Jianchuan Wood-carving is a kind of woodcarving craftsmanship in Dali(大理). It reflacts Bai ethnic Minority‘s cultural and technique, and it is one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Yunnan.

Brief Introduction

Jianchuan Wood-carving (剑川木雕) is a kind of woodcarving craftsmanship. It was originated in Jianchuan County(剑川县), Dali(大理). After absorbing the culture and production technology of the Han people and other nationalities, the Bai ethnic Minority gradually formed their unique and exquisite wood-carving skills.

Hometown of Wood-carving

Jianchuan County, which is known as The Yunnan’s Hometown of Wood-carving(木雕之乡). The wood-carvings from the Ming (1366-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, such as architecture wood-carvings, ornamental wood-carvings, practical wood-carvings and souvenirs, were collected in Jianchuan County. They were the embodiment of the exquisite and long-standing skills of Jianchuan wood-carving.

History

The Jinachuan Wood Carvings technique began in the tenth century A.D. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Jianchuan Wood-carving was popular in the now Sichuan(四川) and Guizhou(贵州). Jianchuan wood carvers were convened to Beijing for the construction of the Forbidden City(紫禁城). They were also sent to Southeast Asia for the construction of Buddhist buildings.

Contents of Jinachuan Wood-carvings

The contents of Jinachuan Wood-carvings are mainly composed of flowers and plants, animal and plant, as well as fairy legends and stories. Common ones are The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea (八仙过海) and Eight Immortals Celebrating Their Longevity(八仙庆寿). The decoration of wood carving pattern is influenced by the traditional Chinese culture but it still has a strong inheritance of Bai culture in Dal. Especially the decorative patterns like lion and phoenix, which are popular among Bai people.

Chinese Version: https://baike.so.com/doc/6453263-6666948.html
Translated by Emily-Wang/王海玲

Tiger Leaping Gorge is recognized as one of the most famous scenic attractions for trekking in the world and one of the must-visit places in Yunnan recommended by ‘Lonely Planet’. This 3-day tour is a middle difficulty trekking tour.  You can reach the highest point of this trekking: 28 Zigzag Bends to see how steep and thrilling the Tiger leaping Gorge is. You could also witness an incredibly loud, churning, foaming river relentlessly pounding giant boulders in its path by trekking to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. 

Highlights:

• Hike along Tiger Leaping Gorge, as well as feel the grotesque and raging rapids of the magnificent gorge.
• Explore a hidden land of paradise on earth-Shangri-la.
• Step into the ethnic village and experience the unique minority culture and mysterious atmosphere.

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1 Lijiang-Tea Horse Guesthouse

• Day 2 Nuoyu Village-Hetaoyuan Village

• Day 3 Hetaoyuan Village-Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang or Shangr-La

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Lijiang-Shigu-Qiaotou-Naxi Family-Nuoyu Village-Tea Horse Guesthouse

Sightseeing and Activities:Lijiang-Shigu-Qiaotou-Naxi Family-Nuoyu Village-Tea Horse Guesthouse
Accommodation: Tea Horse Guesthouse in Yachaguo Village
Meals:Lunch

Drive 2 hours from Lijiang to Qiaotou Town,enjoy the upper Yangtze River Valley on the way.
Start the hiking from Qiaotou Elementary School, arrive at Naxi Family Guesthouse in Zhongnuoyu Village(2hours hiking) and have lunch there.

After lunch, continue the hiking to the 28 Zigzag Turns trail(2hours hiking),finish the trekking of the 28 turns, you will have a wonderfull view of the Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from a far.
Trek 1 hour to Nuoyu Village.

Day 2 Nuoyu Village-Bendiwan Village-Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge-Yixiantian-Hetaoyuan Village

Sightseeing and Activities:Nuoyu Village-Bendiwan Village-Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge-Yixiantian-Hetaoyuan Village
Accommodation:Saens Spring Guesthouse in Hetaoyuan Village
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy the sunrise view of the Tiger Leaping Gorge from the hotel.
After breakfast, trek 1.5 hours to Bendiwan Village and take a break at Halfway Hostel where you will have a nice view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Trek along the small trail on the cliff, visit Guanyin Temple and Guanyi Waterfall on the way(1.5 hours).
Arrive in the Bamboo Forest, trek down to Tins’s Hostel in the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge(1 hour).
After lunch in Tina’s Hostel, continue the hiking down to the Middle Rapids(2 hour) which is the narrowest part of Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Trek along the Yangtze River from the Middle Rapids to Hetaoyuan Village and stay at Saen’s Hostel.

Day 3 Hetaoyuan Village-Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge-Xincun Village-Haba Village-Baishuitai-Lijiang or Shangr-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Hetaoyuan Village-Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge-Xincun Village-Haba Village-Baishuitai-Lijiang or Shangr-La
Accommodation: Shangri-la
Meals: Breakfest

Hetaoyuan Village-Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge–Xincun Village–Haba Village–Baishuitai-Lijiang or Shangr-La
Finish 3 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour in Haba Village located at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain.
Drive from Haba Village to visit Baishuitai Terraces, transfer to Lijiang or Shangri-La after Baishuitai.

Recommended Hotels

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
• Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

Travel Tips:

• Take some lightweight clothes with you and wear comfortable walking shoes for tired trekking and overnight staying at Tiger Leaping Gorge. If possible, knee pads are necessary to avoid any bump.
• If trekking in winter or rainy season, the windbreaker, gloves, antiskid shoes and waterproof coat will be needed in case of temperature drop and get wet in the rain.
• If you are easy to be hungry and tired during the trekking, bring some high caloric snacks with you, such as chocolate and beef jerky. If not, you can buy food at local guesthouses along the route. Our tour guide will provide you two bottles of water for each person every day. But we suggest you to bring more by yourself.
• For the strong ultraviolet ray there, we suggest you to wear sun bonnet or take sunsceern with you.
• Do not trek too fast, because the Tiger Leaping Gorge is located at high altitude area, or altitude sickness may happen to you.

The Most Popular Tours Packages of Tiger Leaping Gorge

1 Day Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour (Lijiang Part)
1 Day The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour (Shangri-La Part)
1 Day Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Group Tour (Finishing in Lijiang or Shangri-La)
1 Day Tiger Leaping Gorge Highlight Hiking Tour from Bendiwan Village to Tina’s Hostel
2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Group Tour (Back to Lijiang from Hetaoyuan Village)
2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Tour with Daju Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
3 Days The First Bend of Yangtze River Rafting and Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour
3 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour From Qiaotou Town to Haba Village
4 Days Haba Snow Mountain Climbing Adventure with Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour
5 Days Lijiang City Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure
6 Days Lijiang Hiking Tour around Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
7 Days Lijiang and Shangri-La Paradise Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure
9 Days Kunming Dali Lijiang and Shangri-La Classic Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure

This 1 Day Lijiang City Tour is a tour about natural sceneries, ancient tea culture, ethnic villages and Tibetan Buddhism.  Lashihai Lake, 10 kilometers away from the Lijiang Old Town, is a famous wetland park and entertainment place in Lijiang. You will cruise in the Lashihai Lake and ride a horse to experience the Ancient Tea and Horse Road, also, pay a visit to Zhiyun Monastery, the first lamasery temple among five main Tibetan Buddhism monasteries situating in Lijiang. 

