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Tourism paradise. Yunnan has always stood apart from the rest of China, set high on the south-western frontiers of the empire and shielded from the rest of the nation by Sichuan and Guizhou. Within this province, you’ll find the most diverse mixture of of geography, climates and nationalities. The capital, Kunming, is a charming if hightourist area, with enjoyable day trips to nearby scenic marvels, and easy access to the border with Vietnam. West of Kunming, the Yunnan plateau rises to serrated, snowbound peaks, extending north to Tibet and surrounding the ancient historic towns of Dali and Lijiang. Yunnan’s South comprises a further isolated stretch of the same frontier, reaching down to the tropical forests and paddy fields of Xishuangbanna.
YUNNAN
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Yunnan
Chongsheng Temple in Yunnan
An Outdoor Expert & Traveller Destined for a banking career, I took an interim job as a tour guide in Switzerland. This is where I discovered my love for foreign countries and their fascinating cultures and history. In between assignments I explored the most remote corners of the Asian continent. I eventually moved to Kunming to start my own travel company and to share my extensive travel experience and profound knowledge about China and South-East Asia. In my spare I practice Tai Ji and study Chinese history. Adrian Stalder Yunnan Destination Manager
Quick Information
中文
MANDARIN
CHINESE YUAN (CNY)
(Some English spoken in cities)
1 EUR = 7.89 CNY 1 USD = 6.96 CNY 1 RUB = 0.10 CNY
LANGUAGE
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CURRENCY
KUNMING CAPITAL
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INTRODUCTION
YUNNAN
Culture The cultural manifold is as big as the country itself! For the interested traveller Yunnan offers an almost inexhaustible variety of ethnic, art, music, history, language and philosophy. You decide on the focal points of your trip and we will be more than happy organizing a corresponding trip for you! Our trained, local tour guides know about the local customs and practices and will be helping you to understand them. Due to the sheer size of China, Chinese people are as diverse and manifold as the Country itself. Talking about the “Chinese” people is the same as talking about a “European”. From an ethnical point of view both don’t really exist. So when we generally talk about the “Chinese” we usually mean the Han Chinese which make the biggest (92%) ethnic group within China. People often tend to forget that there are also another 55 officially recognized ethnic groups in China, of which 25 call the Yunnan Province Jade Dragon Mountain in Lijiang
Religion
in South-West China their home. Each of these ethnic groups have their own, local customs and traditions and that makes Yunnan such a wonderful place!
Five religious beliefs are predominant in the Yunnan Province: Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity. Most of these religions coexist or mixed over the years with more ancient but still thriving
Ethnic minority group in Yunnan
beliefs like Animisim, Bon or ancestor worship. By and large, the Chinese people see no reason to quarrel over religion and are receptive to both home grown and imported beliefs. This results in various religions blending together. Before important exams, the same students can often be seen burning incense in Confucian temples, Buddhist monasteries and in front of Daoist shrines. Like in other parts of the world, for some people, religion plays an important role in their while others do not.
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WHEN TO GO
Seasons Due to the diversity and the various micro-climates, Yunnan is an all-year-around destination. Xishuangbanna is best from November to March. while April and May are the hottest months. Kunming has a moderate climate throughout the year; the coldest months are January and February. The Tibetan Plateau in the northwest of Yunnan is best visited in spring and autumn.
NOVEMBER - APRIl
MAY - OCTOBER
Avg. High 17°C / 62°F Avg. Low 7°C / 45°F Avg. Precipitation 15mm Tourism High
Avg. High 25°C / 77°F Avg. Low 15°C / 59°F Avg. Precipitation 190mm Tourism Medium
DRY SEASON
Holidays
GREEN SEASON
2019-2020
The religious festivals are determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar. Public holidays that fall on a Saturday or Sunday are carried forward to the following working day.
January 1st
June 7th
International New Year’s Day
Dragon Boat Festival
February 4th-10th
September 13th
Spring Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival
April 5th
October 1st-7th
Ching Ming Festival
National Day Holiday
International Labor Day
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Hanging lanterns in Kunming, Yunnan
April 30th - May 1st
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WHEN TO GO
YUNNAN
Events & Festivals JANUARY
Temple Fairs
Kunming
]The traditional Gold Temple Fair is held from every 8th to 10th day of lunar January. Pilgrims all over the Mingfeng Mountain, local special products and snacks can be found from the mountain foot to the top. In the park, there are various entertainment activities and folk performance.
