Thanks to the enthusiastic feedback from our last trip, we’ve put together a new itinerary that explores some of the most beautiful and memorable parts of China.  Our goal is to create a journey that delights all the senses — filled with moments that open your eyes, heart and taste buds to the richness of Chinese culture.

        Cuisine plays a central role in this experience.  China’s culinary heritage is as diverse as it is delicious.  We go beyond the usual tour meals and seek out banquet dishes that are local, exciting and full of flavour.  Just ask anyone who joined us last time.  The photos from our previous tour speak for themselves.

        We carefully choose locations that showcase the incredible diversity of China from the natural splendour of southern jungles to dynamic cities where the old and new exist side by side in striking harmony.  Words can barely do justice to the breathtaking sights, but this journey invites you to experience that sense of awe firsthand.

        China’s 5,000-year-old heritage continues to shape its present, offering a rare glimpse into a culture that lives and breathes its history.

        The weather of the south at this time of the year (around 8 to 19 degrees Celsius) makes it an excellent time to visit this part of China, while northern China remains frozen.  Travelling during this quieter time of year allows for a more immersive experience.  As we found on our last trip (28 Dec 2024 to 12 Jan 2025), fewer tourists make travel smoother and sightseeing more enjoyable.

        “As we journey through China, Fontane and I will share the depth of our experience in Qigong and Tai Chi — arts that have shaped my life for more than 40 years.  We look forward to guiding you through these powerful practices and helping you discover their inner richness and the quiet joy they can bring,” Chief Instructor Brettt Wagland.

        Practising these arts in the land that gave them life, while immersed in its culture and spirit, creates an experience that resonates far beyond the moment.

        If you have a friend or family member who would like to join us, they are more than welcome.  Most of the training takes place in the morning before any sightseeing, allowing plenty of time for everyone to enjoy the experience.  In the past, we've had family members of students and other interested travellers, who even without Tai Chi experience, joined us and thoroughly enjoyed the journey.  Some chose to spend a relaxing morning exploring the beautiful parks or enjoying a leisurely breakfast.  In China, there's always something fascinating right at your doorstep.  They’re very welcome to join the Qigong and Tai Chi sessions if they’d like — whether it’s just for the warm-up and relaxation, or the full session.

        This promises to be an unforgettable journey across a range of China’s most beautiful and inspiring places.

        We hope you can join us for a truly special holiday — filled with relaxation, enjoyment and memorable experiences!

Fly XiamenAir (MF802) from Sydney 12:30pm to Xiamen 6:55pm, with lunch and dinner served on board.
(Xiamen is 3 hours behind Canberra, Australia during daylight saving period.)
Transfer from airport to hotel by coach.

Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional). 
        Xiamen to Quanzhou by coach – 1 hour.
        Step into Kai Yuan Temple and take in its graceful stonework and serene courtyards.  Built in 685 during the Tang Dynasty, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of China’s oldest and most impressive Buddhist sanctuaries and the largest in Fujian Province.

        At the Quanzhou Maritime Museum, history comes alive through shipwreck remains, centuries-old ceramics and beautifully crafted ship models — revealing how this ancient port city once linked China to the world via the Maritime Silk Road, shaping global trade and culture between the 10th and 14th centuries.  Most exhibits include English captions, making it easy for international visitors to appreciate the stories behind the artefacts on display.
        Overnight stay in Xiamen.

Fly XiamenAir MF8405 from Xiamen 8am to Kunming 10:55am, with breakfast served on board.
        Journeying west into the stunning beauty of Yunnan Province, we reach Kunming — the City of Eternal Spring, where the air is mild and flowers bloom year-round.  With its tranquil parks and floral abundance, this charming capital is often called China’s most liveable city.  Historically, it was the southern gateway to the Silk Road, bridging China with the cultures of India, Myanmar and the Mediterranean.

