Highlights
Kunming
Highlights
Huating Temple
A peaceful winding pathway among the flourishing forests will lead you to the mysterious Huating Temple that is one of the grander Buddhist Temples in the region with a history of over 900 years. The repairs and reconstruction make the Huating Temple more attractive and shinning.
An ancient bell tower towers in to the sky with most part hiding among the bamboo groves, which is the most outstanding symbol of the Huating Temple and the sound of which at every evening makes the temple more peaceful. In addition, the Great Hall, Heavenly Hall and Guanyin Tower, Yuhua Terrace and some other ancient buildings of characteristic antique styles bring more charms and attractiveness for your expedition.
Around the Huating Temple, picturesque landscapes are common scenes. Towering old trees are flourishing, running streams are clear, steep cliffs are mysterious and even the clouds over the skies are amazingly wonderful. Inside the temple, ancient architectures are magnificent, statuses of Buddha are shinning and invaluable historic relics are marvelous. All of the scenes out and inside the temple make a peaceful and charming place for tourists and pilgrims.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 18:00
Ticket Price: 40 CNY
Location: in the western suburban of Kunming City
Transportation: Bus No. 6 from Kunming city center will bring you here.
The Grand View Park
Around the magnificent Grand View Pavilion (Daguanlou), one of the top ten pavilions in China, picturesque sceneries will make you have no idea about with which part I should take photos. The flourishing trees provides a good resort to kill the heat in summer, next to which the well-designed fantastic rockeries, the gorgeous pavilions, the mini bridge over the rushing clear stream and the antique style corridors are so awesome that tourists may feel reluctant to leave.
For the entire view of the beautiful Tien Lake, Grand View Pavilion is a good choice. Built in the year of 1828, the wooden Grand View Pavilion shows a strong antique flavor of Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). For the people who have passion for the Chinese couplets, the longest couplet in the history of China with 180 Chinese characters must be a feast of eyes. Besides, there are three stone pavilions in the lake in front of the tower, which were built following the sight Three Pool Reflecting the Moon in the West Lake.
On the night of The Mid-Autumn Festival, it is customary for people in the town to flock here to enjoy the beauty of the moon and flowers. On that night one can see the lake shimmering like silver, the pavilion's flying cornices silhouetted against the star-lit sky, the trees and arbours looming in the shadows while the flowers are shedding their aroma in the moonlight. The pavilion itself is decorated with colorful illuminations. The whole place is indeed a most enchanting sight.
Opening Hours: 8:30 -- 19:30
Ticket Price:
10 CNY for the park
2 CNY for the Grand View Pavilion
Location: No. 72, Daguan Road, Kunming
Transportation: Bus No. 4, 22, 52, 95 and 100 and taxi (15 CNY) will bring you here.
Yunnan Ethnic Villages
Covering a vast area of 9,000,000 m2, the Yunnan Ethnic Village consists of 26 minorities of various amazing characteristics. Surrounded by the West Hills, Grand View Park and many other picturesque landscapes, Ethnic Village provides a good resort for your expedition.
Along each part of this big village, the well-arranged small villages are of different flavors, among which the cottages are designed lovely true to the real. Traveling along the villages, you will fall in love with the colorful and amazing culture, customs and religious principles in daily life. In addition, rushing streams and winding pathway linking the villages and the gorgeous corridors and pavilions decorating the peaceful villages are the hiding sceneries. By comparison, the trees along the steams and the flowers over the villages are adorably charming no matter when you travel here.
If your tour schedule falls on the folk festivals, it will be pretty funny and exciting. March Street Festival celebrated by Bai minority on 15th of lunar March, Water-sprinkling Festival celebrated by Dai minority on 13th of lunar April, Torch Festival celebrated by Yi minority on 24th of lunar June, Sword-ladder Climbing Festival celebrated by Lisu minority on 8th of the lunar February and many other local festivals in memory of various great people or events will bring you into a different experience of local customs.
Of course, the characteristic entertainments, such as the elephant performance, the cableways, the entertainments on water, the self-help pottery making and the flavorful local dishes and snacks from different minorities, which will make your tour among the harmonious villages more interesting and amazing.
Opening Hours: 8:30 -- 17:30
Ticket Price:
70 CNY from 8:00 -- 18:00
50 CNY after 19:00 at evening
Half fare for the individual student
Free for the kids below 1.1 m, the disable, the people older than 65 years
Location: No. 1310, Dianchi Road, Kunming
Transportation: Bus No. A1, 24 and 44 and taxi (15 CNY from the city center) will bring you here.
The Dai Nationality Village
With waters embracing and green trees relaying, the miniature of Dai village covers an area of 18,000 m2. The typical architecture style, stilt-style buildings (Diaojiaolou), is the most outstanding part, the A-letter-like roof of which is a reflection of the local rainy climate. The winding cobble pathways will show you around the splendid white pagoda, the gorgeous wind-rain bridge, the ancient well and the clock tower, all of which are of rice and colorful customs of Dai minority.
Meanwhile, the Dai people have their own rich cultural heritages. The myths, ancient songs, the heroic epic and the narrative poems are indeed their cherished cultural heritages they can be proud of. One of the well-known characteristics is the pavane (peacock dance), that has been enjoying a long reputation at home and abroad. The Dai people treat the peacock as a symbol of the luck, happiness and kind-heart, so they can perform the pavane vividly.