MAY
Int’l Cultural Tourism Festival
Kunming
Annually held in May Day lasting five days in total. Activities are held in squares, parks, pedestrian streets and scenic spots all round the city. Fancy car parade, dancing and singing performances, water splashing carnival, snack banquet and local long street banquet are all excited contents of the grand celebration.
JUNE
Torch Festival
Shilin
The Torch Festivals is the most important and grandest event of Yi ethnic minority. Local Yi people celebrate it on the 24th day of lunar June in Shilin Country. They gather and collected torch together into an burning tower, then sing and dance around the torch tower. It’s a fascinating event to witness.
VARIOUS
Ethnic Group Festivals
Yunnan
Ethnic minorities are great parts of Yunnan culture. Some amazing festivals to explore in Yunnan: Munao Zongge Festival of Jing, Sanduo Festival of Naxi, Water-Splashing Festival of Dai, Shankang Festival of Bulang, Dengba Festival of Tibetan, Kuzhazha Festival of Hani and Xinmi Festival of Wa.
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LOCAL CUISINE
Yunnan’s flavours Food in Yunnan is generally tasty, varied, plentiful and cheap. For the local people, food is very important as they adore eating. The northeast area is strongly influenced by the spices of Sichuan flavours, whereas the south and south-western parts are influenced by various ethnic groups as well as Vietnam, Laos and even Thailand. The highlands and plateaus in the northern part are one of the few places in
Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles
China where dairy products like goat’s cheese, yoghurt and milk are available.
Crossing Bridge Rice Noodles Considered the most famous, its soup is made Pots of food boiling
with natural hen, pig bone and ham and is boiled for over 6 hours. The dish is served in a big pot, in which the hot soup is prepared and sliced chicken, fish, pork go after, and finally the vegetables and rice noodles.
Wild Mushrooms Yunnan is host to various kinds of fresh wild mushrooms. Its mushrooms top around the world in quality, quantity, and diversity. Dou Men Fan
One most famous mushroom dish is Braised Jizong (mushroom) in soy sauce.
Dou Men Fan Dou Men Fan is kind of famous food in Yunnan. The materials include stir fried fresh horse beans, sliced hams and some cooked rice. Add water to boil the mixtures and then stew them by slow fire. At last, add ingredients to stir fry them until all materials are well mixed.
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DESTINATIONS
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Kunming The capital of the Yunnan province is located on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau on 1,900 metres above sea level. Because of the all year round pleasant, spring like climate Kunming was nicknamed “The Spring City”. Visit the Green Lake Park in the morning to observe the locals practicing their Tai Chi, showing off their birds and dancing. Within walking View of Kunming CIty
distance from Green Lake Park lies the Streets of Kunming
Buddhist temple Yuantong Si. Its two 13-storey high towers of the east and West Pagodas date back to the Tang dynasty are located near the commercial district in the centre of town. Despite the modernization, Kunming remains a city with a laid back atmosphere and lots of street markets, snack-stalls, parks, and old temples waiting to be explored.
Shaxi
The Xingjiao Temple in Shaxi
Formerly an important pivotal stop on the Tea and Horse trail from Yunnan to Tibet, Shaxi offers the perfect environment for hikers, nature lovers and peace seekers. It’s the perfect, quiet alternative to the bustling Lijiang and Dali. The most prominent sight at Shi Bao Shan is the Stone Bell Temple with its 139, well preserved stone carvings. These magnificent stone carvings at the Stone Bell Temple date back 1,300 years to the once powerful Nanzhao Kingdom during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and are testimony for a time when Mahayana Buddhism started to spread in the Yunnan area.
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DESTINATIONS
Lunan Stone Forest The Stone Forest of Lunan is a conglomeration of utterly bizarre but stunning lime stone pillars, needles and crags that have been formed 270 million years ago by an ocean that was once present in the area. As the waters withdrew they left a limestone sea bed that rose to the surface. Thousands of years of erosion by wind an rain sculpted the stone into its present petrified forms.
Entrance to the Stone Forest
The best way to explore this amazing site is by foot. Take one of the small, hidden trails that lead around the entire park for the some of the best views.
