Company Trip 2026: Our Yunnan Story, One Team at a Time

From Lao Cai to Binyang, Jianshui, Mile and Mengzi, the Asia Pacific Travel team embarked on a memorable journey through the landscapes, culture, history and local experiences of southern Yunnan, China.

At Asia Pacific Travel, we believe that travel is not simply about visiting new destinations. It is also about experiencing them firsthand, understanding local cultures and discovering what makes each destination unique.

As a travel company and Destination Management Company (DMC), firsthand destination experience is an important part of what we do. Every journey gives our team the opportunity to learn more about local attractions, transportation, hospitality, culture and authentic travel experiences.

Our Company Trip 2026 was a special opportunity to put that philosophy into practice.

This year, our team travelled from Lao Cai in northern Vietnam across the border into Yunnan, China, exploring Binyang, Jianshui, Mile and Mengzi.

From ethnic villages and ancient towns to historic architecture, scenic lakes, railway experiences and local cuisine, the journey offered a wonderful combination of culture, nature and unforgettable moments shared as a team.

From Lao Cai to Yunnan – The Beginning of Our Journey

Our Company Trip 2026 began at the Lao Cai International Border Gate, one of the important gateways connecting northern Vietnam with Yunnan Province in China.

For everyone in the group, gathering at the border gate and completing the necessary procedures marked the official beginning of an exciting journey.

After completing the border formalities, we crossed into Hekou, China, before continuing deeper into Yunnan.

The scenery gradually changed as we travelled further from the border. New roads, architecture, landscapes and everyday life gave us our first impressions of Yunnan and created a sense of anticipation for the days ahead.

For our team, this was more than simply a company holiday. As travel professionals, it was also an opportunity to experience a destination firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of what it can offer to international travelers.

Binyang – Discovering the Culture of the Miao People

Our first destination was Binyang, a mountainous area in southern Yunnan known for its beautiful natural scenery and diverse ethnic cultures.

One of the most memorable experiences in Binyang was visiting Miao Xishui, a village where traditional Miao culture and architecture create a distinctive atmosphere.

Surrounded by mountains and greenery, Miêu Tích Thủy features traditional-style buildings, small bridges, streams and peaceful streets. Walking through the village gave us the opportunity to observe local architecture and experience a slower, more traditional side of Yunnan.

For our Asia Pacific Travel team, Miêu Tích Thủy was particularly interesting because it combined beautiful scenery with authentic cultural experiences.

Rather than simply viewing a destination from a tour bus, we were able to walk through the village, explore its smaller corners and appreciate the atmosphere of local life.

Lin'an Ancient Town – Walking Through History

After exploring Miêu Tích Thủy, we continued our journey to Lin'an Ancient Town.

The town offers a very different atmosphere, with traditional architecture, historic buildings and old streets that reflect the cultural character of Yunnan.

Walking through the ancient town allowed us to slow down and appreciate the details around us – from traditional buildings and streets to local shops and architectural features.

It was also a wonderful opportunity for our team to spend time together outside the workplace, walking, talking and taking photographs along the way.

Chaoyang Tower – Our “Little Tiananmen”

After exploring Lin'an Ancient Town, we continued to Chaoyang Tower, an impressive historic structure with a broad open square in front.

The architecture and spacious setting immediately reminded our team of Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Because of this resemblance, we jokingly referred to it as our “Little Tiananmen.”

Although much smaller in scale, Chaoyang Tower creates an impressive backdrop with its traditional architecture and spacious surroundings.

It quickly became one of the favorite locations for group photographs during our Company Trip 2026. Gathering together in front of the tower, taking photographs and enjoying the moment became one of the memorable highlights of our journey.

Sometimes, the most memorable travel moments are not necessarily found at the world's most famous landmarks. They can come from an unexpected viewpoint, a beautiful architectural setting or simply a fun moment shared with colleagues.

Jianshui – A Journey Back in Time

From Binyang, our journey continued to Jianshui, one of southern Yunnan's destinations known for its history, traditional architecture and cultural heritage.

Jianshui offered another fascinating perspective on Yunnan. After experiencing ethnic village culture, we moved into an environment shaped by centuries of history.

The ancient streets, traditional buildings and historic landmarks created a unique atmosphere where old and new coexist.

For our team, Jianshui was a chance to slow down, walk through historic areas and experience another important aspect of Yunnan's cultural landscape.

Shuanglong Bridge – Ancient Architecture by the Water

One of the highlights of our visit to Jianshui was Shuanglong Bridge, also known as Double Dragon Bridge.

The historic bridge is particularly impressive for its traditional architectural style and peaceful surroundings. Its arches, stonework and decorative elements create a beautiful scene against the landscape.

Standing on the bridge and looking across the surrounding scenery gave us a sense of the peaceful character of this part of Yunnan.

It was also one of the most photogenic stops of the journey.

Jianshui Ancient Town – Discovering Local Heritage

After visiting Shuanglong Bridge, we continued exploring Jianshui Ancient Town.

Walking through the old streets felt like stepping back through different layers of history. Traditional houses, narrow streets and historic buildings create an atmosphere that is distinctly different from modern Chinese cities.

Jianshui is also known for its traditional purple pottery, a craft closely associated with the area, as well as its distinctive local cuisine.

