Flying Tigers Yunnan & Guilin, China April 2026
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Daniel Oppliger
El Paso, TX Travel Agent· 25+ Years of Experience
Tropical Sails Corp, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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COUNTRIES VISITED:China
PLACES VISITED:Beijing, Dali, Guilin, Kunming, Lijiang, Shanghai
SUGGESTED DURATION:13 Days
The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group (AVG), were a group of American pilots who volunteered to assist the Chinese Air Force during World War II, specifically in Yunnan and Guilin, China.
Formed in 1941 under the command of Claire Lee Chennault, the group was known for its distinctive shark-faced fighter planes. The Flying Tigers played a crucial role in defending China against Japanese forces, providing air support and conducting strategic bombing raids. Their efforts were particularly significant in the Yunnan and Guilin regions, where they helped to protect the vital supply routes of the Burma Road and safeguarded Chinese cities from aerial attacks.
The bravery and effectiveness of the Flying Tigers earned them legendary status, contributing to the strong wartime alliance between the United States and China. Their legacy remains a symbol of international cooperation and resistance against aggression.
Organized by Tropical Sails Corp.
Close All Days
DAY1
Shanghai
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Beijing
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Guilin
Close Day
Make Your Way to Guilin China
Fly from the USA and make your way to Guilin, China. We can arrange private or small group tour in Shanghai or Beijing- depending on your time frame.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Long Flights to China
DAY2
Guilin
Close Day
Day 01 Arrival Guilin D
Day 01 Arrival Guilin D
Arrive in Guilin, pick up and check in hotel for rest. Welcome Dinner will be arranged tonight.
Options are to overnight in Shanghai or Beijing. If you have limited time you can connect in Shanghai. If you have more time you may take the high speed rail from Shanghai.
Overnight in Guilin
HIGHLIGHTS:
Arrive Guilin
Optional Impression Show if available.
DAY3
Guilin
Close Day
Day 02 Guilin B/L/D
After breakfast at hotel, visit Flying Tigers Memorial Museum Guilin in Flying Tigers Heritage Park which was the Flying Tigers’ airport (Yang tang Airport) and played a very important role in the Sino-US cooperation of fight against Japanese imperialism and now is the only heritage park of
Flying Tigers in China. After that, you’ll visit the Reed Flute Cave, named after the reeds used in the manufacture of flutes that grow near it. The cave system has a stunning array of natural limestone formations that are made all the more impressive by the clever use of colored lighting.
Then visit Elephant Trunk Hill, as its name implies a quite remarkable example of the hand of nature upon the landscape.
Overnight in Guilin
Flying Tiger and places where Tom Lea travelled are featured in this tour.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Flying Tigers Memorial Museum
Reed Flute Cave
Elephant Trunk Hill
DAY4
Kunming
Close Day
Day 04 Guilin – Kunming by flight B/L/D
Today in the morning, you‘ll take flight to Kunming.
After arrival, pick up and check in hotel, then have dinner at a popular local restaurant .
Overnight in Kunming
THE CROWNE PLAZA CITY CENTER or similar
HIGHLIGHTS:
Dinner at Popular Restaurant
DAY5
Kunming
Close Day
Day 05 Kunming B/L/D
This morning, we will go to the Flying Tigers Exhibition in Kunming Museum where you will learn more about Flying Tigers’ contribution to China in the WWII.
Next comes Stone Forest ( Shilin in Chinese, 89 km, 1.5 hours ), 80 ha. site of fantastic limestone formations created during the Permian Era when the sea covered this area. Shilin is on the World Heritage List and managed by the traditional owners the Yi people. It is famous in China and unique in the world. We will to visit the Stone Forest for 2.5 hours. Today’s lunch is Yunnan local flavor Yiliang Roast Duck.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Stone Forest
Yiliang Roast Duck.
Flying Tigers Exhibition in Kunming Museum
DAY6
Kunming
Close Day
Day 06 Kunming B/L/D
Today we will go to Jiaoye Park (suburb park, visit Hump Monument, a memorial honoring those American pilots who flew over Himalaya and gave their lives in World War II). Then we will visit the Bamboo Temple which is a Mahayana Monastery. Set in the tranquil hills just outside Kunming, this complex dates back to the Tang Dynasty. It is famous for its 500 life sized carved Arhats or disciples of Buddha. After lunch, we will set out for the Golden Temple which is the China largest
HIGHLIGHTS:
Hump Monument
Bamboo Temple
Golden Temple
DAY7
Kunming
Close Day
Day 07 Kunming – Tengchong by flight B/L/D
Take morning flight MU5953 (10:20/11:35) to Tengchong. Today’s sightseeing begins with a visit to Heshun Township - Homeplace of Overseas Chinese. Heshun Village is one of the most beautiful villages in China with its impressive library of over 70,000 books, well preserved houses and courtyards. There also we will visit the World War II Museum in Heshun Old Town. The museum is the first and biggest one in Yunnan Province with a lot of war relics collected from the civil, among which, there are relics of Japanese, American and allied forces from Yunnan and Burma.