Mountains in Tibet Autonomous Prefecture
Temple in Tibet
Shangria-La Shangri-La is named after the mysterious ‘Shangri-La’ in James Hilton’s novel, The Lost Horizon. The name in Tibetan means “Land of sacredness and peace”. The town’s pastoral, pristine environments are dotted with Tibetan Villages which provide the visitor with a glimpse of the rich and colorful Tibetan culture. The picturesque old town with its relaxed atmosphere, the surrounding snow-capped mountains and green meadows dotted with Yak herds make Shangria-La an ideal place to explore for a couple of days. Just north of the town is Ganden Sumtseling Gompa (Yellow Hat), a 300-year-old impressive Tibetan monastery.
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DESTINATIONS
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Dali Dali is one of the most popular spots for independent China travellers and hugely popular with those studying and working in southern China. About 50 minutes by plane or 4-5 hr by bus (or 2 hr by express train) from Kunming, it’s considered by some the perfect place to relax in southern China.
Wuhua Tower in Dali ancient town
Lijiang The lovely Naxi town of Lijiang is located in a fertile valley 2,400 meters above sea level at the foot of the 5,596 metre high Yulong Shan or Jade Dragon Mountain. Most of its labyrinth of cobbled stone alleys is now lined with tourist-shops, bars and over priced restaurants. However, some visitors find Lijiang too much of a circus and opt to head out to the quiet and more authentic smaller
Tiger Leaping Gorge in Lijiang
villages in the surroundings. Airport in Jinghong City
Jinghong Jinghong was not spared from major changes in the recent past but managed to keep a certain relaxed and exotic atmosphere. The Manting Temple and the adjoining Chunhuan Park are worth a visit. Chunhuan Park is said to have a 1300 year old history and served once as the imperial park for the Dai Kings.
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ROUNDTRIPS KUNMING
LUNAN
4 DAYS
Magnificient Rice Terraces of Yunnan
JIANGSHUI YUANYANG
The terraced rice fields strewn across Yunnan are some of the most beautiful in the entire world. See impressive fields and the famous Stone Forest in Lunan. of thousands of Swallows can be seen flying around inside and outside the cave. Continue through some magnificent scenery towards Yuanyang, the gateway to the spectacular rice terraces, carved out of the Ailao Mountains over periods of centuries by Hani farmers. Check-in at your hotel and if time permits drive to one of the viewpoints to admire the Yuanyang Rice Terraces in the late afternoon sun.
DAY 3 Yuanyang Rice Terraces Rice fields in Yunnan
DAY 1 Kunming - Jianshui Start our journey overland to Jianshui. Stop en-route at Tonhai to visit Mount Xiushan, home to many traditional temples and pavilions in the style of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Continue south to Jianshui. From here, visit a Confucius
Start the day early to witness a magnificent sunrise over the rice terraces. Visit the local bustling market where we can observe the daily trading of the local people from various ethnic groups namely the Hani, Yi, Zhuang and Miao ethnic groups. In the afternoon, take a hike (2.5h approx) through the rice terraces of Yuanyang and visit a nearby Hani village. Return to hotel for overnight in Yuanyang.
temple called “Wen Miao” surrounded serenely by a small lake dotted with blooming lotus flowers. See the magnificent mansion of the Zhu family constructed in
DAY 4 Yuanyang - Stone Forest of Lunan - Kunming
the style of ancient Qing Dynasty architecture. Check
Depart from Yuanyang Rice Terraces and drive north
into your hotel in Jangshui and relax for the evening.
towards Mile. The fertile land and the mild climate make this part of the Yunnan province ideal for
DAY 2 Jianshui - Yuanyang Rice Terraces
cultivating tobacco. Continue via a newly constructed
Drive to the traditional Zhuang-Village of Tuanshan.
Stone Forest formed from years of rain and erosion
On the way visit the “Twin Dragon Bridge”, an ancient
leaving behind a bizarre and impressive landscape of
stone bridge from the Qing Dynasty. After lunch,
limestone pillars. Walk (about 2 hrs.) through the maze
leave Jianshui and continue towards the Swallow’s
of paths and walkways leading through this natural
Cavern, a magnificent cave that has been dug out by
wonderland. Continue to Kunming for departure.
highway towards Lunan. In the afternoon, visit the
the Lu River. During spring and summer hundreds
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6 DAYS
YUNNAN
SHANGRI-LA
Classic Yunnan Tour
LIJIANG
The mystical Shangri-La and picturesque Lijiang are classic and unmissable sights to discover in Yunnan. the Bita and Shudu Lake. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake and basks on an atmosphere of serenity. Head back to Zhongdian to visit the historic Ganden Sumtseling
Gompa,
a
300-year-old
monastery
inaugurated in the 17th century by the 5th Dalai Lama.
