Day 1 Arrive at Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Arrive at Lijiang
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Lunch

Arrive at Lijiang airport, meet your tour guide and transfer to your hotel in Lijiang City.

Day 2 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baishuihe River, Yak Meadow, Baisha Old Town, Baisha Mural, Shuhe Old Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

This morning, you will drive to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, take the sightseeing bus for a short visit through the Baishuihe River, then take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cable way will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around 1 hour in the original forest in Yak Meadow(3700 meters).

Stroll through Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Naxi style old town. Visit the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, which is a part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997. Later visit Shuhe Old Town. Nestled at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, 6 km northwest of Lijiang old town. Shuhe was once a staging post at ancient Tea & Horse Road. With an altitude of 2440 meters above sea level, it is a tranquil town with a population of about 3000 people. Along with its sister town Lijiang, it is also part of the UNESCO Heritage site. Shuhe is the earliest settlement of Naxi people in Lijiang when their ancestors first moved to this region.

Day 3 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: First Bend on the Yangtze River, the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

From Lijiang, you’ll drive about 60km to the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, visit the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks.

Continue to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge(Shangri-la section), the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river.

After the tour , drive back to your hotel in Lijiang.

Day 4 Lijiang Departure

Sightseeing and Activities: Lijiang Departure
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy the free time before going to Lijiang airport for your departure flight. Service ends.

Day 1 Arrival in Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: Arrive in Kunming
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Lunch

Upon arrival in Kunming, our local guide will pick you up from Kunming airport, then transfer to hotel for check-in. 

Day 2 Kunming-Dali

Sightseeing and Activities: Dali Ancient Town
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Four and half hours drive to Dali, visit the Dali Old Town to see how people prepare for the Chinese New Year. Markets are very busy as people will buy everything they need for the New Year. Every family cleans their houses and streets and pastes spring couplets, three pieces of red paper with Chinese writing to paste on the door, one on the top and two on left and right side, to express their good wishes for coming year. Dinner is the time for family gathering.

Day 3 Dali

Sightseeing and Activities: the dances of Dragons and Lions
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 4 Dali-Weishan-Dali

Sightseeing and Activities: Weishan old town, Weibaoshan Mountain
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day trip to Weishan old town to see how people celebrate the festival over there. Weishan is a small autonomous county of Bai and Yi people with the history of more than thousand years, it used to be a very important old town before the Nanzhao Kingdom was established. Visit the Taoist Temple in Weibaoshan Mountain and walk in the forest.

Day 5 Dali

Sightseeing and Activities: Three Pagodas, Cangshan Mountain, Zhonghe Temple
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 6 Dali-Binchuan-Jizu Mountain

Sightseeing and Activities:Jizu Mountain hiking tour, Jizu Mountain Worshiping Festival, Zhusheng Temples
Accommodation: Jizu Mountain
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Three hours drive to Mt. Jizu, visit Buddhist Zhusheng Temples and walk for three hours up to the top of the mountain. If you don’t want to climb all the way up, you can walk for an hour and then take the chairlift up to the top. There on the mountain top, you will join the locals for the Jizu Mountain Worshiping Festival to pray and express good wishes. Usually, people will go to the Mt Jizu for a couple of times for their wishes. The first time they go there is to ask for the good wishes, when their wishes come true, they will go back again to express the thanks to the God, and they may have new wishes again.

Day 7 Jizu Mountain-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Jizu Mountain
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Get up early to see the sunrise of Mt. Jizu, you can take photos there. Then walk down to visit some temples on the way back and drive to Lijiang. Lijiang is the home of the matriarchal Naxi culture, which is protected as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. Lijiang was at the end of the Tibetan tea caravan route that gave rise to the Naxi women’s strong commercial bent as successful shopkeepers and traders. 

Day 8 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baishuihe River, Yak Meadow, Baisha Old Town, Baisha Murals, Lijiang Ancient Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 9 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shaxi

Sightseeing and Activities: Tiger Leaping Gorge, the First Bend of Yangtze River, Shaxi Ancient Town,
Accommodation: Shaxi
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 1 Arrival Beijing

Sightseeing and Activities: Arrival Beijing
Accommodation: Beijing
Meals:

Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day. 
 
Beijing, China’s capital and one of the great travel destinations of the World, offers sights and cultural relics found no where else on Earth. The city has a character all its own; there are quadrangles, small alleys, tricycle, boiled mutton, roasted duck, arts and crafts, Peking Opera, The Great Wall, the 2008 Olympics venue and a vibrancy that is the distinctive flavor of Beijing.

Day 2 Beijing

Sightseeing and Activities:Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, Peking Opera
Accommodation: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart from your hotel in the morning to visit Tian’anmen Square. As the biggest city center square in the world, Tian’anmen Square covering 44 hectares in the heart of Beijing. It is the place where history-changing events and ceremonies occurred. A few steps away, come to visit the Forbidden City, which was the Imperial Palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and, it is one of the largest, and certainly the most completely restored, ancient architectural complex in the world. Walk in the footsteps of Emperors; come to the museum and see with your eyes, and feel with your hearts; you’ll begin understand what life in this richest of feudal realms was like for the Imperial Rulers, their concubines and their slaves.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, continue on to the Temple of Heaven. Departing from the Imperial vermilion and gold hues of the Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven is decorated in blue, the color of the Heavens. The perfect harmony between the architectural environment and nature can be felt here; you might easily imagine the vivid spectacle of a great sacrifice to the Heavens for a good harvest. The magnificent Hall of Prayer of Good Harvest is one of the most important and impressive building in China.

In the evening, we offer you an opportunity to enjoy Peking Opera. Expert performers convey powerful emotions to the audience through song, dance, facial make-up, exquisite masks and costume, skilled use of body language and sympathetically integrated musical accompaniment. 

Day 3 Beijing

Sightseeing and Activities:Great Wall, Ming Tombs,
Accommodation: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The star attraction of China is its Great Wall, a massive defensive structure built to keep intruders from entering the mainland. Today you will have the opportunity to traverse the ancient steps of Mutianyu Great Wall. But before this exciting experience, you will first take a short visit to the Ming Tombs (Changling Tomb). 

Mutianyu Great Wall was first built in the mid-6th century during the Northern Qi, making it older than the Badaling section. In 1569, the Mutianyu Great Wall was rebuilt and till today most parts of it are well preserved. The Mutianyu Great Wall has the largest construction scale and best quality among all sections of Great Wall.

The Ming Tombs are located in the northern suburbs of Beijing. Altogether there are thirteen tombs of Ming Dynasty Emperors from the period after the capital was moved from Nanjing to Beijing. You’ll visit the Changling Tomb, burial site of Emperor Yong Le, the biggest and first built at this historic site.

For today’s dinner, how about taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck, as it is the best-known dish in Beijing. It is very tender and unforgettably delicious. You’ll visit a local restaurant to enjoy a full meal and learn the proper way to experience Peking Roasted Duck. From the whole roasted duck to the soup of duck bones, you’ll enjoy a banquet made from every part of the duck. Moreover, the chef will demonstrate his skill of cutting the skin of the duck for your entertainment.

Day 4 Beijing – Xian

Sightseeing and Activities:Hutong Tour
Accommodation: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, take a Hutong Tour by rickshaw to visit the ancient lanes and alleyways of Beijing. If exploring the Forbidden City has improved your understanding of the lifestyles of China’s ancient Imperial Court, then this half-day Hutong Tour will give you an insight into the lives of ordinary Chinese people and reveal their social culture in today’s Beijing City. The narrow streets of old Beijing are known as Hutongs. You’ll take a pedicab tour along the Hutongs and see the 100-year-old houses, courtyards and a vanishing way of life in today’s Beijing.

Wonderful time always passes so quickly, in the afternoon, you have to take a flight to Xi’an, the city that steeped in history and still giving up secrets, is your gateway to ancient Chinese civilization. In its 3,100 recorded years of evolution, it has been home to 13 dynasties.  Xi’an was also the end of civilization for those setting out on the famous Silk Road. Today’s Xi’an is a vibrant, modern city, but surrounded by history, even underfoot! So there can be no underground railways due to the obligation to preserve the wealth of ancient treasure still awaiting discovery.

Day 5 Xian

Sightseeing and Activities:Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian City Wall
Accommodation: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today enjoy your full day visit to the Terracotta Warriors, one of the world’s most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation and then to see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the massive Xian City Wall. 

This evening you could choose Jiaozi Banquet as a local flavor experience. It includes over 10 kinds of Jiaozi, whose shapes and flavours vary, such as rabbit, duck, shrimp, peanuts and so on. Or if you more interested in dancing show, choose a Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner would be a good idea. You’ll enjoy the sumptuous dinner while watching a fabulous dancing and singing performance of the Tang Dynasty. This is not only a performance of Chinese traditional dancing and singing, but a re-enactment of Chinese ancient ceremony and culture.

The fabulous Terracotta Warriors was created to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang’s tomb. In accordance with ancient beliefs, this grand project was mounted at enormous cost by the cruel and tyrannical Emperor, only to be attacked, plundered, burnt and buried after his funeral by the peasants who’d labored under the whip to build it.  Then, over two thousand years later, this “Eighth Wonder of the World” was rediscovered by farmers digging a well. The fine troops, horses and carriages in battle formation are a National ancient art treasure. Three excavation pits are now opened to the public and a fourth is nearing completion.  You can, like US President Clinton, now gaze in wonder upon this historic site, listed by UNESCO in 1987 as a world cultural heritage.

Xian was always a walled city, and the Xian City Wall represents one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.  The first city wall of Chang’an was begun in 194 BCE.  The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370; it is massive, measuring 13.7 km in circumference, 12 m in height, and 15–18 m in thickness at the base. The South Gate and North Gate are the two main entrances to the inner city. The city itself is neatly arranged along the city wall.  This impressive structure is just a precursor to the remarkable discoveries awaiting visitors to Xian.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five stories, although the structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian and its exterior brick facade renovated during the Ming Dynasty. One of the pagoda’s many functions was to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and travelers Xuanzang. Now this well-preserved holy place for Buddhist has been the symbol of Xi’an. 

Day 6 Xian-Jiuzhaigou

Sightseeing and Activities:Xian-Jiuzhaigou
Accommodation: Jiuzhaigou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Take a morning fly to Jiuhuang Airport. On arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you for a half day visit to Huanglong Scenic Area, the fairyland (about 3.5 hours). After the tour, be transferred to Jiuzhaigou Reserve area for overnight stay.

Day 7 Jiuzhaigou Valley

Sightseeing and Activities:Jiuzhaigou Valley
Accommodation: Jiuzhaigou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy your whole day time for the excursion in this fairy land (green vans available in the scenic area). Recommended Jiuzhaigou Valley 1 Day Sightseeing Routes from us is: after entering into the entrance, taking the sightseeing bus to visit Rize Valley sites including Panda Lake, Five Flowers Lake, and Pearl Shoals, and then walking to the Pearl Shoals Waterfall (about 1 km). Have you lunch at tourist Center in Nuorilang. After that, continue to visit Zechawa Valley, Long Lake, and walking about 1.2 km to take photos of Five Colored Pool. When finish that, walking for another 1 km to the parking lot for bus to leave the scenic area.
 
Panda Lake has an average depth of 14 meters and as its name implies is in the heart of panda country. This area is surrounded by bamboo forests and a mix of deciduous and coniferous woodland. The vivid green color in autumn attracts tourist all over the world.  

Pearl Shoal and Pearl Shoal Falls are best viewed by taking the walkway. This takes visitors across the “Golden Bell Lake” and “Pearl Shoal” down the left side of the falls then across the base of the Falls to “Mirror Lake”.

Long Lake, also known as Changhai Lake is at the head of the Zechawa valley. The S-shaped Long Lake covers an area of 930,000 sq meters, making it the largest lake in Jiuzhaigou. It is 4390 meters long, and has an average width of 200 meters and reaches a depth of 80 meters. Tibetans prefer to call this lake as “The Lake that never dries out”

Five Color Pool, also called Jade Pool, is fed by underground streams from Long Lake. Just as its name implies, the colorful water in this lake makes it as a charming part during the summer time. Despite its very modest dimensions and depth, it has a richly colored underwater landscape with some of the brightest and clearest waters in the area.

Note: The above itinerary is a recommended one. You also can tell us your planned itinerary such as hiking or photographing tour in Jiuzhaigou so that we can help you to tailor make it for you.

