Highlights
The Iron Pillar is actually a pillar made of iron in the Tiezhu Temple in Midu County. With a tallness of 3.3 meters, a circumference of 1 meter and weight of 2 tons, the iron pillar, has witnessed 1100 years of changes, is the oldest and famous historic relic in Midu County. The Iron Pillar is said to be cast by using the confiscated weapons at the order of Zhuge Liang, the most brilliant military consular in Three Kingdoms period (220-280).
The Baisha Mural is a group of murals scattered around Lijiang City, which took 300 years to complete, therefore it is a reflection of the true life in the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty. Having been undergone over 500 years of history, part of the Baisha mural group somewhat becomes indistinct, but a large part of which still can tell you about the culture of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
Have a good relax in picturesque scenery and take marvelous photos by your favorite camera. You can enjoy all of these in this photography tour designed for photograph fans. Go to visit Kunming. The natural sceneries and local minority costumes will add luster to your photographing. Enjoy old towns and visit fantastic snow mountain in Dali and Lijiang. You will be amazed by unique scenery in Bitahai Lake in Zhongdian and take many amazing photos. Beautiful Yunnan is waiting for you and your camera to explore.
Itinerary
Our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel upon your Arrive in Kunming.
Stay overnight in Kunming.
Meals included:
Today we will visit the [Stone Forest]. It is those magnificent stone masterpieces, various strange and steep intricate formations, and countless labyrinthine vistas that make Stone Forest (Shi Lin in Chinese) worthy of the fame as the” First Wonder of the World”. People usually say that” It is a waste of time without being in the Stone Forest while visiting Kunming”. Later this afternoon we will drive to Kunming Train Station to catch an overnight train to Dali after dinner.
Stay overnight on train.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
You are picked up by your guide at Dali Train Station in the morning, and will be transferred to your hotel in the Old Town. You can arrange rest time in the morning on your own. After lunch, we will set out to visit a typical sight of Dali-the [Three Pagoda Temple] that are made up of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle. And this is distinctive in China. They are one of the most significant and majestic wonders in Dali and look magnificent. Then we continue to visit [Dali ancient Town]. The city layout in Dali was uniform: five main streets from south to north and eight main streets from east to west, while marketplaces were neatly arranged within the city, which has remained the same in modern times. You will see traditional Bai ethnic minority folk houses are everywhere, which give us a different feeling from any other Chinese city. Walking on the cobble-paved streets would be very impressive too you. Besides, the grey-green roof tiles, peculiar workshops, temples, schools and churches with an antique flavor would be a valuable part of our memory. You can enjoy a free walk to take some photos.
Stay overnight in Dali Old Town.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we will head for Lijiang by private car, van or bus after lunch. It costs us roughly 3.5 hours to drive there. The scenery along the way is so beautiful that you will feel refreshed from the tiredness during the way there, and we may stop on the way for you to relax and take some photos. You will arrive in Lijiang before dinner time.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
The Old Town of Lijiang has retained a historic townscape of high quality and authenticity. Its architecture is noteworthy for the blending of elements from several cultures that have come together over many centuries. Lijiang also possesses an ancient water-supply system of great complexity and ingenuity that still functions effectively today. This morning we will go to the [Jade Dragon Snow-capped Mountain]. With skyscraping snow-capped peaks and its imposing body, it reflects in the interlaced rivers flowing under the old town, composing a fabulous picture. When looking afar, the snow-capped range looks like a silver dragon with snow curling up its middle. Rich forest, herb and animal resources thrive on the mountain. A giant tram cart up here is one of the highest of its kind in China. We take cables to climb the mountain and be absorbed in the picturesque scenery.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We will depart for Shangri-la by private car, van or bus after breakfast, which will be a long drive. You have a lunch stop on the half way. When you are there, you will discover that the scenery along the way is fantastic. You will arrive in Shangri-la before dinner time.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
What waits for us is the [Songzanlin Monastery], a spiritual hub for people to discover the mystery and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, a famous Tibetan style Buddhist temple in China. This scenic spot is attractive to tourists because they can enjoy the view and be lucky to take photos of girls wearing exquisite Tibetan costumes holding perfectly white fluffy lambs against the imposing mountains and blue sky. Later we will visit the [old part of the town], a [Tibetan family visiting] s included as well. The Tibetan built their houses in distinctive religious styles influenced by Buddhism. There are many things you can do there such as taste Tibetan specialties of yak butter tea, local yogurt and Tibetan barley. Later this afternoon is on your own to walk around. We recommend you to visit the local market get to know local people's daily life.