9 Days Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri La Golf Tour

Day 5 Dali -Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:the Erhai Lake Cruise, Xizhou Town, Lijiang Old Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you’ll travel in the Erhai Lake by boat and visit Jinsuo Island. Erhai Lake is the largest highland lake next to Dianchi and one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China. It means, ‘sea shaped like an ear’, in Chinese. Implying that the lake is ear shaped and as large as a sea, hence it was so named. The lake covers an area of 250 square kilometers and is located about two kilometers east of Dali.

After landing, you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style architecture, taste their fragrant three-course tea and explore their distinctive culture.

Then drive about 4 hours to Lijiang. You will be free in Lijiang Old Town. Lijiang Old Town has a history more than 800 years; it was listed as the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997. Here you will see the wonderful wooden architecture of Naxi ethnic people.

• First Bend on the Yangtze River
  • Begin a picturesque drive from Lijiang to the awe-inspiring First Bend on the Yangtze River, where the imposing gorge scenery will leave you breathless.
  • Marvel at the historic Iron Chain Bridge in the charming town of Stone Drum, which owes its name to the colossal marble tablet resembling a drum.
  • As you cruise through the Lijiang valley, take in the rolling hills of wheat fields and drying haystacks, creating a serene atmosphere.
• Tiger Leaping Gorge
  • Continuing along the winding road, you’ll reach Tiger Leaping Gorge, touted as the deepest gorge in the world. This natural wonder boasts 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, which is known as Jinsha due to its golden treasures.
  • As you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll discover the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge, situated between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain.
  • You’ll hike along the plank road for approximately 1,000 stairs to reach the magnificent Tiger Leaping Rock, taking in the stunning views and rolling waves.
  • Note: Comfortable shoes are recommended for this easy walk.
• Shangri-La
  • After our adventure in Tiger Leaping Gorge, we’ll drive to Shangri-La (Zhongdian), also known as the Garden of Eden. This enchanting destination is nestled at an altitude of 3459 meters and is renowned for its natural beauty. Take some time to relax and explore this earthly paradise on your own after checking into your hotel.

Day 8 Shangri La

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

• Songzanlin Monastery
  • Begin the day with a warm breakfast, then your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel.
  • You’ll have a 7-kilometer drive to Songzanlin Monastery (Ganden Sumtseling Gompa), affectionately known as the “Little Potala Palace” due to its resemblance to the famous Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.
  • Established in 1679 by the Fifth Dalai Lama, this Gelug Sect monastery is the largest in Yunnan Province, home to around 700 monks and lamas. Climb the 147 steps to reach the top of the monastery and discover its three main lamasery buildings, where you’ll witness monks of all ages engaging in daily routines, praying, chanting, cooking, and resting.
  • This immersive experience will provide a profound understanding of Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Take some time to wander around the serene Lamuyangcuo Lake and capture breathtaking panoramic views of Songzanlin Monastery reflected in the crystal-clear water.
• Pudacuo National Park
  • Then, you’ll drive approximately 27 kilometers to Pudacuo National Park, China’s first national park to meet International Union for Conservation of Nature standards.
  • This 1,300-square-kilometer park boasts an untouched primitive landscape featuring lakes, wetlands, forests, meadows, streams, brooks, rare plants, and animals. Immerse yourself in the lush green forest with diverse flora and fauna species, take a stroll along the plank road to absorb the stunning scenery, and explore numerous hiking opportunities.
• Important Notes:
  • Please be aware that Pudacuo’s altitude ranges from 3500m to 4150m, so avoid strenuous activities to prevent high-altitude sickness.
  • Some areas of the national park are currently closed for environmental protection and recovery.
• Local Tibetan Family Visit
• After our natural adventure in Pudacuo National Park, we’ll visit a local Tibetan family to experience their renowned hospitality and taste traditional Tibetan snacks and butter tea.
• Optional Experience: If you’re interested in learning about Tibetan daily drinks, you can join locals in making butter tea.

Recommended Hotels

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
• High speed train tickets from Kunming to Dali(2nd class seat).

Service Excluded:

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