       Yuan Tong Temple is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Yunnan, with a history spanning more than 1,200 years.  What makes it truly unique is its rare architectural design — built in a sunken courtyard rather than on elevated ground, with a tranquil lotus pond at its centre.  Entering from above, visitors descend gently along a tranquil garden path shaded by ancient cypress trees, arriving at the temple’s serene main hall.  Its elegant pavilions, winding corridors and graceful arched bridges create a harmonious layout found nowhere else in China.
       
        Wenlin Street is Kunming’s bohemian hub, filled with cosy cafes, bookshops and creative spaces.  It’s a wonderful spot for us to explore local culture and enjoy a gentler rhythm of city life.

        Delight in the flavours of Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles, a traditional Kunming dish where hot broth is poured over fresh ingredients, creating a fragrant and satisfying meal.  Each bite offers a perfect balance of warmth and freshness.
        Overnight stay in Kunming.

Prepare to be amazed by Jiuxiang Caves, a vast network of limestone caverns filled with impressive, shimmering stalactites, stalagmites and underground rivers.  Famous for their dramatic natural beauty and rich biodiversity, these caves offer a truly magical experience.  Its extraordinary range of karst features has earned it the name “Museum of Karst Caves” among geologists. 

        Afternoon outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional).
        Kunming 7:05pm to Pu’er 10:07pm by bullet train C365.
        Overnight stay in Pu’er.

Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional). 
        Pu’er, nestled in the lush mountains of Yunnan and bordering Laos and Vietnam, is a region rich in natural beauty and ethnic diversity.  Famous for producing pu’erh tea, the area offers a unique blend of serene landscapes and vibrant local traditions.  Renowned as a major tea trading centre since the Tang Dynasty (618–907), this area continues to carry the legacy of centuries-old tea culture.

        Visiting the Pu’er Tea Exhibition Garden will be a delight.  This beautifully designed park weaves together tea history, culture and nature.  We’ll stroll through ancient tea groves, explore the tea culture museum, and witness the journey of Pu’erh tea from leaf to cup.

        The Sun River National Forest Park is known for its pristine environment and old-growth trees, set within a lush subtropical monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest.  With an annual average temperature of around 17°C, the climate is mild year-round.  As we explore its walking trails and forest canopy, we may even catch glimpses of wildlife such as red pandas, gibbons or white rhinos — an unforgettable experience in one of China’s most naturally rich regions.
        Overnight stay in Pu’er.

Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional). 
        Pu’er to Xishuangbanna by coach – 2 hours.
        On our way to Xishuangbanna, we’ll visit the famous Wild Elephant Valley — home to around 130 wild Asian elephants.  Elevated walkways and observation towers let us view these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, surrounded by lush tropical forest and a rich variety of birdlife and wildlife, including protected species such as bison, slow lorises, green peacocks, white-cheeked gibbons and macaques.
  
         Xishuangbanna is one of China’s most distinctive regions — renowned for its tropical scenery, vibrant biodiversity and rich cultural tapestry, especially that of the Dai people.  With its year-round warmth and January temperatures averaging 25.5°C, it borders Laos and feels more like Southeast Asia than inland China.  It’s a side of China few expect — more Laos or Thailand than the China most people imagine!
  
          As we stroll through Manting Park, we’ll experience a peaceful blend of nature and tradition in one of Xishuangbanna’s oldest and most cherished gardens.  Once a royal retreat for the Dai kings, it is now filled with tropical plants, charming pavilions, traditional statues and water features that reflect the region’s rich heritage.  The park is alive with the colours of blooming orchids and trailing vines.  Peacocks roam the grounds with ease, adding a graceful presence to this serene retreat.
        Overnight stay in Xishuangbanna.

Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional). 
        The Dai people are the dominant ethnic group in Xishuangbanna and are known for their warmth, hospitality and deep connection to nature.  Their vibrant culture is reflected in graceful dances, water-splashing festivals, traditional stilt houses, and strong Buddhist influences woven into daily life.  Their traditional clothing — often brightly coloured with intricate embroidery — adds to the richness of their cultural identity.

