[Stone Forest] is 78 kilometers away from downtown Kunming. The Stone Forest is located in the Shilin Yi Autonomous County in the southeast of Kunming. The Stone Forest is a fantastic natural phenomenon. The Stone Forest is the Karst landform located in the sub-tropical area of the world. The total size of the Stone Forest is 100 square kilometers. Despite the various shapes of limestone formed due to millions of years of earth movement, the gorgeous Karst landform here integrates with the unique culture of the Sani People, hence making Stone Forest an attractive scenic area.

[Jiuxiang Caves] is praised as the “Museum of Karst Caves” by geologists, which is the largest, numerous, and most peculiar Karst cave group in China. It is a comprehensive scenic region that integrates natural scenery, cultural landscape and local ethnic customs.

Distance: Around 78 Kilometers

Driving time: It takes around 1.5 hours to drive from Kunming to the Stone Forest, another 1 hour to drive from the Stone Forest to Jiuxiang Caves, and then 2.5 hours to drive to Jianshui.

Accommodations: Boutique Hotels

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner not included

Jianshui County  (建水县 Jianshui xian) is a division of Honghe Prefecture in Southeastern Yunnan. Although the county has its own name (it’s called Lin’an Town 临安镇), the name Jianshui is commonly used to refer to Lin’an as well. Since the Yuan Dynasty, Lin’an has been one of the most important cities of Yunnan, the center of Confucian learning and the veneration of Confucius. While the ancient city wall that used to surround the city was demolished in the 20th century (only its four gate towers remain standing), many historical sites remain in and around Lin’an, making it one of the top tourist destinations in the province. A pleasant city overall, Jianshui is an attractive stopping point between Kunming and Yuanyang.

Then, you can go to look around Jianshui’s old town. The Chaoyang Gate Tower (朝阳楼 Chaoyang Lou) is a scene you can’t miss. The preserved eastern gate of the Lin’an city wall is now standing in the middle of a traffic roundabout. For its architecture, it is nicknamed “the little Tian’anmen Gate.” A small museum/exhibition hall is housed inside the gate tower, which affords nice views of the old city.

Then you will go to visit the Zhu Family Garden. Constructed in Jianshui Old Town, Zhu Family Garden is famous as one of the most elaborate and grandest residential gardens in the south of Yunnan. Built-in the Qing Dynasty by the Zhu brothers, whose family was influential in the locality, the garden was completed in 30 years and was designed to include 42 courtyards. You will also explore other famous sites such as the Confucious Temple in Jianshui Ancient Town.

After lunch, you will experience potting in the largest pottery workroom of Jianshui County to gain a deep understanding of Jianshui culture.

Driving Time: After touring in Jianshui, you will head to Yuanyang, which takes 2.5 hours to drive.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotels

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner not included

We will watch the clouds of Yuanyang Rice Terraces in the early Morning. After that, you will visit the traditional mushroom house to learn about the life of the Hani ethnic minority.

Then, the Keats driver will drive you back to Kunming.

Distance: Around 290 Kilometers

Driving Time: Around 4 hours

Accommodation: Single dorm room at Keats campus

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch not included, dinner at the school

Today you will continue to explore Puzhehei. After lunch, you will come back to Kunming by high-speed train.

High-speed train time: Around 1 hr. Transportation between the school and the train station is included.

Accommodation: Single dorm room at Keats campus.

Meals: Breakfast included, lunch not included, dinner at the school.