Detailed Itinerary

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Accommodations;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

Travel Tips:

• Visitors are advised to always carry changes of clothing due to the large variations in temperature between day and night.
• The climate is relatively dry, so drink more water every day.
• Protecting oneself from strong UV radiation at high altitude.
• Protecting oneself from altitude sickness. Lessen the effects of altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise and have plenty of rest.
• Respect local customs , habits, and religious beliefs.
• Situated on the northern edge of the tropical zone, Xishuangbanna area is hot, humid and rainy; don’t forget to take an umbrella or a raincoat when go out.
• When take photos, please pay attention to your safety, do not shoot in dangerous areas.

Sponsors

Sponsor Invitation

Sponsor Invitation

Note：	1.Sponsors’ logo could be clicked and linked to their websites.
	2.Sponsors’ logo could be showed on last page of speakers’ PPT.

How to Apply

Please fill out this expression of interest form and pay the appropriate sponsorship money to the designated account. Then please send the expression of interest form e-mail: ims2018@ynmis.net

Application Form

Sponsorship Prospectus

The sponsorship opportunities are divided into platinum sponsors, gold sponsors, silver sponsors and bronze sponsors, according to the amount of sponsorship. The sponsors will have exposure at appropriate conference activities, in the event programs and booths. In addition, there are also special sponsorship opportunities for drinks and gifts. The following is the main sponsorship content:

No.	Tier	Platinum	Gold	Silver	Bronze
	Sponsor Amount (Including Tax)	150,000	120,000	80,000	20,000
1	Complimentary Conference Registration	4	3	2	1
2	Booth	4 units	3 units	2 units	1 unit
3	Logo Display on Delegate Name Badge	The first three sponsors	×	×	×
4	Name announced at opening & closing ceremony	√	√	√	×
5	LOGO display on Conference website	√	√	√	√
6	Round Table Meeting	√	√	√	0
7	Speech	First three sponsors 15 min/each	First two sponsors 10 min/each	0	0
8	Media support	4 texts	3 texts	2 texts	0
9	Conference handbook advertising	3 pages	2 pages	1 page	Acknowledgement
10	Display on Registration Board	√	√	√	√
11	Display on main background wall	√	√	√	√
12	The last page of PPT	√	√	√	√
Note: As to the sponsor amount, it is negotiable as per the case by case basis.

Chinese Name: 临沧澳洲坚果
English Name: Macadamia Nut in Lincang

Lincang Macadamia Nuts are a specialty of Lincang City, Yunnan Province, China. They have been recognized as a national geographical indication product for agricultural products. The production area spans the following eight counties (districts) within Lincang City: Linxiang District (临翔区), Yunxian County (云县), Fengqing County (凤庆县), Yongde County (永德县), Zhenkang County (镇康县), Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County (耿马傣族佤族自治县), Cangyuan Wa Autonomous County (沧源佤族自治县), and Shuangjiang Lahu, Wa, Bulang, and Dai Autonomous County (双江拉祜族佤族布朗族傣族自治县). These areas collectively cover 77 townships (streets).

The Lincang Macadamia nut is spherical or oval in shape with a bright, green, leathery skin. The nut inside is protected by a hard brown or brownish shell. The nut kernels are white or creamy white and can be consumed raw or roasted. After roasting, they are crisp, fine in texture, and incredibly fragrant, offering an excellent taste.

On October 9, 2018, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China officially approved Lincang Macadamia Nuts for agricultural product geographical indication registration protection.

Product Name in English and Chinese

• English Name: Macadamia spp.

• Chinese Name: 临沧坚果 (Lincang Macadamia Nuts)

Origin:

• Location: Lincang City, Yunnan Province, China

• Geographical Indication Approval: Ministry of Agriculture, No. 71 Announcement, October 9, 2018.

Production and History

As of 2017, the total area planted with Macadamia trees in Lincang reached 2.2789 million acres, with 261,000 acres yielding fruit. The total production reached 12,000 tons, and the production value amounted to 600 million RMB. This industry helped lift over 50,000 poverty-stricken households (around 150,000 people) out of poverty. Globally, the total area of Macadamia cultivation is about 4.36 million acres, and Lincang’s production area accounts for about 52% of the global total.

Product Honors

• October 9, 2018: The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs approved the Lincang Macadamia for geographical indication protection.

• July 27, 2020: Lincang Macadamia was listed in the second batch of EU-China Geographical Indications Protection List.

Quality Features

Lincang Macadamia nuts are spherical or oval, with a bright, leathery green skin and a hard brown or brownish shell. The nut kernel is white or creamy white and can be eaten raw. Roasting the nuts brings out their fine, crisp texture and delightful flavor.

Nutritional Value

The kernel of Lincang Macadamia is rich in fat, with crude fat content exceeding 65% of the dry matter. Unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid (over 55%) and palmitoleic acid (over 13%), are prominent. Additionally, the nuts are rich in protein, calcium, iron, and zinc. Protein accounts for more than 6% of the dry matter, while calcium, iron, and zinc levels are 320mg/kg, 14mg/kg, and 6mg/kg, respectively.

Environment and Growing Conditions

Geology and Topography

The Macadamia planting region in Lincang is characterized by low-temperature river valleys and mountainous or semi-mountainous areas with rugged terrain and numerous ravines. The highest elevation of the planting areas is 3504 meters, and the lowest is 450 meters, with an ideal planting range between 450 to 1600 meters above sea level.

Soil and Water Conditions

The main soil types in Lincang include laterite and red soil, which are loose, deep, and have a pH value ranging from 4.5 to 6.5. The area has a high forest coverage rate of 64.69%, indicating a good ecological environment.

The major rivers in the Macadamia planting region include the Luozha River (罗闸河), Xiaohongjiang River (小黑江), Nanting River (南汀河), Nanpeng River (南捧河), and Yongkang River (永康河). Among these, Luozha River and Xiaohongjiang River belong to the Lancang (Mekong) River system, while the other three belong to the Nujiang (Salween) River system. The water resources are rich and the water quality is excellent.