Day 8 Jiuzhaigou Valley-Chengdu

Sightseeing and Activities:Thatched Cottage of Dufu
Accommodation: Chegndu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, be transferred to the airport for your flight to Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province. On arrival, you can take a short visit to Thatched Cottage of Dufu, a beautiful garden and museum to honor Du Fu, one of the greatest Chinese poets. Optional Hot Pot in Sichuan style is available for a dinner if you are interested.

Day 9 Chengdu

Sightseeing and Activities: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sanxingdui Museum
Accommodation: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you will start your one day tour with a visit to the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (about 40 min driving), where you may have chance to see cute pandas. Then continue your tour to Sanxingdui Museum (about 40 min driving), which is recognized as one of world’s most important ancient remains. After the tour, be transferred back to your hotel. In the evening, it will be a good idea for you to appreciate the Sichuan Opera for an optional activity. 

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the world-famous Panda breeding research located about 10km (6 miles) out of the city. This institution replicates the natural habitat of the giant panda and is dedicated to preserving and increasing their population. Visitors are able to hold lovely pandas and be photographed with them.

Sanxingdui Museum is the place where you can learn about the culture that existed between 2,800 and 800 BC. The museum houses ancient remains including bronze wares, jade and stone objects, gold articles, pottery and bone objects excavated near present city of Guanghan, a famous historic and cultural city 40km from Chengdu in the south.

Sichuan Opera is staged in a local tea house, so during the show you may enjoy tea and snacks. There are folk music, opera, solo music, some comedy, amazing acrobatics, shadow puppets, intriguing face changing and spectacular fire eating. You’ll be enthused by colorful costumes, sounds of traditional music and charmed by the shadow play.

Day 10 Chengdu – Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Be transferred to the airport for the flight to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Located at the foot of Mt. Gephel, Lhasa’s altitude is 3,490 m and the air contains only 68% of oxygen compared to sea level. 

Day 11 Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Taking a visit to Lhasa, a trip to Potala Palace is a must. It’s the largest monastery of its type in the world and official home to Dalai Lama. Then move to Jokhang Temple, where monks receive their official training and education. The surrounding is Barkhor Street. Walk along this street of eight corners which will afford us a window into Tibetan culture and an opportunity to buy colorful ethnic handicrafts rarely seen outside of Tibet. 

The awe-inspiring Potala Palace, perched high above much of Lhasa, is the landmark of the city. The palace which consists of the Red Palace, the White Palace and some attached buildings was a complex of political and religious function. Now it is a huge treasure house for materials and articles of Tibetan history, religion, culture and arts.

Located at the center of the old Lhasa, Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet. Built in 647 by Songtsen Gampo, it has a history of more than 1,300 years. The temple is the fine product of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architecture techniques. Visitors will be treated to the sight of various exotic and sacred sculptures. Jokhang Temple also houses many invaluable cultural relics. Every year, the Great Prayer Festival is held here. 

Barkhor Street is a famous commercial and commodity-distributing center in Lhasa, consisting of more than 120 handicrafts shops and more than 200 stalls. It is a good choice that should never be missed by tourists coming to Lhasa, for you can buy anything Tibet-related, from sacks of incense, chunks of yak butter to monk outfits. Barkhor is the road that pilgrims tramped out around Jokhang Temple through centuries. When walking along Barkhor Street, you should move in the clockwise direction.

Day 12 Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka, Sera Monastery
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you will start your one day city tour with a visit to Drepung Monastery, then continue your tour to Norbulingka and Sera Monastery. 
 
Located 5 km from Lhasa, the Drepung Monastery is considered one of the three great monasteries in Tibet. It was first built in 1416, and held 7,700 monks in its heyday. In Tibetan language, Drepung Monastery means monastery of collecting rice.

Norbulingka means Jewel Garden. First built in 1751, it borrowed architectural style from the inland areas of China while maintaining local ethnic and religious features. Norbulingka served as a traditional summer palace and residence starting with the 7th Dalai Lama, and now it is the largest garden in Tibet.

The Sera Monastery is the last of the three principal Yellow Sect monasteries built in Lhasa. The setting itself is very beautiful with cobbled alleyways, temples and colleges. The highlight of visiting Sera Monastery will be watching monks debating inside the shady courtyard behind the main temple. Every day, hundreds of red-robed monks assemble in small groups and practice their debating skills.

Day 13 Lhasa – Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Dukezong Ancient Town
Accommodation: Shangrila
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shangri-la, the legendary lost paradise, a place with stunning scenery, the azure sky and the hospitality of unsophisticated people. On arrival, take a visit to Dukezong Ancient Town. 

Shangri-la is a primarily Tibetan county in northwestern Yunnan and the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The county was formerly called Zhongdian but in 2001 was renamed after the fictional land of Shangri-La, from the James Hilton novel Lost Horizon. With many miles of beautiful vistas to discover, this region offers unique hiking and horse trekking opportunities to those who make the journey down to Northern Yunnan. At an altitude of 3,200 meters, Shangri-La is the start point of the Tibetan world in Northern Yunnan. The small town once was the frontier trading post on the doorstep of Tibet.

Day 14 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Lamasery, Potatso National Park
Accommodation: Shagnrila
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, begin your exciting tour with a visit to Songzanlin Lamasery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, then visit Potatso National Park (green vans available in scenic area) after lunch. 
 
Not far from Shangri-la, Songzanlin Lamasery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist lamasery in Yunnan, and one of the 13 large lamaseries in the joint area of Tibet, Yunnan and Sichuan. Constructed in 1679, it took about three years to complete. Built against the mountain with a magnificent appearance, Songzanlin is a faithful imitation of the Potala Palace in Lhasa Tibet. The most famous treasures in the lamasery are the eight gold-covered sculptures of Sakyamuni, bronze sculptures, the Ganzur scriptures hand-written in liquid gold, gold lamps, and many exquisite gilded silver incense burners. 

Located 22km east of Shangri-La, Potatso National Park is the first national park in mainland China. In Tibetan language, Patatso means reaching the opposite side of the lake by boat under the help of deity. Bitahai Lake and Shuduhu Lake are two major parts of the park. Besides these two lakes, forest, marsh, valley, alpine meadow and so on can be seen in the park. All major spots are connected by walkable plank which offers a closer distance for travelers to experience the natural environment.

Day 15 Shangri-La – Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Lijiang Ancient Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, take another 4 hours driving, you will reach Lijiang, and visit Lijiang Ancient Town to walk down the cobblestone streets over 700 years and see the Naxi way of life which changed little over time.

Lijiang Ancient Town is well-preserved and known as a center for the Naxi people’s brilliant culture. With a history of more than 800 years, the town was built in the interval as the Song Dynasty changed to the Yuan Dynasty, and occupies an area of 3.8 square kilometers. It is built along the lie of mountains and the flow of rivers with the ancient water-supply system which is still in use today, providing a precious example for research on ancient architecture. As a result of selective adoption of ideas from other cultures by the Naxi group, the buildings in town incorporate the best of the architectural styles of Han, Bai and Tibetan, developed into the unique Naxi style. The layout of the town is free and flexible, the houses are close and diverse and the lanes are narrow and meandering. Along both sides of the lanes, there are shops selling superb handicrafts. Here you also have the chance to trace the ancient Tea-Horse Road.

Day 16 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yufeng Temple, Baisha Mural
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive about half an hour to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (cable car and green vans available in the scenic area). After lunch, visit Yufeng Temple and Baisha Mural in the ancient capital of Naxi Kingdom in Baisha Old Town. 

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain nestles near Lijiang. It is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, consisting of 13 peaks with the highest one, Shanzidou, at an altitude of 5,600 meters. Looking from the town, the mountain resembles a jade dragon laying in the clouds, hence the name. The view of the massif from the gardens at the Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang is noted as one of China’s finest views.

Built in 1756, Yufeng Temple is located at the southern foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, 13km from Lijiang. The temple is surrounded by a verdant forest and river with the snow mountain at its back. It displays a harmonious mix of architectural styles of Han Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism and local Naxi Dongba Religion. It is witness to the peaceful coexistence of multinational cultures and religions.  It still plays an important role in local residents’ religious life.

Baisha Mural is located at Baisha Old Town, 10km north of Lijiang. Although the traditional houses do not look impressive, this was the cradle of the Naxi culture and ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom. The valuable murals are protected inside Dabaoji Palace and the colored glaze temples. The originality and figures within the murals reflect the different religious cultures and artistic forms of Buddhism, Lamaism, Taoism and local Naxi Dongba religion’s development into Naxi School. Each painting includes at least one hundred portraits, which are not only Buddha, but also ordinary people such as bureaucrats, farmers, citizens and even criminals. Many of the scenes and subjects are drawn from people’s daily life showing fishing, riding horses, weaving, dancing and casting iron.  

Day 17 Lijiang – Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:Dali Ancient Town, Three Pagodas
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you will be transferred to Dali, the ancient political, economic and cultural center of Yunnan area. Upon arrival, visit Dali Ancient Town and Three Pagodas, the symbol of the history of Dali. 
 
Dali is located on a fertile plateau between the Cangshan Mountains to the West and Erhai Lake to the East. It has traditionally been settled by the Bai and Yi minorities. Dali is the ancient capital of both the Bai kingdom Nanzhao, which flourished in the area during the 8th and 9th centuries.

Dali Ancient Town is 13km (8 miles) away from Dali City. The city’s history can be traced back to the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). According to ancient literature, the City was a gateway to the ancient Silk Road in Southwestern China. Because of its history and wealth, Dali Ancient city was surrounded by the wall which is over 6km in length, 7.5 meters high and 6 meters thick. In 1982, the northern and southern city wall towers were rebuilt to offer visitors a glimpse into the ancient wall’s grandeur. The architecture of Dali Ancient City is in the traditional Bai ethnic style and gives the city a very distinct feel. Dali Ancient City is well known for its traditional arts and crafts. It is particularly famous for its marble and hand woven handicrafts.

With a history over 1,800 years, the Three Pagodas is the symbol of Dali, and the witness of the development of Buddhism in the area. The Three Pagodas are at the East foot of the tenth peak of Cangshan Mountains and face the West shore of the Erhai Lake of the ancient Dali Town. They are an ensemble of three independent pagodas arranged on the corners of an equilateral triangle, with the main pagoda 69 meters in height. Three Pagodas together with Zhaozhou Bridge in Hebei Province and Great Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an are known as the three curiosities of Chinese ancient architecture.

Day 18 Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:Erhai Cruise, Three Courses Tea, Xizhou Bai’s Houses
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, after breakfast, you will first be transferred to the pier and take an Erhai Cruise for about 4 hours. Then in the afternoon, then visit Xizhou Bai’s Houses (Yan’s Courtyard included) where you can see what the Bai people’s houses like.

Erhai Lake is the second largest lake in Yunnan after Dianchi Lake, and one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China. On sunny days, the crystal water of the lake and the snow mantled Cangshan Mountain create a beautiful scene described as silver Cangshan and jade Erhai. The surrounding isles, temples and villages of Erhai Lake are also worth visiting. The Golden Shuttle Island and the nearby fishing community of Bai people with Bai’s culture and lifestyle are charming attractions. You can also enjoy the Three Courses Tea of Bai people on the isles.

Xizhou Bai’s Houses is 18 km north of Dali. Green mountains, winding creeks and fertile land make life here lyrical and carefree. The history of Xizhou dates back to the Sui Dynasty (581-618AD). People nowadays regard Xizhou as a town famous for the Bai culture. The old houses and streets are well preserved and visitors may still find traces of past glory. The houses of are characterized by a traditional Chinese rectangular courtyard with a screen wall facing the gate. On the screen wall usually are four Chinese characters reading ‘Qingbai Shijia’ (innocent family) or ‘Ziqi Donglai’ (Auspicious air comes from the East). Around them are landscape paintings and decorations with colors in profusion. The doors and windows are full of grills with auspicious paintings.

Day 19 Dali – Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Western Hill & Dragon Gate, Village of Ethnic Culture
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Fly back to Kunming in the morning, you will then take a visit of Western Hill & Dragon Gate. After the tour, you can have a short visit to Village of Ethnic Culture.

Western Hills lies in the Biji Mountain chain to the west of Kunming. It is visible from the eastern or northern banks of Dianchi Lake. Clouds and mist often hide the mountain sides, with their giant firs and pines and many ancient temples. The Dragon Gate in the Western Hills is close to the west shore of the Dianchi Lake. 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 3 March 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.