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Bitahai Lake is widely recognized as 'A Pearl on the Plateau' and the most attractive lake in Shangri-La. Today we will have the opportunity to visit [Bitahai Lake] and enjoy the feast for eyes. The lake locates in the east of Shangri-La County of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and we drive 32 kilometers from Shangri-la County to there. It is over 3500 meters (about 3828 yards) above sea level, so it is the highest lake in Yunnan Province. Bitahai Lake is famous for its limpid water and charming scenery with mountains embracing it and forests encircling it. The surrounding mountains are also spotted with fields full of azaleas. You will see the blooming flowers in late spring and early summer each year. And the petals go with the wind into the lake and fish rise to the top, vying with each other to eat them. Since the chemicals of the flowers are a little intoxicated, the fish look like drunk, floating lethargic and slothfully after they eat them. This is an enchanting scene, known to the locals as "fish drunk by azalea". And you are kindly required to either walk or ride a horse around the lake to take photos to preserve the delicate, natural harmony of the area.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We will take a morning flight back to Kunming, and another flight followed from Kunming to go back to Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing & Accommodation
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US Dollar -
Euro -
GB Pound -
CA Dollar -
AU Dollar -
HK Dollars -
Renminbi
| 1 person | 2-5 persons | 6-9 persons | ≥10 persons | Single Room Supplement | |
| First Class Tour | $2999 | $2118 | $1841 | $1433 | $640 |
| Comfortable Tour | $2703 | $1960 | $1687 | $1258 | $360 |
| Standard Tour | $2402 | $1735 | $1402 | $1036 | $240 |
* Price in every box above is for each person.
* The default currency is in US dollar. Please use the Currency Converter to see the equivalent quote in your currency. Price is for references only, it may vary according to your actual travel itinerary, travel time, hotel price rise or fall, US dollar exchange rate fluctuation, car fuel price change and government tax adjustment, etc..
* The price is only for your reference and it is subject to seasons, high or low.Please send us your inquiry if you are interested.
* The differences between First Class Tour, Comfortable Tour and Standard Tour are mainly reflected in the hotels we use. For First Class Tour, we use mostly 5 star hotels (or hotels corresponded to 5 star ones), 4 star hotels for Comfortable Tour and 3 star hotels for Standard Tour. But there’re exceptions when there come home stay experience, remote destinations and other specified circumstances in the itinerary.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Attraction Entrance Fees
- Centrally Located Hotels
- Authentic Chinese Food
- Private Experienced Guides
- Private Cars/Van with Drivers
- Internal Flights/Train(s) in China
- Luggage Transfers
- Airport Taxes and Fuel Fees
- Service Charge & Government Taxes
- Travel Insurance
Exclusions:
- International Airfare to Enter/Leave China
- China Entry Visa Fees
- Excess Baggage Charges
- Personal Expenses
- Single Room Supplement
- Tips or Gifts to Guides/Drivers/Bellmen
Important Information
How to Pack up
We suggest that each person packs up one rollable suitcase with the weight under 20 kg/44lb. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones. Do not forget to bring your camera and other essential accessories such as a solid tripod and a good camera bag.
Checklist
It's only for reference and you may not need all of them. Choose from below according to the tour you pick up:
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travelers checks
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
ChinaExpeditionTours vouchers and trip dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-April. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera, film and memory chip
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti- histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re -hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Local Dress
Generally speaking, the dress standard is more conservative in China than it is in western countries. Things also changes quickly, nowadays the young Chinese share the same hobbies with their western counterparts. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of summers. In predominately Buddhist and Muslim regions we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Spending Money
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to internet for the recent exchange rates. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard and other credit cards in most Chinese cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in big shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. For the small shops and the street venders, they take cash (either Chinese Yuan or US dollar) only.
Meals
Eating is a big part of your traveling in China. Travelling with ChinaExpeditionTours you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally breakfasts and lunches are included except dinners to give you the flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Your group leader or local guide will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an "emergency" fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control, necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary to tip service providers in travel industry in Asia, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $6-$10 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service, for driver, it could be half. If necessary, ask your tour leader or call your ChinaExpeditionTours tour advisor for specific recommendations based on the circumstances. If you have a tour leader for the whole tour, at the end of the trip if you felt he/she did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference. However as a guideline $6-10 USD per person, per day can be used.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are all e-tickets. They are issued locally and You will be given the information of them prior to the flight departure.
