An Invitation to Journey Beyond — Travel with Us.
Join us for a journey where every flavour tells a story — a 10-day culinary and cultural adventure through Yunnan, China.
Immerse yourself in a journey of food, tea, and tradition — from vibrant markets to ancient tea mountains, we invite you to experience the flavours, stories, and diverse cultures that shape the heart of Yunnan.
Where: Yunnan, China
When: September 13 - 22, 2025
Cost: Available on request
Why travel with us?
Authentic Experiences: Taste the rich traditions of Yunnan, sip rare local teas, and connect with the region’s diverse ethnic communities.
Seamless Journeys: Every detail of your adventure is thoughtfully planned, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself.
Intimate Groups: Travel with a small circle of like-minded explorers, ensuring a personalised and enriching experience.
Expert Guidance: Your hosts, Mitch and Lyla, personally guide and translate throughout the journey, offering insight, connection, and care.
Whats included
Transportation: Private minibus with a dedicated driver, including airport and hotel transfers at the start and end of your journey.
Accommodation: Luxury boutique stays, handpicked for cultural immersion and comfort.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, along with selected snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Guided Experiences: Explore vibrant ethnic markets, immerse yourself in the culture of tea, food, arts, and crafts, and visit iconic scenic spots and ancient landmarks.
Whats not included
Airfare to and from Yunnan, China.
Travel insurance (required).
Alcoholic beverages beyond those provided during included meals.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
A glimpse into the flavours, traditions, and landscapes that await you.
DAY 1
Arrive in Kunming
Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport, where you’ll be met and transferred to your stay at Mengjing Wangyue Boutique Hotel — a quiet and comfortable base in the city’s centre.
Settle in with welcome drinks and snacks, and meet your hosts, Lyla and Mitch.
In the evening, we’ll share dinner at Shiping Hall — a modern take on Yunnan cuisine, served inside a 300-year-old timber building.
DAY 2
The Tea Den and The Bird and Flower Market
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before wandering through a lively local market, gathering fresh snacks and ingredients. We’ll stop in at a nearby dumpling shop for a handmade lunch.
In the afternoon, take a step back in time at The Tea Den — a quiet space filled with classical art and antiques — where we’ll sip rare teas and learn from one of Yunnan’s most respected tea experts.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy drinks by the lake and dinner at a classic Dai ethnic restaurant, known for its bold flavours and warm hospitality.
DAY 3
Jianshui Ancient town
After breakfast and a 9:30 check-out, we’ll travel three hours south to the ancient town of Jianshui — a place rich in heritage and quiet charm.
Lunch in an fast paced, bustling restaurant in the heart of the old town.
In the afternoon, we check into Zhuyexuan — a 150-year-old private courtyard hotel full of character and old-world beauty.
Later, we’ll stroll through cobbled streets and browse the town’s local shops before returning to the courtyard for pre-dinner drinks. Dinner is a refined take on traditional Yunnan cooking — ancient techniques with bold, modern flavour.
DAY 4
Purple Pottery and Zen gardens
We rise early to witness a local tradition — drawing water from Jianshui’s oldest public well, where the morning tofu-making ritual still takes place.
Afterwards, we explore Zhu’s Garden, a refined example of traditional Yunnanese architecture and landscape design, blending quiet courtyards, carved woodwork, and classical art.
Lunch is relaxed street-side barbecue — smoky, flavourful, and deeply rooted in the rhythms of daily life.
In the afternoon, we visit a master of Jianshui’s renowned purple pottery and experience this unique craft first-hand.
Dinner is at Xiang Man Lou, one of the region’s most respected restaurants, known for its signature steam pot chicken, grilled tofu, and handmade rice noodles.
DAY 5
Into the Mountains of Yuanyang
After breakfast at the hotel, we travel south to Yuanyang County — a scenic three-hour drive through winding roads and cloud-wrapped mountains.
On arrival, we check into Yuanyang Mountain Residence, a boutique stay perched above the famed rice terraces, offering sweeping views across the valleys.
In the afternoon, we explore a nearby village on foot, taking in the rhythms of daily life and the unique architecture of the region’s minority communities.
As the sun sets, we gather for drinks overlooking the terraced hills, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 6
Terraces, Traditions & Mountain Markets
Rise early to witness sunrise over the Yuanyang rice terraces — a breathtaking scene as mist and morning light roll across the valley.
Later in the morning, we visit a local farmers' market where members of nearby ethnic communities gather to trade produce, textiles, and handmade goods.
We’ll enjoy lunch at the market, with time to collect a few crafts or local treats to bring home.
Back at the hotel, unwind over tea and take the afternoon at your own pace — explore the nearby terraces up close, or simply relax and take in the view.
Dinner features local cured ham and seasonal foraged ingredients, showcasing the mountain flavours of the region.
DAY 7
Mushroom Houses, Fruit & Flavours of the South
Enjoy a slow morning soaking up the mountain views from the hotel before we set off to visit Azheke — a traditional Hani village known for its distinctive mushroom-shaped houses and earthen architecture.
As we leave Yuanyang, we wind through the valley past tropical fruit farms, stopping along the way to pick up sweet pineapples, paw paw, and sun-ripened bananas.
In the afternoon, we arrive in Mengzi and check into the Fanjian Humanities & Art Hotel, a converted rail-side building full of quirky design and local character.
Dinner is at a Dai-style restaurant where the vibrant flavours of Southeast Asia meet the regional ingredients of Yunnan.
For those still curious after dark, we offer an optional evening outing — a lively local tradition of street BBQ and drinks under neon lights.
DAY 8
Across the Bridge Noodles & A Village Feast
We begin the day with a bowl of Yunnan’s most iconic dish — Across the Bridge noodles — a fragrant, layered soup reminiscent of Vietnamese pho, with its own unique local history.
From there, we explore the food markets of Mengzi, sampling street snacks and selecting fresh ingredients for a home-cooked meal to come.
In the afternoon, return to our family village for time to unwind — sip tea, stretch into a slow Tai Qi session, or enjoy a traditional massage.
As the evening unfolds, we come together in the kitchen to prepare a celebratory village feast, shared with friends and family in the warmth of home.
DAY 9
Modern Art in an Ancient Culture
Brunch today is a local favourite — wild-picked mushrooms served with rice noodles, earthy and rich with Yunnan flavour.
We then travel to the town of Mi’le and check into DongFengYun Hotel, part of the MGallery collection — a striking architectural landmark where terracotta forms and contemporary art meet the soul of the land.
Spend the afternoon soaking in the hot springs or simply unwinding in the quiet beauty of the hotel.
In the evening, we gather for one final dinner at HuiJing Restaurant — a moment to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate the journey we’ve shared.
DAY 10
Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, we make our way back to Kunming. Transfers are provided either to the airport or to your onward accommodation in the city.
As your journey with us comes to a close, we hope you carry the stories, flavours, and warmth of Yunnan with you.
How to Book Your Place
Joining our Yunnan journey is simple. We keep group sizes small to ensure a personal and immersive experience, so early enquiries are recommended.
Step 1 – Make an Enquiry
Fill out the enquiry form below to register your interest. Tell us a little about yourself, and we’ll be in touch within 48 hours.
Step 2 – Let’s Connect
We’ll arrange a short call to answer your questions, confirm availability, and ensure the tour is the right fit for you.
Step 3 – Secure Your Spot
To confirm your place, a deposit is required. Once received, we’ll send a welcome pack with more details about travel, weather, packing, and preparation.
Make an Enquiry
If this journey speaks to you, we’d love to hear from you.
Fill in this form and we’ll be in touch within 48 hours to answer questions, check availability, and help you plan your next adventure.