Located by the Dianchi Lake and at the foot of the Western Hill, the Village of Ethnic Culture is a major part of Kunming Dianchi National Tourist and Holiday Zone. Opened to the public on February 18, 1992, the community is 8 km away from the city of Kunming proper and covers an area of 1,340 mus. The whole community contains 26 villages, and so far the Dai Village, the Bai Village, the Yi Village, the Naxi Village, the Wa Village, the Jinuo Village, the Lahu Village, the Bulang Village and 4 other villages have been completed.

Day 20 Kunming – Chongqing

Sightseeing and Activities:Flower and Bird Market
Accommodation: cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, pay a visit to the local Flower and Bird Market to get close touch with the Kunming resident’s life. After lunch, take a flight to Chongqing. When arrival Chongqing, your tour guide and drive will pick up at the airport and stroll around Chongqing city for a while. Till the evening time, you will be transferred to embark the Yangtze River Cruise and start your cruise experience to the longest river of China. 

Located on Yongdao Street of Kunming downtown area, the Flower and Bird Market was originally the site selling flowers, birds, pets, insects and goldfishes to the locals. As business prospered, it has begun to attract more and more visitors, and has gradually developed into an enchanting shopping and sightseeing center with a true local flavor.

Chongqing, the largest inland city of China, is a booming metropolis located in the southeast of the Sichuan Basin at the confluence of the Yangtze and the Jialing rivers. Surrounded by waters on three sides, and by the mountains on four sides, Chongqing is known as ‘mountain city’, ‘foggy city’ and ‘furnace city’.

Over 6,300 kilometers long, the Yangtze is the largest and longest river in China, surpassed only by the Nile of Africa and the Amazon of South America. Born of the melting snows and ice in the Tanggula Mountain chain in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the torrent flows from west to east through provinces of Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Sichuan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui and Jiangsu and the city of Shanghai, finally emptying into the East China Sea.  Between the town of Fengjie (Sichuan Province) and Yichang (Hubei Province) are the magnificent Three Gorges.  

Day 21 Yangtze River Cruise

Sightseeing and Activities:Yangtze River Cruise
Accommodation: cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy your Yangtze cruise! You will have a shore excursion to Fengdu (at own expense), the “Ghost City”. An excursion to Shibaozhai will be arranged for you today
 
Today you will stop for a visit to Fengdu, is located on the northern bank of the Yangtze 176km downstream from Chongqing. Fengdu received its reputation in the Eastern Han Dynasty. A plethora of demon-decorated temples, buildings and statues in this river town earned it the moniker “Ghost City” – the carved facades are truly fascinating. The temples built on Mt. Mishan display punishing instruments and wild demon images, which vividly depict the Chinese people’s imagination of Hell. Another classic site – Shibaozhai may for your optional visiting.

Shibaozhai, literally means Stone Treasure Fortress, located in Zhong County at the south bank of the Yangtze River, 278 kilometers away from Chongqing City. It was first built in Qing Dynasty in 1750. Shibaozhai is one historical site that has a new appearance since 2009. 

Day 22 Yangtze River Cruise

Sightseeing and Activities:Yangtze River Cruise
Accommodation: cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today pass through Three Gorges that namely Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and then, you will have an excursion to Goddess Stream (4.5 – 5 hrs). After that and back to the cruise ship for viewing the Xiling Gorge scenery. Around 23:00 today, the ship will pass through the locks of Three Gorge Dam. The optional excursion today will be the White Emperor City (at own expense).
 
This morning, rise early to see the dawn light the Yangtze River before the boat enters the first gorge- Qutang Gorge, the shortest (8 km), narrowest and the most dramatic one of the three gorges. Two mountains, Chijia (Red Passage) and Baiyan (White Salt), guard the entrance to this gorge like giant castle doors.

A few hours later you see the second gorge -Wu Gorge, the middle gorge which is best known for its quiet beauty, sheer cliffs and twelve unique peaks. Often veiled in swirls of mist, six line the north side of the river and six staggered peaks stand to the south. The most famous, Goddess Peak, resembles a kneeling maiden.

Xiling Gorge extends from Badong County in the west to the Nanjin Pass in Yichang in the east, about 66 km long. It is the longest of the Three Gorges and is entirely within Hubei Province. Xiling Gorge is full of shoals and rapid currents. The most dangerous shoals are Xietan, Qingtan and Kong Ling, collectively known as the Three Shoals of Xiling. Among all the dangerous shoals, Qingtan Shoal and Kongling Shoal are the most famous.

Goddess Stream also be called “Beauty Stream” in locals. The length of the stream is about 15km. In this 15km, there are 10km-long virgin valley. When in high water level season, visitors may have chance to see the beautiful virgin scenery and oritinal inhabitants there. In the past, only few photographers know this charming place. And now, it turns into a new scenic spot in Yangtze River Cruise.

Day 23 Yangtze River Cruise-Yichang-Shanghai

Sightseeing and Activities:Three Visitors Cave
Accommodation: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

When finish your breakfast on the cruise ship, you could really feel the might of the dam by having an excursion to Three Gorges Dam. After the visiting, you can still appreciate the Xiling Gorge on the deck. And then, disembark at Yichang and have a visit to Three Visitors Cave. After that, be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Arrive in Shanghai and be transferred to the hotel to catch up on some rest.

Three Gorges Dam is 2,335-meter long, 185-meter high, 18-meter wide on the top and 130-meter wide at the bottom. The dam will raise the river to a level of 175 meters above sea level, creating a 600km long reservoir with storage capacity of 39.9 billion cubic meters extending from the dam site all the way to Chongqing. It is the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken.  

Three Visitors Cave (Sanyoudong) is located in the cliff of the Mt. Xiling by the Yangtze River, 7km away from the center of Yichang city. It is backed by the mouth of Xiling Gorge in the Yangtze Three Gorges. Facing the Xialao River, the Cave has wonderful and beautiful scenery. It is one of the famous historical sites in Hubei province and on May 25, 2006, Yichang’s Three Visitors Cave was listed into the sixth batch of national key cultural relic protection units for its precious cultural treasures.

Shanghai is a city unlike any other in China. It is the bustling economic heartbeat of China that enjoys all of the comforts and amenities of a fully modern metropolis. Shanghai today looks to regain its former position at the turn of 20th of being one of the largest financial centers in the world behind New York and London. It is a city that seamlessly blends East and West.

Day 24 Shanghai

Sightseeing and Activities:Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai World Financial Center, the Bund
Accommodation: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

A full day of sightseeing starts with Jade Buddha Temple and Yuyuan Garden, a Chinese classic garden in city downtown. Then visit the nearby old street. Continue your trip to Shanghai World Financial Center, which is one of the most popular attractions of the city. After that, you can have a walk along the Bund, Shanghai’s famed waterfront promenade. Tonight if you are interested, you can enjoy the breathtaking Acrobatics Show as your optional entertainment. 
 
Jade Buddha Temple is located in a crowd of Shanghai City. It was first built in 1882 in Jiangwan on the southern outskirts of Shanghai. At that time, a 1.9-metre-high white jade Buddha was installed here after a monk had brought it from Burma to Zhejiang Province in 1882. Jade Buddha Temple is one of the Shanghai must-see attractions, and till now, it still be an active one that with 70 resident monks at last count.

Yuyuan Garden has a lot of stories for it was severely damaged in the 19th century and was restored in 1961. This garden was first built in the 16th century by provincial governor, Pan Yunduan, in honor of his father who was the then government minister. It has many scenic courtyards decorated with baroque rockery, pools, and flora that are all connected by corridors and passageways. The delicate design and exquisite layout of the whole garden reveals a strong impression of ‘garden in the garden, whole in the part.

Shanghai World Financial Center is a super tall skyscraper in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It is a mixed use skyscraper which consists of offices, hotels, conference rooms, observation decks, and shopping malls on the ground floors. On 14 September 2007 the skyscraper was topped out at 492.0 meters (1,614.2 feet) and became the second tallest building in the world; as well as the tallest structure on mainland China, including Hong Kong.

The Bund is the showcase with the old buildings of colonial-era leftover along Huangpu River. The renowned waterfront district is the city’s most famous landmark. The word BUND is of Anglo-India origin meaning embankment on the waterfront. It is also the popular site to enjoy the night view of the city.

Shanghai offers colorful recreations with rich contents and creative form. Your night may be filled with an interactive old form of art known as the Acrobatics. Those professional performers have been trained of as early as age six or seven so that they can play so well and excellent. It definitely will be an unforgettable night in your memory.

Day 25 Shanghai – Huangshan

Sightseeing and Activities:Tunxi Old Street
Accommodation: Huangshan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Free at leisure in the morning till be transferred to the airport in the early afternoon for the flight to Huangshan. After one hour’s flight, the plane will land at Huangshan City, which located at the south of Anhui Province and famous for the Mt. Huangshan and the scattered serene villages. In the evening, if you are interested, you can take a leisure stroll along Tunxi Old Street which is regarded as a span of the old-time memory of the area. Tomorrow we’ll find out more.

Tunxi Old Street, located at the center of Tunxi District of Huangshan City, has been the distribution center of south Anhui Province knowing for the production of green tea and ink. It is the witness of the flourish of Anhui merchant’s for a period of time. The street is 1.5 kilometers long and 7 meters wide with double-floor wooden houses built during the Ming and Qing dynasties at two sides. So far, over 100 movies have been shot in the old street. Here you can buy featured souvenirs such as traditional Chinese medicine, Qimen Black Tea, Anhui ink stick, Shexian ink stone and Anhui Four Carvings.

Day 26 Huangshan

Sightseeing and Activities:Xidi Village, Hongcun Village
Accommodation: Huangshan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart from Huangshan City, take a 1 hour driving you will reach the ancient Yixian County and take a visit to Xidi Village and Hongcun Village. In the late afternoon, be transferred to Huangshan city. 

Xidi Village is known for its unique and elegant wooden houses with prettified walls preventing rain infiltration, black tiles recording the history of the town, and decorative gate towers standing for the particular flavor of the architecture. The exquisite wood carvings, stone engravings and tile carvings are also can be found in Xidi. Walking into an ancient house, you will find yourself in a well-arranged garden with rockeries, fish ponds, stream and cobble-paved ground.

Hongcun Village, with a history over 400 years, has a cattle-like plan, a stream passes by every door in the village like cattle’s gut, a semi-lunar pond looks like cattle’s stomach, and the four bridges over the stream from the cattle’s feet. With marbled ground, black tiles, fresh red lanterns, elaborate woodcarvings and amazingly comprehensive water system, Hongcun Village is known as ‘the folk imperial palaces’.

Day 27 Huangshan

Sightseeing and Activities: Mt. Huangshan scenic area
Accommodation: Huangshan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you will be transferred to well-known Mt. Huangshan scenic area and climb up the mountain by cable car to have your exploration. Lunch and dinner will be served at the restaurant on mountain. Stay overnight at the top of the mountain. 

Mt. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is one of China’s ten best-known scenic spots. It is characterized by the four wonders, namely, odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formation, seas of clouds and crystal-clear hot springs. Having all the features of mountain scenery, Mt. Huangshan is known as the No. 1 Mountain under the Heaven. Because of the mists and clouds, natural scenery in the area changes beyond prediction. Xu Xiake, a noted Chinese geologist and traveler in Ming Dynasty, praised Mt. Huangshan as the best of all mountains. 

Because of the limited water and food resources, the price climbs high on mountain. Please be careful while sight-seeing and environmental-friendly to the beautiful scenery. Take a good rest for tomorrow’s soul-stunning sunrise.

Day 28 Huangshan – Hangzhou

Sightseeing and Activities:Hefang Ancient Street
Accommodation: Hangzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy your own free time then you will take about 3 hours driving to reach Hangzhou. On arrival, enjoy your own free exploration of this city. If you are interested, you can take a leisure stroll along the Hefang Ancient Street to get a first impression of this city, which is a cobble street lined with traditional shops selling herbal medicines, handicrafts and silk products.

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is located by the Qiantang River at the Southern end of the Grand Canal.  As one of the most renowned and prosperous cities of China for much of the last 1,000 years, Hangzhou is also well-known for its beautiful natural scenery, with the West Lake as the most well-known location. The Venetian Marco Polo supposedly visited Hangzhou in the late 13th century. His book refers to the city as “beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world.”

