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8-Day Yunnan Tour of the Nu River and Tengchong

Written by LancyUpdated Apr. 8, 2024

Discover Less-Traveled Roads in Northwest Yunnan

In the northwest corner of Yunnan Province, three great rivers flow through the mountains in parallel. If you have listened to the roar of the Jinsha (Yangtze River) at Tiger Leaping Gorge and have seen the torrent of the Lancang (Mekong River) at Meili Snow Mountain, the Nu Jiang (Salween River), known as "the land where God and human beings live together", will be your ultimate destination.

Meet incredible landscapes and friendly ethnic people in an untouched land during this 8-day northwest Yunnan tour. It is a trip of which you will proud for a long time after you do it.

Tour 'Wow' Points

Witness the Great Gorges along "the Last Untamed River in China"

Drive up into the folds of the Tibetan Plateau foothills. Be impressed by high mountains, deep valleys, and the rushing torrents of the Nu Jiang (Salween River), the only great river in China without a hydropower station.

the big bend of Nu River
the cloud in the gorge

Escape from Modern Civilization to Isolated Villages

Discover the Arcadia of China's ethnic minorities. Feel their respect for nature, their love of their homeland, and their optimism towards life.

the peaceful village on the bank of the blue river
visit minority people's home

Hike on the Original Tea Horse Road

Have a moderate hike in the gorge. Cross the bridge where the horse caravans had to. Take the path where the bells of caravans rang

the little path along the river
the beautiful village along the tea horse road

Travel back to China of 50 Years Ago

Visit an abandoned village where the time stopped in China's Culture Revolution period. See the "City of Memory" in Zhiziluo town.

Laomudeng church
zhiziluo village

Fly acrosee the Running River

Experience the way that the local people went across the Nu river in old time. Feel their courage and optimism

a woman on the zipline across the river

Relax Your Body and Mind in a Volcanic Hot Spring

Enjoy the best volcanic hot spring in China! Relax yourself when soaking in a pool with a view of the old town or a forest.

the hot spring
Heshun Ancient Town

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Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

DAY 1 Dali to Liuku (245 km, 4½ hours)

Enjoy the private vehicle transfer and the scenery along the way.

Try a special local dish: the delicious, well-prepared ingredients will be served on a wide and shallow woven-bamboo basketand your hand will be your chopsticks.

DAY 2 Liuku to Laomudeng (100 km 2 hours)

Drive from Liuku to Laomudeng. Visit Laomudeng Church and travel back to 50 years ago during China's Culture Revolution period in an abandoned village. See the "City of Memory" in Zhiziluo town.

DAY 3 Laomudeng to Bingzhongluo (206 km, 5 hours)

Drive from Fugong to Bingzhongluo. Overlook the Stone Moon on the mountain. Be impressed by "the first bend of the Nu Jiang".

DAY 4 Bingzhongluo

Visit Chongding Catholic Church and Puhua Tibetan Buddhism Temple. Explore Qiunatong village,Zhanatong village, and Wuli village. Enjoy moderate hiking (6 km total) in the villages.

DAY 5 Bingzhongluo to liuku (300 km, 7 hours)

Drive from Bingzhongluo to Liuku. Enjoy the scenery along the gorge. Fly across a running river — local people use a cable and pulleys to cross the river.

DAY 6 Liuku to Tengchong (202 km, 4 hours)

Drive from Liuku to Tengchong. In Tengchong Hot Spring Scenic Area, you could boil an egg in the hot spring. You can also enjoy therapeutic hot spring bathing. Enjoy the scenery around the spring, as we finish the day at Heshun Old Town.

DAY 7 Tengchong

Explore a combination of traditional culture and modern art at Handmade Paper Museum at Gaoligong Mountain. The village-style museum is immersed in a rape flower sea. Taking a breath-taking bamboo rafting ride on the Longchuan River, you can see majestic scenery and quiet villages along the river.

DAY 8 Tengchong Departure

Airport transfer

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

the courtyard of the hotel

the hotel room
FromCNY11,590p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
  • English speaking local guide
  • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour code: yn-3

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