For us, exploring Jianshui was not only about sightseeing. It was about taking time to walk, observe, taste and experience the destination together.

Mile – A Modern and Artistic Side of Yunnan

Leaving Jianshui, we continued to Mile, a destination that offered another perspective on southern Yunnan.

While Binyang introduced us to ethnic culture and Jianshui highlighted history and traditional architecture, Mile presented a more contemporary combination of nature, art, architecture and modern tourism spaces.

The changing scenery made our journey even more diverse. Here, we discovered distinctive architectural spaces and attractions designed to blend with the surrounding landscape.

For a team working in tourism, this was particularly valuable. It showed us how one region can offer completely different travel experiences – from ethnic villages and ancient towns to modern cultural and leisure destinations.

A Scenic Train Ride Through Taiping Lake Park

One of the most enjoyable experiences of our Company Trip 2026 was taking a train ride through Taiping Lake Park.

Rather than exploring the park only on foot, our team had the chance to sit back and enjoy the scenery from the train.

As the train moved through the park, we could admire the wide lake, green landscapes and peaceful natural surroundings from a different perspective.

The journey provided a relaxing break after several days of sightseeing. It was a chance to slow down, chat with colleagues, take photographs and simply enjoy the scenery together.

For us, the train ride became more than just a way to explore the park. It became one of the memorable experiences of the trip – a simple but enjoyable moment of traveling together, watching the landscape pass by and sharing the experience as a team.

Mengzi – Local Culture, City Life and Cuisine

Our journey eventually brought us to Mengzi, an important city in southern Yunnan.

After exploring ethnic villages, ancient towns and natural landscapes, Mengzi offered us a different perspective on everyday life in the region.

The city combines modern urban life with the distinctive cultural character of southern Yunnan.

Food was naturally an important part of the experience. Mengzi is particularly associated with Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles, one of Yunnan's best-known culinary specialties.

For our team, sharing meals was an essential part of the Company Trip experience. After a full day of sightseeing, sitting around the table, trying local dishes and sharing stories from the day created some of the warmest moments of the journey.

Chuzilou – A Beautiful Viewpoint in Binyang

After exploring Miêu Tích Thủy, our journey continued to Chuzilou, another memorable stop in Binyang.

Surrounded by the characteristic landscapes of southern Yunnan, Chuzilou offered our team a chance to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective. The combination of traditional architecture and the surrounding natural landscape created an impressive setting for photographs and a relaxing stop along our journey.

For our team, it was another opportunity to slow down, appreciate the local scenery and enjoy some time together before continuing to Lin'an Ancient Town.

More Than Just a Company Trip

Looking back, Company Trip 2026 was much more than a simple holiday.

It was an opportunity for the Asia Pacific Travel team to discover a new destination, experience local culture, learn from the journey and create memories together outside our usual working environment.

Every destination brought something different.

• Binyang introduced us to ethnic culture and beautiful mountain landscapes.
• Miao Xishui and Lin'an Ancient Town allowed us to experience traditional architecture and local life.
• Chaoyang Tower, our playful “Little Tiananmen,” became one of the most memorable photo stops of the trip.
• Jianshui took us deeper into the history of southern Yunnan through its ancient town and Shuanglong Bridge.
• Mile showed us a more modern and artistic side of the region.
• The train ride through Taiping Lake Park gave us time to relax and enjoy the landscape together.
• And Mengzi introduced us to local city life and the flavors of Yunnan cuisine.

Most importantly, we experienced all of these moments together.

Every Journey Is an Opportunity to Learn

As a Destination Management Company (DMC), we believe that one of the best ways to truly understand a destination is to experience it firsthand.

Every street we walk through, every dish we taste, every attraction we visit and every journey we make provides practical knowledge that cannot always be found in a travel guide.

Experiences such as Company Trip 2026 help our team develop a deeper understanding of destinations, local culture, transportation, hospitality and travel experiences.

They also give us new ideas and inspiration for creating better journeys for our clients and international partners.

To learn more about who we are and our experience as a travel company, visit our Our Story page.

Looking Ahead to Our Next Journey

Our journey through southern Yunnan may have come to an end, but the memories, photographs and experiences will stay with us for a long time.

At Asia Pacific Travel, we love discovering new destinations – not only as travel professionals, but also as travelers who enjoy experiencing new cultures and places together.

From the Lao Cai–Hekou border, the ethnic villages of Binyang, Miêu Tích Thủy, Lin'an Ancient Town and Chaoyang Tower, to the historic streets and Shuanglong Bridge in Jianshui, the artistic atmosphere of Mile, the scenic train experience at Taiping Lake Park, and the culture and cuisine of Mengzi, this journey brought together culture, history, nature, food and unforgettable team moments.

And this is only one chapter in the many journeys that await us.

Discover New Journeys with Asia Pacific Travel

Every journey begins with a destination, but it is the experiences and memories along the way that make a trip truly meaningful.

At Asia Pacific Travel, we are committed to exploring destinations firsthand and using that experience to create authentic and well-organized journeys for our clients and partners.

Whether you are looking for travel experiences in Vietnam, China or Indochina, our team is ready to design journeys that combine local culture, authentic experiences, quality services and professional destination management.

See you on our next journey!