Hefang Street is a well-designed old pedestrian street, which is the epitome of old Hangzhou. The original street has been ruined and it recently takes on a completely new look after lager-scale of restoration. Shops selling art crafts, souvenirs, silk, teahouses, and restaurants line on both sides of the street. Many famous century-old shops can be found along the street, such as Hu Qing Yu Pharmacy and Wang Xing Ji Fans. Hefang Street is otherwise known as the Snack Street for the diverse food it serves. The street clearly concentrates food from all around the country, while at some time highlighting the local flavors.

Day 29 Hangzhou

Sightseeing and Activities:West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda and Tea Museum
Accommodation: Hagnzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy your full day relaxing tour that covers the visit to West Lake, the most famous attraction in Hangzhou, Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda and Tea Museum. Huaiyang Cuisine is available for your optional dinner (at your own expense).

“Rippling waters shimmering on a sunny day,
Misty mountains shrouded by the rain;
Plain or gaily decked out like Xizi;
West Lake is always alluring.”
 
These sentiments by the famous poet Su Dongpo, comparing West Lake with Xizi, the most renowned beauty of the Song Dynasty, leave one in no doubt of the splendor of the scenery that inspired them. Enclosed by the hills on three sides, the West Lake mirrors the surrounding landscape to form a panorama of great beauty. The lake was originally part of the Qitang River until its outlet became silted up. It is now 15km in circumference with an average depth of 1.8 meters.

The Lingyin Temple is regarded as one of the four temples by the side of the West Lake.  The main hall, 33.6 meters high, is one of China’s tallest single-story buildings, further distinguished by double eaves. Within, a statue of Sakyamuni, carved out of 24 pieces of camphor wood and gilded with 104 ounces of gold, stands an impressive 19.6 meters high.

Standing by the Qiantang River in Hangzhou, the Pagoda of Six Harmonies (Liuhe Tower) has for hundreds of years been praised by poets and men of letters. The pagoda was constructed first in 970 during the Northern Song Dynasty to suppress the tidewaters. It is nearly 60 meters tall with 13 stories outside and seven inside. From here you can have a good view of the Qiantang River meandering far into the distance.

While you are enjoying the beautiful sightseeing of Hangzhou, you can also try the well-known Huaiyang Cuisine which is the style prevailing in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo and Suzhou. The basin of the lower reaches of the Yangtze and the coast are blessed with the products of rivers, lakes and the sea; everything for seekers of fine food. Huaiyang dishes are characterized by the addition of a relatively high proportion of soy sauce.

Day 30 Hangzhou – Guilin

Sightseeing and Activities:Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill
Accommodation: Guilin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Take a morning flight to Guilin. On arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport then transfer you to the hotel. On the way, you will have chance to visit the gorgeous Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin City. The Rice Noodle Banquet will be a good choice as an optional dinner if you wanna have a try.

Guilin is world-famous for its serene landscape, Karst limestone formations, mist-covered hills and bamboo groves. It is home to more than ten ethnic groups, including Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Hui and Dong. On the way from the airport to your hotel, you will see dozens of pretty hills everywhere in the city of Guilin. It is a city of hills and green trees and boasts one of the most photographed areas of China.

Elephant Trunk Hill, or Xiangbishan, is the symbol of Guilin. Observed from a distance, you’ll see an elephant-like form standing majestically at the confluence of the Li and Yang Rivers, with its trunk arching into the clear waters, a fantasy elephant eternally quenching a gargantuan thirst; lifelike in shape and energetic in posture. 

Reed Flute Cave is named for the special reeds, used for making flute instruments, that grow near the cave entrance. The caves are a feast for the eyes. The natural beauty of a profusion of stalactites and stalagmites, stele, stone pillars, stone curtains and stone flowers creating an infinite variety of extraordinary scenes, creatively illuminated, is bound to evoke gasps of admiration. It is fitting then, that Reed Flute Cave is commonly praised as Nature’s Grand Art Palace.

Guilin Rice Noodle is the most popular snack in Guilin. If you want to know Guilin’s culture deeply, it’s a recommended choice for you to taste the Banquet of Rice Noodle as your optional dinner. The thing that sets one dish apart from another is the soup, which is made of pork, steak, Lo Han Kuo, and other seasonings. Depending on different kinds of ingredients used in the soup, rice noodles can be divided into vegetable, three-fresh, original soup, spicy and sour, beef, and horse meat ones.

Day 31 Guilin – Yangshuo

Sightseeing and Activities:Li River cruise
Accommodation: Yangsuo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The highlight of today’s sightseeing is a leisurely cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo. Meandering through valleys, bamboo groves and mysterious Karst rock formations, the cruise will affords you a glimpse of a life far removed from the concrete jungle. Stay overnight in Yangshuo. In the evening, if you are interested, you can enjoy the night show called Impression of Liu San Jie as an optional activity.

In the morning, be driven to Pier for your Li River Cruise. A double-decker river boat is waiting for you. The landscape from Guilin to Yangshuo is truly a masterpiece of nature. The crystal waters, straight-out-of-a-painting mountains, peaceful farm fields, hard-working-but- ever-smiling fishermen and wandering water buffaloes inspire poetic musings of Guilin’s charming life. Under the blue sky, your river boat transports you in an unending daydream.

You will end up your cruise in Yangshuo, is a small oriental but Western-influenced town with a history of 1000 years. The West Streetin the town earns its name since almost every one in West Street can speak fluent English and every restaurant or bar offers menus in several languages. You’ll feel no borders or distance here and will soon fall under the spell of this charismatic, welcoming small-town atmosphere. Moreover, West Street is flanked by fascinating little shops and vendor stands selling a broad variety of superior quality souvenirs, perfect gifts for friends and relatives. West Streets charms increase when night comes; countless bars, cafés and bistros open till midnight with dynamic music and live bands to ensure you can have a really memorable night with your new-found friends.

Some guests may also hear about the night show – Impressions of Liu Sanjie performance. The site is only one mile from West Street in the world’s largest natural theatre which utilizes the waters of the Li River as its stage, flanked by twelve mist shrouded hills and the heavens as its backdrop. Mist, rain, moonlight, the hills and their inverted reflections in the river all become the ever-changing natural background, so you will enjoy a unique experience each time you attend. In the ‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’, you will be presented with stylized scenes and events from the daily life of the Zhuang people living around the Li River. From these pageants, you will gain a realistic sense of Sanjie’s birthplace and appreciate the beauty of the folk songs. If you are able to take photographs under low-light conditions, you are assured of some stunning images from this performance.

Day 32 Yangshuo – Guilin – Hong Kong

Sightseeing and Activities:Yangshuo countryside
Accommodation: Hong Kong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy an interested cycling tour around the countryside (electric sightseeing bus is an alternative choice if you don’t like to have the cycling tour) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere along the way – you may have chance to take an exterior view of the famous Moon Hill. After lunch, be transferred to the airport for your afternoon flight to Hong Kong..

From Yangshuo, take a short, pleasant drive along the country road. The fields, the bafflo, the farmers, all of these are the most local lifestyle of Yangshuo. Both cycling or sitseeing bus tours will let you to get close to the nature. 

Here we recommend a cycling route for your reference: 
West Street – Xiangshui bridge – Jima – Xiatang Village – Back to Aishanmen – Chaoyang – Giggling Tree – Mountain Retreat – Gongnong bridge – Ten-mile Gallery – West Street
Tour duration is about 2.5 hours
Tips: We would suggest start the tour in the morning at 08:30 a.m. in order to avoid the sun burns and hot temperature.

Hong Kong is a bustling and vibrant destination boasting a rich blend of Chinese and European traditions. Visitors to this “Pearl of the Orient” will experience breathtaking views from Victoria Peak, the uniqueness of Aberdeen’s Floating Community, and the offerings at Stanley Market. It would be hard to find a more exiting city than Hong Kong. Set among beautiful natural surroundings it has all the benefits of a thriving and vibrant commercial center home to shopping like no place.

Day 33 Hong Kong

Sightseeing and Activities:Victoria Peak, Aberdeen
Accommodation: Hong Kong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, enjoy your half day city tour that including a visiting to Victoria Peak, Aberdeen (no sampan) – home to hundreds of people living on fishing junks, and the largest jewelry factory in Hong Kong. After the tour, enjoy your own free exploration in this city.
 
Victoria Peak is Hong Kong’s premier visitor attraction, providing magnificent harbor and city views. You will experience the dazzling panorama of Hong Kong Island, the Victoria Harbor, the Kowloon Peninsula and hills beyond. By night, you are thrilled to the neon-light skyline. What’s more, the Peak offers visitors a multitude of fantastic entertainment, dining and shopping options.

Aberdeenis also located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. It is home to hundreds of people living on fishing junks. The traditional lifestyle is dramatically juxtaposed against a modern high-rise community that spreads up the nearby hillsides. To get a close-up look at the Aberdeen way of life, many visitors take a sampan ride. In the evenings, any others prefer to take in the view from the floating seafood restaurant anchored there.

Day 34 Depature from Hong Kong

Sightseeing and Activities:
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast

The vacation is over all too soon as you’re transferred to the airport to board the home-bound flight, bidding a fond farewell to China, and we know you’ll be back. Service ends.

Day 1 Arrive in Beijing

Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Beijing
Accommodation: Beijing
Meals:

Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China, you will transfer to your hotel on your own. Free at leisure for the rest of the day. 

Day 2 Beijing

Sightseeing and Activities:Mutianyu Great Wall
Accommodation: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Pick up service by your tour guide and driver(7:00am-7:30am).
Great Wall at Mutianyu-Driving Time (50 minutes).
Great Wall at Mutianyu-Sightseeing (2.5 hours). (Optional: Great Wall Cable Car, not included in tour price).
Lunch at the local restaurant (Lunch, 1 hour). 
Drive back to downtown and drop-off at your hotel around 16:00.

Tour Description:

Mutianyu Great Wall, featured “graceful”, enjoy the best quality among all Wall sections, 80km north-east of Beijing. It is is encased by sprightly streams and lush greenery. Mutianyu Great Wall is older than Badaling Great Wall, it has 22 watchtowers, about one every kilometer. Built mainly with granite, it was opened to tourists on May Day in 1986, the second Great Wall site opened to tourists after BaDaLing. MuTianYu Great Wall passes through beautiful forested hills with streams.There is a cable car at MuTianYu to whisk you up onto the Great Wall.

Day 3 Beijing

Sightseeing and Activities:Forbidden City,Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace
Accommodation: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Pick up service by your tour guide and driver at 7:30-8:00.
Forbidden City-Sightseeing (2.5 hours)
Temple of Heaven –Sightseeing (1 hour)
Local Restaurant-Lunch (1 hour)
Summer Palace -Driving Time (40 minutes)
Summer Palace -Sightseeing (1.5 hours). (Option: Kunming Lake Boat)
Drop-off service at your hotel before 17:00

Tour Description:
The Forbidden City is the best preserved imperial palace in China and the largest ancient palatial structure in the world. The splendid architecture of the Forbidden City represents the essence and culmination of traditional Chinese architectural accomplishment. The Temple of Heaven is spectacular temple that the Emperors visited during the Ming and Qing dynasties to pray for a good harvest. Because of the Temples beauty, many locals still visit and use the site to exercise. The Summer Palace is another breathtaking area that will be seen. Entering into the gates of the Summer Palace is like stepping into another world. The grandeur and beauty of the Palace is overwhelming and is sure to impress anyone.

Day 4 Beijing-Xian by Speed Train

Sightseeing and Activities:City ride
Accommodation:Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour Duration: 4.5 hours
Morning Group: 07:30-12:00.
Afternoon Group: 13:30-17:30.

“Take a journey to understand what Beijing is all about”
This well-designed Beijing city tour is a different travel experience all together. Instead of a long day tour, we’ve made it 4 hours only for you to get a glimpse of all the interesting places. During the trip, we prepared a unique “Old Beijing” album, for each traveler – a collection of 100 years’ old photos taken by travelers and journalists traveling to China last century. You will be able to spot the same places in the pictures, during our tour. This is a remarkable and unique opportunity to understand first had, the changes Beijing has been through and experiencing “then and now”

Tour concentrate mainly in 3 parts:
City ride – where we will cross the city and you will see from the bus:
1 City central line: Wangfujing street- Wusi street- Jinshan Garden.
2 City north line: Wenjin street- Deshengmen Gate- Drum& Bell Tower- Shichahai – Second ring road- Dongbianmen Gate.
3 City south line: Chongwenmen Gate- Old Concession- Tian’amen Square- Qianmen street.

