D1. Hometown/China
Depart Hometown to China, enjoy delicious meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for our journey.
D2. Kunming
The flight arrives in Kunming. We are met by our tour guide in Kunming airport and to be transferred to our Luxury Hotel.
D3. Kunming (AB, L, D)
Take a half day tour to the 400 year old Golden Palace Temple at the top of Mingfeng Hill, home of the Taoist Taihe Palace (Hall of Supreme Harmony) and the largest copper temple in China. We visit the Dragon Date and Western Hills, which is a range of four mountains whose silhouette is said to resemble ‘Sleeping Beauty’, enjoy Minority Singing and Dancing Show after dinner.
D4. Kunming/Stone Forest/Kunming (AB, L, D)
Stone Forest locates 75 miles to the south of Kunming City, it is one of China's most remarkable natural phenomena. Towering peaks of bizarre shaped limestone, some as high as a 6 story building, cover an area of over 200 acres. A 1.2 mile long path winds through the deepest portion of the forest where one can see pavilions, caves and ponds each with its own legend.
D5. Kunming/Dali (AB, L, D)
Drive to Dali (4 hours), which was the Capital of ancient Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. Take two hour cruise on scenic Erhai Lake to enjoy its alpine setting. Dali is the home of the Bai minority. Visit Jin Suo Isle, which is home to a Bai minority fishing village and colorful market. Continue on to visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, 9th century examples of the architectural art and culture of the Bai ethnic group.
D6. Dali/Lijiang (AB, L, D)
Drive to Lijiang today (3 hours), stop at the village of Xizhou , home to a diverse population. An important stop on the trade route to Tibet, Xizhou flourished in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), along with the fortunes of Dali's tea merchants, followed with a visit to a traditional Bai house. Naxi ethnic minorities have a long history in Lijiang, their splendid culture, unique traditions, architecture and clothing. Visit the renowned Black Dragon Pool with its Moon Embracing Pavilion, Five Phoenix Pavilion and Dongba Cultural Village.
D7. Lijiang (AB, L, D)
Take a walking tour of the ancient Dayan Town, a UNESCO world heritage site, where the houses are wood-and-earth structures with tiled roofs and flower-filled courtyards. Visit the Mu Family Mansion, followed with Baisha village, to see its Ming and Qing dynasty frescos.
D8. Lijiang/Shangri-la (AB, L, D)
Drive to Shangri-la, which is called the "Eden in dream". It first appeared in British novelist James Hilton's ‘Lost Horizon’ in the 1939. Along the ancient Tea & Horse trade track, it is a beautiful 100 mile drive via Tiger Leaping Gorge, with an average altitude of more than 10,000 feet. We visit Napa Lake upon arrival, followed with a Tibetan Village and Family visit.
D9. Shangri-la (AB, L, D)
Songzanlin Monastery was first constructed in Qing Dynasty, it embodies the essence of the Tibetan Buddhist culture, and its architecture exemplifies the features of the Tibetan style. It's the greatest monastery of Tibetan Buddhism in Yunnan Province. Bitahai Lake is famous for its limpid water and beautiful scenery which is set against the Snow Mountains and forests. It is widely recognized as 'A Pearl on the Plateau' and the most attractive lake in Shangri-La.
D10. Shangri-la/Kunming (AB, L)
Fly to Kunming today, visit Grand View Park after arrival. Completed in 1690 during the Qing Dynasty, the Grand View Park lives up to its name by providing visitors with grand views of Dian Lake. Today’s dinner is on your side.
D11, Kunming/Hometown (AB)
We are transferred to the airport for our flight back home, or will begin the optional Post-Trip Extension.
|