Yunnan Rural Traditions & Cultural Heritage Journey

Upon arrival in Lijiang, your private driver will meet you outside the baggage claim area. During the transfer, your driver will introduce some of Yunnan’s major attractions and their historical background.

Continue to Nuodeng Ancient Village, a thousand-year-old Bai village historically known for its salt wells and relatively limited commercial development.

Explore the ancient salt wells and sections of the historic Salt and Horse Road while learning how salt production once shaped the village’s economy and connections with the outside world.

Take part in a traditional Bai cultural experience, choosing between Bai tie-dyeing or Nuodeng ham making, with the opportunity to create something yourself and take the finished product home.

Later, experience local Bai flavours including Nuodeng ham, rushan cheese and traditional stone-grilled dishes.

As evening falls, gather around the fire, listen to traditional Bai songs and enjoy the stars above the ancient village.

Begin the morning with an early walk and photography session through Nuodeng’s quiet village streets.

Visit local Bai households and learn more about the village’s traditional salt-well culture, agricultural lifestyle and everyday rural traditions.

Afterwards, travel by private vehicle to Shaxi Ancient Town, one of the best-preserved historic market towns along the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

Explore the old theatre stage, Yujin Bridge and the Pioneer Bookstore while discovering traces of the merchants and horse caravans that once passed through the town.

Take part in a traditional craft experience such as Bai black pottery or handmade papermaking, learning directly about techniques that have been passed down through generations.

In the evening, wander through the ancient town and listen to stories about the Tea Horse Road and the caravan culture that shaped Shaxi’s history.

Travel from Shanghai to Kunming by air.

Upon arrival at Kunming Changshui International Airport or Kunming Railway Station, your guide will meet you at the arrival point and arrange a private transfer to your hotel.

Wake early to photograph Shaxi in the morning mist and explore the local market as the town comes to life.

Afterwards, travel by private vehicle to Azheke Village in Yuanyang, a traditional Hani settlement located within the core area of the UNESCO-listed Hani Rice Terraces.

Explore the village’s distinctive mushroom-shaped houses before hiking through the surrounding rice terraces and learning about the traditional Hani ecological system connecting forests, villages, terraces and water.

Depending on the season, take part in agricultural activities such as catching fish in the terraces, planting rice or harvesting, followed by traditional rice-cake making.

Later, experience Hani cuisine featuring ingredients such as terrace fish and purple rice.

In the evening, gather around the fire to hear traditional Hani stories and epics while enjoying the peaceful night-time atmosphere of the rice terraces.

Begin the final morning early with views and photography of the terraced fields and, when conditions allow, the spectacular sea of clouds above the mountains.

Take part in a final traditional cultural activity such as Hani embroidery or bamboo weaving, creating a handmade piece that can be taken home as a souvenir.

Afterwards, enjoy some final time in the village before travelling by private vehicle to Kunming, Lijiang Airport or the railway station according to your onward travel arrangements.

This concludes the four-day journey into Yunnan’s rural traditions, living craftsmanship and ancient village culture.