City history walk:
Imperial outer view (Jingshan Garden – Imperial Palace – Beihai Park).
Ancient city wall ruins at Dongbianmen.
Ancient commercial area (Qianmen)

Hutong Discovery at Sanlihe Hutong Riverside
Where you will have the chance to enjoy the authentic, local neighborhoods also declared UNESCO world heritage site.
Take the speed train from Beijing to Xian (NO.G663 15:45-21:25) ,meet your local guide and driver in Xian and transfer to the hotel.

Day 5 Xian

Sightseeing and Activities:The Museum of Terracotta Warriors, Banpo Museum, The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Cien Temple
Accommodation: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Be met by your guide and driver at your hotel in the morning——The Museum of Terracotta Warriors Sightseeing (including Pit 1.2.3 of Terracotta Warriors and The Bronze Chariots and Horses) (2 hours) ——Lunch at Local Restaurant(1 hour) ——Banpo Museum(1 hour)–The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Cien Temple Sightseeing(1 hour )–Drop-off service at your hotel and end one day’s trip.

Day 6 Xian-Chengdu by Train

Sightseeing and Activities:Xian-Chengdu by Train
Accommodation: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast

You will take taxi to Xi’an Train Station to take the train to Chengdu. Train schedule will be T7 6：41-20：36-soft-berth. You will spend one full day on the train, manage the lunch on your own.

Upon Chengdu arrival, you will take taxi to hotel in Chengdu downtown on your own. Check in hotel and take good rest.

Day 7 Chengdu-Panda Base-Leshan-Mt. Emei

Sightseeing and Activities:Panda Base, Leshan,Mt. Emei
Accommodation: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

*07:00-08:00 Transfer from hotel to Panda Research Base
*09:00-11:30 Visit rooms of adult pandas, sub-adult pandas and baby pandas, you can see they are happy eating bamboo and playing around in the morning
*13:00-15:00 Driving from Chengdu to Giant Buddha in Leshan city, including the lunch time
*15:00-17:30 Travel the Buddha Mountain, from the head of the gigantic Buddha to his enormous toes. (Alternative: Taking Boat from the ferry to the river in front of Buddha)
*18:00-19:00 Continue to travel to the foot of Mt. Emei, live in Baoguo Temple Area
*19:00-20:00 Sightseeing and Dining in the Gourmet Street (Dinner Cost is not included in tour package)

Day 8 Mt. Emei – Chengdu

Sightseeing and Activities:Golden Submit ,Huazang Temple, Wannian Temple, Qingyin Pavilion, Moneky Zone
Accommodation: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

*07:00-09:00 Going up to Golden Submit by bus and cable car.(Cable Car 120RMB not included in package)
*10:00-11:00 Sightsee at Golden Submit, visit Huazang Temple, enjoy the magnificent view of the clouds, mountains, forest.
*12:00-13:00 Take Sightseeing bus down to Wannian Temple, located in middle of the mountain.
*13:00-17:00 Trekking along the path of essential scenic zone to visit Wannian Temple, Qingyin Pavilion, Moneky Zone, etc, walk down hill to WuxianGang.
*18:00-20:00 Take Bullet Train back to Chengdu within only 1.5 hours, Tour ends at Chengdu Railway Station.

Day 9 Chengdu-Kunming by Flight

Sightseeing and Activities:The Stone Forest, Green Lake, Nanping Street
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Take the morning flight to Kunming, meet the local guide and driver, transfer to visit The Stone Forest.

You will drive 1.5 hours to the Stone Forest. An old local saying says that ‘If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.’ Truly, the Stone Forest is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan. 

After lunch drive back Kunming to relax at the Green Lake and Nanping Street.

You will be dropped to Kunming Railway Station after dinner, to catch up with your overnight train to Dali.

Day 10 Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:Dali Old Town, Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery, Xizhou, Zhoucheng Village
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Our Dali guide and driver will pick you up at Dali Railway Station, then you be transferred to take breakfast at Dali Old Town. After your breakfast, you will visit Dali Old Town, walk around the Foreigner Street and enjoy the relax time with local people. You will have time to climb up to the City Wall of Dali, then you will have panoramic view of the Erhai Lake.

After Dali Old Town, you will drive to visit Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery which has a history of over 1,800 years located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain facing to the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle.

After last, you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste their fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture. Visit Zhoucheng Village and the Bai people’s Tie-dying cloth workshop where you can take some special souvenir with the Bai ethnic style.

Day 11 Dali-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Shibaoshan Mountain, Lijiang Old Town, Mufu Mansion, Lion Hill, Black Dragon Pool Park
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive from Dali to Shibaoshan mountain. The most prominent sight at ShibaoShan is the Stone Bell Temple with its 139, well preserved stone carvings. These magnificent stone carvings date as far back as 1300 years to the once powerful Nanzhao Kingdom during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The carvings are testimony for a time when Mahayana Buddhism from Tibet started to spread in the Yunnan area. Another interesting sight is the ‘Suspending Temple’, also called the Baoxiang Temple. The Baoxiang temple was built on a ledge of a nearly vertical cliff and can only be reached by a long flight of stairs. On a clear day the views from the Baoxiang Temple over the Shaxi valley are simply magnificent.

After lunch drive to Lijiang. Upon arrival, you will visit Lijiang Ancient Town-the history dates back to over 800 years ago. Besides its unique architecture and local ethnic culture, it is also known for its orderly arrangement of bridges and waterways. Walk along the winding cobbled paths — it is said that you won’t get lost as long as you follow the water. Appreciate the Naxi people’s brilliant skills in architecture and fine arts at Mufu Mansion, the ‘Forbidden City’ of Lijiang. You can also climb up to Lion Hill to have a bird’s-eye view of the whole town. Then pay a visit to Black Dragon Pool Park, where the view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is one the most famous postcard-perfect sceneries in southwest China.

Day 12 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Jade Dragon Snow Mountain,Yak Meadow,Impression Lijiang Show, Baisha Old Town with Baisha Mural
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Pick-up at 7:30am, drive about 30KM to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River, take the chairlift up to visit Yak Meadow (3700m) of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cableway will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around 1 hour in the original forest in Yak Meadow (3700M).

After lunch, you will enjoy the Impression Lijang Ethnic Show (Regular seat )  directed in Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M). A cultural show demonstrating the traditions and lifestyles of the Naxi, Yi and Bai peoples of the area. The show takes place inside Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Park at 3500m in an outdoor theater specifically designed to showcase the mountain which is used as a backdrop. The production itself was designed by Zhang Yimou, Fan Yue and Wang Chaoge, a cast of over 500 people, and a number of horses.

Later, move to Baisha Old Town for the tour of the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Day 13 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:the First Bend of the Yangtze River, Shigu Old Town, Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

From Lijiang, you’ll drive about 60KM to the First Bend of the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, visit the Iron Chain Bridge,the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu Old Town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks. 

Visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La section ), the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river. Afternoon, you’ll head for Shangri-La, the former Zhongdian which is well-known as the paradise destination for every tourist. 

Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys.

Day 14 Shangri-La-Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:Shangri-La-Lhasa
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Fly to Lhasa, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel. Tourists may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/ Bhamaputra river (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa river on their way to Lhasa.

After arriving in Lhasa, you can take a rest and get acclimatized to high altitude. If you feel to go out, then you can go to the Potala Square, where you will enjoy the fountain with different colors and get amazing photos of the Potala and around.

Insider Tips:
For the new-comers of Tibet, to get acclimatized to the high altitude in Tibet. Having a good sleep in your hotel is a good option. Don not rush to visit attractions inside Lhasa city.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 15 Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s tour will first bring you to the Potala Palace which is the winter palace of the Dalai lama. It was put to use since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

Then after lunch, tourists head to Jokhang temple which was founded by the 33rd great king of Tibet in the 7th century. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor street, where you can do Kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Optional:
With time permitting, you may go with tour guide to visit Tibetan handicraft art or Tibetan Traditional Medicine center. You can upgrade your service to enjoy Tibetan Culture Show in the evening (fr. 60USD).

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 16 Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:Drepung monastery, Sera monastery
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you are going to visit Drepung monastery which is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet, founded in 1416 by Jamyang choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. You can visit biggest monastery kitchen inside the monastery and enjoy Buddhist Sculpture Carving workshop near Drepung.

In the Afternoon, visit Sera Monastery which is another one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. The hot attraction is the Monks debate at around 3 – 5 in the afternoon. In addition, you can tour the Tibetan religious scripture printing house; inside the monastery, you can see three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Buddha.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 17 Lhasa- Shigatse via Gyantse

Sightseeing and Activities:Yamdrok-tso, Korola Glacier, Pelkor Monastery, Gyantse Kumbum, Far view of Gyangtse Fortress
Accommodation: Shigatse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse. On the way, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m), and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, (7191m) the highest mountain near Lhasa.

Later, we will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. At Manak Dam Lake, you can hang pray flag at Simila Mountain Pass; Then, we will arrive in Gyantse, historically Tibet’s third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse). In Gyantse, we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum and enjoy the Far view of Gyangtse Fortress.

After one and a half driving, we arrive in Shigatse, which is the second largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, we may visit traditional Barley Mill and view the landscape of Barley Field (in summer).

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Day 18 Shigatse (3900m) – Everest Base Camp(5200)

Sightseeing and Activities:Tashilunpo Monastery, Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchan Lama – Tashilunpo Monastery. Then, we’ll leave Shigatse after getting your Alien’s travel permit, and then drive to Lhatse, which is a small town where you can have lunch.

After that, we will pass Tsola Pass(4600M), and Gyatsola Pass(5248M). Shortly after we enter Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve, tourists can enjoy the panorama of Himalaya at Gawula Pass(5198m). Then we drive along the New zigzag road to Everest Base Camp(5200m). You can get closer to gaze at the sunset of golden Everest peak if time and weather permits at the lodging area.

Stay overnight at Rongbuk monastery guest house.

Day 19 EBC (5200m) – Shigatse (3900m)

Sightseeing and Activities:the sunrise of Everest Peak, Rongbu Monastery
Accommodation: Shigatse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you can see the sunrise of Everest Peak if weather permits at the lodging area. Then we will visit the Rongbu Monastery – the unique highest monastery with nuns and monks living together and later trek from lodging place to EBC (4kms, or take Eco bus). You can visit the Everest Base Camp and take the close-up shot of Mt. Everest. Finally, we will drive back to Shigatse.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Day 20 Shigatse (3900m) – Lhasa (3650m)350km

Sightseeing and Activities: Yalong River bed
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we will drive back to Lhasa by following Yalong Valley. You can stand on the viewing platform and view the vast Yalong River bed. Finally the guide will transfer you back to your hotels in Lhasa.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 21 Lhasa-Shanghai

Sightseeing and Activities:Lhasa-Shanghai
Accommodation: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You will take the morning flight from Lhasa to Shanghai. After arriving in Shanghai airport, you will manage the transportation from Shanghai airport to your hotel by yourself. You will free yourself after arriving on your own.

Day 22 Shanghai

Sightseeing and Activities:Yu Garden, the Bund, Shanghai Old Wax Figure Museum, Old French Concession
Accommodation: Shanghai
Meals:

During the tour, you will taste the feature of Shanghai both “Classic and Modern”. Yu Garden, best preserved ancient Chinese private official garden style in Shanghai. The Bund, one mile stroll affords many spectacular views. The Bund, with more than 50 individual architectural styles, is reminiscent of the time when Shanghai was the center of Chinese economy and culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Shanghai Old Wax Figure Museum will immerses you in the sights of Shanghai throughout history of showing everyday scenes of people living in Shanghai. Old French Concession, a lovely chance to take a trip back in time to what the old colonial French quarter was like. This whole site has been renovated and is calm, beautiful and has many shops and eating / drinking opportunities.

Tour Itinerary:

Pick up service by your tour guide and driver at 7:30

Shanghai Old Street- Sightseeing (30 minutes)

Yu Garden – Sightseeing (1 hour)

Yu Garden Typical Shanghai Tea House (30 minutes)

The Bund Stroll – Sightseeing (40 minutes)

Local Restaurant-Lunch (1 hour)

Shanghai Old Wax Figure Museum- Sightseeing (1.5 hour)

Featured Shopping at Pearl City or silk Museum (30 minutes)

Shanghai typical alley at Tianzifang- Sightseeing (30 minutes)

Old French Concession stroll-Sightseeing (30 minutes)

Drop-off service at your hotel before 18：00.