When we talk about the Dai, people always think of the water-sprinkling festival, which is held in the middle of lunar April. It is said that the one who is sprinkled more water will be more lucky and happier. On that day, people will worship the Buddha as well. In addition, the firm religious belief in Buddhism of all the people and the special wedding are the attractive elements as well.
All the fascinating sceneries and customs above can be got here in the miniature village of Dai.
Opening Hours: 8:30 -- 17:30
Ticket Price:
70 CNY from 8:00 -- 18:00
50 CNY after 19:00 at evening
Half fare for the individual student
Free for the kids below 1.1 m, the disable, the people older than 65 years
Location: No. 1310, Dianchi Road, Kunming
Transportation: Bus No. A1, 24 and 44 and taxi (15 CNY from the city center) will bring you here.
The Bai Nationality Village
Living in the beautifully decorated houses, the Bai people has been leading a colorful life with so many great traditions. In addition, the traditional folk handiworks, tie-dyeing, is another amazing art of the Bai Minority, which is a combination of the antique style and the modern flavor. People come here, expect for the pure ancient cultures, are all for the sophisticated handiworks.
Houses with blue-tile roves and grey-coated walls row in lines orderly like a comb. A closer look will show you how exquisite the designs are, how precious the building materials are and how pretty the decorations are. Inside the houses, well-designed screen walls, delicate windows and doors with carvings of various kinds on can be commonly seen in the miniature village.
The Bai village is famous for its Butterfly Museum, which is the biggest of its kind in China. The museum is a typical Bai construction, which is comprised of rooms and residences on three sides and a wall on the southern side. The southern wall is typically decorated quite beautifully with an ornate flower bed. Part of the reason for this architecture is that Dali (where a majority of Bais live) is a windy town, where the wind, while not very strong, blows all year round.
If your tour schedule falls on the folk festivals, it will be pretty funny and exciting for you will get the chance of taking part in the celebrations of the March Street Festival celebrated on 15th of lunar March and Torch Festival celebrated on 24th of lunar June and other interesting events.
Opening Hours: 8:30 -- 17:30
Ticket Price:
70 CNY from 8:00 -- 18:00
50 CNY after 19:00 at evening
Half fare for the individual student
Free for the kids below 1.1 m, the disable, the people older than 65 years
Location: No. 1310, Dianchi Road, Kunming
Transportation: Bus No. A1, 24 and 44 and taxi (15 CNY from the city center) will bring you here.
The Yi Nationality Village
Unlike the Bai people who lives in the beautifully decorated houses, the Yi people lives in the simple sheds whose walls are made of the earth and straws. Every family has a characteristic kitchen that is like the fireplace in the western family, which can be used to cook, to light and to warm in winter, so it is the place where the Yi people get together often and where the cultures of Yi passed down from generation to generation.
The "Sun Calendar Square" (Taiyangli Guangchang) must be the most spectacular sight of the village, where there is a sundial with twelve animals denoting the time of the day (as well as the year of your birth). Interestingly, the solar calendar of the Yi people divides a year into five seasons and each season is divided into two months. Therefore, in the Yi solar calendar there are only 10 months and 360 days a year.
If your tour schedule falls on the folk festivals, it will be pretty funny and exciting for you will get the chance of taking part in the celebrations of the Torch Festival celebrated on 24th of lunar June and other such interesting events as horse race, wrestling and god-worship ceremony.
Opening Hours: 8:30 -- 17:30
Ticket Price:
70 CNY from 8:00 -- 18:00
50 CNY after 19:00 at evening
Half fare for the individual student
Free for the kids below 1.1 m, the disable, the people older than 65 years
Location: No. 1310, Dianchi Road, Kunming
Transportation: Bus No. A1, 24 and 44 and taxi (15 CNY from the city center) will bring you here.
Black Dragon Pool
Praised as the first resort, the Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan) possesses four amazingly spectacular scenes. The two gorgeous ancient plum trees planted by a celebrated monk in Tang Dynasty (618-907) are still attractive and the newly planted plum grove with 6,000 plum trees adds a lot charms to them. The 28-meter-tall cypress that has been standing here for 900 years since Song Dynasty (960-1234) wins great admirations. The flourishing teas with blooming red flowers and the magnificent ancient tomb built in Ming Dynasty (1364-1644) are the other two spectacles that make here shinning.
Tow important buildings complexes in the Black Dragon Pool are the Dragon Spring Temple (Longquan Temple) and Black Dragon Palace. Longquan Temple, the largest structure in the park, was first built along the pool early in the Han Dynasty. Most of the buildings visitors see today were completed during the Qing Dynasty. The Black Dragon Palace is at the bank of the pool, which is where memorial ceremonies were once held. This palace was built in the Ming Dynasty, around 700 years ago. It consists of three halls and two courtyards.
In front of the two temples, visitors will find ancient huge ancient trees, namely a plum tree, a cypress tree and a camellia tree. The three ancient trees add even more charm to that attraction. The plum tree was planted over 1,200 years ago in the Tang Dynasty. The branches of the tree spread out in all the directions its roots twisting crisscrossed. The cypress tree, planted in the Song Dynasty, is a bit younger. The tree trunk takes four-five man to circle with their arms stretched out. The third tree is a camellia tree grew in the Ming Dynasty.
Opening Hours: 7:00 -- 18:00
Ticket Price: 20 CNY
Location: in north suburban area, Panlong Zone, Kunming
Transportation: Bus No. 9, 84, 114,115, 129 and 168 will bring you here.
