A 21-Day Yunnan-Jiangxi-Yangtze Delta Odyssey: From Kunming's Stone Forests to Hangzhou's Tea Plantations

This is a journey through China’s soul—a 21-day voyage from Kunming’s “Eternal Spring” to Hangzhou’s “Paradise on Earth.” We’ll wander through Yunnan’s karst peaks, Nanchang’s poetic history, Shanghai’s neon-lit modernity, and the classical gardens of Suzhou and Hangzhou. Expect rose-infused tea, dragon boat races, and moments where you’ll swear the willow trees are whispering Tang Dynasty poems.

Day 1-3: Kunming — stone forests, Flower Markets & “Spring City” Vibes

Morning: Arrive in Kunming and check into The Lakeview Hotel near Dianchi Lake. Start at the Stone Forest—a 270-million-year-old labyrinth of limestone spikes. Pro tip: Hire a local Yi minority guide to decode the rocks’ shapes (that “peak” over there? Locals call it “Ashima,” the stone maiden of legend).

Afternoon: Explore Jiuxiang Scenic Area—a hidden network of caves with underground rivers and stalactites that drip like candle wax. Back in the city, wander Dongfeng Square and sip pu’er tea at Flower & Bird Market while watching locals play mahjong.

Evening: Dinner at Bridging Years for crossing-the-bridge noodles—a steaming pot of chicken broth where you cook your own rice noodles, quail eggs, and mushrooms.

Avoid: “Fresh truffles” sold near the Stone Forest—most are grown in labs, not forests.

Day 4-5: Nanchang — Tengwang Pavilion, Poyang Lake & Spicy Jiangxi cuisine

Morning: Fly to Nanchang (2hrs). Check into Wanda Realm Nanchang near Tengwang Pavilion. Start at the Tengwang Pavilion—a 1,400-year-old wooden tower where poets once composed odes to the Yangtze River.

Afternoon: Visit Poyang Lake—China’s largest freshwater lake, where migratory birds (and fishermen) gather in winter. Rent a bike and cycle the Nanchang Greenway—a riverside path lined with willow trees and lotus ponds.

Evening: Dinner at Ganpo Restaurant for spicy fish hotpot (a Jiangxi specialty with chili oil so red it glows) and rice noodles with pickled vegetables. At night, join locals for square dancing in August 1st Square—yes, even retirees here dance to EDM remixes of folk tunes.

Pro Tip: Pack po chai pills—Jiangxi’s spice will challenge your taste buds.

Day 6-10: Shanghai — Bund Skyscrapers, Disney Magic & Silk Road Tales

Morning: High-speed train to Shanghai (4hrs). Check into The Peninsula Shanghai—its rooftop bar overlooks the Bund’s Art Deco skyline.

Afternoon: Explore Yu Garden—a Ming-era oasis of pagodas and koi ponds. Shop at Nanjing Road for silk scarves (haggle hard—start at 50% of the asking price).

Evening: Dinner at Ultraviolet—a 20-course “sensory dining” experience (book months in advance!). End with a huangpu river cruise—the neon-lit skyline feels like a scene from Inception.

Day 7: Shanghai Disneyland—arrive early to ride TRON Lightcycle Power Run and watch the Ignite the Dream fireworks. Pro tip: Buy tickets online to avoid queues.

Day 8: Visit the Shanghai Museum—see its collection of Tang Dynasty pottery and Ming Dynasty furniture. At night, sip huangjiu (rice wine) at Lost Heaven—a Yunnan-inspired restaurant with peacock feathers and live folk music.

Avoid: “Free massage” offers near the Bund—they’ll charge you $200 for a foot rub.

Day 11-14: Suzhou — Classical Gardens, Silk Factories & Water Towns

Morning: High-speed train to Suzhou (30mins). Check into The Silk Road Suzhou Hotel—a restored 1920s mansion with silk-covered walls. Start at the Humble Administrator’s Garden—a UNESCO site where pavilions, lotus ponds, and bamboo groves create a “garden of gardens.”

Afternoon: Visit the Suzhou Silk Museum—learn how cocoons become scarves, and shop for yunjin (cloud brocade) at Shantang Street. Don’t miss Song He Lou for squirrel-shaped mandarin fish (crispy, sweet, and sour).

Evening: Take a night cruise on Suzhou’s canals—the lantern-lit bridges and willow trees look like a scroll painting come to life.

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—Suzhou’s gardens have uneven cobblestones.

Day 15-18: Hangzhou — West Lake, Dragon Well Tea & Buddhist Temples

Morning: High-speed train to Hangzhou (1hr). Check into Four Seasons Hangzhou—a lakeside resort with views of pagodas and weeping willows. Start at West Lake—rent a paddleboat and glide past Leifeng Pagoda (where the legend of the White Snake began).

Afternoon: Visit Longjing Tea Plantation—hike through terraced fields and sip dragon well tea straight from the source. Back in town, learn to make zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) at a Zhejiang Cuisine Workshop.

Evening: Dinner at Louwailou—a 170-year-old restaurant serving Dongpo pork (braised in wine) and West Lake carp soup. At night, join locals for taichi by the lake—the sunrise here is worth losing sleep over.

Day 16: Hike Baoshi Hill—a less-crowded trail with views of Hangzhou’s “eight scenes.” Stop at Lingyin Temple—a 1,700-year-old Buddhist monastery with laughing Buddhas and cedar trees.

Avoid: “Authentic” silk near West Lake—real silk is soft and cool to the touch, not stiff.

Day 19-21: Return to Kunming — Farewell to China’s Most Scenic Province

Morning: Fly back to Kunming. Spend the day at Kunming Flower Market—buy dried roses for tea and orchid saplings (locals believe they bring good luck).

Afternoon: Final meal at 1910 Railway Restaurant—a converted train station serving steam pot chicken (herbs, mushrooms, and chicken steamed in a clay pot).

Evening: Departure—carry a piece of China in your heart: a Bai embroidery patch, a packet of pu’er tea, or the memory of a Shanghai street musician’s song.