DAY 3 Zhongdian - Lijiang Depart from the eastern Tibetan plateau and drive through some of the most breathtaking landscape The town of old Zhongdian
DAY 1 Zhongdian Greetings and pick up on arrival and transfer to hotel. Welcome to Zhongdian or Shangri-La City, as its now official name. Set amidst an enchanting landscape on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau. Rich in ethnic and cultural diversity consisting of Tibetans, Han, Naxi, Yi, and Bai. Start our tour with transfer to Dukezong, the city’s picturesque old town and explore its streets (if time permits). Climb the “Turtle Hill”
in China en-route to Lijiang. Take a detour to see the impressive Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hu Tiao Xia). An unmissable part of Southwest China. See the most dramatic gorge carved out by the Yangtze River featuring turquoise waterways amidst towering snow-capped
mountains
and
lime-green
rice
terraces. Continue driving through the most stunning of landscapes following the Yangtze Valley to Shigu. Arrive in Lijiang early in the evening and check in to your hotel.
CONTINUED
overlooking Dukezong.
TIP
Do you believe in karma? Turn the prayer wheel 3 times clockwise for good Karma!
DAY 2 Zhongdian - Pudacuo National Park Drive to the idyllic “Dabao” Monastery, located 12km outside of Zhongdian considered the oldest remaining Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) monastery in the area. Continue northeast to Pudacuo National Park. Covering an area of 300km2, within are two crystal clear lakes namely
Napa Lake, Zhongdian
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DAY 4 Lijiang
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY
Start the day early with a tour around the charming Lijiang old town, with its narrow alleys and canals also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn more about the traditional, unique and mystical Naxi culture that is still very much alive and practiced by locals. Visit the romantic park “Pond of the Black Dragon”. From here, enjoy a beautiful view of the Jade Dragon Mountain (Yu Long Shan). Rest of the day is at leisure to explore Lijiang on your own.
TIP
In the evening, visit a Naxi-Dongba music concert, a type of Taoist music believed to have originated in Lijiang through the famous General Chukoliang during the time of the 3 Kingdoms (221 - 65 B.C.).
See the show ‘Lijiang Impressions’ an open-air show amidst a backdrop of the Jade Dragon Mountains with over 300 actors demonstrating the tradition and lifestyle of the ethnic groups in the form of singing and dancing.
DAY 6 Lijiang Departure Time at leisure until your transfer to airport or railway station.
Downtown Lijiang
DAY 5 Lijiang & Jade Dragon Mountain Visit Jade Dragon National Park, with its 13 peaks with which the highest reaches 5’596 meters. Ride the cable car all the way up to the at 4506 meters above sea level. Over a plank walkway you can trek on foot up to 5000m. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable sight of the surrounding mountain landscape. Afterwards, descend back via a cable car. If time permits, continue by park bus to the Blue Moon Lake. Note: It is not often possible to use the walkway
Old Tower in Lijiang
during winter due to snow conditions.
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LIJIANG
8 DAYS
SHAXI
The Tea & Horse Road
DALI KUNMING
LUNAN
Experience the past by driving along the old tea and horse road in Yunnan from Kunming to Lijiang, visitng ancient towns and historic temples along the way. DAY 3 Kunming - Dali - Donglian Hua - Weishan - Dali Board a high-speed train for transfer to Dali (Xiaguan). Pick up on arrival for overland drive to Weishan. Enroute, stop by Donglian Hua Village, inhabited by the Hui Muslim ethnic group. After, onwards to Weishan, a charming, laidback, old- fashion town boasting many Ming and Qing Dynasty structures and preserved old quarter of traditional shop houses. Nearby is Weibao Mountain (Weibao Shan), the Yuantong Temple in Kunming
birthplace of Nanzhao State, considered a sacred Taoist site. From here, take a couple of hours to observe
DAY 1 Kunming
the flourishing Taoism influence, representing the
Greetings on Arrival and pick up from the airport.
temples and palaces such as the Wencheng Temple.
