This exciting tour has been designed with tour leader and renowned botanist, Professor Tim Entwisle AO, to one of the most spectacular areas of China, which is also culturally rich with exceptional botanical diversity. This is a repeat of our highly successful inaugural tour in 2026.
Known as the Kingdom of Flowers, Yunnan is well named. Its extraordinary floral and botanical diversity stretches from the jungles of Indochina to the Tibetan massif, with many of the plants we are familiar with in gardens across the world - camellias, azaleas, primroses, magnolias, rhododendrons, poppies, and others - hailing from this region.
It is also a region of great cultural diversity, intersecting with the southern part of the Silk Road and the trail of the tea horse, where once blocks of tea were transported from China to Tibet.
This spectacular region of lakes and mountains is dotted with beautiful old towns, such as Lijiang and Dali, which are rich in culture and history. You will also enjoy a wide range of delicious and distinctive local cuisine.
Please note: Altitude ranges from approximately 1,900 metres above sea level (Kunming) to approximately 3,500 metres above sea in level in Shangri-la. The tour ascends at the slow pace recommended by medical advice, and oxygen will be available at the higher points, but please consider bringing medication for altitude sickness if you are concerned about symptoms. Please consult your GP if unsure.
A good level of walking fitness is required for this tour. There is also the option to sit out of activities, if preferred.
The image of the slipper orchid was taken by Bernadette Maguire on the Botanical Histories in Yunnan tour in 2026.
Travel through the Kingdom of Flowers as it reveals its rich botanical and cultural history amidst stunning natural beauty. From Kunming, city of eternal spring, continue to Dali, beautiful Lijiang, onto Shangri-la and return to Kunming.
Walk the Cangshan Mountain in Dali to see azaleas in bloom, as well as other local wild flowers, with spectacular views.
Explore picturesque old towns, including Lijiang with its stunning backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and cobbled, canal-crossed streets joined by bridges and lined with willows.
Visit the Lijiang Botanic Gardens field station, not usually accessible to visitors. It focuses on biodiversity conservation of rare and endangered plants and endemic groups of the sub-alpine regions.
Visit the beautiful monastery gardens on sacred Weibao Mountains, which include a 400-year-old camellia tree (being inspected here by Tim Entwisle on tour)
The impressively vast Dounan Flower Market is the biggest flower market in Asia.
Explore the magnificent Kunming Botanic Gardens with an expert guide, including a visit to its renowned orchid house.
Longer and fuller days. More walking and longer distances require more energy, good fitness, and mobility.
If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.
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