        At the Dai Ethnic Garden in Ganlanba, we’ll step into a living village of five hamlets that brings to life the customs, architecture and spiritual traditions of the Dai people.  Set among banana trees and tropical flowers, the garden is framed by swaying palms, lush paddy fields and distant mountain ridges — an idyllic backdrop to our exploration of traditional stilt houses and the gentle rhythms of Dai culture.
    
        Our visit to the Dafo Temple (originally built during the Ming Dynasty, 1368–1644) in Mengla will offer insight into the spiritual life of the Dai people.  A great golden standing Buddha statue rises above the temple grounds, while the complex itself dazzles with colour and form — red roofs set against shimmering gold walls, adorned with delicate, layered patterns.  Laid out in the shape of a sitting Buddha, the entire structure is a visual expression of balance, reverence and meaning.  The temple offers a window into Theravada Buddhism (most popular in Thailand) in southern Yunnan.
        Overnight stay in Xishuangbanna.

Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional). 
        Our visit to the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden will showcase one of China’s most diverse and expansive plant research centres — and one of the most renowned botanical gardens in the world.  Spread across islands and forested walkways, the garden is home to thousands of rare tropical species found nowhere else in the country.  Themed zones such as the tropical rainforest, nursery and palm sections each offer distinct landscapes and features.
        Among its wonders is the “tree-wrapped stone” phenomenon, where thick aerial roots cascade down rocky outcrops like flowing curtains — earning them the name “banyan waterfalls”.  The garden is a remarkable blend of scientific research, ecological conservation and natural beauty.

         Manzhang Village (with a history of more than 500 years), in Mengyang, stands out for its strong preservation of Dai traditions.  Walking through its peaceful streets, you’ll see wooden homes with sloped roofs and large terraces on stilts, encounter locals engaged in age-old crafts, and enjoy the serene natural landscape that shapes their way of life.  The village is known for its skilled artisans who practise weaving — especially the intricate patterns of Dai brocade — as well as pottery, bamboo weaving, papermaking, and delicate fruit carving often used in Buddhist rituals.
        Overnight stay in Xishuangbanna.

Fly XiamenAir from Xishuangbanna to Lijiang – 1 hour 15 minutes.
        Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional). 
        Black Dragon Pool offers one of Lijiang’s most memorable views, where water, architecture and mountain come together in perfect harmony.  As we walk through the peaceful grounds, we’ll see traditional pavilions and bridges mirrored in the clear pool, with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain rising dramatically in the distance — a scene that has inspired poets, painters and visitors for generations.

        Set against the backdrop of Lion Hill, the Mu Palace offers sweeping views over Lijiang Old Town.  Once home to the powerful Mu family, who governed Lijiang during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, the palace is often referred to as the "Forbidden City of the Southwest".  The wooden complex blends the stately elegance of Central Chinese imperial style with the skilled craftsmanship of the Naxi and Bai ethnic groups.  Its grand halls, carved gates and peaceful courtyards offer a vivid glimpse into Lijiang’s feudal past.
        Although the Mu Palace was built in traditional Han architectural style, its entrance faces east rather than south.  This aligns with the 5 Elements Theory (wood, fire, earth, metal and water), where the element “wood” (木) — also the character for the Mu family name — is linked to the east.

        Staying in Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a chance to soak in the charm of cobbled lanes, flowing canals and centuries-old Naxi architecture.  With its tiled rooftops, red lanterns and lively market streets, the town has a timeless quality — a rare blend of history, culture and atmosphere.

        You’ll have a free evening to explore Lijiang Old Town at your own pace and dine at a place of your choosing.
        Overnight stay in Lijiang.

Our journey takes us to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world, where sheer cliffs plunge down to rushing waters, and mist rises from the river like breath from the earth.  It's a place where legend, landscape and raw natural power come together — unforgettable in both sight and sound.  With snow-capped peaks overhead and dramatic rock formations below, the gorge offers one of Yunnan’s most iconic and unforgettable landscapes.

