2 Days Yuanmou Earth Forest and Yuanmou Man Site Tour from Kunming
Tour Overview
Tour Overview This immersive 5-day tour takes you through Chuxiong, Lufeng, and Yuanmou in Yunnan Province, China. It’s an exploration of ancient towns, prehistoric sites, and unique natural wonders,...
Code of Tour: YET0000063756
Length of Travel: 2 Day
Destinations of Tour: Kunming-Yuanmou-Kunming
Departure City: Yuanmou County
Price of Tour: Request
Type of Tour:
Features of Tour:
Tour Overview
This immersive 5-day tour takes you through Chuxiong, Lufeng, and Yuanmou in Yunnan Province, China. It’s an exploration of ancient towns, prehistoric sites, and unique natural wonders, including the Lufeng World Dinosaur Valley, where you’ll walk through one of the richest dinosaur fossil sites in the world, and the Yuanmou Earth Forest, a breathtaking landscape of earth pillar formations.
- Length of Travel: 5 Days
- Destinations: Kunming – Lufeng – Chuxiong – Yuanmou – Kunming
- Departure City: Chuxiong
- Price: Request
- Tour Type: Cultural & Natural Exploration
- Features: Ancient culture, prehistoric fossils, geological formations, Yi ethnic culture
Tour Highlights
- Kunming City Tour: Explore Kunming, the capital of Yunnan, known for its cultural and natural landmarks.
- Lufeng World Dinosaur Valley（禄丰恐龙谷）: Visit one of the world’s richest dinosaur fossil sites.
- Yiren Ancient Town（彝人古镇）: Experience Yi ethnic culture and architectural heritage.
- Ten-Month Solar Calendar Park（十月太阳历文化园）: Learn about the Yi ethnic group’s unique calendar system.
- Yuanmou Earth Forest（元谋土林）: Explore surreal earth pillar formations created by erosion.
- Yuanmou Man Site（元谋人遗址）: Visit the archaeological site where Yuanmou Man fossils were discovered.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kunming
- Arrival: You will be met at Kunming Changshui International Airport upon your arrival. The guide will assist you with your transfer to your hotel.
- Kunming City Tour:
- Green Lake Park (翠湖公园): Stroll around this scenic park, a serene escape in the middle of the city. It’s famous for its lush trees, traditional pavilions, and the lovely landscape.
- Flower and Bird Market（花鸟市场）: Wander through the lively market, where you can find everything from exotic flowers to various bird species and local handicrafts. It’s a great place to get a feel for local culture.
- Evening: After the tour, check into your hotel and rest for the night. The evening is free for you to explore Kunming at your leisure or enjoy a local dinner.
Meals: None (Meals on your own)
Day 2: Kunming – Lufeng World Dinosaur Valley – Chuxiong
Morning:
Depart from Kunming to Lufeng (about 2.5-3 hours drive, approximately 150 km).
Lufeng World Dinosaur Valley: This area is renowned for being one of the world’s most significant dinosaur fossil sites. You’ll have a chance to explore dinosaur fossils, excavation sites, and museum exhibits showcasing various prehistoric creatures, including the famous Lufengosaurus.
Dinosaur Fossil Site: Walk through the open-air fossil site, where fossils have been preserved in the rocks. The site is also home to a museum that features replicas of dinosaur skeletons and other interesting displays.
Afternoon:
Travel to Chuxiong (about 1.5-2 hours drive, approximately 90 km).
Yiren Ancient Town: This town is known for its well-preserved traditional Yi ethnic architecture. Explore the narrow streets lined with wooden houses, ancient gates, and temples. You’ll get a glimpse of Yi culture through traditional music, crafts, and local customs.
Ten-Month Solar Calendar Park: Visit the park, where you’ll learn about the unique Yi ethnic solar calendar, which is based on a system of 12 months, each corresponding to a specific agricultural activity. The park also offers scenic views of the surrounding area.
Chuxiong Museum: The museum provides insights into the history, culture, and anthropology of the Yi people and the region’s prehistoric past.
Evening: Check into your hotel in Chuxiong and rest for the night.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch and dinner on your own
Day 3: Chuxiong – Yuanmou
Morning:
Depart from Chuxiong to Yuanmou (approximately 2.5 hours drive, around 130 km).
Yuanmou Earth Forest: A natural wonder famous for its bizarre earth pillar formations. These striking geological features were created through millions of years of erosion and weathering, leaving behind towering pillars of earth. Explore the park with your guide and learn about the geology and local folklore associated with this stunning landscape.
Hike and Photography: The Earth Forest is a great spot for hiking and photography, so be prepared to capture some of the most unique natural landscapes in Yunnan.
Afternoon:
Continue exploring the Earth Forest: There are several viewpoints and areas to explore within the park. Don’t miss the chance to climb to one of the observation platforms for a panoramic view of the Earth Forest.
Check-in at your hotel in Yuanmou: Relax in the evening or take a short walk around the town. Yuanmou is known for its mild climate and charming rural vibe.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch and dinner on your own
Day 4: Yuanmou – Kunming
Morning:
Yuanmou Man Site and Museum: After breakfast, visit the Yuanmou Man Site, where some of the earliest human fossils in China were discovered. The museum showcases these significant archaeological finds, including tools and fossils dating back more than 1 million years.
Yuanmou Prehistoric Museum: This small but interesting museum contains displays about the prehistoric human history in Yuanmou, highlighting its archaeological importance.
Afternoon:
Return to Kunming (about 3 hours drive, 170 km).
Depending on your arrival time in Kunming, you can visit additional attractions like the Yunnan Nationalities Village or relax before your flight.
Evening: Check into your hotel in Kunming and relax or enjoy a free evening to explore Kunming further.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch on your own
Day 5: Departure from Kunming
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
Leisure Time: You can use the morning for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. If you’re interested, visit the Stone Forest or have some final moments to explore Kunming’s markets and parks.
Transfer to Airport: Your guide will assist with your transfer to Kunming Changshui International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
- Private English-speaking tour guide;
- Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge & government taxes;
- Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
- Service charge and all government taxes;
- Travel Agency’s Responsibility Insurance coverage.
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.