Bamboo Temple
A winding road spiral up to the peak of the Yuan Mountain will lead you to the mysterious Bamboo Temple. Along the road, you will be lost at the beautiful landscapes. From the peak, you can have a bird’s view of the beautiful Tien Lake and the entire view of Kunming City. Among the flourishing forests, the ancient temples are laying peacefully under the shadows of the bamboo with the streams circling and the clouds lingering around.
Bamboo Temple (Qiongzhu Si), a Tang Dynasty temple known for its Arhat statues, is located in Yu'an Mountains in the Northwest of Kunming, about 7 Kilometers away from the center of the city. It is arguably the most famous of Kunming's temples. Bamboo Temple was first built in the Song Dynasty, and was burnt down in 1419 in the Ming Dynasty.
Arhats are famous monks and "saints" of Chinese Buddhism, usually displayed in large groups of 500 or more. The Arhats of the Bamboo Temple were made over a period of seven years by a famous craftsman from Sichuan called Li Guangxiu. His masterpieces are extremely realistic and lifelike, even if some of the statues are a bit surreal.
On each side of the temple gate stand four ancient Cypress trees, planted during the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago. Entering the temple, the first thing visitors notice is the carefully designed courtyard, spread over four layers, one on top of another. The Main Hall contains a trinity of enormous gilded Buddha statues seated on lotus thrones.
The magnificent painted sculptures group of 500 Arhats in the mysterious ancient temple surrounded by the flourishing bamboo groves must be the reason why this temple is so attractive.
Opening Hours: 7:00 -- 18:00
Ticket Price: 10 CNY
Location: Wuhua Zone, Kunming City
Transportation: Bus No. 7 and tour bus from the Kunming Theater will bring you here.
Dali
Highlights
Butterfly Spring
Butterfly Spring derived its present name from a romantic legend. A beauty and an honest but poor boy (they were in deep love of each other) jumped together into the spring to escape the persecution of a rich man, and the next day, a couple of butterflies was flying around the spring.
Butterfly Spring seems like a miracle. On the arrival of the lunar April, thousands of butterflies assemble around the spring on time to have a fixed butterfly meeting. Colorful butterflies of various sizes and shapes are flying in the skies over the spring, which seems only can be seen in the movie. Some naughty butterflies fly hand in hand to make a string of butterflies and then hang themselves up on the trees. The clear spring bleeding out from the stone crevices will assemble to form peaceful pools. The pools assembling the fresh and sweet spring are as large as 6,500 m2, which are the outstanding sceneries in the park.
In addition to the butterflies and the springs, the flourishing trees act as the indispensable decorations. Towering old pines, green palms, gorgeous bamboos and other kinds of trees cover the entire park. In the early summer, graceful butterflies fly over the blooming flowers, making people hard to tell apart the flowers from the butterflies.
This spectacular sight has given rise to a local festival ---"Butterfly Meet" on April 15th. On that day, the young Bai dress up and come to the Butterfly Spring to attend it. The young men play instruments and sing for the girls they loved. The romantic spectacle of the butterflies as they feed and mate in such abundance has become a symbol of true love in the heart of the Bai people.
Notes:
Butterflies are not flying around the spring all the year round, but only a few days, so the best time to make a tour in Butterfly Spring is the 15th in lunar April
Opening Hours: 8:30 -- 17:00
Ticket Price: 45 CNY
Location: North side of the Zhou Town, Dali City
Transportation: Shuttle bus from the ancient town in Dali can bring you here (40 minutes / 4 CNY).
The Three Pagodas
The Three Pagodas, which have experienced for 1,800 years’ history, were once parts of an old temple. In the years of 1925, almost the entire temple was ruined in a destructive earthquake, while these three pagodas stood there surprisingly intact. They are the symbols of the history of Dali City and historical witnesses of the development of Buddhism in the area. As its name implies, Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle. They are one of the most significant and majestic wonders in Dali and look magnificent.
Standing by the peaceful Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas look more mysterious in the reflections on the lake. Locate at the foot of the Cangshan Mountain, the white pagodas look more outstanding and gorgeous. The 70-meter-tall main pagoda, Qianxun Pagoda, is one of the tallest pagodas of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907). Inside the Qianxun Pagoda, there was a wood ladder for climbing to the top, which now is broken. Three Pagodas, Zhaozhou Bridge of Hebei Province and Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an are three curiosities of Chinese ancient architecture.
In the Qianxun Pagoda, there are many sculptures of Buddha made of silver, wood or crystal, Buddhist classics, and more than 600 various medicinal ingredients. These cultural relics play an important role in explaining the ancient history of Dali City. When the night falls, the pagodas are lighted up, shinning the whole sky. Reflections on the lake make the night more gorgeous.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 19:00
Ticket Price: 121 CNY
Location: 13 kilometers away from Xiaguan City, Dali
Transportation:
From Xiaguan city, tour bus will bring you here (3 CNY)
From the Ancient Town in Dali you can come here on foot (30 minutes)
Cangshan Mountain
Facing the Erhai Lake in the east and close to the Heihui River in the west, the Cangshan Mountain embraces many marvelous landscapes, among which the sceneries of clouds, springs, snow and marble are the top four charming.
Standing at the peak of the mountain, you can enjoy the beautiful varied clouds over the Cangshan Mountain, which will be as thin as a veil and then as dark as ink. The most magical and beautiful clouds are called Yudai Cloud that looks like a fairy dancing with a ribbon made of jade and the Wangfu Cloud that looks like a lady waiting for her husband with great eagerness.
