When Christmas arrives in the cloud terraces of southern Yunnan and Basque flavours meet the landscapes of Honghe, you do not need to travel far for a special Christmas holiday.

This seven-day trip offers a mix of festive atmosphere and local ethnic culture, with markets, terraced fields and a blend of Eastern and Western cuisine.

 Two Chefs, One Table

This journey focuses on the collaboration between two chefs.

Spanish chef Aingeru brings Basque creativity and a seasonal approach to Yunnan, exploring how Mediterranean techniques can work with local ingredients.

🔘 Chef Aingeru Etxebarria, a celebrated Basque chef and educator whose career spans Michelin mentorship, culinary schools, and international congress stages.

Local chef Deng Pan understands Honghe’s seasonal produce.

Instead of following a set menu, both chefs invite you to take part in creating a winter-season menu. You will join them in sourcing ingredients, developing dishes and shaping the final presentation together.

A Market to Table Experience

This is not a quick sightseeing tour but a hands-on, immersive journey.

Your Christmas experience begins in local markets across Honghe. With the chefs, you will see local farmers bringing mushrooms, herbs and spices freshly gathered from the surrounding mountains. Shopping becomes a way to understand the region and its ingredients.

Under the chefs’ guidance, you will cook with these ingredients and create dishes that combine Mediterranean and Yunnan styles. The process covers everything from simple techniques to modern presentation, offering a clear view of how food travels from the field to the table.

Nature & Local Life

Beyond cooking, the trip includes a range of cultural and outdoor activities.

You can walk through Yisa Ancient Town, exploring the old Tea–Horse Road and see how traditional architecture connects with today’s festive setting.

 

Learn bamboo weaving with local craftsmen and turn everyday mountain materials into small Christmas gifts.

You will also hike along the historical Yunnan–Vietnam Railway and cross the Renzi Bridge while hearing stories about this cross-border route.

In the evening, the valley becomes an open-air stage for a Christmas party featuring “Dance of Ecstasy”, curated by electronic music artist Ni Bing.

*”Dance of Ecstasy” – a form of dynamic meditation that involves free, uninhibited movement of the body. It is considered one of the most progressive practices in today’s global healing culture.

Staying in the Mountains

Accommodation is arranged at Vinetree’s tented camps.

▪️Vinetree – Honghe Valley Tented Camp

Located beside the UNESCO-listed Hani rice terraces.

The camp is built within the remains of Shitouzhai village. Structures made from rammed earth and stone connect the camp with its surroundings. Public areas such as the lounge, restaurant and bar are integrated into the original village layout.

The tents follow a natural, simple design and include full facilities, private soaking pools and equipment for stargazing and sketching.

▪️Vinetree – Yunnan–Vietnam Railway Tented Camp

This camp sits next to the historic Yunnan–Vietnam Railway on the former Bozzolo company site.

*The railway was the first one in Yunnan and the only metre-gauge railway still in operation in the world.

The camp uses old railway objects and outdoor elements such as oil lamps and sleepers to create a historical atmosphere.

For Christmas, the camp includes themed decorations and activities. Evenings feature fireside gatherings, music and a relaxed festive setting under the night sky.

The aim of this trip is to make travel part of everyday life and to understand food by working directly with ingredients and the land. This Christmas, escape the city and discover the markets and mountain kitchens of Honghe. Rediscover simple flavours and a slower way of living.

Like to know more about Dining on the Clouds? Please contact us.