Climate Conditions

The climate in Lincang’s Macadamia planting region is subtropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The temperature difference between day and night is large, but the annual temperature difference is not significant. Winters are mild, and summers are not excessively hot. The region has almost no frost throughout the year, with abundant rainfall and sunlight, which is ideal for Macadamia growth. The annual average temperature is 18.5°C, with an average annual maximum temperature of 35.3°C and a minimum of -2°C. The area receives an average of 2108.4 hours of sunlight annually and has an average rainfall of 1296.0 mm, with a frost-free period of 351 days and a relative humidity of 74.5%.

Historical Background

The introduction of Macadamia nuts into Lincang began in 1991 in Yongde County (永德县). In 2000, the nuts were recognized as a special local product of Lincang. In 2002, Macadamia trees were included in China’s national afforestation programs, and they became a key species for large-scale planting. Since the “Twelfth Five-Year Plan,” the local government has focused on the development of this industry, seeing it as an ecological, poverty-alleviating, and distinctive industry.

In 2004, Lincang issued its first policy on the development of Macadamia nuts, and by 2017, seven related policy documents had been issued to further promote the industry.

In 2014, the Australian Macadamia Society and the China National Association of Food and Importers awarded Lincang City a plaque commemorating it as the “World’s Macadamia Nuts Are in China, China’s Macadamia Nuts Are in Lincang” (世界坚果看中国·中国坚果在临沧).

Geographical Indication Protection

Geographical Scope

The protected geographical area of Lincang Macadamia includes the following eight counties (districts): Linxiang District (临翔区), Yunxian County (云县), Fengqing County (凤庆县), Yongde County (永德县), Zhenkang County (镇康县), Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County (耿马傣族佤族自治县), Cangyuan Wa Autonomous County (沧源佤族自治县), and Shuangjiang Lahu, Wa, Bulang, and Dai Autonomous County (双江拉祜族佤族布朗族傣族自治县). The geographical coordinates are: longitude 98°40′–100°34′, latitude 23°05′–25°02′.

Quality and Technical Requirements

Specific Production Methods

• Location Selection: Ideal planting locations are at elevations between 450 and 1600 meters, with average annual temperatures between 17.7°C and 19.9°C. These areas must have a frost-free period of over 300 days annually and average annual rainfall of 1000 to 2000 mm.

• Variety Selection: The varieties chosen for Lincang Macadamia are those imported from Australia in 1991 and adapted for local growing conditions. These include varieties such as OC, 344, and 788, which have been approved by the Yunnan Provincial Forestry Department.

Cultivation and Grafting Techniques

• Seedling Preparation: Mature and healthy seeds are selected, soaked in water, and then placed on a sandbed to germinate. The seedlings are then transferred to nutrient bags once they have stabilized.

• Grafting: The best time for grafting is in late autumn, early winter, or spring, and the cleft grafting method is commonly used.

Water and Fertilizer Management

Watering is crucial, especially during dry periods. Fertilization should include organic fertilizers and limited amounts of inorganic fertilizers.

Pest and Disease Control

The major pests include aphids, thrips, and cicadas, while diseases like gray mold and stem cankers also affect the trees. Integrated pest management methods should be applied, emphasizing physical and chemical methods in combination.

Harvesting and Processing

Macadamia nuts in Lincang generally ripen and are ready for harvest in September and October. The nut’s inner wall turns from white to brown, and the shell becomes hard when mature. Harvesting can be done manually or by collecting naturally fallen fruits from the ground.

Primary Processing

1. Shell Processing: Green-skin nuts are peeled, the nuts are sorted, and dried on racks. They are then screened and classified for storage and packaging.

2. Kernel Processing: After the same initial steps, the nuts are cracked open, and the kernels are separated, graded, and packed.

Record-Keeping and Quality Safety

The production, processing, and marketing of Lincang Macadamia nuts are monitored to ensure compliance with quality standards.

Chinese Name: 临沧国际澳洲坚果研讨会
English Name: Lincang International Macadamia Symposium in Lincang

Sponsors

Sponsor Invitation

Sponsor Invitation

Note：	1.Sponsors’ logo could be clicked and linked to their websites.
	2.Sponsors’ logo could be showed on last page of speakers’ PPT.

How to Apply

Please fill out this expression of interest form and pay the appropriate sponsorship money to the designated account. Then please send the expression of interest form e-mail: ims2018@ynmis.net

Application Form

Sponsorship Prospectus

The sponsorship opportunities are divided into platinum sponsors, gold sponsors, silver sponsors and bronze sponsors, according to the amount of sponsorship. The sponsors will have exposure at appropriate conference activities, in the event programs and booths. In addition, there are also special sponsorship opportunities for drinks and gifts. The following is the main sponsorship content:

No.	Tier	Platinum	Gold	Silver	Bronze
	Sponsor Amount (Including Tax)	150,000	120,000	80,000	20,000
1	Complimentary Conference Registration	4	3	2	1
2	Booth	4 units	3 units	2 units	1 unit
3	Logo Display on Delegate Name Badge	The first three sponsors	×	×	×
4	Name announced at opening & closing ceremony	√	√	√	×
5	LOGO display on Conference website	√	√	√	√
6	Round Table Meeting	√	√	√	0
7	Speech	First three sponsors 15 min/each	First two sponsors 10 min/each	0	0
8	Media support	4 texts	3 texts	2 texts	0
9	Conference handbook advertising	3 pages	2 pages	1 page	Acknowledgement
10	Display on Registration Board	√	√	√	√
11	Display on main background wall	√	√	√	√
12	The last page of PPT	√	√	√	√
Note: As to the sponsor amount, it is negotiable as per the case by case basis.

If you’re in Lijiang, visiting the Jade Dragon Snow mountain is likely to be on your itinerary. Indeed, many tourists make their way to Lijiang specifically for this purpose. How do you go about visiting the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain? Let us guide you in making the most out of your trip!

Where is the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain?

Also called Mount Yulong, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is located in the Yunnan Province of China, more specifically in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang. At one end, it borders one side of the Jinsha River in the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the most beautiful trekking routes in all of China. The mountain can be seen from Lijiang ancient town and makes for quite the picturesque scene.

Why is the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain so popular?

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is very easy to visit via a system of cable cars which take visitors to different parts of the mountain. The 13 peaks, home to several glaciers, are covered in snow all year round. Different altitudes give rise to changing landscapes with peaceful meadows giving way to snow-covered paths and glaciers.

How can I get to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain?

If you’re based in Lijiang, getting to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is quite easy. You may choose to join an organised tour, but if you would like to visit the park independently, you need to take the no. 7 minivan departing from the Red Sun Square, right opposite the statue of Mao Zedong. We were charged 30 RMB (about €3.85) each for the minivan ride.