        The Naxi are an ethnic minority native to Lijiang, known for the rare Dongba pictographic writing, melodious ancient music, traditional clothing and vibrant cultural expressions that have been passed down through generations.  Unlike typical alphabetic writing systems, Dongba script is largely pictographic and ideographic — it uses symbols and pictures to represent words, ideas and religious concepts.  Their festivals and rituals reveal a profound respect for the natural world and ancestral wisdom.

        At Stone Drum Town, we’ll see where the Yangtze River makes its famous First Bend — a rare geographic feature that shifts the river’s flow from south to north.  The town is rich in Naxi culture and history, named after a drum-shaped marble monument that celebrates a local Naxi victory over invading forces.  Once a bustling trading hub, the town now offers a serene landscape of swaying willow trees and towering mountain peaks that meet the endless blue sky, rich in both quiet charm and scenic grandeur.
        Overnight stay in Lijiang.

The cable car lifts us high into the mountains towards Spruce Meadow (elevated at 3,240 metres), a serene highland area framed by spruce forests.  The fresh alpine air, sweeping views of Yunnan, and the striking presence of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain make this a truly memorable experience.
        Outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional) at Spruce Meadow.

        We’ll visit White Water River (Baishuitai), a series of crystal-clear pools formed by runoff from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.  With its milky-blue water and stepped limestone terraces, the river creates a surreal and tranquil landscape — one of Yunnan’s most serene and photogenic natural scenes.

         We’ll watch "Impression Lijiang", a dramatic cultural performance staged outdoors at the base of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.  It’s a vivid celebration of local traditions, set in one of the most breathtaking natural theatres in the world.  Featuring hundreds of local performers in traditional dress, the show brings the region’s ethnic cultures to life through music, dance and stunning visual choreography.

        Our visit to the Baisha Murals takes us back hundreds of years, to a time when Lijiang was a cultural crossroads.  These remarkable frescoes — found in temples and village halls — reveal a layered history through their religious imagery and blended artistic styles.  These paintings reflect a unique fusion of Buddhist, Taoist and Naxi cultural elements.  Their delicate beauty and historic value make them one of Lijiang’s artistic treasures.
        Overnight stay in Lijiang.

Lijiang to Dali by coach – 3 hours.
        Time seems to slow in Shaxi Old Town, where stone paths wind through sunlit courtyards and centuries-old temples still stand.  With a history dating back over 1,000 years, Shaxi was once a key trading post.  Located approximately halfway between Lijiang and Dali, we’ll explore this peaceful, heritage-rich town known for its Bai culture and enduring connection to historic trade routes.

        Bai culture is celebrated for its whitewashed houses, detailed wood carvings and vibrant textiles.  Their traditional architecture, lively festivals and fine craftsmanship — especially in embroidery and silverwork — showcase a deep bond with their history and surroundings.  Among the Bai, improvised singing is part of everyday life — a spontaneous and expressive way to share feelings and connect with others.
 
        Often called the “ear-shaped sea” for its unique shape, Erhai Lake is a shimmering jewel nestled between the Cangshan Mountains and the Bai villages of Dali.  Once a vital source of life for the Bai people, the lake is still lined with white-walled villages, temples and old fishing boats.  Its mirror-like waters, vibrant birdlife and ever-changing light make it a place of quiet beauty and timeless rhythm.
        Outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional) with the serene Erhai Lake as a backdrop.

        Built in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), Dali Old Town follows a square, grid-like plan with four city gates at each main axis — a design that gives its streets the feel of a chessboard.  As we explore its quiet alleyways, white-walled Bai homes and hand-carved doorways, we’ll be immersed in a town where centuries-old culture and creativity are still part of daily life.
        Overnight stay in Dali.

Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional). 
        We’ll visit the Three Pagodas, an iconic landmark with over a thousand years of history.  The central pagoda stands at 69.13 metres (227 feet), while the two flanking pagodas are each 42.19 metres (140 feet) tall.  Set against the backdrop of the Cangshan Mountains, the three ancient brick towers have stood through earthquakes and dynasties — symbols of resilience, balance and spiritual presence in the region.

        With over a thousand years of history, Xizhou Bai Village lies just 18 km north of Dali Old Town.  Famed for its traditional courtyard homes, intricate wood carvings and elaborately painted walls, the village preserves the finest examples of Bai architecture in Yunnan.  More than 100 residences from the Ming and later dynasties still stand, each echoing the craftsmanship and cultural spirit of its time.

        The art of tie-dye originated in Zhoucheng Village, famously known as the “Bai Village of Tie Dye”.  The Bai people are renowned for their intricate tie-dyeing techniques, using cotton or linen and natural indigo dyes derived from the Isatis plant.  Their patterns often feature animals, flowers, and other natural motifs, reflecting traditional beliefs and deep cultural aesthetics.
        We’ll visit a dyed cloth shop in Zhoucheng, where traditional Bai tie-dye techniques are still practiced by local artisans.  Using natural indigo and hand-folding methods, each piece reflects generations of cultural heritage and artistic expression.
  
        Dali 7:20pm to Kunming 9:20pm by bullet train D8724.
        Overnight stay in Kunming.

Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional). 
        Situated on Yu’an Mountain, northwest of Kunming, the Bamboo Temple was originally built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and holds the distinction of being Yunnan’s first Zen Buddhist temple.  As we stroll through its tranquil bamboo groves and elegant halls, we’ll encounter the famed 500 arhat sculptures — each about a metre tall, masterfully crafted with distinct expressions and gestures that seem to capture a moment in time.

        Winding along West Hill, pine-scented trails lead us past temples, pavilions and stone-carved shrines perched high above Dianchi Lake.  Here are the places on our travel list.
•  Huating Temple is a 900-year-old site and one of the largest Buddhist temples in Yunnan.  Its richly coloured statues showcase a fusion of Buddhist and Taoist influences, making it both spiritually and artistically significant.
•  Taihua Temple, perched on the highest peak of West Hill, is the oldest temple in the area.  This Buddhist temple is known for its elegant architecture, peaceful surroundings, and a variety of rare flowering plants that add to its quiet charm.
•  Clinging to the rocky cliffs of Luohan Hill, Sanqing Pavilion is a Taoist sanctuary where bold architecture meets breathtaking views.
•  Etched into sheer cliffs between 1781 and 1853, the Dragon Gate grottoes are Yunnan’s most magnificent Taoist carvings.  From this dizzying height, temples and passageways open to sweeping views of Dianchi Lake and the city below — a true blend of natural wonder and spiritual vision.

        Experience an unforgettable dinner featuring the colourful dances of Yunnan’s ethnic minorities, paired with delicious regional dishes.

        Fly XiamenAir MF8426 from Kunming 8:05pm to Xiamen 10:40pm.
        Overnight stay in Xiamen.

Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional). 
        Xiamen to Guanyang Village by coach – 3 hours.
        We'll journey deep into the mountains of southeastern Fujian to visit the remarkable tulou — earthen dwellings built by the Hakka people.  Constructed between the 12th and 20th centuries, the Hakka tulou are extraordinary feats of vernacular architecture.  Recognized by UNESCO as outstanding examples of communal living and sustainable design, tulou are a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Hakka.

        Designed as communal strongholds, these large fortified structures use rammed earth walls — up to six feet thick — combined with bamboo, timber and stone.  Tulou were engineered to resist earthquakes and invaders alike.  These circular or square structures, built around an open central courtyard, foster a strong sense of kinship and shared responsibility.  Built for togetherness, Hakka tulou once brimmed with the lives of entire clans — up to 800 people sharing meals, memories and generations of history.  With a single fortified entrance, iron-plated doors and lookout holes on the upper levels, these buildings serve as both home and fortress.  Many of these tulou are still home to families today.
      Overnight stay in Guanyang Village. 

