8 Days Kunming - Dali - Lijiang – Shangri-la Highlights Tour

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Duration:
Destinations:
- Shangri-la (Stone Forest - Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Monastery - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Songzanlin Monastery)
Departure date:
Availability:
Tour Code: CTG-YN13

Tour Description

You will experience the ancient towns, unsophisticated villages, fantastic world heritage sites and legendary Shangri-la; Magnificent scenery of Yunnan-Tibet Plateau, and colorful customs of ethnic minorities & authentic Tibetan culture.

Visit the geological Karst wonder - Stone Forest

Tour the magnificent Cangshan Mountain

Marvel at the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge

Experience Tibetan custome and lifestyle in ancient Gyalthang Town

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming - Free time
Today's Activities

Arrive in Kunming, the Spring City of China. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the featured hotel to check in. After a little rest, free to explore around Kunming city, such as the "Kunming 's Jade" - Green Lake Park, Kunming's symbol building - Phoenix Archway, and the vibrant Flowers and Birds Market. Tonight you will stay at the featured hotel in Kunming.

Highlights
 green lake park  phoenix archway flowers and birds market          
Green Lake Park Phoenix Archway Flowers and Birds Market          
Day 2 Kunming (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today's Activities

In the early morning we take you to visit the Yunnan Stone Forest, which is one of most remarkable natural phenomena of China. You will wonder at the innumerable bizarre-shaped ancient limestone cliffs and peaks, which is created by wind and water erosion some 270 million years ago.

 

After lunch you will proceed to explore the Guandu Old Town, which is one of the historic and cultural towns in Kunming area. The ancient Shaolin Temple and Vajra Pagoda are the must-see of this old town. You will spend a lazy afternoon without the hassle of leaving the city. You can sit down for a cup of tea and chat with local people. A designated food street on the old town's east side offers a wide selection of local eats. Tonight you will stay at the hotel in Kunming.

Highlights
 yunnan stone forest  guandu shaolin temple vajra pagoda in guandu old town          
Yunnan Stone Forest Guandu Shaolin Temple Vajra Pagoda in Guandu Old Town          
Day 3 Kunming - Dali (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today's Activities

After breakfast in the hotel, you will go to visit the Western Hills where Taoist temples and Buddhism Temples could be found. A very beautiful lake view of the Dianchi Lake comes into your eyes if being on the top of the Hills - Dragon Gate. The elevation of the Dragon Gate is over 2,300 meters, 300 meters higher than the water surface of the Dianchi Lake. It consists of the Sanqing Temple and the Dragon Gate Grotto which was accomplished through 72 years of hard work (1781-1853). The 3rd March of lunar year is a festive time in the Western Hills, when it is considered the best time for Kunming residents to climb the mountains and look into the distance, to admire the spring flowers and appreciate the feeling of new life.

 

After lunch, transfer to Dali city, the economic and cultural center of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. Overnight at the hotel in Dali.

Highlights
Qiao Family Compound  Shuanglin Temple Pingyao featured hotel          
Western Hill Dragon Gate Dali Old Town          
Day 4 Dali - Lijiang (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today's Activities

Today, enjoy your one-day day city tour. You will first take a visit to the famous Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Monastery. Then continue to explore Cangshan Mountain that made up of 17 peaks, among which, Malong Peak is the highest one that reach the height up to 4122m. You will catch a cable way up the mountain. On the mountain top, you can enjoy the fantastic view of Erhai Lake.

 

Afterwards proceed to Xizhou Village which is located about 18 kilometers north of Dali. Xizhou Village is one of the Bai ethnic minority villages around the Erhai Lake and has historic prominence with a cluster of over 100 protected buildings. You will be escorted to visit the house of local residents which is characterized by a traditional Chinese rectangular courtyard with a screen wall facing the gate. You will be greeted with the show of Three Courses of Tea which is the genuine tea ceremony of the Bai minority, and treated to a song & dance performance by local Bai people. In the late afternoon transferred to Lijiang. Enjoy a leisure stroll in Lijiang Old Town in the evening.

Highlights
Qiao Family Compound  Shuanglin Temple Pingyao featured hotel          
Dali landscape - "Three Pagodas" Magnificent Cangshan Mountain Entrance of Dali Old Town          
Day 5 Lijiang (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today's Activities

After breakfast at hotel, start your visit to the Mu Mansion which is famed as Forbidden City of Naxi people. It is once the residential and working site of the Naxi rulers of Lijiang in the ancient time.

 

Then you will enjoy beautiful natural scenery in Black Dragon Pool Park which is located at the foot of Elephant Hill. It was built in 1737 during the Qing Dynasty and offers a spectacular view on the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

 

Proceed to tour the Dongba Culture Exhibition Museum, which represents the Dongba Pictographic Characters and Naxi Minorities mysterious Culture, some of which still use the matriarchal social system up till today. In the late afternoon, transfer back to the Lijiang Old Town. You are free to explore this ancient town.

