China group tours: A Gastronomic 10-Day Tour in Yunnan with Fuschia Dunlop

Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming arrival

• On arrival in Kunming, relax and enjoy an afternoon at your leisure. During the evening, savour a group dinner in one of Kunming’s finest restaurants with Fuchsia Dunlop.

Overnight in a hotel

Day 2: Discover Mengzi and a Yi minority village

• Today’s highlights include discovering a traditional Yi minority village and embracing tantalising cuisine and culture.
• After an enticing breakfast, stop by a Yi minority village before continuing along the scenic roads to Mengzi.
• At the Yi minority village, you will encounter a vibrant ethnic culture, observing the local’s creating music, dancing, and going about their daily lives among the mountains and river valleys.
• Start your day with a delicious Yunnan breakfast of lu-ersi. This dish consists of lightly fried rice noodles lathered in sweet and salty brown sauce. For lunch you can savour Yi cuisine in the Yi minority village. This village is known for its hot pepper, and enticing flavours. For dinner, you can embrace a spread of Mengzi classics, such as tubawan, an assortment of eight meat and vegetable dishes.
• All transport is included.

Overnight in a hotel

Day 3: From cultural Mengzi to the ancient town of Jianshui

• Today tantalising cuisine meets unique tradition and culture. You will be introduced to some of China’s most delectable and meaningful dishes.
• Today, embark on a visit to South Lake where you can test your culinary skills and create your own delicious lunch! After, depart for Jianshu and enjoy a traditional mouth-watering dinner.
• China has a never-ending cultural and culinary history, with interesting tales behind many local dishes. During your visit to South Lake, you will be introduced to ‘Across the Bridge Noodles’. An interesting tale of affection, endearment, and admiration are behind this culinary masterpiece.
• Start the day with a refreshing breakfast. Craft your own delicious lunch during your discovery of South Lake. On arrival in Jianshui, you will be welcomed with a herb-infused delicately steamed dish of ‘steam pot chicken’ for a memorable dinner.
• A visit to South Lake offers you a chance to embrace rural Chinese life, while welcoming a glimpse of their traditional culture. This lake offers classic beauty with a serene atmosphere.
• All transport is included.

Overnight in a hotel

Day 4: Explore the beautiful town of Jianshui

• Exploring this archaic city is a highlight in itself. Today, you can admire this enticing city during the day and night. Admire the bustling and vibrant atmosphere that this city offers while the sun shines down. In the evening, step into the Jianshui nightlife where a whole other enticing atmosphere awaits you.
• Admire the produce of the bustling Xinjie Market, before exploring a beautiful Chinese temple. After lunch, discover the Zhu Gardens, and embrace Jianshui nightlife with a barbecue dinner.
• During your exploration of Jianshui you will encounter the multi-ethnic culture that this historical and ancient city has to offer. Wandering around the striking temples offers a glimpse into the Confucian culture that influences China to this day.
• Embrace the fresh morning produce of the vibrant Xinjie Market, before enjoying a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. The recommended restaurant today is the Old Tile House. This family-run restaurant, located in an ancient two-story building, serves some home-made Jianshui local food. The must-try is an unique kind of plant in this area, called Grass Buds, with a fresh and clean taste. In the evening, enjoy a unique and memorable barbecue dinner on the old street in Jianshui. You will also be treated to tantalising local snacks.
• Wander through the tranquil Zhu Gardens. These serene gardens are a masterpiece of Chinese horticulture and landscaping, dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
• All transport is included.

Overnight in a hotel

Day 5: From Jianshui to Kunming

• Today you can experience the magnificent Double Dragon Bridge. This bridge is an ancient structural masterpiece. With 17 striking arches created by 3 stone towers – this outstanding bridge is an impressive architectural work of art.
• Journey back to Kunming. Visit Tuanshan, Jiangchuan village, and Fuxian Lake, before enjoying the rest of the day at your leisure.
• Wander through the charming ancient town of Tuanshan. Here you can marvel at the exquisite Ming and Quin architecture. This town is packed full of culture and tradition and is a rare example of a conventional walled Yunman village.
• Enjoy breakfast, before an enticing copper-pot fish lunch in the charming village of Jiangchuan. Enjoy dinner in the evening.
• Jiangchuan village offers charming landscape and historical sights. An idyllic destination for sightseeing and observing local life, while tasting alluring local cuisine.
• All transport is included.

