historic relics include the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple which are the symbol of the ancient culture of Dali, the ruins of Tianhe City (once the capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom), the Dehua Stele, the ruins of Yangjuhu City Dali. Dali Ancient City is widely acknowledged as Backpackers Paradise in China. Foreign visitors like to stay in Dali ancient city. Some of them live there for months or even years, to observe and study the fascinating culture of Bai nationality.

Shangri-La, a land of eternal youth in Hilton¡¯s 1933 novel Lost Horizon, has fascinated people around the world with its picturesque natural scenery and harmonious living environment. It is a place surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forests, gorges, and lakes. It is a place where many religions co-exist, and people of various ethnic backgrounds get along in harmony. SCIC Shangri-La trip will take you to places that resemble in many details James Hilton¡¯s exotic Utopia. You will experience snow-capped mountains, green lakes, flowers and friendly local residents. Shangri-La¡¯s many attractions include Bita Lake Nature Preserve, Napa Lake Baishui Terrace, Haba Snow Mountain, and Meli Snow Mountain.

All fees quoted on this site are in three currencies: sterling (British Pound), Euros and US dollar, based on the exchange rate of RMB on 29th March, 2006. We reserve the right to change the dates and fees without prior notice. For more information about Dates & Fees, please click here

7 Day Extension Trip to Yunnan (Kunming, Lijiang & Shangri-La)