Coming from the mountain back to Lijiang involves doing the same thing. You can ask which van is headed back to Lijiang once you want to leave. The park is massive and we found the logistics rather difficult to understand, but we came across a minivan taking people back to town from the carpark, directly opposite “Impression Lijiang”.

What you need to know about visiting the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Understanding the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can be a tad overwhelming because it’s just so large and there are so many unique areas one can freely visit within the park. There are three cable cars, taking people to different parts of the mountains with the longest ride, right up to Glacier Park, being the most expensive. This is where most people head to, seeing that it is the highest (and coldest) point of the mountain that can be accessed readily.

The first check-point which you will reach when approaching the mountain, is a ticket booth where you pay the entrance fee to the park. Our driver collected our money (130 RMB/ €16.50 each) and passports (DO NOT forget your passports!) and handled the fees himself whilst we stayed in the van. This is the official entrance to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

After driving us along the same road for a few more minutes, the driver dropped us off at the main building. Amongst the many restaurants and souvenir shops, you will find another ticket booth and this is the place to buy cable car tickets from. We got tickets to the Glacier Park for 180 RMB (€23) (2-way) plus a 20 RMB (€2.50) ticket for an obligatory bus which took us to the Glacier Park cable car terminal.

Tickets for the other cable cars cost 60 RMB (about €7.50) to the Yak Meadow and 55 RMB (about €7) to the Spruce Meadow. You may choose to visit any of these scenic areas without needing to visit the others.

Visiting Glacier Park in the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

If you haven’t brought a thick jacket with you, you can rent one from the same building from where you got the cable car tickets from, for a cost of 50 RMB (about €6.50) and a deposit of 250 RMB (about €32). Basically, you hand over 300 RMB and you’re given 250RMB back once you return the jacket. The shop is well stocked with different sizes, some were even large enough to fit Nikki!

You will then be asked to join a queue for the bus. We read that the queues around the park might get really long, and that you might need to wait for hours at a time, however in our case, we got on the bus almost immediately. The bus ascends to the Glacier Park Cable Car terminal and, as it does, you will feel the air immediately getting colder.

Once you arrive at the terminal, you will need to join another queue for the cable car. Again, we did not have to wait too long, so we were hoping that Glacier Park might be relatively empty, with some great photo opportunities, but…. wrong we were! The park was absolutely packed with people taking every kind of selfie imaginable! Well of course, with all the photo opportunities available, this was to be expected, but there were people queueing and pushing at every almost every part of fence of the viewing platform. I shudder to think what the park is like when the queues are hours long!

One temperature display showed 6°C, but we’re pretty sure that it was much colder than that, close to freezing probably. Many people seemed to be affected by the altitude, and the oxygen canisters seemed to be very handy at this point. If you haven’t brought any, you can buy some on the mountain but we noticed that they cost about five times as much as they did in Lijiang town.

Once you’ve gone round the viewing platform, you can walk up the many stairs all the way up to the highest point at 4680m. You need to be careful when doing this, as at that altitude it is more difficult than it seems. Half of the people attempting this turned back at one point or another.

Nikki turned around pretty quickly despite indulging in his canned oxygen continuously as though it were chocolate cake! I moved on, but had to turn around when I was almost at the top since I started to feel dizzy and surprisingly very hot and sweaty.

Fearing a fainting episode among the hordes of people climbing up (I had already fainted just a few days before on a Kunming train but luckily Nikki was there to help me that time), I felt that I had no choice but to make my way down. To be honest, climbing to the top seemed to be more about the challenge than about any spectacular views, so we don’t feel that we missed out too much by not making it to the very top.

After a few other photos and selfies, we decided to head back down to the terminal. This time, we waited about 30 minutes before we could get on a descending cable car.

Visiting Blue Moon Valley in the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

The entrance ticket to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountains allows access to Blue Moon Valley. Once we got off the cable car, we immediately joined another bunch of people queued up underneath a Blue Moon Valley sign and got onto another bus which stopped us at yet another terminal. Here, people were buying tickets for an electric cart which would take them down to the Valley. Strangely enough, there were three llamas (maybe alpacas?) standing in a little field close by, observing everybody curiously.

We had actually passed by the valley with the bus and knew that it was pretty close, so we decided to walk back from where we came from by bus, and down a path leading to the valley. The walk was not longer than 10minutes, but nobody seemed to be aware that you could actually walk down.

The confusion and sheer amount of people at the Blue Moon Valley was annoying, to say the least. The banks of the river were filled with huge groups battling their way with selfie sticks, making it hard to see any of the (gorgeous) scenery behind the groups. Luckily we could enjoy some views and snap a couple of pictures ourselves after waking a few metres downstream; everybody else seemed to be collected right at the entrance.

As we walked along the river, the crowd started thinning out and we could enjoy the wonderful scenery of the Blue Moon Valley. The valley is known for its impossibly blue river originating from the snowy Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, running across some very lush and fertile land. The river is divided by man-made waterfalls and pools, so it does not have a wild, natural vibe to it, but rather, looks quite manicured. Despite this, it is indeed quite stunning!

Many people seemed to be taking the electric carts back to the bus, but again, we decided to walk up. It was really not more than a 15-minute walk. We didn’t have to wait too long to get on a bus either, although this time we had no idea where we were going at all.

We really hoped that the bus would take us back to the ticket terminal, but it just stopped us at yet another point where a bunch of other people were waiting, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. We just waited with them for the next 45 minutes, nodding to some of them every so often, until yet another bus picked us up. This in fact took us straight to the terminal from where we started, and from where we shared a car back to Lijiang.

Tips for visiting the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

• There’s no need to use electric cars/carts to get around. The routes along which such carts are used are very walkable.
• Take oxygen canisters with you. We bought a couple from Lijiang old town for around 18 RMB (about €2.50) each. Those at the mountain were selling for 100 RMB (around €13) each.
• Wear warm clothing in layers and take sunglasses – although it was very cold when we went up the mountain, the sun was burning fiercely!
• Sturdy shoes are a must! Trekking shoes are ideal.
• It is best to buy supplies in town. Although there were some stands selling chocolate and snacks, the items came at a premium!
• You can easily walk to the bus terminal if you’re staying in Lijiang old town (heading out of the north gate). Get on a van with people already on it. Many of the drivers will direct you to their own vans, but they won’t depart before they have attracted more passengers, and you will likely need to wait for quite a while before leaving.
• If you’re staying in Lijiang a while, try taking a look at the weather forecast in order to visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on a good day. We can’t imagine it being much fun in bad weather!
• Be sure to take your passport with you. You will not be allowed to buy your entrance ticket without it!

