Exploration in Kingdom of Women & Land of Naxi People
Paradise is still the most commonly used word to describe "Yunnan", especially the northwestern Yunnan. In one week, you can visit several popular destinations on this incredibly pure land, like Lugu Lake, Lijiang, Shangri-La and Tiger Leaping Gorge.
There are many activities and awesome experience designed in this tour - hike around Lugu Lake and deep into mysterious matriarchal society, throw yourselves in a piece of pure Tibetan land at an altitude of 3450 meters, and in between check out profound ancient towns in Lijiang. Moreover, boating, walking, local ethnic family visiting, bonfire party are covered in this itinerary...Why not come?!
Highlights of this tour
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Ni Hao! Welcome to Lijiang, a very impressive ancient city! Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, your guide and driver will meet you at the arrival hall and transfer you to the hotel with a private car which is comfortable, air-conditioned and non-smoking.
After a short rest, you’ll start a memorable tour from Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan Ancient Town). Pay a visit to Ming-dynasty style Mufu Palace, the “Forbidden City” of Lijiang to know Tusi’s ruling history and appreciate Naxi people’s brilliant culture and fine arts. Then, wander through the old alleys, old bridges, featured shops and bars to Sifang Street Square, a mingling ground to enjoy lively atmosphere and unwind yourself. If time permits, join the Naxi people and tourists to dance happily in a round. (Optional Activity: Take a leisure walk up to the Lion Hill and climb up the 33-meter-tall Wanggu Tower - the landmark building of Lijiang to enjoy a panoramic view of the whole old town and overlook the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.)
Arrival Ideas: There’re direct flights from Kunming, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lhasa, Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Guiyang, etc to Lijiang Sanyi Airport. Trains are available from Kunming (about 9 hours), Dali (about 2-3 hours) to Lijiang Railway Station.
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After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. First, you’ll be transferred out of Lijiang Old Town to Yuhu Village which is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. When walking into this authentic Naxi Village, you’ll see unique stone houses, Naxi ladies dressing in traditional clothes, kids playing, a tranquil Yuhu Lake…explore leisurely around the village and then get to the Former Residence of Joseph Rock, an Austrian-American Botanist who came to Lijiang and stayed in Yuhu Village for 27 years and made huge research work on Naxi minority.
Later, head to Baisha Village and appreciate the ancient Baisha Mural Paintings. Visit Dabaoji Palace and Liuli Temple to view murals painted over 1000 years ago which is a combination of Tibetan Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Then, it is followed by a trip to Shuhe Ancient Town - one of the earliest settlements of Naxi people as well as the well-preserved stop of the Ancient Tea Horse Route.
After that, transfer to Dongba Culture Museum where more than 10,000 Dongba cultural relics show mysterious Dongba culture of the Naxi people. Take a gentle walk to Black Dragon Pool Park to enjoy gorgeous view and peaceful surroundings. If weather permits, get to the best spot to overlook the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and shoot some amazing pictures.
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Today, you’ll be driven about 200 kilometers (4~5 hours) on the spectacular mountain road to visit the mysterious Lugu Lake , situated on the border of Yunnan Province and Sichuan Province. Lugu Lake is called the mother lake by Mosuo people and this land is considered as “the Kingdom of Women” and “Home of the Matriarchal Tribe”.
Upon arrival, check in your hotel first. After a short rest, you will take a canoe to sail leisurely on the tranquil lake, appreciate the mirror-like lake view and enjoy the whisper of the soft breeze and visit one of the three magical islands of Lugu Lake - Liwubi Island. Go shore excursion to Liwubi Island and explore a lama monastery of yellow sect.
After that, you will enjoy some quiet time to walk along the Luguhu Lake by yourself. Enjoy the sunset wonder of Lugu Lake in Luoshui Village. Later, transfer to Lige Village embraced by water on three sides. In this evening, enjoy Mosuo Bonfire Party with ethnic singing and dancing performance. You will take part in singing and dancing with Mosuo boys and girls around a big bonfire in the outdoor square.