Uncover the charm of Hakka tulou nestled in the hills, surrounded by quiet fields and timeworn paths.
        Return to Xiamen by coach – 3 hours.
        Afternoon outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional) if time permits.
        Special Farewell Dinner.
        Fly XiamenAir MF801 from Xiamen 10pm to Sydney.

Arrive in Sydney 10:25am.

Included in the Cost: economy-class international airfare (return from Sydney), domestic flights within China, bullet train fare, accommodation, meals as specified in the itinerary, admission (sightseeing places, parks and show), Qigong and Tai Chi sessions, coach, English speaking guides. 

     Accommodation (4-star):

●  Xiamen – Xiamen City Hotel or similar         
●  Kunming – Teng Hotel (adjacent to Kunming World Expo Park and Jindian Park) or similar                   
●  Pu'er – Pu'er Deting Garden Hotel or similar               
●  Xishuangbanna – Mekong River Four Seasons Hotel (adjacent to the Water Splashing Square) or similar                    
●  Lijiang – Lijiang Wangfu Hotel (designed in the style of a traditional Naxi courtyard residence) or similar                             
●  Dali – Manxin Dali Old Town Hotel or similar    
●  Guanyang Village – Grand Cloud Sky International Hotel Lingbo or similar  (The hotels and facilities in that area are more modest compared to those in Xiamen.)

The Christmas and New Year period is considered
peak season for airfares.

Cost of the China trip will be
– Twin Share: AUD$7,990 to AUD$8,480 per person**
– Single Room: AUD$8,690 to AUD$9,180 per person**
A minimum of 12 people is required in order for the tour to proceed. 

** Xiamen Airlines will only reserve seats for group travel with a deposit.  The airline will determine the final cost at the time of booking and deposit payment.  Hence, the prices are provided as an estimated range.
To secure the best possible airfares, it’s helpful to reach the minimum number and proceed with booking sooner rather than later.
If you’re thinking of coming along, please let Fontane know sometime soon.

An $800 deposit will be required upon confirmation of the flights
and
the balance by 29 October 2025. 

Please note that the entire cost is non-refundable.  Appropriate travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Methods of payment to Southlands Travel & Cruise:       
● electronic funds transfer to the travel agent’s bank account       
● deposit cash into the travel agent’s bank account at a nearby branch             
● credit card – a credit card fee applies: 1.2% extra for Mastercard and visa, and 1.75% extra for Amex

Note: The organiser reserves the right to change the travel dates and/or the itinerary if deemed necessary.

●  Taxes, for both international and domestic airfare within China, are approximately $538- per person, calculated on the day tickets are issued. This amount includes Australia Departure Tax, Airport and Security Taxes, fuel surcharge and China Departure Tax. All taxes are subject to exchange rate fluctuations and the possible introduction of new taxes.

●  Tips for the national and local tour guides: AUD $200- per person.

●  Canberra to Sydney airline tickets return.  Please feel free to use your frequent flyer points to book your own tickets or arrange other means of transport.  However, the travel agent advises that it is best to wait for the international tickets to be issued first before booking the domestic tickets.
    Arrive at Sydney International Airport a minimum of 3 hours before your flight's departure to ensure enough time for baggage check-in, Immigration and Security screening.
    If you need Southlands Travel & Cruise to book your domestic airline tickets, please contact Fontane on 02 6296 1357 or email support@taichiacademy.com.au.

●  A visa is no longer needed for travel in China when the stay is 30 days or less.

●  Appropriate travel insurance is strongly recommended.

●  For travel vaccinations, seek advice from your doctor, pharmacist or the Travel Doctor-TMVC Canberra.

●  Please be aware that many countries such as China require travellers to have at least 6 months remaining validity and at least 2 blank visa pages on their passports.  Phone Australian Passport Information Service on 131 232 or visit www.passports.gov.au.