Overnight in a hotel

Day 6: Explore the laid-back city of Kunming.

• Kunming is known as the ‘Spring City’ mainly due to its all-year-round mild climate. However, as you discover the entrancing Bird and Flower Market, stroll through the vibrant city centre, and admire the striking temples, you will be able to further observe why this city is so promising and inviting.
• Explore the Bird and Flower Market, before strolling through the city centre. Later, discover the beautiful Yuantong Temple.
• Embrace the culture of Kunming at the Bird and Flower Market. While wandering around this gem, you can admire unique shops, mesmerising floral displays, and be serenaded by the magical bird song. Admire the many stalls on offer here, showcasing antiques, serene jewellery, and traditional ethnic costumes.
• Let the citrusy and spicy flavours of the Dai cuisine tantalise your taste buds and discover a Kunming favourite with the alluring mushroom hotpot. This hotpot consists of a make-your-own mushroom stew adventure with a selection of fungi.
• Admire the intricate Buddhist décor of the striking Yuantong Temple. This is the largest and most active temple in all of Kunming.
• All transport is included.

Overnight in a hotel

Day 7: From Kunming to Dali

• Stretch your legs and embrace a casual hike to a striking waterfall. Today offers you a chance to embrace the nature and beauty of Dali, while stepping back in time when discovering the alluring Old Town.
• Today, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Dali. Here you will hike to a striking waterfall, explore Dali’s Old Town, and embrace Dali classics at dinnertime.
• Discovering Dali’s charming Old Town offers the perfect mix of tradition and culture with outstanding pagodas, vibrant red lanterns, and dramatic mountains.
• Tonight, you can treat your taste buds to some traditional Dali classis with a tantalising dinner situated in the scenic Old Town of Dali.
• All transport is included.

Overnight in hotel

Day 8: Embrace a traditional cooking class in Dali

• Today’s highlights include an exceptional and unforgettable cooking lesson in a local family’s home in Zhoucheng Village. Here you can test your cooking skills and learn about the enticing local cuisine.
• Spend the morning exploring the ancient town of Xizhou, before biking through lakeside Bai minority towns. Later, enjoy an unique cooking lesson.
• Today you will embrace Chinese culture in its purest form. Spend the morning immersing yourself in the traditional Bai architecture of Xizhou. Visit the lively market, where you can admire the bustling local lives and this atmospheric culture. Later, bike through the inviting Bai minority towns, where you can appreciate the well preserved ancient cultural lifestyles.
• Today, at the vibrant market you can learn the secrets of creating rushan – a traditional local cheese and embrace a unique cooking class with the inviting locals.
• The charming town of Xizhou offers many enticing landmarks and wonders for sightseeing. The ornate gateways and honeycomb patterns characterising this town are a perfect reflection of the Bai architecture.
• All transport is included.

Overnight in a hotel

Day 9: Visit the ‘Magnificent Treasure Mountain’ in Weibaoshan

• Today you will hike a famous Taoist Mountain, where you will experience superb Taoist temples. You will also get the chance to interact with the friendly locals and gather some cooking hints and tips as they create a tantalising dish just for you.
• Depart for an exciting day trip to Weibaoshan, where you will hike up the temple strewn Weibaoshan and embrace a round of tai chi or meditation. Later, return to Xizhou and rest up for your farewell dinner.
• Find your inner zen with a round of meditation or tranquil tai chi surrounded by the Magnificent Treasure Mountain. During your session you can embrace nature, culture, and tradition while welcoming rejuvenation and calmness.
• Admire the locals as they create a delightful bowl of ‘one-noodle soup’ for you to enjoy. Embrace a delicious home-cooked farewell dinner with Fuchsia in the charming Old Town of Dali.
• Discover the strikingly beautiful Taoist temples with their unique Bai construction style during your adventurous hike.
• All transport is included.

Overnight in a hotel

Day 10: Depart from Dali

• Your unique and fascinating gastronomic journey across beautiful Yunnan has come to an end. Be sure to treasure the memories and culinary skills you have gathered along the way.

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