Day 23 Departure from Shanghai

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Shanghai
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfas

Day 1 Arrive in Beijing

Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Beijing
Accommodation: Beijing
Meals:

Upon your arrival at the Beijing airport, your local tour guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your reserved hotel in Beijing. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Beijing

Day 2 Beijing

Sightseeing and Activities:Great Wall at Badaling, Changling
Accommodation: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you will visit the majestic Great Wall (Badaling section) and the Chang Tomb of Ming Tombs. You will be taken on a group tour to the Great Wall, the most famous symbol of China and one of the world’s most remarkable architectural wonders. This section was first built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). Then you will visit to the Ming Tomb the burial site of the emperor Wanli, the 13th emperor of the Ming Dynasty who ruled for 48 years until his death in 1620.
Overnight in Beijing

Day 3 Beijing – Xian

Sightseeing and Activities:Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven & take
Accommodation: Overnight Train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you will first have a stroll on the historic Tiananmen Square which is the largest city square in the world and the spiritual heart of China, and then the magnificent Forbidden City which used to be the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties with a history of around 600 years. In afternoon, you will marvel at the incredible Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven. Summer Palace was an imperial summer resort of the Qing Dynasty. The Temple of Heaven is a royal sacred site where prayers for good harvests, prosperity and harmonious life are offered. In the evening, you will be transferred to the Beijing West train station for the overnight train to Xian.

Day 4 Xian

Sightseeing and Activities:Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
Accommodation: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Upon your arrival in Xian, you tour guide will meet you at train station and escort you to your hotel. Then you will visit the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. You will not only be attracted by the life-sized warrior figures and horses, each of which has distinct facial expressions and positions, but also be astonished by various kinds of ancient weapons which reflect the highly advanced technology in weapon-making 2,200 years ago. And visit the BanPo Museum, Underground Palace also.
Overnight in Xian

Day 5 Xian – Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities: Fly to Lhasa, Acclimate the high elevation of Lhasa
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Take a flight to Lhasa. Upon your arrival, your local tour guide will pick you up at the airport and escort you to your hotel in Lhasa. The rest of the day is for you to take a good rest so as to adapt yourself to the high altitude of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa

Day 6 Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:Lhasa sightseeing – Potala Palace/Tibet Museum/Jokhang Temple/Barkhor Street
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In morning, go to visit the famous Potala palace and explore the grandest of this myriad chapels, you will experience its audience halls, the jeweled and Golden burial chortens (stupa Tombs) of past Dalai Lamas, and tremendous number of Buddhist frescoes, thangkas, combinations of mandala, etc. Tibet Museum is an important window to introduce the glorious culture of Tibet, as a free Museum in Lhasa, you should not miss it. In afternoon, pay a visit to the holist temple in Tibet, the Johkang Temple, built during Songtsen Gonpo’s reign by princess Wencheng of Tang Dynasty, 647 A.D, and its famous Barkor Kora.

Day 7 Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:Drepung Monastery/Sera Monastery
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you will visit two important monasteries in Lhasa, the Drepung and the Sera. Drepung monastery is situated at the foothill of a mountain and was founded by Jamyang Choeje in 1416. It was once home of 10000 monks and Ganden podrang in Drepung is famous for it was the government centre during the fifth dalai lama and later moved to the famous potala palace during the fifth dalai lama. After having lunch, continue to visit the Sera Monastery, which was founded in 1419 by Tsongkapa’s disciple Jamchen Choeje. The most attractive is its Buddhist Scriptures debating held in the courtyard mostly around 6:00 – 7:30 in afternoon.
Overnight in Lhasa

Day 8 Lhasa – Shangrila

Sightseeing and Activities:Tour to holy Lake Namtso in Summer/Yamdro-tso Lake in Winter
Accommodation: Shangrila
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Summer program: In Summer (May to August), drive about 4 hours (220km) from Lhasa to Namtso Lake which is one of the three holy lakes of Tibet and also the highest salt lake. Camp by the lake and back to Lhasa on the next day. Winter Program: Drive from Lhasa to Gyangtse and Shigatse. On the way you can visit another holy lake Yamdro-tso Lake, have a far view of Karo-la Glacier, drop a visit to Kubum monastery in Gyangtse. Overnight in Shigatse. The next morning, pay a visit to Tashilunpo monastery in Shigatse before driving back to Lhasa.

Overnight in Lhasa

Day 9 Lhasa – Shangrila

Sightseeing and Activities:
Accommodation: Shangrila
Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shangri-la, the legendary lost paradise, a place with stunning scenery, the azure sky and the hospitality of unsophisticated people. 

Day 10 Shangrila

Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery and Napahai Lake
Accommodation: Shangrila
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cycle to visit Songzanlin Monastery in the morning and cycle around Napahai Lake in the afternoon. Napahai Lake (Napa Hai) is 3270 meters (10,728 ft) above sea level and covers 660 square kilometers (254 square miles). Approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Shangri-La, the lake fills up a valley surrounded on three sides by mountains. You can have a picnic by the Lake.
Overnight in Shangri-la

Day 11 Shangrila -Tiger leaping Gorge – Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Shangrila, Shigu Town, Tiger leaping Gorge
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

We will drive to Lijiang today, visit the First Bend of the Yangtze River, Shigu Town and Tiger Leaping Gorge. From Shangri-La, we’ll drive about 100KM to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. After lunch continue the driving 50KM more to visit the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, and the Iron Chain Bridge in the Stone Drum town. Then drive 60KM more to Lijiang to explore the Old Town at night. Overnight in Lijiang.

Day 12 Lijiang-Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

We’ll visit Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishui River; visit the Yak Meadow(3700M) in the Yulong Snow Mountain by chairlift. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, about 5596 meters high, is a holy mountain or Naxi ethnic people. Access to the Yak Meadow by a chairlift, walk about 500 meters to the Lamaist Monastery, and walk around the meadow to see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. In the afternoon, we’ll stroll through Baisha Old Town, visit the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, then head for the scenic Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Museum to explore the rich Naxi minority culture. Overnight in Lijiang.

Day 13 Lijiang – Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:Three-pagoda in Chongshen Temple, Old Dali Town, Bai market
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, drive south on the old road for 4hrs (200 km) to the ancient city of Dali, a historically and culturally famous city of China. In Dali, we will visit the Three-pagoda in Chongshen Temple, which is a typical historical symbol of Yunnan. It is also one of the oldest sublime architecture in South China. At last, we will walk around the Old Dali Town, which is located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain. If this day happens to fall on a Monday we can drop a visit to the colorful Bai market. Overnight in Dali

Day 14 Dali – Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Erhai Lake, Xizhou Town, Zhoucheng village
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit the Erhai Lake by boat and visit Jinsuo Island. After landing, head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style architecture, taste their fragrant three-course tea and explore their distinctive culture. At last,you will visit Zhoucheng Village, and Bai people’s Tie-Dyed Cloth Work Shop. Then we will take the high-speed train to Kunming. 

Day 15 Kunming – Guilin

Sightseeing and Activities:Stone Forest, Golden Temple
Accommodation: in the train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive 86 km to the Stone Forest. There is a local saying: ‘It is a waste of time not to visit the Stone Forest while visiting Kunming’. The quintessential karst landscape makes every tourist lost in wonder.

After lunch drive back to Kunming and visit the Golden Temple. And then, take a leisurely stroll along the Green Lake, a charming area of tea houses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and beautiful local paintings. After, visit the Flower and Bird Market in the downtown. In evening, get to the train station to take an overnight train to Guilin. Overnight in the train.

Day 16 Guilin

Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Guilin in the afternoon
Accommodation: Guilin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Upon arrival in Guilin, your local guide will meet you at the railway station and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Guilin.

Day 17 Guilin – Yangshuo

Sightseeing and Activities:Li River Cruise , Yangshuo
Accommodation: Yangsuo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you’ll be transferred to Zhujiang Pier to start your cruise down the Li River until you reach the relaxing Yangshuo. You will cruise through the stunning limestone karst scenery that has made this part of China so famous. Lunch will be served onboard with decent Guilin local delicacies. Early afternoon, disembark in Yangshuo and check into your hotel. Then you will take a bike tour along the serene paths to explore this wonderfully laid back countryside in the region. Overnight in Yangshuo

Day 18 Guilin – Shanghai

Sightseeing and Activities:Guilin City Tour and fly to Shanghai
Accommodation: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you will be driven back to Guilin to have a city highlights tour. First, come to the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, a symbol of Guilin, and visit the legendary Fubo Hill that overlooks the charming Li River. Then stop in a Pearl Museum and explore the Reed Flute Cave, a fairyland full of fancy stalactite formations and remarkable illuminations. At night, transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai. Upon arriving in Shanghai, your local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Overnight in Shanghai

Day 19 Shanghai Day Tour

Sightseeing and Activities:Shanghai Day Tour
Accommodation: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You will have a visit to famous tourist sites in Shanghai today including, Yu Garden, The Bund, Xintiandi-former French Concession, Pearl City, Lunch, Jade Buddha Temple, People’s Square, Shanghai Museum. Overnight in Shanghai

Day 20 Depart Shanghai

Sightseeing and Activities:Depart Shanghai
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast

Get to the airport in Shanghai and fly to your next destination.

Day 1 Chengdu Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities:Airport-hotel transfer
Accommodation: Chengdu
Meals: None

Upon your arrival at the airport, meet your local tour guide and driver and then transfer to the hotel for rest. If time permits, you can explore the city on your own.

Day 2 Chengdu – Panda Research Base – Chengdu

Sightseeing and Activities:the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Wangjiang Tower, Wuhou Temple, Dufu Thatched Cottage
Accommodation: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you will be picked up by your tour guide and start the tour. First visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in the morning, which is the best time to see the pandas. Move on to Wangjiang Tower, the memorial to a female poet of the Tang Dynasty, Xue Tao. This tower is a symbol of Chengdu city.
 
Continue the tour to Wuhou Temple, which was built in the sixth century to honor Zhuge Liang. The last stop is Dufu Thatched Cottage, the home of one of the greatest poets of the Tang Dynasty.

Day 3 Chengdu-Kangding

Sightseeing and Activities: Kangding, the hot spring at Erdaoqiao
Accommodation: Kangding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive to Kangding, 376 km from Chengdu. It takes about 6 hrs on the expressway. Kangding, the capital city of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, where you can appreciate the idyllic scenery and visit the local people. After dinner, enjoy the hot spring at Erdaoqiao.

Day 4 Kangding-Litang

Sightseeing and Activities:Anjue monastery, Litang, Chang-Qing-Chun-Ke’er-Si monastery
Accommodation: Litang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the early morning, visit the very first Tibetan monastery on this trip – Anjue monastery,  and see their morning ceremony!

Then drive about 5 hours to Litang (306km). At an altitude of just over 4000m, Litang is one of the highest towns in the world (Lhasa is 3700m). Situated high on a grassy plateau, Litang has the feel of a rough and tumble ‘Wild West’ town.

You will also visit the famous Chang-Qing-Chun-Ke’er-Si monastery and pay homage to the living Buddha with a personal interview. The monastery here is now home to 1400 Yellow Hat sect monks.

Day 5 Litang-Daocheng-Yading

Sightseeing and Activities:Yading nature reserve
Accommodation: Yading
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today drive about 4 hours from Litang to Daocheng, and then another 3 hours from Daocheng to Yading as much of the road to the reserve is dirt track. Then reach the highlights of this journey – Yading nature reserve, home of three sacred Tibetan mountains – Chenresig (Avalokitesvara, 6032m), Jambeyang (Manjusri, 5958m), and Chanadorje (Vajrapani, 5958m).  The scenery here easily rivals that of national parks of the west such as Yellowstone and Yosemite in terms of spectacular, pristine mountain scenery.

Spend the night in tent hotel.

Day 6 Yading

Sightseeing and Activities:Mt. Chanadorje, Tshonggo Gonpa Monastery, Mt Chenresig
Accommodation: Yading
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today visit the beautiful Yading by horseback riding or hiking. From the reserve entrance you will traverse a beautiful wooded pathway leading to a valley set at the foot of the spectacular Mt. Chanadorje. 
 
You’ll pass piles of Mani stones by the side of the pathway and at the base of the Reserve’s most stunning vistas. Visit Tshonggo Gonpa Monastery (Chonggu Si in Chinese) – a small Tibetan temple, which Joseph Rock nicknamed ‘Bandit Monastery.’ Continue the tour to the foot of Mt. Chenresig, where you’ll ascend a small but steep hill to view a beautiful mountaintop emerald green lake. Return to the meadow at the foot of Mt. Chanadorje and spend the night in a tent hotel.