Springs bleeding out from the rocks form many gorgeous landscapes. Apart from the eighteen streams, there are still many lakes over the altitude of over 3,800 meters, along the shores of which valuable medicine materials, trees of rare species and various flowers can be seen.
Amazingly, the 4100-meter-high Cangshan Mountain is covered with snow all the year. When the sun rises, it is very dazzling and splendid, especially in March. On the moonlight night, the snow reflects off the mountain, which will form a picture of a crystal world.
The last thing worth us to pay special attention to is a smooth marble named Cangshan Stone. Cangshan Mountain is a famous manufacture center of such a stone. The Caihua Stone distinguish itself by its unique patterns. Natural scenes of mountains, flowers, birds or people appear once it is polished.
Come to experience the roaring stream rushing down from the peak along the valley of the Cangshan Mountain, come to experience the special customs of the Bai Minority and come to experience the scenic spot group around the Cangshan Mountain and come for the discovery of more distinctive sceneries.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 18:00
Ticket Price: 90 CNY
Location: Cable car and horse can bring you here.
Jizu Mountain
Jizu Mountain is a member of the five mountains famous for the Buddhism in China and the others are Emei Mt., Wutai Mt., Jiuhua Mt. and Putuo Mt. With 13 splendid peaks, 34 steep cliffs, 40 hills of various sceneries, 45 mysterious caves, more than 100 marvelous spring pools, Jizu Mountain is a good place for adventure for extraordinary sights.
Standing at the peak of the 3240-meter-high Jizu Mountain, you will be amazed by the wonderful landscapes. At the east, the fantastic sunrise is waiting for you. At the south, the various caprice clouds will make you busy to tell what they are like. At the north, the snow mountain covered with white shinning coat is a feast of eyes. At the west, you can have a bird’s eye view of the peaceful and beautiful Erhai Lake.
In the mid of the Ming Dynasty, Jizu Mountain enjoyed the same fame as Ermei Mountain, Wutai Mountain, Jiuhua Mountain, and Putuo Mountain, with old trees touching the sky, smoke raising upwards, lots of old temples around the mountain, masters of monk coming out generations after generations, and visitors and scholars coming and going frequently. This mountain has been prosperous over thousand years, known as "A Mountain with Spirit, Capital of Buddhism".
Jizu Mountain has a long history and a bright culture. It is said that Kasyapa once performed Buddhist rites there. The existing structures on the mountain include the Zhusheng, Jingding, and Fota temples, the Kasyapa Hall, Huashou Gate and the Huideng and Muni convents. Jizu Mountain features a magnificent landscape and various animals and plants. It is a nature reserve in Yunnan Province.
Note:
March and April are the months when traditional festivals are celebrated, which is the best time for experiencing the pure local customs and culture.
Opening Hours: 8:30 -- 17:30
Ticket Price: 60 CNY
Location: Binchuan County, Dali City
Transportation: Shuttle bus from the county center will bring you to the foot of the mountain. To the peak, you can take the cable car or ride the horse.
Shibao Mountain
Owing to the erosion of the wind and the water, marvelous and interesting landscapes can be seen in the flourishing forests in Shibao Mountain. Huge stones are shaped by the wind and water into a ball, a bell or other kinds of bizarre appearances. Mysterious grottoes with precious cultural relics will be a special experience. Ancient temple with hundreds years of history has more amazing scenes for discovery.
Shibao Mountain is 25 kilometers southwest of the Jianchuan County. The most attractive sceneries in the mountain are the grottoes of Nanzhao and Dali states. There are 16 grottoes housing 139 unique stone statues, including religious figures, the royal family of Nanzhao State and the Persians, which are the most valuable art in the culture of the Bai Minority. The danxia landform that spreads all over the mountain adds an excellent touch to the scenery.
In the Shibao Mountain, the annual traditional folk song festival has been being held in March for centuries, which is the most solemn festival of the Bai Minority that reflects the pure and plain customs.
Opening Hours: 7:00 -- 20:00
Ticket Price: 50 CNY
Location: Jianchuan County, Dali City
Transportation: Shuttle bus will bring you here (15 CNY).
The Iron Pillar
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 Iron Pillar Temple, decorated with the exquisite carvings and gorgeous paintings, is full of the antique style. The special designs of the entire temple architecture together with the towering ancient banyans, the graceful plum trees, the blooming azalea, the fragrant Osmanthus, the adorable bamboos and the pathways paved with ancient bluestones forms a peaceful and pleasant environment, making the ancient temple more holy and mysterious.
On 15th of lunar January, the Yi Minority will get together in the temple to hold the annual solemn Pillar-worship ceremony here.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 20:00
Ticket Price: 10 CNY
Location: Midu County, Dali City
Tianchi Lake in Yunlong County
Also called the Shuchang Sea, Tianchi Lake extends one square kilometer at an elevation of 2,552 meters in Wubao Mountain, 20-odd kilometers west of the Yunlong county seat. The water here is crystal-clear and surrounded by green hills. In the lakeside forests, nearly 100 species of animals and plants can be found. The lake area is a second-resort of Yunnan Province.
There is a vast open space on the shore of the Tianchi Lake surrounded by flourishing forest, which is a great place for camping and having campfire party. Into the virgin forests, you can find the trace the trails of the rarely seen animals and have a closer touch with the charmingly beautiful plants of various shapes and colors. Deep inside the peaceful lake, precious fishes of various kinds are having fun. On the island, groups of wild ducks are enjoying the peaceful life.