Impression Lijiang

The outdoor performance, including traditional songs and dance by local ethnic people selected from the villages around Lijiang, is held at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, just out of the main building, at pre-determined times. We heard great things about the show and would have loved to attend, but we felt that 190 RMB (about €24.50) was too steep for a 1-hour show, considering that visiting the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain had already stretched our budget pretty thin.

What you can expect out of a visit to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Despite the very natural beautiful scenery, on and around the mountain, we felt that the whole setup was very commercialised and there were far too many people around at one go. We were rudely pushed away from scenic spots several times, by people wanting to take selfies, we had to wait for very long to take our own pictures, because people just kept coming in front of our camera to take their own. Quite frankly, it all started feeling like one big circus after a while.

That’s not to say that we are sorry to have visited the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, but there’s no doubt that one visit was enough to last a lifetime!

Before the completion of Yongchang (永昌)Wetland Park, it was Yongchang（永昌） Fish Pond. It was located in the south of the Dianchi Kunming Resort （滇池旅游度假区），the Chuanfan river （船房河）in the south of the mouth, and was adjacent to the Caohai lake（草海）. The original Yongchang（永昌） fish pond was built with earth and stone breakwaters, fish ponds and dams, and built houses. Such a pattern not only cuts off and reduces the lake surface of the Caohai lake（草海）, but also has become a source of water pollution at the Caohai lake （草海）because of the fish pond farming the operation for many years.

In order to improve the ecological environment and water environment quality of Yongchang（永昌） fish ponds, the nearby residents have a livable and comfortable living environment. In 2009, Dianchi Kunming Resort（滇池旅游度假区） will implement the ‘Returning to the lake ’ Wetland Construction Project in two phases. Demolition of more than 200 square meters of fish pond houses, cleaning of weeds and garbage of 130,000 square meters, dismantling the original breakwaters of more than 1,480 cubic meters, dismantling 14,635 cubic meters of fish ponds, clearing 57,000 cubic meters of silt, and building Yongchang（永昌） Wetland Park.

The completion of the 218-mu ecological wetland in Yongchang（永昌）Fish Pond not only serves the comprehensive management and ecological restoration of the Dian Lake（滇池）, but also provides a beautiful ecological wetland landscape park for the general public and tourists.

Yongchang （永昌）Wetland Park is planted with more than 4,800 square meters of small shrubs and ground cover, more than 4,215 trees of arbor, willow, poplar, and leafhopper, and more than 35,336 square meters of aquatic plants such as calamus, sedge, and lotus. There are also 16 landscape islands, planted with hydrophilic vines on the edge of the island to enhance the stability and landscape effect of the island’s waterfront edge. At the same time, the wetland park lighting project was implemented in the inner ecosystem, and the outline of the wetland park was clearly outlined at night.

At 22 o’clock in the evening, you can look at the light, that is, the location of Yongchang（永昌） Wetland Park. Walking alone in the Yongchang（永昌） Wetland Park, the stone pavement is about 5 meters wide. Although it is close to the night, the unique lighting and comfortable and hydrophilic natural environment have a sense of the sea.

Address:South of the Dianchi Kunming Resort （滇池旅游度假区），the Chuanfan river （船房河）in the south of the mouth, adjacent to the Caohai lake（草海）.

Bus :183 , 171, 73

Overview of Daguan River

Daguan River is located on the western side of Kunming’s main urban area. It begins on the southern side of Daguan Road (大观路) in the east and extends to Jinhuapu (近华浦) in the west, flowing from the northeast to the southwest into the Caohai (草海), a part of Lake Dianchi (滇池). The river is 2,800 meters long, 20 meters wide, and has an average depth of 2 meters. Historically, during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, it was a natural watercourse that flowed into the Caohai.

The Caohai (草海)

In the Ming Dynasty, the Caohai was known as the “West Lake” (西湖) or alternatively as Caohai Lake (草海子) and Green Grass Lake (青草湖). The Yunnan Tongzhi (《云南通志》) from the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty records: “The West Lake is located west of the prefecture, surrounded by water reeds, with a circumference of four li. It is the upper stream of Dianchi Lake, where people often sail boats. The locals call it Caohai Lake.” It also mentions a place called “Water Cloud Village” (水云乡), where the Marquis of Xiping, Mu Ying (沐英), built a villa called “West Garden” (西园) during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty.

Sailing from the Xiaoxi Gate (小西门) of Kunming to Jinhuapu, across the Caohai, to enjoy the “Moonlight on Dianchi” (滇池夜月) has been a popular activity for centuries.

Xu Xiake’s Description of the Caohai

In 1638, during the Ming Dynasty, the famous geographer and explorer Xu Xiake (徐霞客) recorded his journey in the Travel Notes of Mount Taihua (《游太华山记》). He wrote, “Two li southwest of the provincial capital, we boarded a boat. Both sides of the river are flat fields, and after ten li, the fields end, and reeds fill the marshland. We sail through the deep green waters without realizing that this is the vast flow of Dianchi Lake. This is the Caohai. The water passage through the reeds is narrow, and in the distance, the Western Hills (西山) rise up against the sky, where the Arhat Temple (罗汉寺) is located.”

At that time, the river was not yet called Daguan River (大观河), and the Daguan Tower (大观楼) had not been built. Xu Xiake’s route from Kunming to the Caohai followed what is now the Daguan River.

Development during the Qing Dynasty

In the early Qing Dynasty, Wu Sangui (吴三桂), the Prince of Pingxi, dredged the river to transport grain from places such as Jincheng (晋城), Kunyang (昆阳), and Chenggong (呈贡) into the city. This river was then known as the “Grain Transport River” (运粮河).

According to Shu Zao’s (舒藻) Record of the Construction of Daguan Tower (《创建大观楼碑记》): “During the Qing Dynasty, Wu Sangui, the Prince of Pingxi, dredged a river from Jinhuapu towards Huicheng (会城), a distance of about ten li, called the Grain Transport River. He also built a granary port called Zhuangtang (篆塘) outside the Xiaoxi Gate, where grain ships from Dianchi Lake would transport rice to the warehouses, making it very convenient.”

Zhuangtang became a key grain port, where merchants and travelers would converge. The Granary Wharf (粮港码头) in Zhuangtang was vital for both grain and fish trade, as it also served as a hub for fishermen from the Caohai.

The Construction of Daguan Tower

In 1690, under the administration of the Yunnan Provincial Governor Wang Jiwen (王继文) and Minister Shi Wencheng (石文晟), Daguan Tower was constructed at Jinhuapu. With its completion, the Grain Transport River began to be referred to as Daguan River. This river became both a route for grain transportation and a scenic waterway, offering boat rides to the Daguan Tower for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

The Decline of the Old Zhuangtang Port

In the Republic of China era, a new arched bridge was built over the Zhuangtang River (篆塘河), known as the “New Bridge” (新桥), or Zhuangtang Bridge (篆塘桥). As the water level of Dianchi Lake gradually dropped, the old Zhuangtang port was filled in and developed into residential areas. However, in 1917, a new Zhuangtang Port was opened on the western side of the old one, and this new port, now Zhuangtang Park (篆塘公园), remained a key part of Kunming’s river infrastructure.