Day 7 Yading-Daocheng

Sightseeing and Activities:Yading Nature Reserve
Accommodation: Daocheng
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend the morning doing a short hiking or horse ride around the reserve. In the afternoon drive back to Daocheng where you’ll spend the night.

Day 8 Daocheng-Benzilan

Sightseeing and Activities:
Accommodation: Benzilan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Take a long (5 hours, 290km) but scenic drive to Shangri La, the former Zhongdian (3,300m, 10,000 ft), a small city on the Tibetan Plateau. It still preserves an unique and remote atmosphere, also due to the Tibetan minority that keep the place different from the rest of Yunnan. Shangri La is in the center of a famous scenic area where three mighty rivers converge: the Nu River, the Yangtze River and the Mekong River.

Day 9 Benzilan – Deqin

Sightseeing and Activities: Jinsha River bend
Accommodation: Deqin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: Arrive in Kunming
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals:

Day 1 Arrive in Shangri-la (3,300m)

Sightseeing and Activities:
Accommodation: Songtsam Hotel
Meals:

Arrive in Shangri-la. You guide will pick you up at the airport.

Day 2 Shangri-la (3,300m)

Sightseeing and Activities:trekking
Accommodation: Songtsam Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day hike to Abujee, which is A beautiful mountain known to very few people.  The trek  follows a crystal stream to this huge stone mountain. We pass by 2 Tibetan pastures on the way and hike up to the hill next to the mountain and lake on top of it.

Day 3 Shangri-la – Tacheng (1,900m)

Sightseeing and Activities:Tibetan and Naxi villages
Accommodation: Songtsam Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive about 3 hours to Tacheng after breakfast. Leisure walk in the afternoon. Follow the paths link different Tibetan and Naxi villages through beautiful rice fields and vine yards. Climb up to a small hill for a bird view of the villages with charming black roof tops and surrounding area.

Day 4 Tacheng-Benzilan

Sightseeing and Activities:Yunnan Golden Monkey Nationsl park, Bazhu village
Accommodation: Songtsam Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park, take an easy hike of 1-2 hours to the south end of Baima Snow Mountains and part of the ancient Tea and Horse Road. Trek to Bazhu village  if time allows, which will take about 4 hours. 

Then drive to Benzilan. 

Day 5 Benzilan (1,900m)

Sightseeing and Activities:trekking
Accommodation: Songtsam Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will hike about 3 hours uphill (wide mountain road) to visit several pristine Tibetan villages and have a stunning view of Yangtze River valley. Then follow the mountain path to different villages and back after a picnic lunch. Visit local families.

Day 6 Benzilan – Songtsam Meili(3,600m)

Sightseeing and Activities:Dongzhulin Monastery
Accommodation: Meili Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Songtsam Meili after breakfast, visit Dongzhulin Monastery on the way (balanced on a steep cliff, it’s a breath taking view). Arrive at Meili Lodge, relax or take an easy mountain walk for about 1-2 hours.

Day 7 Songtsam Meili (3,600m)

Sightseeing and Activities:hike
Accommodation: Meili Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day hike for about 8 hours with a 3 hours up hill. It could be difficult given the high altitude.

Day 8 Songtsam Meili – Shangri-la

Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery, monastery Kora
Accommodation: Songtsam Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning free to enjoy the view of Meili. Drive back to Shangri-la and visit Songzanlin Monastery if time allows, walk the monastery Kora. Dinner party at a Traditional Tibetan family.

Day 9 Departure from Shangrila

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Shangrila
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast

Departure from Shangrila.

Sightseeing and Activities:Naxi ethnic villages, Jinsha (Gold Sand) River rafting
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

It is 140 km from Lijiang to Tacheng. You will have 4 hours driving along the beautiful Jinsha (Gold Sand) River, which is the upper reach of Yangtze River in Lijiang. Drive through Shigu Town, Zhongxing Town, Judian Town, Shangjiang Town with some Naxi ethnic villages on the way. You will have lunch in Juxian Restaurant(a clean restaurant and best food) with local flavour in Judian Town. If you are lucky, you will find the local bazaar happened every 5th and 10th of the traditional Chinese calendar.

After lunch, continue the drive to Tacheng Town. Unload the floating equipment including tent, sleeping bag, water-proof bag, fridge, paddles, LPG container, gas cooker, life jacket and so on. You will start the rafting after inflating the drifting boat. The most beautiful part of the rafting today is the Jigong(Rooster) Stone Islet located in the middle of Jinsha River in Shangjiang Town. From a far, you will find there is a sharp peak which looks like a flying rooster, hence the name of Rooster Stone Islet. The Jinsha River is divided into two parts by the Rooster Stone Islet in the middle. Here is the most exciting rafting part of your trip because of the rapids, whirlpools and waves at the foot of the Rooster Stone Islet. After 4 hours rafting, you will build the camp for overnight in the beach island near the Judian Town.

Day 2 Judian-Zhongxing

Sightseeing and Activities:Jinsha River-the upper Yangtze River rafting
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Get up in the early morning, enjoy the sunrise of the Jinsha River with green mountain ranges. After breakfast, continue the rafting trip to Zhongxing Town. Today is a special rafting, you will raft through some islands in the middle of Jinsha River with some green willows and cows in the islands as well as you will find some farmers are fishing in the river with small canoes in the river. Especially, you will find some children swimming in the river without underwear. If they find you are coming from a far, they will be very shy and hide in the willows or they will swim very fast as a fish into the grass. This will be very special experience for your trip.
 
You will have a simple lunch when you land in Zhongxing. Lunch includes some watermelon, chocolate, bread, some fruit, and local pancakes as well as some drink. Build the camp in the willows forest island in the late afternoon. Have a bonfire party in the evening.

Day 3 Zhonggezi-Shigu-Tiger Leaping Gorge

Sightseeing and Activities:Stone Gate Pass, the First Bend of the Yangtze River, Shigu Ancient Town, Longpan Naxi ethnic village,Jihong Bridge,Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation: 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy the sunrise of the Jinsha River in the morning. After breakfast with a nice coffee and milk, continue the rafting to Shigu Old Town. You will raft through a big “S” turn in Stone Gate Pass, an millitary importance historically. Raft to the First Bend of the Yangtze River and Shigu Town. You will witness the wonder of the First Bend of the Yangtze River with a big turn from the southward to the east. You will finish the rafting in Shigu Port. Have a nice lunch in Jiangnan Restaurant in Shigu Town. Lunch with the natural river fish, wild vegetables, and local flavour.

After a short rest in Shigu Ancient Town, continue the rafting to Qiaotou Town(Tiger Leaping Gorge Town). During the rafting, you will see some Naxi ethnic village on the river side in Longpan Town, raft to Kaifaqu in Shangri-la, see the ancient Jihong Bridge, the Suspension Bridge, arrive at Qiaotou Town and finish the rafting tour in the upper Yangtze River.

After lunch in Qiaotou Town, drive to visit the upper Tiger Leaping Gorge(3900M in depth) which is the deepest gorge in the world located between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain(5596M) in Lijiang and Haba Snow Mountain(5396M) in Shangri-la. Drive back to Lijiang in the late afternoon. Service ends. 

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:airport-hotel transfer
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals:None

Welcome to Kunming, the Spring City of China! Upon arrival at the Kunming airport/train station, the local tour guide and driver will meet you in the arrival hall and escort you to your hotel. You’ll begin your journey to the diverse and captivating province of Yunnan from the capital city, Kunming. 

Day 2 Kunming 

Sightseeing and Activities: Green Lake and Dianchi Lake Bird Watching
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, drive to the Green Lake for bird watching. The Green Lake is one of the famous parks which situated in the center of Kunming City. During the winter months, red-beaked gulls from Siberia migrate to Green Lake and entertain the crowds of visitors as they circle around and snap up bread, usefully provided by a herd of local vendors, thrown up into the air by tourists. 

After lunch, transfer to Dianchi Lake Dam for bird(seagull) watching. Dianchi Lake Dam, on the eastern shore of the Dianchi Lake, the dam is one of the popular sites in Kunming’s Dianchi Lake Holiday Resort 8 km from downtown. During the Chinese New Year Festival, herds of locals and tourists will gather here to feed seagulls and admire scenery of the West Hill. 

Day 3 Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake Bird Watching
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Take the morning high speed train to Dali, after arrive at Dali Train Station, meet your local tour guide and druiver. Then, drive to start your tour. You will take a boat ride across Erhai Lake to local Bai ethnic minority villages. If you are lucky, you will see some birds on the lake. Go on a cable car up Cangshan Mountain and enjoy bird watching at Cangshan Mountain. Cangshan Mountain is a high mountain rising above the city of Dali in the southern province of Yunnan. The local government has designated it as a scenic area. The mountain is a highlight of the Dali area, with numerous birds, springs, ponds and waterfalls, beautiful scenery, hiking trails, a range of ecological zones with thousands of plant species, and scenic views of lakes and the city of Dali.

Day 4 Dali-Eryuan

Sightseeing and Activities:Xizhou Old Town Bird Watching in West Lake of Eryuan County
Accommodation: Eryuan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste their fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture. If you are lucky enough, you could see many birds on an old banyan in Xizhou Town. 

After lunch, drive about 40 minites to the West Lake in Eryuan County to enjoy your bird watching there. Eryuan West Lake is a plateau lake in western Yunnan province, China. It lies at the northern foot of the snow-covered Cang Mountain. It is a paradise for tens of thousands of birds. The West Lake is the only habitat of the rare Purple Swamp-hen, also China most important habitat of this bird with the largest number. Moreover, it is a major place for migrant birds to rest and foraging.

You will have overnight in Eryuan County.

Day 5 Eryuan – Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Zibi Lake and Heqing Caohai Marsh Bird Watching
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, drive to visit Zibi Lake and enjoy your bird watching.  Zibi Lake is 2 km to the east of Er’yuan county seat, covering 8 square km with the average depth of 11 meters. On the north shore of the lake is a pear orchard, and lying to its west is Bagushan Mountain, at the foot of which are Chengbi Pavilion and Longwang Temple (Dragon King Temple) where locals hold a grand temple fair on lunar 23 July each year. The lake abounds in Cibi flower (a plant of the Nymphaeaceae family, similar to water lily)-a miracle eulogised by Mr Yang Sheng’an (1488-1559)-a famous traveler and geologist in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). And the lake has been included into the Cangshan Mountain and Er’hai Lake Resort.

After lunch, drive to Heqing Caohai Marsh in Heqing County. Caohai Lake is a high-elevation freshwater lake and wetland area located in western Guizhou Province, China. The lake is a key regional wintering and stopover area for waterbirds, including the iconic, vulnerable black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis). Caohai Marsh is an excellent place for Bird-watching. Bring your binoculars here. 

In the late afternoon, drive to Lijiang. You will be relaxed around Lijiang Old Town, a well-preserved old city of ethnic minorities with brilliant culture, which is a central town of the Lijiang Autonomous County of the Naxi Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Province.

Day 6 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Lashihai Lake, Lion Hill Bird Watching
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the early morning, you will start your bird watching from Lashihai Lake. Lashihai Lake was approved as a plateau wetland nature reserve in Yunnan Province in June, 1998. Since then, the nature reserve has been rehabilitated, protected and improved, which turns to be a paradise of thousands of birds including 57 species, a place where biodiversity has been effectively conserved. 

After lunch, you will head for Lion Hill for bird watching. As an integral part of Lijiang ancient town and the major nation-level scenic spot, the Lion Hill Park is located in the center of Lijiang city. The hill massif is like a lion, thus getting the name Lion Hill. With ancient buildings lying around at the foot of Lion Hill, it is the best place for you to enjoy the panoramic view of the Lijiang Ancient Town. The park covers a total area of about 15 hectare with green trees covered on the hill and birds singing in the wood. 

Day 7 Lijiang – Luguhu Lake

Sightseeing and Activities:Luguhu Lake Bird Watching, Mosuo Bonfire Party
Accommodation: Luguhu Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, drive about 5 hours from Lijiang to Luguhu Lake. Luguhu Lake is located between Yunnan’s Ninglang County and Sichuan’s Yanyuan County, with a total area of 77,700-odd mu, the space within the precincts of Yunnan being 41,400 mu. Most of the birds in Lugu Lake come from Siberia, such as red-beaked gulls, wild ducks, geese and aix galericulata. The birds’ coming bring much joy to people in cold season. You can see anywhere that the seagulls play with people who are seating on the boats. 