The sceneries around the Tianchi Lake will vary from season to season, any of which has the same charm that can make you reluctant to leave.
Opening Hours: the whole day
Ticket Price: free
Transportation: Bus from Xiaguan and Baoshan County can bring you here.
Weishan
Weishan County is an ancient with centuries of history where rare historic relics and wonderful landscapes can be seen. There are 16 Stone Age sites with more than 2,000 cultural relics and sites of other periods may be discovered in this area, which proofs that here has been a significant place along the Chinese history.
The county of Weishan lies on the northern part of the subtropical zone and covers an area of about 2200 square Kilometers. Weishan County is a mountain area. In the northeast part of the county, there is a big mountain pass, named Longqingguan, around which lies a stretch of primeval forest. In ancient times, the famous Silk Road from China to the west went through the pass. It is also the necessary passage for migratory birds. In autumn, thousands of migratory birds fly over it, which makes a magnificent scene. Since the ancient times, a stone tablet has been set up beside the pass. On its several big Chinese characters were engraved, which means “he grand pass for migratory birds.” It is said that this is the earliest record made by the ancients, watching the flyway of the migratory birds.
This religious ancient town full of pure customs is an ideal resort for your tour for the sightseeing, rehabilitation holidays or archaeology.
Opening Hours: the whole day
Ticket Price: 30 CNY
Location: Weishan County, Dali City
Transportation: Bus from Xiaguan Long-distance Bus Station will bring you here (1.5 hours).
Lijiang
Highlights
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Hailed as the Oriental Grand Canyon, the Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiaoxia) is, to some extent, more attractive than the Grand Canyon. It is the most precipitous gorge in the vast China with an altitude difference of 3000 meters that is 600 meters more than that of the Grand Canyon. Therefore, the waterfalls here are amazingly marvelous, the stones here are surprisingly bizarre and landscapes on the cliffs here are spectacularly wonderful, all of which make Tiger Leaping Gorge a good place for adventure, photography and expedition.
Tiger Leaping Gorge with a splendid view of the swift turbulent current of the Golden River is formed through constant cutting by the waters between Jade Dragon Mountain and Haba Mountain. Spanning 17 kilometers long, the gorge, consists of the Upper Gorge, the Middle Gorge and the Lower Gorge, drops about 300 meters in a series of 18 rapids. The Lower Gorge is the most awe - inspiring part of all. The gorge, where the Golden Sand River pounds furiously at its rocky shores in an awesome fashion, sending up skilful of white froth, is a dream place for adventurers.
Seen from the bridge, the marvelous geological wonder, two huge mountains leaning close to each other and a large volume of fast moving water between them cutting deeper and deeper into the bottom of the gorge, will be more splendid. In addition, there is a drop of 3000 meters to the water, a beautiful and surprising place to go for photography.
Embraced by the arms of the picturesque Cangshan Mountain and guarded by an 8-meter-tall and 3.5-kilometer-long wall, the 600-year-old city of Dali was first built in 1683 and is characterized by the ancient stonewalls, grey tiled roofs, doors and windows carved with dragon and phoenix partners and gardens of varying sizes. The entire city is covered by a maze of streams, fed by runoffs from the Cangshan Mountain. Hence, the saying the gurgling of water can be heard in every house and flowers are planted in every family.
Opening Hours: 9:00 -- 18:00
Ticket Price: 50 CNY
Location: Naxi County, Lijiang City
Transportation: Bus from Lijiang Bus Station and taxi will bring you here.
Yufeng Monastery (Yufeng Si )
Built at the foot of the Yufeng Mountain in Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), the Yufeng Monastery has experienced more than 400 years of history. What may amaze you most is the huge old camellia that planted in Ming Dynasty (1364-1644), 100 years earlier than the construction of the monastery. This camellia is praised as the King of the Camellia for the marvelous size of it.
From the beginning of the spring to the beginning of summer, the camellia will be fully blooming for 20 times without breaking off just like a peacock showing off her tail, and the amount of the flowers blooming at each time is more than 1000, therefore there are surprisingly 20,000 flowers blooming every year. This magic camellia is said to be improved through grafting, so the flowers blooming on this 2-meter-tall camellia are as large as a plate.
On the arrival of the spring, people will come all the way from near and far to have a close look at this huge camellia blooming under the reflecting of the gorgeous Yulong Mountain with the snow as the coat.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 18:00
Ticket Price: 20 CNY
Location: Yulong Mt., Lijiang City
Transportation: Taxi from Lijiang will bring you here.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xue Shan )
With an average altitude of 4000, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (yu long xue shan) is the wonderful place with marvelous spectacles in the challenging environment. Ganhaizi is a piece of vast grassland in the east with beautiful sceneries that provides a good angle for people to enjoy the entire sight of the Jade Dragon Snow Mt. White River, originates from the Jade Dragon Snow Mt., is a crystal-like river flowing along the Mt.. Yunshanping, a virgin forest with abundant rare natural resources, is the holy land of the Naxi people. All of them make Jade Dragon Snow Mountain a good place for adventure, photography and expedition.
The mountains western flanks drop steeply to the Upper Yangtze River (Jinsha Jiang), helping to form magnificent, deep gorges, and the highest peak is Shanzidou. The summit, Shanzidou, is 5596 meters above sea level. Viewed from afar, the snow-capped range resembles a silver dragon with snow curling up its middle. Rich forest, herb and animal resources thrive on the mountain and a giant tram cart up here is one of the highest of its kind in China.