Welcome to Kunming! Enjoy an authentic Yunnanese
Continue north to Dali and check in to your hotel on
cuisine for dinner at a local restaurant.
arrival.
root of the local ethnic religion by visiting several
CONTINUED
DAY 2 Kunming: Green Lake & Stone Forest Start our trip early with a leisurely stroll at the Green Lake Park a popular gathering point for the locals for leisure activity. Surrounded by green bamboos and willows and a serene green lake, it is reputed as the ‘Emerald of Kunming City’. Continue to the Stone Forest, a spectacular set of natural limestones. Formed from years of erosion, creating a magnificent and intricate karst landscape of countless labyrinthe vistas resembling a forest. Marvel as you navigate the maze of paths of this natural wonderland. Also learn about the Sani ethnic group inhabiting the area. Drive
Visiting old Weishan town
back to Kunming.
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DAY 4 Dali - Old Town
(or Lijiang).
Discover a historic town rich in culture with a walking
For those trying to avoid a busy tourist place, Shuhe
tour of Dali Old Town. Once was an ancient capital of Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom it is now the treasureland of Bai Ethnic group showcasing their tradition and culture. Visit a Catholic Church, the local market and the former city gates. The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure.
might be just the right place to visit today. Located only 10 minutes’ drive north of Lijiang, this laid back, cobblestoned street Naxi village was once an important trading post for the “Tea & Horse Road” route. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Enjoy a walking tour around Shuhe Old Town.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY
Visit the three Pagodas of the San Ta Si Monastery (Chongsheng Temple) from the 9th Century, located 3 km North of Dali Old town.
DAY 5 Dali - Xizhou - Shaxi
Old Lijiang town at night
DAY 7 Lijiang Take a bus or taxi to Lijiang Old Town. take a stroll
Today we continue to Xizhou, a town known for its
through the countless narrow lanes and canals
well-preserved Bai-style Architecture. Take a walking
crisscrossing the picturesque old town. Climb to Lion
tour visiting some iconic sites such as the Yan’s Family
Hill to get a bird’s eye view over the rooftops of the
Compound. Hop on a horse cart ride to Erhai Lake
old town. Visit the local fruit and vegetable market
and enjoy the fresh air and the serene atmosphere
and relax at one of the cafés before visiting the ‘Black
of this magnificent lake. After lunch, drive to Shaxi
Dragon Pool’ Park.
through stunning Shaxi Valley landscape. Take a walk through this village, formerly a pivotal stop on the Tea and Horse Road from Yunnan and Tibet and enjoy a walking tour around the old town before we end our day.
DAY 6 Shaxi - Lijiang / Shuhe In the morning visit Shibao Mountain with its
In the afternoon drive to the picturesque village of Yuhu and see the former residence (turned museum) of a famous Austrian-american botanist named Joseph Rock. Head back to Shuhe.
DAY 8 Lijiang Departure Transfer to airport for departure.
impressive rock carvings dating over 1300 years old, a testimony to the spread of Mahayana Buddhism in the region. Option to walk back to Shaxi (1 hr.) or drive to Shuhe
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SHANGRI-LA
LIJIANG SHAXI
10 DAYS
Old Burma Road
TENGCHONG
BAOSHAN
DALI KUNMING
LUNAN
This road was built during British colonial rule of Burma. It now features some of the best sights in all of Yunnan, from the tibetan landscape of Shangri-La to infamous Tengchong. maze of paths of this natural wonderland. Also learn about the Sani ethnic group inhabiting the area.
DAY 3 Kunming - Zhongdian Early morning transfer to airport for flight to Zhongdian, situated 3200m above sea level on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Stop at a viewpoint to admire the breathtaking views of the Napa Lake and the surroundings. Onwards to Dabao Monastery where we Old woman riding through central Kunming
DAY 1 Kunming Greetings on arrival and transfer to hotel. Welcome to Kunming! If time permits, take a walk around the bird and flower market and visit the East and West Pagodas built during the 9th Century Nanzhao Kingdom. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (own cost).
will find the oldest remaining ‘Gelugpa’ (Yellow Hat) monastery in the area. Visit the three century old, Ganden Sumtseling Gompa Monastery inaugurated by the great Dalai Lama. Arrival at Zhongdian late in the afternoon where the rest of the day is free at leisure.