After lunch, enjoy your bird watching. You will take the canoes to visit Liwubi Island and She Island in Lugu Lake where there are  so many birds inhabiting. In the evening, take part in Mosuo Bonfire Party with ethnic dance and singing performance.You will dance and sing with Mosuo boys and girls around a big bonfire in the outdoors theatre.

Day 8 Luguhu Lake – Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Bird Watching in Luguhu Lake, Mosuo Culture Museum, Pumi and Yi Ethnic Villages
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This early morning, enjoy the sunrise of Luguhu Lake and walk around the Lake to go on your bird watching. After that, you will pay a visit to Mosuo Culture Museum and learn the Mosuo ethnic custom in the museum. Drive back to Lijiang. On the way to Ninglang Town, you will stop to visit a Pumi Ethnic Village and Pumi Family. The ancestors of Pumi were a nomadic tribe living in the southern part of Gansu Province and the eastern part of Qinghai Province. Later, their descendants moved south to warmer areas along the Hengduan Mountain Range. After the 13th century, the Pumi ethnic group gradually settled down in Ninglang, Lijiang, Weixi and Lanping counties.

In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Lijiang and be relaxed in Lijiang Ancient Town.

Day 9 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:the First Bend of the Yangtze River, the Iron Chain Bridge, Stone Drum, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we will go to the First Bend of the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, visit the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu Old Town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks. 

Visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river. 

Afternoon, you’ll head for Shangri-La, the former Zhongdian which is well known as the paradise destination for every tourist.  Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. Walk around Dukezong Ancient Town, an important town of the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet and India. Walk up to the top of Guishan Hill or tortoise Hill, you will see the largest Prayer Wheel of the world and have a panoramic view of Shangri-La city and Dukezong Ancient Town. 

Day 10 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Napahai Lake Bird Watching, Visit Tibetan Family
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This early morning, drive to Napahai Lake for bird watching. Lake Napa Wetlands, or Lake Napa Nature Reserve (aka Lake Napa), it is lying in the valley of a high mountain plateau situated about 3270 m above sea level and covering 660 sq km. Most of the area is marshy wetland that becomes dry from late fall through winter, but from spring through summer, the area again becomes an expansive wetland that attracts countless flocks of birds, such as the bar-headed goose – as well as a number of other species of geese – the common mallard, the Himalayan griffon, the egret and the white-tailed eagle, black necked crane (Grus nigricollis).

In the late afternoon, you will visit a Tibetan’s family to experience the local life. Then drive back to hotel. 

Day 11 Departure from Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Shangri-La
Accommodation:None
Meals: Breakfast

Pick up from hotel and transfer to airport for departure. Service ends.

Day 1 Arrive in Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Lijiang
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:None

Upon your arrival, meet your local tour guide and driver, then transfer to the hotel for rest.

Day 2 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Jade Dragon Snow Mountain,Yak Meadow,Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show, Baisha Old Town and Baisha Murals
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Pick-up at 7:30am, drive about 30KM to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River, take the chairlift up to visit Yak Meadow(3700m) of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cableway will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around 1 hour in the original forest in Yak Meadow (3700M).

After lunch, you will enjoy the Impression Lijang Ethnic Show(Regular seat )  directed in Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M). A cultural show demonstrating the traditions and lifestyles of the Naxi, Yi and Bai peoples of the area. The show takes place inside Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Park at 3500m in an outdoor theater specifically designed to showcase the mountain which is used as a backdrop. The production itself was designed by Zhang Yimou, Fan Yue and Wang Chaoge, a cast of over 500 people, and a number of horses.

Later, move to Baisha Old Town for the tour of the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Day 3 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:the First Bend of the Yangtze River, Shigu Old Town, Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation:Shangri-La
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

From Lijiang, you’ll drive about 60KM to the First Bend of the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, visit the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu Old Town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks. 

Visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge(Shangri-La section ), the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river. Afternoon, you’ll head for Shangri La, the former Zhongdian which is well-known as the paradise destination for every tourist. 

Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys.

Day 4 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery, Podacuo National Park
Accommodation:Shangri-La
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Today, begin your exciting tour with a visit to Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, then visit Podacuo National Park (green vans available in scenic area) after lunch. 

–Not far from Shangri-La, Songzanlin Lamasery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist lamasery in Yunnan, and one of the 13 large lamaseries in the joint area of Tibet, Yunnan and Sichuan. Constructed in 1679, it took about three years to complete. Built against the mountain with a magnificent appearance, Songzanlin is a faithful imitation of the Potala Palace in Lhasa Tibet. The most famous treasures in the lamasery are the eight gold-covered sculptures of Sakyamuni, bronze sculptures, the Ganzur scriptures hand-written in liquid gold, gold lamps, and many exquisite gilded silver incense burners.

–Located 22km east of Shangri-La, Potatso National Park is the first national park in mainland China. In Tibetan language, Patatso means reaching the opposite side of the lake by boat under the help of deity. Bitahai Lake and Shuduhu Lake are two major parts of the park. Besides these two lakes, forest, marsh, valley, alpine meadow and so on can be seen in the park. All major spots are connected by walkable plank which offers a closer distance for travelers to experience the natural environment.

Day 5 Shangri-La-Shaxi

Sightseeing and Activities:Dukezong Old town,Guishan Hill, Prayer Wheel
Accommodation:Shaxi
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, stroll around Dukezong Ancient Town, an important town of the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet and India. Walk up to the top of Guishan Hill or tortoise Hill, you will see the largest Prayer Wheel of the world and have a panoramic view of Shangrila city and Dukezong Ancient Town.

Afternoon, head for Shaxi and stay overnight.

Day 6 Shaxi-Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:Shaxi Old Town, Shibaoshan
Accommodation:Dali
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit Shaxi Old Town. Then drive to Shibaoshan mountain. The most prominent sight at ShibaoShan is the Stone Bell Temple with its 139, well preserved stone carvings. Another interesting sight is the ‘Suspending Temple’, also called the Baoxiang Temple.

After the visit, drive to Dali for overnight.

Day 7 Dali-Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Three Pagodas, Erhai Lake cruise, Xizhou, Zhoucheng, Dali Old Town
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit the Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery which has a history of over 1,800 years located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain. After lunch, cruise on Erhai Lake by the small boat to the Jinsuo Islet in the east Erhai Lake.

In the afternoon, head for Xizhou Town to appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste the Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture. Then visit Zhoucheng Village and the Bai people’s Tie-dying cloth workshop. At last, visit the Ancient Dali Town, walk around the Foreigner Street and enjoy the relax time with local people.

Then transfer to the railway station to take the high speed train to Kunming.

Day 8 Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Jiuxiang Cave, Stone Forest, Flower and bird Market, Nanping Street
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Firstly drive about 1.5hr to Jiuxiang Cave which is located 90km far from Kunming. Known as the “museum of karst caves”, Jiuxiang boasts more than 100 karst caves and is the largest cave group system in China.

After lunch, further diving 40m to Stone Forest, one of the most important attractions of Yunnan. An old local saying says that “If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.”

After the tour, drive back to Kunming downtown and stroll in the Flower and Bird Market and Nanping Street nearby. 

Day 9 Kunming-Guiyang

Sightseeing and Activities:Jiaxiu Tower and Qingyan Old Town
Accommodation:Guiyang
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, take the morning high speed train to Guiyang. Your local guide and driver will meet you at the train station and then transfer to hotel. Visit Jiaxiu Tower and Qingyan Old Town in the afternoon.

Day 10 Guiyang-Kaili

Sightseeing and Activities:Shiqiao Miao village, Matang village
Accommodation:Kaili
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

This morning make 3hrs driving to Kaili. Kaili is the capital city of the Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture of Southeast Guizhou, and also the base of southeast Guizhou’s ethnic culture tour. Today’s first stop is Shiqiao Miao village. Shiqiao Miao village is famous for its old technology of papermaking. The ancient traditional methods of production method can be traced back to the Tang dynasty. You can learn how to make paper in local family.

After lunch continue drive to Matang village, where you can see Gejia group, who are not listed into 55 minority groups in China. The Gejia people of Matang adore bow and arrow. As a legend goes, the ancestors of the Gejia people was hero who could shoot the sun with the arrow. You will appreciate the traditional Gejia batik in the village, and learn the art of batik. In the evening drive to hotel in Kaili.

Day 11 Kaili-Rongjiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Langde Miao Village,Datang Miao Village,Qiaotu Shui village
Accommodation:Rongjiang
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning pay leisure visit to explore Miao’s history and culture in Langde Miao Village and Datang Miao Village. Langde is a village of Long Skirt Miao. This village is considered to be the live museum of Miao Culture. Most wooden buildings were built from 1616-1911. Datang Miao Village is a Short Skirt Miao village, it is another branch of Miao live for hundreds years. Women in Datang are well known for their beautiful short skirts and hairstyle, they have worn a kind of traditional short skirt for 500 years. Another highlight in this village is the granary built over a pond with the multi-function of fire-proofing, rat-proofing and ant-proofing.

After lunch further driving to Rongjiang, on the way stop at Qiaotu Shui village, which villagers usually dress in black and blue. Men have long gowns and black turbans, and women wear collarless blue blouses, black trousers and aprons, all of which are embroidered.

Day 12 Rongjiang-Congjiang-Zhaoxing

Sightseeing and Activities:Basha village, Zhaoxing village
Accommodation:Zhaoxing
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast drive to explore Basha village, a hidden kingdom occupied by the legendary Basha Miao people. Enter the Last Gunmen’s Tribe in China. All the men wear their hair in a bun. when the boys grow to 16 years of age, an “adult ceremony” will be held for them. The man adult of Basha Miao Village carries a hunting gun on his shoulder and a gunpowder bag , a bullet bag and a knife around his waist, making himself up like an ancient warrior.

This afternoon continue drive to Zhaoxing village. Zhaoxing is the biggest Dong village with over 1,000 Dong households in China. It has a history of nearly 2000 years. The village is divided into five natural sections. Each section has a clan and each clan has a drum-tower, a Wind-Rain-Bridge and a stage.
Overnight in Zhaoxing village.

Day 13 Zhaoxing-Guilin-Yangshuo

Sightseeing and Activities:Tang’an village
Accommodation: Yangsuo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you have chance to visit Tang’an village. Tang’an village is situated at a mountain slope and encircled by rice fields， green trees and hills. It has been accepted jointly by China and Norway as an ecological museum of the Dong ethnic group. It is the only eco-museum of Dong Minority on the earth. Hike 2.5hrs from Tang’an Village to Zhaoxing village, you will passing the rice fields on the way. This afternoon you will take high-speed train to Yangshuo.

Day 14 Yangshuo

Sightseeing and Activities:Silver Cave, West Street
Accommodation:Yangsuo
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

You will take a boat trip to the Li River (Xingping section). You will feast your eyes with the reflection of fantastic peaks with various shapes, crystal clear water, green hills, bamboo groves, the river passes an endless procession of distinct peaks and bamboo groves and the stunning landscape. Then you will pay a visit to Silver Cave -The cave is deep and irregular, with a great number of stalactites of thousand charms, which, in lights glint like silver, hence the name of the cave. These majestic, diamond-like stalactites decorate the cave and make it into a dazzling place. Strolling along the West Street where is famous for its antiquated style and courtyard like environment.

Day 15 Yangshuo-Guilin

Sightseeing and Activities:Mulong Lake Park, Li River boat cruise
Accommodation:Guilin
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast. Transfer back to Guilin. Along the way we will visit Shangri-La and get a tour of elegant scenery, ancient bridge brook river, deep pool limestone cave and fallen village. Continues the trip to Mulong Lake Park. It features the integration of historical culture into the nature. To the north of Mulong Lake, visitors can find a group of manmade sights such as Dongzhen Gate and the site of the City Wall in Song Dynasty. A very large building complex is scattered around where visitors can admire forest, grass, falls and streams. Then go to take Li River (city section) boat cruise where you can view the ten famous hills like Elephant Truck Hill, Fubo Hill etc.

Li River: The Li River that flows from Guilin to Yangshuo is the most famous tourist attraction in Guilin. Boasting the No.1 Guilin Landscape among all the waters and mountains in the picturesque Guilin, Li River was listed as one of the top ten watery wonders in the world. When traveling to Guilin, a Li River cruise will take you to enjoy the spectacular scenery of verdant mountains, towering karst peaks, water sights, grotesque rocks and caves along the river.

Day 16 Departure from Guilin

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Guilin
Accommodation:None
Meals:Breakfast

Departure from Guilin. Service ends.