Modern Development and Restoration Efforts

In 1957, as the water levels of Dianchi continued to fall, a new Zhuangtang Port was built further west. This port covered an area of 31,300 square meters, with space for 40-ton ships to dock. It became an essential part of Kunming’s transport network, serving as a modern shipping hub.

Over the years, Daguan River and Zhuangtang underwent several restoration and dredging efforts. In 1973, a large-scale restoration project cleaned the river and Zhuangtang, and the Zhuangtang Wharf was repurposed. In 1987, Zhuangtang Park opened to the public, providing a green urban space with tea houses, bridges, and gardens, making it a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city.

Zhuangtang Park (篆塘公园)

Zhuangtang Park, located at the intersection of Daguan Road (大观路) and Xichang Road (西昌路), is a small green oasis in the city. The park features a variety of scenic elements, including a pond with a winding bridge and platforms for viewing the water. The park is designed in a blend of Chinese and Western styles, with small pavilions, flower beds, and tea rooms hidden among the greenery.

The park underwent a significant renovation in 2002, expanding the green space and adding new plants, such as bougainvillea, osmanthus, and camphor trees. The landscaping of the park now covers 70% of the area, with flowerbeds, lawns, and carefully curated trees, including gingko, cypress, and magnolia.

Zhuangtang Legal and Cultural Park (篆塘法制、廉政文化园)

In 2009, Zhuangtang Park was transformed into Zhuangtang Legal and Cultural Park, themed around the concepts of “rule of law, integrity, peace, and harmony.” The park now includes more than 40 informational boards on topics such as law, corruption prevention, and public safety, making it not only a scenic destination but also an educational hub for the local community.

Legacy of Daguan River and Zhuangtang

The Daguan River and Zhuangtang are deeply intertwined with the history of Kunming. They tell the story of Dianchi Lake’s development, the rise and fall of Caohai fisheries, and the transformation of Kunming into a modern city. The Daguan River, once a vital artery for grain and fish, is now a scenic and cultural treasure. Efforts to preserve its history and culture continue to shape the identity of Kunming as a historic and cultural city.

Overview of Liushao Red Land

Liushao Red Land (六哨红土地) in Xundian County (寻甸县), Kunming, is often compared to Dongchuan Red Land (东川红土地). Both have their unique charm, but Liushao offers a larger area with more accessible landscapes and scenic roads cutting through the gentle mountains, making it easier for photography and sightseeing. As it is located in a high-altitude mountainous region, the harvest season in Liushao arrives earlier than in Dongchuan, with autumn arriving as early as July. Walking along the mountain paths, the air is filled with the scent of autumn, and various wildflowers bloom along the roadside. Farmers are busy harvesting, with plump potatoes scattered across the red soil. Many fields have already been plowed and sown, leaving the red earth exposed, creating a strikingly colorful and grandiose spectacle.

Liushao Township (六哨乡) is situated in the central and western part of Xundian County, about 120 kilometers from Kunming. This high-altitude and economically underdeveloped ethnic mountain region, at an elevation of over 2000 meters, is home to continuous terraces stretching across the hills, connecting the distant horizon. The scene is breathtaking. Like the neighboring Dongchuan area in the Wumeng Mountains (乌蒙山区), Liushao is still largely undeveloped for tourism, with almost no visitors, making it a hidden gem for photographers who want to capture the beauty of the red soil without the crowds.

The Spectacle of Liushao in Autumn

Autumn in Liushao is not only a season of abundant harvest but also a season of clear skies and stunning scenery. The red land, freshly plowed and ready for sowing, is adorned with patches of rapeseed flowers, barley, and radishes, forming vibrant, multicolored panels that resemble nature’s palette. The red earth burns like fire, the yellow gleams like gold, and every color is so pure that every glance offers a colorful picture.

It is said that autumn in Liushao presents a joyous scene of harvest, and that Liushao has embraced all the colors of the world. The ever-changing beams of light and massive clouds add a touch of magic to the red land, showcasing different mesmerizing views at every moment. As you wander through the red land, the cool autumn breeze, soft clouds, and gentle atmosphere bring a sense of happiness and peace.

The Black-necked Cranes: The Guardians of the Red Land

Beneath the beautiful scenery of Liushao Red Land hides a group of “little spirits”—the Black-necked Cranes (黑颈鹤). These are the only cranes in the world that live on plateaus, making them a rare species, with only around 16,000 individuals worldwide. Due to their endangered status, they are often referred to as “Panda of the Bird World” and “Spirits of the Plateau.” They attract many admirers and have garnered significant attention, as local communities and authorities work together to protect these birds.

To welcome the return of the Black-necked Cranes this year, the reserve has made thorough preparations. In early spring, 20 acres of buckwheat, 30 acres of potatoes, and 3 acres of radishes were planted as food for the cranes. Efforts were made to cultivate the crops the cranes prefer while minimizing the destruction of wild plants like goosegrass, which is highly nutritious for the cranes. In October, 110,000 local fish fry were released into the water bodies of Bai Long (大白龙) and Yang Tang (羊塘) within the reserve, providing ample food for the cranes. In addition, 3 tons of corn were stored to ensure the cranes had sufficient food during the winter.

The Return of the Cranes

“Amidst the mountains, the world awakens; beneath the stars, the cranes dream anew.”—《万籁生山，一星在水，鹤梦疑重续》

With the autumn harvest complete and winter crops sown, the arrival of the Black-necked Cranes marks the beginning of their winter migration. On November 7, 2023, at 1:10 PM, patrol officers in the Yunnan Xundian Black-necked Crane Provincial Nature Reserve (云南寻甸黑颈鹤省级自然保护区) spotted four cranes—two adults and two juveniles—peacefully foraging on the grasslands of Yang Tang (羊塘海子). With the arrival of this pioneering group, the Black-necked Crane family in Xundian has officially entered their winter migration, and local guardians have begun their protective measures to safeguard these majestic creatures throughout their stay.

The White Rapeseed Flowers: A Unique Scenic Line

Since September 2023, another stunning feature of Liushao has emerged—the pure white rapeseed flowers that have become a favorite spot for photography. This year, Liushao Township (六哨乡) has planted over 6,000 acres of white rapeseed flowers across every village, creating a sea of delicate white blossoms. Clusters of these flowers gather under the leaves, resembling countless bees with their wings slightly open, hovering in the air. The flowers look like small white trumpets, with some having five petals and others four, arranged in a cross shape. They resemble shy girls who stand out beautifully against the backdrop of green leaves.