DAY 4 Zhongdian - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Lijiang Enjoy a scenic overland drive amongst the most scenic
DAY 2 Kunming - Green Lake Park - Stone Forest Start our day with a leisurely stroll at the Green Lake Park, a popular gathering point for the locals for leisure activity. Surrounded by green bamboos and willows and a serene green lake, it is reputed as the ‘Emerald of Kunming City’. Continue to the Stone Forest, a spectacular set of natural limestones. Formed from years of erosion, creating a magnificent and intricate karst landscape of countless labyrinthe vistas resembling a forest. Marvel as you navigate the
landscapes on the way to Lijiang. Stop by to see the Tiger Leaping Gorge, an unmissable part of Southwest China. Take a walk uphill (1 hour approx) to fully enjoy the magnificence of the views of this dramatic gorge carved out by the Yangtze River featuring turquoise waterways amidst towering ‘5 fingers’ snow-capped Jade Dragon mountains and lime-green rice terraces. Continue driving, following the Yangtze Valley to Shigu. Arrive in Lijiang early in the evening and check in to your hotel.
CONTINUED
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DAY 5 Lijiang
before continuing our trip to Dali.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the countless narrow lanes and canals crisscrossing the picturesque old town. Visit the local fruit and vegetable market and climb the Lion Hill to get a bird’s eye view over the rooftops of the old town.
DAY 7 Dali - Baoshan Discover a historic town rich in culture with a walking tour of Dali Old Town. Once was an ancient capital of Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom it is now the treasureland of Bai Ethnic group showcasing their tradition and
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY
culture.
Visit a Catholic Church, the local market
and the former City Gates. Continue onwards to the historic ‘Burma Road’ through magnificent landscape across the Mekong River before reaching Baoshan late in the afternoon.
DAY 8 Baoshan - Tengchong If time permits, in the afternoon visit the ‘Black Dragon Pool’ Park and the Dongba Museum. The rest of the afternoon if free at leisure.
In the morning we visit an idyllic temple outsideo of Baoshan housing a magnificent reclining JadeBuddha. Continue following the historically infamous road through scenic landscapes into the Nujiang Valley to the Gaolingong Mountain Range. On the way we stop by to see Mount Songshan a place of significance where the battle of Songshan happened during WWII. Continueo on road to Tenchong, situated on the fault lines of the Indian Subcontinent and Asian Continent at an altitude of 1’650 meters. Check in the hotel.
DAY 9 Tengchong - Kunming Thrashing rice in Shaxi
In the morning visit the Tengchong Hot Springs.
DAY 6 Lijiang - Shaxi - Dali
Continue to the Tengchong Museum housing an
Depart from Lijiang and enjoy a scenic route overland
India-China” theatre and the important role the area
to Shaxi formerly a pivotal stop on the Tea and Horse
around Tengchong played in the defense against the
Road route (ancient trading route for tea production).
Japanese invaders during WW2.
Visit Shibao Mountain with its impressive rock
transfer to the airport and flight to Kunming. Upon
carvings dating over 1300 years old, a testimony to the
arrival, pick up and transfer to your hotel.
interesting display of the Old Burma Road, the “Burma-
In the afternoon
spread of Mahayana Buddhism in the region. Option to walk along the ancient Tea and Horse Trail route (1.5 hours approx) or drive back to Shaxi. If time permits, take a walk around and explore Shaxi village
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DAY 10 Kunming Transfer to the airport for departure.
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YUNNAN XI’AN
RILONG
XINGDUQIAO LITANG
CHENGDU DANBA YADING XIANGCHENG
16 DAYS
The Tibetan Highlands
SHANGRI-LA
LIJIANG
This is a grand tour through Yunnan to the Tibetan highlands, to the panda reserve in Chengdu and to the terracotta warriors in Xi’an! Lijiang. Learn more about the mystic Dongba religion. Climb up the Lion Hill to get a great view of the distinct rooftops of the old town before visiting the local market to try out some local delicacies. Finally see the romantic park “Pond of the Black Dragon”. From here, enjoy a beautiful view of the Jade Dragon Mountain before heading back to your hotel where the rest of the afternoon is free at leisure.
OPTIONAL CYCLING WWII cemetaries in Kanchanaburi
DAY 1 Lijiang / Shuhe Greetings on arrival. Welcome to Lijiang, a charming UNESCO heritage site. Option for an overnight stay in Lijiang or to Shuhe, a quieter village, 10 mins drive from Lijiang. After check-in at your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free at leisure.