Highlights
Qiao Family Compound  Shuanglin Temple Pingyao featured hotel          
Mu Mansion Black Dragon Pool Park Dongba Culture Exhibition Museum          
Day 6 Lijiang - Shangri-la (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today's Activities

In the morning drive to Shangri-la. On the road, you can enjoy the spectacular view of the First Bend of Yangtze River at Stone Drum Village. Also you will view the deepest gorge in the world - Tiger Leaping Gorge. Its magnificent scenery will be among the best of your whole trip. What's more, you can admire the fascinating meadow scenery on the way.

Highlights
Qiao Family Compound  Shuanglin Temple Pingyao featured hotel          
First Bend of Yangtze River Tiger Leaping Gorge Village on the way to Shangri-la          
Day 7 Shangri-la (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today's Activities

In the morning you will take 2 hours to visit the fascinating Napahai Lake, the largest grassland in Zhongdian. Napahai is in fact a seasonal lake. When summer comes, snow on the adjacent mountains melts and flows down into about ten rivers forming a vast lake. You will appreciate a grand area of peaceful lake surrounded by snow mountains. In the dry season, Napahai becomes a boundless green grassland where you will find flocks of yaks, horses and sheep. Also you have chance to see the precious black-necked cranes, of which only 6,000 remain in the world. During the dry season, this grassland is an ideal place for horse-back trekking. You can hire a horse from local people with a reasonable fare.

 

After lunch visit the ancient Songzanlin Monastery, which is the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monastery in southwest China. In the main hall you will appreciate a series of precious Buddhism-related objects like scriptures written on palm leaves, the Shakyamuni statues, etc. Standing on the roof of the temple, you will amaze at the magnificent landscape of front meadow and the town. The blue sky is so close to you as if you can reach it with your hand. Downhill along the hill slop, you will find smaller temples and monk's residences where about 700 monks live. If you want to deeply experience the Buddhists' life, you can join in the morning class or evening class. You will have a peacefull mind and remain in deep thought.

 

On the way back, explore a local village and be a guest in a Tibetan family with a taste of Tibetan specialities such as yak butter tea, yogurt & Tibetan barley. Then you head for the ancient Gyalthang Town, which was established in Tang Dynasty. Though it is small, the old town is quite different form others in Yunnan. You can find many Tibetan cultural facts such as Buddhist paintings and Tibetan residences side by side. A peaceful cobble path guide you to the Daguishan Hill where you can turn the biggest praying wheel in the world and take a birds-eye view of Shangri-la.  Tonight you will stay at the hotel in Zhongdian.