Laundry
Generally laundry facilities are offered by our hotels for a charge. You also can go to a laundry service center near your hotel to have your clothing washed at a lower cost. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Safety and Security
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' checks, cash and other valuable items. Many of the hotels cooperate with have safety deposit boxes which are the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. When travelling on a trip, please note that your group leader or local guides has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader or local guides will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local guides will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of China but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is not acceptable for ChinaExpeditionTours travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. Use of illegal drugs is completely contrary to this philosophy and local law. Our group leader or local guides has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or used.
Health
If you want to fully enjoy your trip abroad, a good health and confidence in physical strength are important. This trip may contain a fair amount of walking up and down steps in towns or climbing mountains. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders or local guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In China pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting a tour please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is highly suggested to bring forth. ChinaExpeditionTours reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader or local guides they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Mountain Sickness
What the visitors to Tibet are concerned about is the mountain sickness. On highland, the air is thin and the air contains less oxygen. If the elevation increases quickly, you will find uncomfortable, such as taking airplanes or buses to Tibet. With mountain sickness, you will feel headache, dizzy, heavy breathing, tired and insomnia. Those with heart diseases or high blood pressure should be more careful.
Buying a Bottle of Oxygen in Case
Lack of oxygen is the main reason for mountain sickness. In many places in Tibet you can buy oxygen in bottles. You can buy one or two bottles in case. With an oxygen-taking mask, they cost 20 Yuan.
Medical Form
It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an "average level of fitness and mobility" is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own bags at a minimum. Travelers over the age of 70, or travelers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders or local guides work hard to ensure that all our travelers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. You must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for medical costs associated with hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation back to your home country. Please take your insurance policy with you when you travel. You may take other cover, of course, but we require you to be adequately insured before we can allow you to participate in our programs. Your ChinaExpeditionTours leader or local guides will need to see and record your policy details at the pre-tour briefing at the starting city, so please bring a copy along to the meeting. If you arrive without travel insurance your tour leader or local guide will require you to purchase a policy before you continue your journey with us.
If you are covered by a policy arranged through your credit card company you will be asked to provide evidence of this cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency contact number. Many credit card companies do not provide an insurance policy number. In this instance, the tour leader or local guides will need to record your credit card number, as this is required to activate any request for emergency assistance. You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided by your credit card company. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements set out by your credit card company in order to be effectively covered and that the cover offered is of a suitable standard.
Passport & Visas
Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport.
Please note that visas for China and Hong Kong are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. Americans, British, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders do currently require a visa for China. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your government. For the most up to date information please check your governments' foreign ministry website. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travelers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. Please note if you are travelling from China, into Hong Kong then back into China, you will need a double entry Chinese visa. Note that on some occasions people transiting through China on way to Hong Kong have been made to go through immigration and had their single entry visa stamped making this invalid. Do not allow your visa to be stamped if you are only going through transit.
Tibet Permit
Tibet permit is necessary and issued to every foreign traveler (except for the diplomats, journalists, government officials) who want to travel in Tibet. It includes three kinds, Tibet Entry Permit (TTB), Tibet Travel Permit (PSB) and Military Permit.
TTB permit, issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau, is indispensable when each foreign visitor flies or takes a train from any city to Lhasa. Besides it is also needed when you buy a flight or train ticket. Moreover, when groups traveling by Land Cruiser, TTB permits are necessary and travel groups can only be arranged by travel agencies.
PSB permit, issued by People’s Security Bureau, is essential when you want to go further to the ‘unopened’ areas in Tibet. It only can be arranged after you arrive in Lhasa because it needs your original passport and China visa.
A short list of unopened areas up to now
(1) Shannan: Samye Monastery, Tomb of Tibetan King, Trandruk Monastery, Yumbulakhang
(2) Shigatse: Sakya Monastery, the Mt. Everest, Rongpu Monastery
(3) Gyangtse: Pelkor Chode Monastery & Kubum Stupa
(4) Ngari Region: Mt. Kailash, Manasarovar Lake, Tsaparang, Ali, etc.
(5) Linzhi Region: Basongcuo, Bomi, Rawotso, etc.
(6) Changdu Region: Changdu, Riwoche, Tengchen, etc.
Military Permit, issued by military affairs office, is indispensable when you travel to ‘unopened areas’, such as some villages and towns in Shigatse, Shannan, Linzhi, Ali, Zhada and Chayu, etc.
Please contact us to get the specific information about how to apply for these permits. It is recommended that please get ready for the related permits before your journey as early as possible.
Keeping in Touch
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the country, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact us so we can get into touch with your tour leader or local guide quickly by their cell phone and they can pass their cell phone to you! We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change.
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