DAY 2 Lijiang
Cycle to Baisha, 5 Km north of Shuhe. Visit the Liuli Temple. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Baisha visiting the main attractions such as the Liuli Temple before cycling back to Shuhe.
CONTINUED
Enjoy a walking tour of the captivating alleyways and numerous canals leading through the old-town of
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DAY 3 Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge
come across several Tibetan villages with traditional
Explore The Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world! Drive to Qiaotou, the entrance to the Gorge and the starting point of today’s hike. Walk approximately 1 hour along a small road up to the Tea Horse Guesthouse, with magnificent views of the gorge and the surrounding landscape, a perfect stop for lunch. In the afternoon, hike through pine forests around 1.5 to 2 hours to the Half Way House. From here enjoy wonderful views of the Yangtze River and the
houses built out of compressed earth and wood. Cycle back to Zhongdian. Note: From October to March it is recommended to bring a warm jacket as temperatures can get quite low. Also during the summer months we recommend to bring a light raincoat or windbreaker.
TIP
Cycle for over 30km on mostly flat roads with one minor climb at the beginning or the end of the tour depending on which way you cycle.
Jade Dragon Mountain. Check in to tonight’s guest house.
DAY 6 Zhongdian - Xiangcheng
DAY 4 Tiger Leaping Gorge - Baishui Tai - Zhongdian
In the early morning drive northwest across the
Start our descent (2h approx) from the Half Way
valleys, high ridges and numerous Tibetan villages
House until we reach Tina’s Guesthouse where we
deeper and deeper into the Tibetan Highlands. Lunch
will be picked up by our driver. Continue our journey
on the way local style. Reach Xiangcheng late in the
towards the Sinter-Terraces of Baishui Tai, a natural
afternoon, a village located on the idyllic Shuqu River,
wonder of limestone terraces overflowing with water.
surrounded by high mountain ranges. After arrival,
Afterwards, continue onto the Eastern Tibetan plateau
check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the
before arriving to Zhongdian.
Sampeling Monastery, before ending our day.
provincial border to Sichuan. Drive through deep
Shangri-La (Zhongdian) downtown Tiger Leaping Gorge
DAY 5 Zhongdian Today visit the 300 years old Tibetan Songtsam
DAY 7 Xiangcheng - Riwa - Yading Village From Xiangcheng, continue to drive to Riwa, the starting point to Yading National Park.
Monastery. Drive back to Zhongdian for a walking
From Riwa, take the park bus to the national park.
tour around the picturesque old town. Climb the Turtle
Yading National Park in the southwest Sichuan
Hill overlooking Dukezong. In the afternoon, enjoy a
Province with 3 majestic snow-covered mountains.
cycling tour around the picturesque Napa Lake and
Check-in to your hotel in Yading Village. In the
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ROUNDTRIPS afternoon take the park bus to Long Ba. Hike to Chong Gu Monastery. From here it is another 1km to Zhoma Lhatso Lake, a beautiful mountain lake fed by the water of the surrounding glaciers. Return to Yading Village by park bus.
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DAY 9 Yading - Riwa - Doacheng - Litang Journey by park bus to Riwa (1 hour) where we will be picked up by our driver for transfer to Daocheng (30 km) where we will stop for lunch. Continue driving to Sangdui to visit the Bangpu monastery (Panphuk monastery) housing an 800 year old statue of Kanapa, the founder of the Gagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Continue through an elevated flat valley surrounded by hills often covered with snow. Cross the “RabbitFoot Pass” (Haizi Shan) reaching our journey’s highest point (4696m). Arrive in Litang in the afternoon, a sleepy town in the middle of a hilly landscape surrounded by snow-covered mountains, known also as the birthplace of the 7th and 10th Dalai Lama. Visit the Litang Monastery.
Sacred mountain near Yading, Sichuan Province
DAY 8 Yading National Park Take the park bus to Long Ba. From here continue with an electric car to the Luorong Grasslands. Afterwards, hike to the 5 Colors Lake and to the nearby Milk Lake. On a fine day, the view of the surrounding mountain landscape and the ‘Wisdom Lake’ is overwhelmingly majestic! For the more adventurous, climb further up to the pass, a route rarely taken by tourist and enjoy a serene atmosphere. Walk back to the Lurong
Yaks in front of a monastery in Litang
Grasslands and from there, get transfered to your hotel. Overnight accommodation at a Yading Village.
