Yunnan, Through Local Eyes and Open Doors
Slow, sustainable journeys into the villages, farms, and tea forests most visitors never see.
Popular Tours
From Dali to Lijiang: A Slower Journey Through Villages, Food, and Mountain Landscapes
Set out on an 11-day journey through Dali and Lijiang, following a well-known route but taking a more local, off-the-beaten-path approach. Travel through historic towns like Weishan, remote Yi, Lisu and Naxi villages, and quieter corners shaped by everyday life. Along the way, explore markets, taste regional specialties, and experience Yunnan’s food culture up close, while mixing in light adventure—from hiking and foraging in primary forests with a local Lisu guide to e-biking through Lijiang’s countryside with views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. You’ll also spend time at a hidden permaculture farm, harvesting seasonal ingredients, cooking with a local family, and baking in a traditional earth oven. With a relaxed pace and hands-on experiences throughout, this journey offers a more personal and grounded way to explore the region.
Beyond the Classic: A Deeper Journey Along Yunnan’s Most Well-Known Route
Experience Yunnan’s most iconic route—Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La—with a more thoughtful approach. This two-week journey follows the classic path but moves beyond the usual highlights, taking you into quieter villages, lesser-known landscapes, and more local settings. Along the way, explore markets, spend time with artisans and families, and take part in simple hands-on experiences rooted in daily life. From diverse regional food to mountain scenery and living traditions, this trip offers a more relaxed and personal way to experience Yunnan. A well-balanced journey for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights without the crowds.
From Pu’er to Banna: A Journey Through Tea Mountains, Coffee Farms, and Living Cultures
Set out on a 12-day journey through southern Yunnan, exploring Pu’er and Xishuangbanna at a slower, more local pace. Travel through ancient tea mountains like Jingmai and Yiwu, visit lesser-known towns such as Menglian, and spend time in ethnic villages shaped by daily life. Along the way, experience Yunnan’s deep tea culture—walking through old tea forests, picking and processing leaves, and tasting at the source—while also discovering its fast-growing coffee scene through farm visits and seasonal hands-on activities. The journey blends local markets, family-run stays, cooking sessions, organic farms, and traditional crafts with light adventures like rainforest hikes, river activities, and hidden hot springs. With its warm climate, rich biodiversity, and diverse communities—including Dai, Bulang, Hani, Lahu, Jinuo, Wa, and Yi—this trip offers a more immersive and grounded way to experience southern Yunnan.
Ethnic Roots & Wild Landscapes: An 8-Day Expedition Across Southwestern Yunnan
Discover a lesser-seen side of Yunnan on this 8-day eco-cultural journey through the warm, wild southwest. Starting in Mangshi near the Myanmar border, you’ll hike through Phayre’s langur habitat, learn macrame from De’ang women, explore vibrant ethnic markets, and cook with local families in Tengchong. Soak in natural hot springs, walk the Southern Silk Road, make traditional paper, and explore Yunnan’s tea and coffee heritage in the Gaoligong Mountains. A rare blend of biodiversity, craftsmanship, and slow travel—for those seeking depth, flavor, and connection off the beaten path.
Where Culture, Nature & Sustainability Meet
Hike along hidden local trails in Yunnan’s mountains, join hands-on ethnic minority workshops, soak in wild hot springs, and stay in locally run eco-lodges. Our plant-forward, low-impact journeys reveal the real Yunnan—from quiet villages and farmers’ markets to forests, festivals, and everyday local life.
Top Key Words
-Yunnan eco tours
-sustainable travel China
-off the beaten path Yunnan
-electric vehicle tours Yunnan
-vegan friendly travel China
-Yunnan cultural experiences
-eco-friendly tours in China
-village stays Yunnan
-ethnic minority tours Yunnan
-wildlife and nature tours Yunnan
Our Happy Guests
FAQs
About Our Products
Where do your tours start and end?
We can start and end your tour from anywhere in Yunnan, though Kunming is the most convenient and well-connected city. We’ll provide directions and coordinate your arrival.
How long are the tours?
We offer flexible itineraries—from one-day eco adventures to multi-week journeys. You can customize the length based on your availability. However, we recommend planning around a week or more for a deeper, more meaningful experience in Yunnan, as it’s one of the most culturally, geographically, and culinarily diverse regions in China. There’s simply so much to explore!
What’s included in a typical tour?
-Bike rides & nature hikes
-Ethnic minority village visits
-Hands-on craft workshops
-Wild hot springs & farmers’ markets
-Eco-lodging & plant-forward and local meals
We can design a custom itinerary based on your interests—whether it’s focused on tea, coffee, culture, food, nature, or a blend of everything. We usually avoid crowded sightseeing spots, but we’re happy to include a few popular highlights if you have must-see places in mind.