She is a botanist's paradise and a "kingdom of medicinal materials". Of the 13,000 kinds of plants in Yunnan, more than half of them can be found on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as well as 400 types of trees in 20 primeval forest communities. From April to June the azaleas turn the mountain into a riot of brilliant color. In autumn, blue rough gentian flowers cover her marshlands. She is decorated with blooming flowers 10 months of the year.
The mountain is also a sanctuary for animals, many of them rare animals that live at different temperature levels. She is home to 30 kinds of animals protected by the state, such as the wild ass, the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, the lesser panda, the forest musk deer, the clouded leopard, the blood pheasant, the silver pheasant, and the spotted, yellowish civet cat.
She has attracted the attention of many scholars and travelers. Early in 1837, the French writer Bacier introduced Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in his acclaimed book "Universe". And seven years ago the chairman of the international Mountainous Region led a team to the mountain for field work.
In Lijiang City, you can have a magnificent view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with the main peak thrust into the clouds, the Old Man Peak standing out on the right and Black Snow Peak on its left.
Opening Hours: 7:30 -- 16:00
Ticket Price:
190 CNY
80 CNY for the kids below 1.1 m
Location: 15 km away from the Lijiang city center
Transportation: Bus No. 7 (15 CNY) and taxi (100 CNY) will bring you here.
Baisha Mural
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.
The mural group consists of more than 10 small groups, the amount of mural in all of which is up to 550. Those gorgeous murals with various styles, which are telling the stories of the religious belief and social life of the local, are a blooming intelligent show that you must visit.
Located in Baisha Township, 8km north of the seat of the Lijiang Naxi Nationality Autonomous County, the mural is a rich fusion that had resulted in a tremendously powerful art, heavy in spirit and awe-inspiring in its presentation of the mystical world. Dominated by black, silver, dark green, gold and red colors, the murals in the back hall, overlaid with centuries of brown soot, are bizarre, the scenes and figures, some still vivid in detail, are largely taken from Tibetan Buddhist iconography and include the wheel of life, judges of the underworld, the damned, titans and gods, Buddha and bodhisattvas. There are trigrams, lotus flowers and even Sanskrit inscriptions on the ceiling. The deliberate damage done to the paintings is apparent and terrible, but the loss of the irreplaceable wooden statuary that filled the temple, of which there is no trace, is even more tragic.
These mural paintings, with their fine and smooth lines, bright colors, vivid pattern and balanced and harmonious composition are a wonderful sight that is not only crucial to the history of Chinese painting, but also important to cultural heritage relics.
Opening Hours: 8:30 -- 17:00
Ticket Price: 40 CNY
Location: 12 km away from Lijiang city center
Transportation: Bus No. 6 from Lijiang will bring you here.
First Bend of the Yangtze
The Yangtze River Bend, as its name indicates, is the spot where the southwards running Yangtze River turns northeastward due to the block of the mountain, which, seen from a distance, looks like the letter V. Seeing the spectacular Yangtze River roaring down from the roof of the world and then making a sharp turn will be a wonderful experience.
From the sightseeing hill, in addition to the splendid view of the entire First Bend, you can have a good angle for the sunset. Under the shining of the sunset, the river shows off the most wonderful part by turning the green mountains around into shining golden mountains. In this paradise, flowers may fully bloom in spring and corps may grow into red and yellow in autumn, making a harmonious living environment on the bank of Yangtze River for the hospitable folks.
With the gradual deposit of fertile soil at this spot, a village slowly came into being, now called Shigu Town, meaning "stone drum" in Chinese. Since ancient times, this town has been important, linking Tibet with the outside world. Here Tibetan people bring their quality hide and herbal medicine to exchange with the local tea, salt, cloth and other necessities. If your tour schedule falls on the market day, you can join into the amazingly crowded and noisy town by yourself.
Opening Hours: the whole day
Ticket Price: free
Location: Naxi County, Lijiang
Transportation: Take the shuttle bus or the tour bus from the bus stations in Lijiang to the Shigu Town and then change the bus to here.
Baoshan Stone Village
Stone village is in fact an ancient village with about 100 families living on the peak of the mountain with a mushroom shape. This mysterious village, facing the Chin-sha River, is embraced by steeps in the other sides. Therefore, there are only the North and South Gates as the access to the village. While, inside the gorgeous village the wide natural rock roads will show you around the amazingly splendid but simple stone-made architectures.
About 100km north of Lijiang, Baoshan Stone Village (baoshan shicheng) is located on a Herculean rock in the Jinsha River Valley. Virtually everything in the village is made of stone: stone ovens, stone water vats, stone beds, stone chairs and so on. The village is surrounded by cliffs on four sides with the Jinsha River flowing below and a small path leading to the outside world, one meter wide, creeps along the edge of the village.
The marvelous terraced fields created on the rocks with the clear mountain spring flowing down are a magic place where various sceneries can be seen. On the arrival of the spring, the newly transplanted corps is adorably green, while when the autumn falls, you will lose yourself at the scene that the golden rice, wheat and corns waving with the breeze. In addition, the huge stone carvings on the steep cliffs, created by the ancestors of the Naxi people, are the most spectacular scene that makes the tourists astonished.
Opening Hours: 8:00 -- 18:00
Ticket Price: 20 CNY
Location: 100 km away from Lijiang City
Transportation: Shuttle bus from Lijiang will bring you here.
