24 Days Mongolia-China-Laos Self-Driving Tour from Inner Mongolia Erenhot to Yunnan Mohan

Embark on an epic 24-day self-driving adventure that spans three fascinating countries: Mongolia, China, and Laos. This journey begins in the border city of Erenhot in Inner Mongolia and winds its way through the heart of China, culminating in Mohan, Yunnan Province, before crossing into Laos.

This tour is designed for those who crave both adventure and cultural immersion. As you navigate through diverse landscapes and historical sites, you’ll witness the dynamic tapestry of China’s ancient and modern civilizations. The journey features a mix of bustling cities, tranquil rural areas, and awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Highlights

Cultural and Historical Treasures

  • Discover Beijing’s imperial past with visits to the Forbidden City, the Heaven Temple, and the Great Wall.
  • Explore ancient towns like Pingyao and Xi’an, home to the Terra-Cotta Warriors.
  • Visit significant religious and historical sites, including the Yungang Grottos in Datong and the Hanging Temple in Hunyuan.

Natural Beauty and Scenic Landscapes

  • Experience the dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Park, famous for its towering sandstone pillars.
  • Marvel at the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam in Yichang.
  • Drive through the picturesque karst landscapes of Xingyi and enjoy the serene beauty of the Qinghai Lake.

Ethnic and Cultural Encounters

  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of the Miao and Dong ethnic minority villages in Sanjiang.
  • Explore the diverse ethnic communities and tropical landscapes of Xishuangbanna in Jinghong.

Urban Adventures and Modern Attractions

  • Enjoy the modern amenities and cultural hotspots of Chengdu, including the world-renowned Panda Base.
  • Experience the unique charm of Guilin, known for its breathtaking limestone karst scenery.

Adventure and Exploration

  • Traverse through varying terrains, from the bustling cities to remote countryside and high-altitude plateaus.
  • Each day brings a new adventure, whether it’s a scenic drive through the Qinling Mountains or a tranquil moment by the Qinghai Lake.

Highlights

Cultural and Historical Sites

  1. Beijing:
    • Forbidden City: Former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
    • Heaven Temple: Religious complex where emperors prayed for good harvests.
    • Great Wall (Badaling): Iconic ancient defensive structure.
  2. Datong:
    • Yungang Grottos: Ancient Buddhist cave carvings.
  3. Pingyao:
    • Ancient Town: Well-preserved example of a traditional Chinese city.
  4. Xi’an:
    • Terra-Cotta Warriors: Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried with the first Emperor of China.
  5. Hunyuan:
    • Hanging Temple: Ancient temple built into a cliff.
  6. Fenghuang:
    • Ancient Town: Riverside town home to the Miao and Tujia ethnic groups.

Natural Wonders

  1. Zhangjiajie:
    • National Park: Renowned for its towering sandstone pillars, which inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie “Avatar”.
  2. Three Gorges Dam:
    • Yichang: World’s largest hydroelectric dam.
  3. Xingyi:
    • Karst Landscape: Unique and picturesque limestone formations.

Ethnic and Cultural Experiences

  1. Sanjiang:
    • Miao and Dong Villages: Experience the rich culture and traditional architecture of these ethnic minorities.
  2. Jinuo Mountain:
    • Ethnic Villages: Explore the diverse cultures and lifestyles of local ethnic groups in Xishuangbanna.

Modern and Urban Experiences

  1. Chengdu:
    • Panda Base: Conservation center for the giant panda.
    • City Tour: Experience the vibrant culture and cuisine of Chengdu.
  2. Guilin:
    • City Tour: Famous for its stunning limestone karst landscape.

Scenic Drives and Landscapes

  • From Xi’an to Guangyuan: Enjoy the scenic drive across the Qinling Mountains.
  • Kunming to Jinghong: Experience beautiful landscapes and ethnic culture.

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Mongolia – Erenhot [Enter Inner Mongolia Prov.]

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Entering China and completing all procedures.

Day 2: Erenhot – Ulanqab (340 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Complete remaining procedures, then drive to Ulanqab.

Day 3: Ulanqab – Badaling Great Wall [Enter Beijing city] (290 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Drive to Great Wall and visit.

Day 4: Great Wall – Beijing (75 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Drive to Beijing and free time for visiting after arrival.

Day 5: Beijing

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Full day for visiting around in Beijing.

Day 6: Beijing – Datong – Hunyuan [Enter Shanxi Prov.] (430 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Drive to Hunyuan via Datong, visit Yungang Grottoes if interested, and Hunyuan Hanging Temple.

Day 7: Hunyuan – Taiyuan – Pingyao (390 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Drive to Pingyao. Visit the ancient city upon arrival.

Day 8: Pingyao – Terra Cotta Warriors – Xi’an [Enter Shaanxi Prov.] (455 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Drive to Xi’an city, visit Terra Cotta Warriors on the way.

Day 9: Xi’an

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Free time in Xi’an city.

Day 10: Xi’an – Guangyuan [Enter Sichuan Prov.] (470 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Drive to Guangyuan, crossing Qinling Mountains.

Day 11: Guangyuan – Chengdu (300 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Drive to Chengdu via highway, free visiting in the afternoon.

Day 12: Chengdu

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Free time in Chengdu city.

Day 13: Chengdu – Enshi [Enter Hubei Prov.] (640 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Long driving day, enjoying the road.

Day 14: Enshi – Yichang (240 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Drive to Yichang, visit the Three Gorges Dam in the afternoon.

Day 15: Yichang – Zhangjiajie [Enter Hunan Prov.] (425 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Drive to Zhangjiajie.

Day 16: Zhangjiajie

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Full day visit at Zhangjiajie National Park.

Day 17: Zhangjiajie – Jishou – Fenghuang (240 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Drive to Fenghuang, visit the ancient town built by a river.

Day 18: Fenghuang – Guilin [Enter Guangxi Prov.] (400 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Drive to Guilin, enjoy ethnic villages on the way.

Day 19: Guilin

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Full day for touring around Guilin.

Day 20: Guilin – Kaili – Guiyang [Enter Guizhou Prov.] (470 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Drive to Guiyang, stop at Kaili if interested.

Day 21: Guiyang – Anshun – Xingyi – Kunming [Enter Yunnan Prov.] (530 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Drive to Kunming, visit Huangguoshu Waterfall and Xingyi’s Karst landscape.

Day 22: Kunming

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Full day for touring around Kunming.

Day 23: Kunming – Jinghong (Xishuangbanna) (530 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Drive to Jinghong, enjoying landscapes and ethnic culture.

Day 24: Jinghong – Mohan – Exit (175 km)

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Activities: Drive to Mohan border, complete exit procedures from China to Laos.

Notes

  1. The itinerary is subject to adjustments based on individual needs.
  2. Ensure that the timing matches the best visiting seasons for each location.
  3. Consider all participants’ needs and preferences.
  4. August is recommended for Xinjiang due to the harvest season for various fruits.

This tour offers a comprehensive experience of the cultural and natural highlights across China, with a detailed daily itinerary ensuring an enjoyable and diverse journey.