Highlights
Qiao Family Compound  Shuanglin Temple Pingyao featured hotel          
Napahai Lake Songzanlin Monastery Gyalthang Town          
Day 8 Depart Shangri-la (Breakfast)
Today's Activities Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for next destination. Wish you a happy journey!
Package Details
Tour Package Includes:
Tour Guide: a local experienced English-speaking guide Hotel: accommodation in mentioned cities
Meals: 7 breakfasts provided by the hotel, 6 lunches and 2 dinners Admissions: Entrance fee to all scenic spots listed in itinerary
Vehicle: a private air-conditioned car, offering Round-trip transfers Car Driver: an experienced licensed driver;
Water & Tissues: free purified water and tissues offered per day Luggage Transfers: a hand for your heavy luggage;
Insurance: Travel Agencies Liability Insurance; Government taxes & Service charges
Tour Package Excludes:
- Other optional tours / meals / flights not mentioned in itinerary; - Tips for tour guides and drivers.
Hotels in Kunming
Green Lake Hotel
Situated in the heart of Kunming's business, finance and culture district, perfectly located for business and leisure traveller, Green Lake Hotel is just a minute's walk to Green Lake Park, the eye of Kunming. The Green Lake Hotel is centrally located just minutes from the city's cultural spots, government offices, convention centers, 15 minutes from Kunming International Airport.
Kunming Hotel
Kunming Hotel is located in the commercial and shopping district. With many famous department stores nearby, the hotel is one of Kunming's most cosmopolitan areas. The location makes it very convenient to get to and from the railway station and the airport (only 5 and 7 kilometers respectively). The hotel has 400 guest rooms, including standard single room, executive room, standard room, business room, and so on.
Kunming Fairyland Hotel (Dongfeng Square)
Fairyland Dongfeng Square Hotel is located on Beijing Road in the Panlong district of Kunming. It is close to Nanping Pedestrian Street, Jinma Biji Archway and the Thailand Consulate, and about 6 kilometers from Wujiaba International Airport. Opened in 2011, the 7-story hotel features 108 guest rooms and suites, equipped with LCD cable televisions, internet access and climate control.
Hotels in Lijiang
Guanfang Hotel Lijiang
The Guanfang Hotel serves both tourists and business travelers with comprehensive modern service. The hotel is 3kms to the old town of Lijiang, and 35kms to the airport. THere are 292 rooms including standard, handicapped, connecting-room and suites.
Aviation Sightseeing Hotel Lijiang
Built in traditional Chinese courtyard style, Sightseeing Hotel is located on Lijiang Shangri-La Road. The hotel offers first-class service to each and every one of our guests. It is located just five minutes away from the Dayan old city and 28kms from the airport, an ideal place for travel, business and relaxation.
Sanhe Hotel Lijiang
Opened in 1995 and renovated completely in 2004, Sanhe Hotel is designed according to Naxi courtyard style and owns the characteristics of Ethnic customs. The hotel located in the golden area has convenient transportation and it is just 50 meters from the entrance of the ancient town. It has 47 various rooms with elegant decoration, which are equipped with modern sanitary facilities and broadband internet access.
Hotels in Dali
Regent Hotel Dali
The Regent Hotel began its construction on 2003. Located in Yuer Road, lying against ChangShan Mountain, facing Erhai Lake, the Regent Hotel can easily keep the wonderful scenery of "Wind, Flower, Snow, Moon" in views. The hotel is 20kms to the railway station, and 35kms to the airport.
Landscape Hotel Dali 
Opened in 2002, the Landscape Hotel Dali is located in the famous Old Town of Dali. This hotel is built in traditional Bai Nationality style. It is 13km away from the City Center, 15km away from the Railway Station and 25km away from the Dali Airport.
Hotels in Shangrila
Tian Jie Shen Chuan Hotel Shangrila
Located on the only way of Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking, Halfway is a hostel on Haba Snow Mountain at the height of 3500-3600 meters (2.17-2.24miles). It has more than 50 beds, 8 double Rooms but more Tripe Rooms and Quad Rooms.
Sightseeing Hotel Shangrila
Situated in the heart of beautiful Shangrila, perfectly located for business and leisure traveller, Green Lake Hotel is just 10 minutes from the airport. It is an integrated luxury hotel with a collection of travel, business, meeting, eating and shopping.
Pacific Rim Hotel Shangrila
Located in the center of the famous mysterious scenic area known as Shangrila, Pacific Rim Hotel is a Sino-America Joint venture hotel. It is 10 minutes drive from the airport and just 2 kilometers to the passenger bus station, so the hotel enjoys both scenic view and convenient traffic.

Meals in the Package

Meals as mentioned in the itinerary include 7 breakfasts provided by the hotel, 6 lunches and 2 dinners.
You can just feel free to make dinner arrangements as per your personal taste.

We promise worry-free dining quality, plus flexible choices regarding your preference. Any special requestment please tell our trip advisors directly. Other recommendations are as follow:

Kunming

The variety of Kunming cuisine never fails to satisfy hungry travelers. It really is a "crossroads" featuring dishes from all over Yunnan. The feature of Kunming cuisine is a perfect blend of sour and spicy flavors, made from the minority 's century-old traditional recipes.

Steaming-Pot Chicken Kunming Bittern Duck

Dali

Dali is famous for its snack food. After dusk falls, many old lanes are lined with food stalls open until midnight. There are a great variety of delicious snacks in Dali. You can wander along until you see one you like.

Roasted Bean Curd Dali Rice Cake

Lijiang

Because of the proximity to so many food styles, the cuisine of Lijiang is diverse. Great attention is paid to bringing out the natural flavors and there are a number of local delicacies worth trying. Square Street in the center of Old Town is an ideal place to find some of the best local dishes.

Yak Chafing Dish Cici Bean Jelly
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Comments

Dear Manager of Nancy Wan,

Because we have asked many questions to Nancy and she has answered all our questions, we will tell you we are very satisfied. We are over 70 years old and travel a lot, but we will travel comfortable.

In our last e-mail we have asked her for your e-mail address. We hope all your Trip Advisors work the same as Nancy. Next time we will come back to Chinatourguide.

Best Regards

Customer: Family de Bont

Destinations: Yunnan

Related Tour: 7 Days Exotic South of Yunnan, 7 Days Yuanyang Manmade Wonders and Natural Beauty Tour

Dear Sara,

Thank you for your mails. Today we start to Shanghai in the evening and we are exiting to see your great country, its towns, people, arts, history and hopefully many wonderful Chinese gardens and landscapes. It will be a very interesting experience to get to know the arising new world.

You had a lot of work with planning and organisation AND conversations/discussions with us during the last months. Therefore I thank you very much for your great support!!! I think your boss should be very satisfied with your work. We are thankful to you.

Now we see forward how everything will work. You get a chinese telephone nnumber from us as soon as we bought a prepaid card. Our son Tilman will be contact with us anyhow and via him you can be in contact even with us.

Kind regards

Customer: Mr. Cristof

Destinations: Xi'an - Shangri-la - Lijiang - Dali- Guilin

Related Tour: 16 Days Amazing Minority & Majestic Scenery Tour

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