Overnight in Tengchong.
Yunshang Time Lake View Hot Spring Resort or similar
HIGHLIGHTS:
Heshun Township
World War II Museum
Hot Spring Resort
DAY8
Kunming
Close Day
Day 08 Tengchong B/L/D
Visit the Graveyard of the National Heroes. There are a total of 9168 ranked and anonymous soldiers who died in World War II in west Yunnan war field, being buried in this National Martyrs Cemetery. It was built honoring officers and soldiers of China Expeditionary Force who were killed in Anti-Japanese War. With museums, relics and graves of 19 American soldiers who devoted their lives for China in western Yunnan battlefield.
Tengchong is known as "Land Abounding in Geothermal Resources". There are plenty of springs of hot water and hot vapor, called "Hot Sea". There are quite a number of hot fields as well. Tengchong is a resort where people can travel, take a bath and have medical treatment. The Hot Sea, with an area of 9 square kilometers, lies 20 kilometers away southwest of the county seat and in the center of the geothermal area. There are over 80 springs of hot water and hot vapor.
Yunshang Time Lake View Hot Spring Resort
HIGHLIGHTS:
Yunshang Time Lake View Hot Spring Resort
Graveyard of the National Heroes.
DAY9
Kunming
Close Day
Day 09 Tengchong – Dali along Old China- Burma Road B/L/D
Today we will set for experience of Old China-Burma Road. We will take a few hours journey on trails of Old China-Burma Road. When advancing Japanese troops cut of the American supply lines in southern Myanmar (Burma) during World War II, the American General Joseph Stillwell took on the enormous task to build a road from Ledo in India via northern Burma into China to Kunming.
After arriving at Dali, take a stroll in the Dali Ancient Town. The history of Dali Old Town can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty when Dali was the capital of Nanzhao Kingdom which is the home to Bai minority. The town, whose format is like a chess board with four gates guarding in the
directions of east , south, west and north standing between Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, a natural configuration that seems specially designed for a good bountiful life.
Overnight in Dali
THE HILTON DALI or similar
HIGHLIGHTS:
Old China-Burma Road
DAY10
Dali
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Lijiang
Close Day
Day 11 Lijiang B/L
We leave Dali and drive along Old China-Burma Road through a stunning countryside towards Lijiang.
Followed walking in the Lijiang Old City,hich is one of the best-preserved ancient towns of the minority ethnic people of China. Lijiang old town belongs to the World Culture Heritage of UNESCO.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Lijiang Old Town
DAY11
Lijiang
Close Day
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Lijiang -Tiger Leaping Gorge
Venture through stunning landscapes to reach the awe-inspiring Tiger Leaping Gorge, take in the serene beauty of the Yangtze River's upper reaches, flowing through the heart of the gorge.And then, you will appreciate the first bend of the Yangtze River. Return by elevator optional.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Tiger Leaping Gorge
DAY12
Lijiang
Close Day
Day 12 Lijiang B/L
Embark on a cultural and historical journey to the Dongba Culture Museum. The Dongba are the shaman of the Naxi people and hold a vital role in all aspects of Naxi life, including marriage, house building, business ventures, and health matters. They are uniquely qualified to use the Dongba script, the only petroglyph language still in use today.
We proceed to the Black Dragon Pool, named for its jade-like, crystal-clear waters. The park's lush greenery and swaying willow trees create a picturesque setting, while the waterfall under Suocui Bridge adds a melodious backdrop with its constant roar. In the afternoon, visit Baisha Naxi Village, Explore the historical and cultural heritage of Baisha before heading to Shuhe Old Town.
Shuhe's central area spans about 5 square kilometers and has been recognized as an essential part of Lijiang since 1997. End your enriching day with an overnight stay at The Pullman Lijiang Resort or a similar accommodation in Lijiang.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Dongba Culture Museum.
Black Dragon Pool
Shuhe Old Town.
Baisha Naxi Village
DAY13
Lijiang
Close Day
Lijiang Airport
Day 14 Departure Lijiang B
The tour ends after breakfast.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Tour Ends Today
FINAL THOUGHTS
We are organizing this tour for April 2026. d. We are looking to take a small group sooner. Please inquire if interested. Four Star Accomodations. Budget Friendly