This was my first time joining a small group tour, and it's so much better than a large group! The itinerary was very flexible. If we wanted to spend more time at a scenic spot to enjoy the view and take pictures, or if we felt like we'd seen enough and wanted to leave early to continue on, it was all up to us. The experience was fantastic. The food during the trip included snacks we bought ourselves, as well as meals arranged by the driver-guide. It was so much better than traditional group meals, and we got to eat a lot of local specialties.
The driver-guide, Juanzi (He Chengjuan), deserves special praise! She is very experienced, and her driving skills were so steady that we could sleep soundly the whole way. More importantly, she told us a lot about local Yunnan customs, cultural stories, and the background and trivia of each scenic spot. She was professional and friendly, without being stiff at all.
The whole trip felt warmer and more interesting because of Juanzi's company. I highly recommend her. She made this trip especially memorable.