Jade Spring Park
Jade Spring Park (yuquan park), commonly known as Black Dragon Pond Park (heilongtan park), is one of the most beautiful parks in all of Lijiang. Inside the park, there is a pond, covering 40,000 km, formed by the springs welling up from the foot of the old trees, which looks like a piece of jade, from where the present name of the park is derived.
In the pond, fishes are having great fun across in the waterweeds. On the water, the Ottelia are blooming fully. Over, the Suocui Bridge, as a decoration of the pond, with three falls running below looks like a gorgeous Lady washing her hair by the pond. Around, the old trees are still flourishing, under the cover of which the pavilions and towers seem more peaceful.
A tower here houses numerous pictures and drawings on its beams, pillars, doors and windows, which is actually a museum, in which many precious historical cultural relics as well as calligraphic and paintings are displayed. On both sides of the gate, there are four huge stone lions, which though have experienced several hundreds of history, still look lifelike and magnificent.
Opening Hours:
8:00 -- 18:00 (from Dec. 1 to Mar. 31)
7:00 -- 19:00 (from Apr. 1 to Nov. 30)
Ticket Price:
30 CNY
15 CNY for the kids between 1.2m and 1.5 m
Location: At the north of the Ancient Town in Lijiang
Transportation: Bus No. 7 and 46 from Bus Station in Lijiang will bring you here
The Great Trek
Simply dipping into Tiger Leaping Gorge as part of a tour group rarely allows visitors to appreciate the breathtaking beauty along the road. As such, many people set out on their own treks through the gorge, in search of breathtaking views and inspirational sights.
Although the new road through the gorge was unsuccessful (it has largely destroyed the natural harmony of the region), many people still try to trek through the whole gorge. Please note, however, that the great trek is for brave, adventurous and well-prepared people only.
Most trekkers begin their trip at Lijiang and take buses heading towards Zhongdian, getting off at Tiger Leaping Town that is 90 km away from Lijiang. It is a good idea to spend a night in the town and rise early for the trek ahead.
From the town, cross the bridge at Qiaotouto to the other side of the Jingsha River (Yangtze), a track leads up the mountain path to the summit. The route continues up the Haba Snow Mountain, with the great river below and the Yulong Snow Mountain opposite.
It should take about two hours to reach Luoyu (2400 m) where the route becomes steeper, and another three hours should find you at the half way. Bendi Wan village is a good spot for a brief rest. From here, continue down the route, passing a huge waterfall. By nightfall, you should have reached a village called Walnut Garden, a good spot to stay the night and prepare for the next day's challenge ahead of you. Although along the route there are too much stunningly beautiful scenes to see on both sides of the river, it is really dangerous to linger on the trekking route and fail to reach the Walnut Garden before it gets dark, since the route is too narrow and there are no lights available.(You can rent electric torches in the town).
After a good night's sleep, continue the trek to the most danerous part of the trek: the Slippery Talcum Plate where the route is slippery, the slightest carelessness can be treacherous (on average 3 people a year are killed in the gorge due to carelessness and poor preparation). At the end of the slippery road, a ferry awaits, marking the final victory of the trek. After crossing to the other side of the river (10 CNY), a few kilometers walk will lead to a small town called Daju. The last bus from Daju to Lijiaing leaves at 13:30. If you don't make it, be calm! There are a few guesthouses in the town itself to hole up for the night in.
Shangri-la
Highlights
Bitahai Lake
Meili Snow Mountain
Songzanlin Monastery
Baishui Tableland
Baimang Snow Mountain
Qianhu Mountain
Shudugang Lake
Napa Sea
The Tiger Leaping Gorge is the most precipitous gorge in the vast China with an altitude difference of 3000 meters that is 600 meters more than that of the Grand Canyon.The waterfalls here are amazingly marvelous, the stones here are surprisingly bizarre and landscapes on the cliffs here are spectacularly wonderful, all of which make Tiger Leaping Gorge a good place for adventure, photography and expedition.
Itinerary
On arrival in Kunming you are transferred to your hotel, located right in the middle of town. Then you could head out for an optional dinner. Local specialties are a highlight, with dishes such as ‘across-the-bridge' noodles and other similarly intriguing Yunnanese fare.
Stay overnight in Kunming.
Meals included:
Kunming is a vibrant and bustling city with a flourishing Muslim area, exciting markets, interesting temples and a strong ethnic minority influence. A half-day walking tour takes us to the more interesting parts of the city, including watching the locals practising taichi in the morning, in People’s Square, and meandering through the Flower and Bird Market, where you are free to wander around and make your own discoveries. Departing Kunming, we catch an afternoon bus to Dali.
Stay overnight in Dali.
Meals included: Breakfast
Dali is one of the favourite places for travellers in China. Resting near the banks of Er Hai Lake with the Cang Shan mountain range forming an impressive backdrop, the town’s cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses and laid-back charm make it a wonderful place to relax. Dali is home to the proud Bai people, a traditional minority tribe renowned throughout China for their craftsmanship. There is much to explore in our two free days in Dali. There is a chance to go boating on Er Hai Lake and travel across to the village of Wase, or spend a day catching a chairlift up and hiking in the mountains behind Dali (stopping at the occasional monastery along the way). We can also cycle to nearby villages or just stroll around town. Several small stone hamlets lie close to Dali and make for a highly rewarding half-day trip by bicycle or local bus.
Stay overnight in Dali.