What’s the accommodation like?
For a more authentic experience and to really support the local business, we usually choose clean, characteristic and comfortable local accommodation over international hotels, but when there are no local options, we would stay in regular local or international hotels. Every room is usually shared by two people. For single room supplement, please consult us prior to booking for pricing.
Is the food vegetarian or vegan-friendly?
Yes! Meals are 80–100% plant-based, always using local, seasonal ingredients. We can accommodate:
-Vegan & vegetarian diets
-Gluten-free or other dietary requests
How do we travel during the tour?
We use:
-Electric vehicles for small groups
-Private vans for larger groups
-High-speed trains when applicable
Can children join?
Yes—children are welcome when accompanied by a guardian. We’re happy to customize family-friendly activities if you’re traveling with kids.
Can I customize a tour?
Absolutely! We offer tailor-made eco itineraries for individuals, families, schools, and organizations. Interested in tea culture, forest bathing, or wildlife? Just let us know—we’ll craft the perfect experience.
Will I be photographed?
We occasionally take photos for tour promotion. If you prefer not to appear in any photos or videos, just let us know when you register. We respect your privacy.
Is it safe?
As with any outdoor travel, there are some risks. We:
-Provide first-aid kits
-Include travel insurance
-Monitor weather and trail conditions
-Are trained in eco travel and emergency safety
How do you stay sustainable?
We:
* Use electric transport
* Avoid single-use plastics
* Serve mostly plant-based, locally sourced meals
* Provide eco-kits to guests
* Partner with local communities and artisans
* Follow low-impact travel practices in protected areas
Packing List
What’s the weather like in Yunnan?
Yunnan is known as the “Land of Eternal Spring,” but weather can vary significantly depending on region, season, and altitude. Expect warm days and cool nights.
* Winter: Mild during the day, chilly at night
*Spring (Apr–May): Can be hot and dry
*Summer (Jun–Aug): Rainy season—bring rain gear
* Northwest Yunnan (Tibetan Plateau): About 10°C colder; pack for serious chill, especially in winter
* Southern Yunnan (Xishuangbanna): Warm and humid, ideal for winter escapes
What’s the average altitude in Yunnan?
Yunnan’s elevation ranges from 76 meters (250 ft) in the deep river valleys to 6,740 meters (22,110 ft) at Meili Snow Mountain’s peak. Most areas we visit sit between1,500–3,000 meters (4,900–9,800 ft).
We don’t visit extreme high-altitude locations (above 4,000m) unless clearly noted. If you have health concerns, please consult your doctor before the trip.
What should I pack?
Essentials:
* Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen)
* Hiking shoes and rain gear (especially June–September)
* Swimwear (if hot springs are included)
* Warm layers (especially for winter and nights or visits to Shangri-La)
* Light, long-sleeved clothing (for sun and insect protection)
* Eco toiletries (we also provide an eco-travel kit)
* Reusable slippers
* Water bottle, chopsticks, and bowl (we provide these too)
* Personal first-aid kit (we will also carry one)
Are restrooms Western-style?
All accommodations have Western-style toilets. In rural areas or during hikes, you may encounter squat toilets. Bring your own tissue and sanitizer just in case.
Payment and Cancellation
We’re a small, community-based team that collaborates closely with local guides, farmers, and families. Each tour is handcrafted, so we appreciate your understanding and commitment when booking.
How do I book and pay?
Contact us to confirm availability and receive a custom quote. We accept the following payment methods:
-Alipay (recommended — currently the most convenient and widely accepted option for payments in China)
-WeChat Pay
-Bank transfer
A deposit is required to secure your spot.
Booking Timeline
* For tours of 5 days or longer, we recommend booking at least 2 months in advance.
* A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot.
Payment Schedule
*20% deposit– due at booking (non-refundable)
*50% of total fee– due 2 months before the tour
*Remaining 30% – can be paid before the tour starts
Cancellation Policy
* The 20% deposit is non-refundable after confirmation
* If cancelled less than 1 month before the tour, the 50% down payment is also non-refundable
* If cancelled more than 1 month before the tour, we’ll refund half of the 50% down payment.
Additional Notes
* If a tour must be rescheduled due to weather, local events, or safety, we’ll work with you to find a new date.
* In the case of force majeure (natural disasters, pandemic restrictions, etc.), we offer flexible rescheduling or partial credit toward future tours.
Featured on
“Village workshops, tea routes and forest trails through one of China’s most overlooked regions. Led by locals, built for curious travellers.”
About Us
Immersive, sustainable journeys through the wild beauty and living cultures of Yunnan.
Contact
East Hongshan Road, Kunming, Yunnan, China
Phone: +86 18501663664
Email: leoling2019@gmail.com