The high-altitude, low-temperature environment of Liushao provides ideal conditions for the growth of white rapeseed flowers. These flowers, blooming in late autumn, contrast sharply with the more commonly seen golden yellow rapeseed flowers. The simple elegance and freshness of the white blossoms are striking, with the slender green stalks adorned with clusters of tiny white flowers, resembling snowflakes that have yet to melt or stars that have fallen to the earth, densely covering the entire hillside.

Address

Liushao Red Land encompasses much of the Liushao Township area (六哨乡大部分区域) in Xundian County, Kunming.

Key Attractions and Names:

1. Liushao Red Land (六哨红土地)
2. Dongchuan Red Land (东川红土地)
3. Wumeng Mountains (乌蒙山区)
4. Xundian Black-necked Crane Provincial Nature Reserve (云南寻甸黑颈鹤省级自然保护区)
5. Bai Long (大白龙)
6. Yang Tang (羊塘海子)
7. Black-necked Cranes (黑颈鹤)
8. White Rapeseed Flowers (白色油菜花)

Plan your Dali Ethnic Villages Tour to Dali? Visit Top 8 Ancient Ethnic Villages in Heqing County, Dali which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Dali. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion, Language of local ethnic people in Top 8 Ancient Ethnic Villages in Heqing County, Dali.

The state has published a list of three groups of Chinese traditional villages. These traditional villages have unique natural and cultural tourism resources and wonderful highlights. There are 502 villages in Yunnan Province that have been listed in the list of national traditional villages, including 8 villages in Heqing County. Next, I will introduce you to 8 ancient villages in Heqing County to help you plan rural tourist attractions in Yunnan.

Heqing County, under the jurisdiction of Dali Prefecture in Yunnan Province, China, is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province. Heqing County has 7 towns and 1 township. Next, I will introduce these eight villages one by one for you.

1. Changtou Village(长头村)

As a post station of the ancient tea-horse road, Changtou Village was an important post station of the ancient tea-horse road in the Ming Dynasty. It was the place that the caravans had to pass in the process of transporting goods. It was the gathering place of the caravans in the western Yunnan area, leaving behind many cultural scenes. Changtou village is an ancient village where Bai people gather and was listed in the second batch of traditional Chinese villages in 2013. The ancient architecture group of Changtou Natural Village was formed in the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties. The ancient architecture followed the requirements of Dali Bai people’s residential buildings for the location and orientation of the building. Housing construction is mostly built on the mountain, facing the river.

How to Get to Changtou Village

Changtou Village is 12 kilometers away from the seat of Songgui Town government and 16 kilometers away from Heqing County. The roads on both sides are asphalt roads with convenient transportation.

2. Junying Village(军营村)

Junying Village is a traditional Chinese village and is an ancient village mainly inhabited by Han and Bai ethnic groups. As Yanggong River passes through the village, the village has formed buildings with wind and rain bridges as its main features. It is said that the wind and rain bridge was built on the Xihe River not only to facilitate people’s transportation, but also to ward off evil spirits and save money.

How to Get to Junying Village

Junying Village is located in the east of Songgui Town, 0.3km from Longzhu Village Committee and 7.50km from Songgui Town. Yanggong River passes through the village and is the seat of Longzhu Village Committee.

3. Jienan Village(街南村)

Jienan Village has a large area of green hills and grass and pastoral scenery. The village group in the south of the street belongs to the village Committee of songgui. it is located in the center of songgui market town, along the songgui tea-horse ancient road, and at the fu Guo gong temple in the center of songgui street. it is the highest point of the ancient town and has been built for hundreds of years.

How to Get to Jienan Village

Songgui Town is located 28 kilometers south of the county seat. Dali Road passes through the village and is adjacent to Jindun Township, Liuhe Township, Longkaikou Town and Xiyi Town. It is the traffic artery of Heqing County’s south gate.

4. Heyi Village(和邑村)

Heyi village is a thousand-year-old village on the “tea-horse ancient road” and is the birthplace where the ancestors opened up Heqing. In the process of continuous inheritance and development for thousands of years, many precious material and cultural heritages have been left behind, including ancient road culture, caravan culture and other intangible cultural heritages. These massive rare and duplicated heritages are unique cultural advantages of Heyi.

How to Get to Heyi village

Heyi Village is affiliated to Jindun Township, Heqing County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is located 3 kilometers south of the county seat of Heqing County. It is backed by Chaoxia Mountain. Dayang Highway passes through the village and has convenient transportation.

5. Jinchihe Village(金翅禾村)

Jinchihe  Nature Village, located at the southernmost tip of Heqing Bazi, is the first village where the ancient tea-horse road crosses Xiang Mian Mountain to enter Heqing Bazi. It is the main traffic route on the ancient tea-horse road and is the most typical and well-preserved Bai nationality residential village in Heqing.

How to Get to Jinchihe Village

Jinchihe Village is located in Yinhe Village, Jindun Township, Heqing County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is 1 kilometer from Yinhe Village Committee, 3 kilometers from Jindun Township Government and 12 kilometers from Heqing County.

6. Wuxing Village(五星村)

The northwest of Wuxing Village is deeply cut by Yanggongjiang River to form steep canyons and precipices. The two precipices have beautiful green hills and scenery, and there are natural wonders such as swallow cliff and dense cliff. Wuxing village has a profound national culture. it is the original residence of Bai yi people, a branch of yi nationality in liuhe township, in kua e shan. it is also the center of Bai yi culture in liuhe township.

How to Get to Wuxing Village

Wuxing Village is affiliated to Liuhe Township, Heqing County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is 8km from the seat of Liuhe Township Government and 76km from Heqing County.

7. Lingdi Village(灵地村)

Lingdi village has beautiful terrace natural scenery. it is far away from the pollution of modern industry. the local conditions and customs are full of the charming atmosphere of original ecology. there is a traditional ethnic minority-Bai nationality living here. All of them are good at singing and dancing. Every Spring Festival and other traditional festivals, they hold grand singing and dancing, Yunnan opera and other activities, with everyone participating. In 2013, Lingdi Village was included in the second batch of Chinese traditional villages with important protection value.

How to Get to Lingdi Village

Lingdi Administrative Village belongs to Liuhe Yi Township, Heqing County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is located on Yanggong Jiangxi Bank in the west of Liuhe Township and has convenient transportation. It is 42km away from Heqing County, 14km away from Liuhe Township Government and 24km away from Songgui Town.