DAY 10 Litang - Xingduqiao Endless steppe landscape, snow-covered mountains, Kham nomads with their Yak herds, sparkling rivers and deep blue skies - are all that awaits on today’s scenic road trip to the Tibet-Sichuan Highway to Xinduqiao. Numerous photo stops on the way. Arrive in Xinduqiao and check-in at the hotel. Xinduqiao is a picturesque small Tibetan town famous for its plateau pasture scenery of vivid green grassland, streams, mountains, and charming Tibetan houses. Use the afternoon for a short walk or relax at your hotel.
CONTINUED White pagoda in Daocheng
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ROUNDTRIPS
DAY 11 Xingduqiao - Tagong - Bamei - Danba Start with a short drive to Tagong, a small town embedded in a gentle hilly landscape surrounded by seemingly endless steppe landscape. Visit the Tagong Monastery, belonging to the sect of the Nyingmapa (“Red Caps”). Climb one of the numerous small hills and enjoy the beautiful view over the grassland. Afterwards, continue through the Tibetan highlands to Bemeizhen. At Renmei, visit the 200-year-old Gelugpa monastery, the Garthar Choede (Huiyuansi). Continue northeast through scenery of deep gorges, impressive mountains
and
traditional
Tibetan
villages
to
The landscape of the Tibetan highlands
DAY 13 Rilong - Gengda Panda Reserve - Chengdu
Danba in the Gyarong Valley. See Yaks wandering
After breakfast depart from Rilong passing over Mt.
through grassland steppes. Arrive in Danba, home
Balang Pass leaving the eastern Tibetan plateau
to the Jiarong Tibetans. Take a short drive to Supo
on the way to Chengdu. The road leads through the
(Shuanbo) to visit the well preserved “Gudiao” (“Qiang
Wolong Panda Reserve, home of the Giant Panda Bear.
Towers”) an ancient watch tower with heights of up to
Get a chance to observe these amazing endangered
30 meters. Overnight stay in Danba.
animals in an almost natural environment during their bamboo breakfast. Due to the recent infrastructure change/renovations (damage caused by the May 2008 earthquake), many of the old villages and the panda station still appear to be somewhat “sterile” at first glance. Continue to Chengdu. Overnight stay.
Colours of the Tagon Monastery
DAY 12 Danba - Rilong Drive to Jiagu village and enjoy a walk through a typical Jiarong village seeing traditional 3-storey Jiarong houses. Depart from Danba to travel east along the Xiao Jin River to Rilong. On the way, pass by the historic town of Dawei Lunch on the way then continue to Rilong. Located at the foot of the mountain range “Si Guniang Shan” (Four Virgin Mountains). In the afternoon visit the Si Guniang Shan National Park
Giant pandas in Panda Reserve
and enjoy beautiful view of the mountains.
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ROUNDTRIPS
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DAY 15 Chengdu - Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors) Depart from Chengdu by highspeed train to Xi’An, an imperial city and capital of Shaanxi Province. Pick up from the train station and drive to see one of the greatest treasures of the world, the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi-huangdi. See an estimated 8,000 life-sized sculptures of soldiers placed in rows as part of the Qin ruler’s tomb. Constructed between 246 and 209 BC, the mausoleum complex is much more than just the soldiers, it has lent itself to many scientific discoveries. Whenshu Monastery in Chengdu
DAY 14 Chengdu City Tour Enjoy a City tour and discover a metropolis with many
After, we drive back to Xi’An for hotel check-in. Afterwards, visit the Bell Tower and the ‘Muslim Quarter’ at the vibrant night market. Get to taste the specialities of the Muslim Hui cuisine.
glass skyscrapers, Western influenced restaurants, and modern shopping centers. In contrast, discover also the “old” Chengdu with its innumerable small brightly colored side streets with traditional flea- and street markets. Visit some iconic and hisrotic sites such as the Qingyang Gong Taoist Temple, Wenshu Temple and the Kuan Xiangzi Alley.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY
Terracotta warriors in Xi’an
Visit the Sichuan Opera. This colorful mixture of singing, music, acrobatics, puppetry and mask dance is an absolutely must-see when in Chengdu.
DAY 16 Xi’an Departure After hotel check-out we will stop by the Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi’an’s most recognizable landmarks before taking you to the airport for your departure flight.
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