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In the morning, get up early to enjoy beautiful sunrise over Lugu Lake. After breakfast, you'll first drive to visit Zhamei Monastery. Built in Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), it is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery for Yunnan Mosuo people and Pumi group. You can enjoy the 12-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha, exquisite murals and splendid color-engravings.
Then, continue your memorable trip by visiting around Lugu Lake - appreciating the famous Sweetheart Trees in Nisai Village, exploring the last tribe of Mosuo with only 24 households in Little Luoshui Village. Transfer to visit a Mosuo family to know better about Mosuo people’s matriarchal system, visiting marriage customs, festivals, religion, costumes and daily life. Later, drive to visit Mosuo Museum, the only museum in China to present Mosuo people’s history, culture and folk customs.
After the tour, be driven back to Lijiang.
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After breakfast, drive about 45 kilometers to view the First Bend of Yangtze River, an extraordinary turn nearly about 180 degrees with beautiful and marvelous views like a wonderful landscape painting unfolding before you. Visit Iron Chain Bridge in Shigu (Stone Drum) Town.
Later, transfer to visit the one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world - Tiger Leaping Gorge. It measures 16 kilometers in length and is a giddy gorge of 3900m meters from the waters of Jinsha River to Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. You’ll walk about 1,000 stairs along the plank road from the entrance to the Tiger Leaping Rock. Take a moment to enjoy the magnificent gorge view and rolling waves.
After the hiking tour, you’ll be driven to Shangri-La, about 2 hours. Enjoy the enchanting natural scenery along the way. Upon arrival, check in your hotel and feel free to explore Shangri-La on your own.
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Today is a full day to explore the earthly paradise described in the famous novel Lost Horizon by James Hilton.
You’ll first visit Songzanlin Monastery, reputed as the Little Potala Palace. Established by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1679, the monastery belongs to Gelug sect of Buddhism, and it is also the largest Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Walk 143 steps to get atop of the monastery and pay clockwise visit to the major lamasery buildings and get in-depth understanding about Tibetan Buddhism. If time permits, take some quiet time to walk around the peaceful Lamuyangcuo Lake and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this pure land.
Later, drive to the first national park in China - Pudacuo National Park. Throw yourselves into the lush green forest with diverse species of flora and fauna, walk along the plank road to catch the gorgeous scenery of Shudu Lake (hike 3.3 km, about 1 hr) and Bita Lake (hike 4.2 km, about 1.5hrs ) and seek for a real paradise in this natural wonderland. (Note: the altitude of Pudacuo is at 3500m-4150m and you should avoid strong activities. There’s no problem to hike in the park.) After the merry time in the park, pay a visit to a local Tibetan family and experience the highly-praised hospitality of Tibetan people.
Optional Activity: You could take a boat sailing on Shudu Lake or Bita Lake to save energy and time instead of walking all the way.
Important Notice: Militang Pasture (弥里塘草场) and Bita Lake (碧塔海) in Pudacuo National Park are closed for tourists due to maintainance from 3th September, 2017. The administrative office of Pudacuo National Park hasn't confirmed when they will be open exactly. Shudu Lake Scenic Area (属都湖) is still open for tourists. Please contact your travel consultant to adjust your itinerary.
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In the morning, cherish your time in Shangri-La to explore Dukezong Old Town by climbing up to the top of Guishan Hill (or Tortoise Hill) to have a panoramic view of the old town and Shangri-La County and join in the tourists to turn the largest Prayer Wheel in the world. (Please note: In Jan.2014, a huge fire broke out destroying most of the town. After several years’ restoration, you can visit the area around Guishan Hill and most part of the town.)
After the tour, be escorted to the Shangri-La Zhongdian Airport for your flight to next destination.
Departure Ideas: Travelers can take flights from Shangri-La to Kunming, Lhasa, Chengdu, Chongqing,Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and more cities.
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Lijiang / Lugu Lake / Lijiang
Kunming / Dali / Lijiang / Shangri-La
Lijiang / Lugu Lake / Lijiang
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“Very good experience”
“WONDERFUL 25 DAYS IN CHINA - PRIVATE TOUR”
“Awesome China tour from north east to south west”
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