8. Xinhua Village(新华村)

Xinhua Village is a typical Bai stockade and a cultural tourist area built according to the original ecological natural villages. Xinhua Village has both beautiful natural scenery and beautiful surrounding landscape, with an elevation of 2,000-2,300 meters, and a 10,000 mu grassland wetland and a clear and mellow farmhouse spring. The unique architectural style of the local ethnic groups and the rich and clear waters not only have the soft beauty of the water villages in the south of the Yangtze River, but also have the unique complex of water villages in the plateau. In 2009, “Yindu Watertown” Xinhua Village was a national 4A-level tourist area. In 2014, Xinhua village was included in the list of Chinese traditional villages.

How to Get to Xinhua Village

Xinhua village is 510 kilometers south of Kunming and 128 kilometers south of Dali ancient city. 39 kilometers north of Lijiang is paved with asphalt, 200 kilometers north of Shangri-La and 12 kilometers south of Lijiang Airport.

In the remote forests of southwestern China lives the rare and elusive Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (black snub-nosed monkey), Rhinopithecus bieti. Also known in Chinese as Dian Jinsihou (Yunnan Golden Monkey), it is one of the most endangered primates in the world. With fewer than 2,000 individuals remaining in the wild, this Yunnan wildlife tour offers a unique opportunity to observe and photograph the black snub-nosed monkey in its natural habitat. Gain insight into the species’ biology and behavior during this unforgettable journey.

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Shangri-la Arrival
• Day 2: Tacheng-Tiger Leaping Gorge

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Shangri-la-Nixi-Tuoding-Tacheng

Sightseeing and Activities: Napahai Lake, Nixi Pottery Village, Tuoding Village
Accommodation: Tacheng
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Pick up from your hotel in Shangri-La and transfer to visit Napahai Lake. Enjoy a scenic walk around the lake and visit local Tibetan villages. Continue to Nixi Pottery Village to try your hand at traditional pottery-making with the locals. After lunch, drive to Tuoding Village, home to the Lisu Ethnic Minority. In the late afternoon, return to Shangri-La for an overnight stay.

In the late afternoon, drive back to Shangri-La for overnight.

In the morning, visit the Tacheng Black Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park in Weixi County to observe and photograph the snub-nosed monkeys. In the afternoon, explore surrounding villages before heading to the historic Dukezong Ancient Town, where you can immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and architecture. Drive back to the hotel for departure.

Recommended Hotels

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
• Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

Travel Tips:

1.Visitors are advised to always carry changes of clothing due to the large variations in temperature between day and night.
2.The climate is relatively dry, so drink more water every day.
3.Protecting oneself from strong UV radiation at high altitude.
4.Protecting oneself from altitude sickness. Lessen the effects of altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise and have plenty of rest.
5.Respect local customs , habits, and religious beliefs.
6.Situated on the northern edge of the tropical zone, Xishuangbanna area is hot, humid and rainy.
7.don’t forget to take an umbrella or a raincoat when go out.
8.When take photos, please pay attention to your safety, do not shoot in dangerous areas.

Yunnan Travel Guide

Things To Do

• Yunnan Overview
• Yunnan Attractions
• Yunnan Tours
• Yunnan Shopping
• Yunnan Culture
• Festivals and Activities

Travel Information

• Yunnan Travel Tips
• Yunnan Climate
• Yunnan Transportation
• Yunnan Maps
• Yunnan Photos
• Yunnan Dining
• Yunnan Accommodation
• Yunnan Education
• Yunnan Travel News
• Administrative Divisions

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Welcome to Yunnan Exploration Travel. As one of the most professional travel agencies established in Yunnan for 15 years, Yunnan Exploration Travel(YET)is the leading online travel service platform affiliated with Trans Asia Discovery International Travel Service Co.Ltd,(云南亚索国际旅行社有限公司/亚索旅业 in Chinese) which is headquartered in Kunming, Yunnan, China. We are concentrated on organizing private tour, holiday package, and tailor-make theme trips like trekking, photography, and golf tours. In addition, Our business has expanded to Southeast Asian countries including Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. With the abundant and high-end tourist resources and impressive services, YET could be your first choice for starting your trip in Yunnan.

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1 Day Lashihai Lake Boat Cruise and Horse Riding Tour along the Ancient Tea Horse Road

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• Lijiang

The 8th International Macadamia Symposium will be held in Lincang

The 8th International Macadamia Symposium will be held in Lincang, Yunnan Province on October 14-20, 2018. This is a grand event for the international macadamia industry and a grand festival...

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• Lincang

Macadamia Nut in Lincang

Chinese Name: 临沧澳洲坚果 English Name: Macadamia Nut in Lincang Lincang Macadamia Nuts are a specialty of Lincang City, Yunnan Province, China. They have been recognized as a national geographical...

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• Lincang

International Macadamia Symposium in Lincang

Chinese Name: 临沧国际澳洲坚果研讨会 English Name: Lincang International Macadamia Symposium in Lincang Welcome to Lincang, a beautiful and abundant charming land, lies in southwest Yunnan and is beside Lancang River,...

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• Lincang

How to Visit in the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang

If you’re in Lijiang, visiting the Jade Dragon Snow mountain is likely to be on your itinerary. Indeed, many tourists make their way to Lijiang specifically for this purpose....

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• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
• Lijiang
• Yulong County

Yongchang Wetland of Dianchi Scenic Area in Kunming

Before the completion of Yongchang (永昌)Wetland Park, it was Yongchang（永昌） Fish Pond. It was located in the south of the Dianchi Kunming Resort （滇池旅游度假区），the Chuanfan river （船房河）in the south...

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• Dianchi Lake Scenic Area
• Kunming

Daguan River in Kunming

Overview of Daguan River Daguan River is located on the western side of Kunming’s main urban area. It begins on the southern side of Daguan Road (大观路) in the...

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• Kunming
• Rivers
• Rivers in Kunming
• Wuhua District
• Xishan District

Liushao Red Land in Xundian County, Kunming

Overview of Liushao Red Land Liushao Red Land (六哨红土地) in Xundian County (寻甸县), Kunming, is often compared to Dongchuan Red Land (东川红土地). Both have their unique charm, but Liushao...

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• Kunming
• Natural Wonders
• Xundian County

Top 8 Ancient Ethnic Villages in Heqing County, Dali

Plan your Dali Ethnic Villages Tour to Dali? Visit Top 8 Ancient Ethnic Villages in Heqing County, Dali which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Dali....

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• Dali
• Ethnic Villages
• Ethnic Villages in Dali
• Heqing County
• Traditional Ethnic Villages in Dali

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2 Days Shangri-La Tacheng Snub-nosed Monkey National Park Tour from Shangri-La

Shangri-La-Nixi Town-Tuoding-Tacheng

Wildlife Tours    Veiw

• 2 Days Yunnan Travel Itinerary
• Diqing
• Shangri-La
• Tacheng Town