Meals included:
After a free morning in Dali, a spectacular local bus journey through rambling Bai and Yi hamlets, beneath towering mountains and over lush alpine passes, takes us to Lijiang, former capital of the famed Naxi Kingdom. The Old Town is a maze of cobblestone streets, narrow canals and decorative wooden houses, a wonderful place to wander around and imagine being in a bygone era. A walk up to the Wangu Pagoda on Lion Hill offers an impressive view of the rooftops of the Old Town. Our accommodation is located right in the middle of the Old Town and set up like a local Naxi house, but the rooms contain all facilities that one would expect at home! In the evening, you can witness a performance of the local Naxi orchestra (optional), a unique and entertaining musical experience (please check schedules in Lijiang to see if the show is on during your visit). We may need to repack our luggage in preparation for the trek. Extra luggage can be stored in the vehicle, but remember to pack all your valuables to carry into Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Meals included:
Enjoy yourself in Lijiang.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Meals included: Breakfast
Another breath-taking journey on our private mini-bus takes us past the upper reaches of the Yangtze River to one of the world's deepest gorges and China’s most spectacular natural scenery. Part of the Yangtze River (known here as the Jinsha River) thunders through Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is in turn framed by 5000-metre-high mountains. In the gorge, a sheer cliff face rises from the raging torrents. A memorable walk in the gorge is a wonderful way to take in its awesome beauty, with overnight stays in the local villages such as enchanting Ben Di Wan. The facilities in the village accommodation are extremely basic, as we are visiting a remote area frequented only by adventurous travellers. Please note that this walk is geared towards travellers who like to enjoy some physical activity, but it is not an extreme trek for advanced mountain walkers. The walk can be quite challenging for some people, depending on weather conditions, and good footwear, preferably hiking boots, is essential. It is necessary to bring warm clothing, especially for the evenings, and, in general, for the cooler months. The degree of difficulty on the particular trail that we take will vary greatly, depending on the time of year. Our tour guide may not be able to advise us of the actual trekking itinerary until the last minute.
Meals included:
After completing a morning walk, we reunite with our mini-bus and drive to Shangri-la, a town set on a high plateau with a distinctly Tibetan feel. Home to a range of minority groups from western China, it encapsulates much of the region's fascinating qualities. Yaks are seen grazing on vast alpine plains and the farmhouses are built in a distinctive local style. Due to Shangri-la’s high altitude (3200 metres), it is advisable to bring warm clothing. (Please note that sometimes due to bad road conditions caused by poor weather, it may not be possible to travel to Shangri-la. If that is the case, additional time will be spent in Lijiang.) The highlight of Shangri-la is a visit to the Songzanlin Monastery, restored since the ravages of the Cultural Revolution and once again a place of homage for Tibetan Lamaism. We also visit a Tibetan family and gain an understanding of their unique way of life.
Meals included:
We fly back to Kunming where the tour ends upon arrival at Kunming Airport.
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 | $5299 | $3599 | $3099 | $2499 | $428 |
| Comfortable Tour | $4729 | $3099 | $2579 | $1999 | $279 |
| Standard Tour | $4428 | $2800 | $2300 | $1700 | $235 |
* Price in every box above is for each person.
* Price is in US dollar. It may vary a little bit according to 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.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
1. Hotel/ local guesthouse accommodation
Room is based on two persons sharing a room with private facilities.
2. Meals specified in the itinerary
3. Private Transport
Private transport between airport or railway station and hotel and all the sights by air-conditioned vehicle.
4. Transportation between Cities
The economic class air tickets of the domestic flight or soft berth/seat train tickets between cities as specified in the itinerary.
5. Entrance tickets
The main entrance tickets for the sights mentioned.
6. Guiding service
Excellent tour Guiding. All normal sightseeing tours in each city with English-speaking guide and admission fees where applicable. Our guide will not fly with you from one city to another. Upon your arrival at each city, a new local guide and driver will pick you up, be with you for local tour and see you off after you finish the itinerary of each city.
7. Insurance
China Life Tourist Accident / Casualty Insurance. We highly recommend that you purchase full coverage travel insurance from you country of origin.
Exclusions:
1. Visa Fees
Charge of obtaining your visa to enter China.
2. Charge of arrival and departure
The international or domestic air / train charge of arrival and departure.
3. Single Room Supplement
Should a twin room is needed by a single guest, supplement of the twin room will be charged.
What is single supplement? - The hotel is based on double occupancy. If the visitor travels alone or the number of the travelers is odd (such as 3, 5, 7...), who stays in one single room has to pay the single room supplement. As the hotel is on double occupancy.
4. Personal Expenses
Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone call, optional activities or sightseeing, overweight baggage charges or meals not indicated, ect.
5. Optional Programs
Optional programs which are not specified in the above itinerary.
6. Tips to guides and drivers
Suggested tips: USD12-14 to tour guide per day, USD 8-12 to driver per day, but depending on their service, it's up to you, entirely voluntary.
Important Information
Trip Itinerary Variation
Please note that due to unexpected changes in flight schedules, especially in winter, our program in Yunnan may vary and the itinerary may even run in reverse. Please be prepared for the possibility of these changes taking place.
How to Dress (only for reference):
Comfortable walking shoes
Long, loose and comfortable pants
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes (Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves etc.) for Nov-April
Umbrella or waterproof jacket in a cloudy day or rainy day
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry in case of rain
What to Bring (only for reference):
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Bottled Water
Small towel
Camera, film and memory chip, battery
Binoculars
Per Person
