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9 |
Trek |
DAYS |
Voir les photos
Holiday Overview
Holiday Overview
Highlights
- Erhai Lake: Curise by Boat
- Ancient Tea Horse Road: the international trade route in Southwest China radiating to South Asia, West Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and even Europe
- Danxia Landform: red sandstone karst mountains landscape
- Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
- Ganden Sumtseling Monastery: the Yellow Sect center in the Sichuan-Yunnan region, known as the "Little Potala Palace"
Brief Itinerary
- DAY 01 ARRIVE IN DALI
- DAY 02 DALI / WEI SHAN / DALI
- DAY 03 DALI / NUODENG VILLAGE / STAY IN LANPING
- DAY 04 LANPING HOTEL / SHIBAO SHAN / SHAXI VILLAGE
- DAY 05 SHAXI / TIGER LEAPING GORGE / STAY IN HALFWAY GUESTHOUSE
- DAY 06 BENDIWAN / DA SHEN GOU / ZHONGDIAN
- DAY 07 ZHONGDIAN / STAY IN LIJIANG
- DAY 08 LIJIANG
- DAY 09 LIJIANG / HOME
Map & Itinerary
Map & Itinerary
Yunnan, a land of natural beauty and mystery, located in the most southwest of China, has a vast territory, magnificent mountains and rivers, abundant natural resources and diverse cultures. Yunnan is a home to 26 ethnic minorities which give a rich color to the land. They contributed with their colorful costumes, their traditional songs and dances to the attractive life.
We will start with Dali City which is located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain and can be traced back to the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). You’ll explore the dazzling diversity of Yunnan’s minority ethnic groups at the towns of Dali and Lijiang. As well in the villages of Baisha, Shaxi and Nuodeng, you’ll fully experience this, as these cities are a haven for minority groups, with the Naxi, Hui and Bai ethnic groups being especially prevalent.
Spend enough time in Zhongdian or say Shangri-la as well as Tiger Leaping Gorge - one of the most attractive area in Southwest China. Your tour will end the trip at Lijiang ancient town for the famous Dragon Snow Mountain etc.
Holiday Itinerary
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ARRIVE IN DALI
Our Journey starts with a morning arrival in Dali, after checking into your hotel. Today our guide will lead you to visit Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺三塔) northwest of Dali, occupying a scenic location at the foot of Mt. Cang Shan(苍山) facing Erhai Lake(洱海), built in the reign of Emperor Hongwu of Ming Dynasty, has a history of over 1,800 years. Known for its resilience, This architectural treasure. has survived several eras of severe earthquakes.
Then, we will go for a boat tour on Erhai Lake, watching queues of captive cormorants waiting on the edge of the boat for their turn to do the fishing. The whole lake area is full of interesting and beautiful sites. Lining its banks in the valley is the ancient city of Dali. You can watch the people live their daily lives in a traditional way. That is an interesting backdrop for the scenery. We'll head to Xizhou(喜洲), an old quiet town which will give you a chance to experience the Bai minority's local market where traders and merchants gather to do the business.
Here is mainly known for the well preserved houses, which has about 200 national heritage listed private houses dating from the Qing Dynasty. We'll visit local Bai traditional houses, a form of enclosed compounds called " San Fang Yi ZhaoBi " (Three workshops a screen wall, "三坊一照壁"), meaning rooms on three sides and a wall screen on the fourth.
Then extend your tour to the native's hand-made clothing process - tie-die cloth workshop, taste local snacks when your walk along the small streets. By visiting this small town, you gain a better understanding of the history of this ingenious people and an appreciation of a culture that has been important in Chinese history.
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Accommodation 3* (or 4*) hotel in Dali Ancient City
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Meals BL
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DALI / WEI SHAN / DALI
This morning we will explore Wei Shan Old Town, claimed to be "the ancient capital of Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国)" and is in fact the cradle of Nanzhao Culture. Wei Shan Old Town is located in Wei Shan county, west ofYunnanProvince. The name “Wei Shan” (巍山) is derived from "Weibao Mountain (Weibao Shan)” in the east. The Wei Shan old town, with a history of more than 600 years, possesses numerous cultural relics and scenic beauties. According to historical records, Wei Shan had become the political, economic and cultural center of westYunnanProvinceas early as the Tang Dynasty. In 1994, it was listed as one of the historical and cultural cities ofChina. Time goes by, narrow streets and alleys, wooden houses with grass growing on the roof, gate towers, memorial archways, temples, ancestral halls here are all well-preserved.
At the afternoon we will have a chance to take a short hike on Mt. Weibao, one of the thirteen Taoist Mountains in China, and will have opportunity to know more about this native Chinese religion. Then visit Donglianhua (East Lianhua, 东莲花) Hui Village, a Muslim village on the "Tea and Horse Road"(茶马古道). The mosques’ green domes topped with a shiny crescent and star seem out-of-place in this part of the globe. The Muslims of WeiShan region in Yunnan belong to the Hui ethnic group. At the end of our hiking, we'll get back to Dali ancient city for night.
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Accommodation 3* (or 4*) hotel in Dali Ancient City
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Distance 6km
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Meals BL
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Time 2hrs hiking
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DALI / NUODENG VILLAGE / STAY IN LANPING
Following breakfast we will make a 3-hour drive to Nuodeng(诺邓) village, an ancient salt village in remote Yunnan, hidden in the valley. Built on a steep slope above the ancient salt wells, Nuodeng is famous for its ham (诺邓火腿) and for its well-preserved centuries-old residential housing made of red rammed-earth. The villages owed its prosperity to the salt, which was carried on horseback toward the north. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the development of trade routes in Yunnan contributed to the prosperity of Nuodeng.
On the way we will walk around ancient villages, visit temple buildings such as Yuhuang Pavilion(玉皇阁), Wenwu Temple(or called Man Mo Temple).Then we continue with driving to the hotel in Lanping County(89km). On the way we will meet the Tongjing Bridge(通京桥). This wooden beam bridge was built in 1776, and rebuilt in 1835, Qing dynasty. It is the longest span bridge among the similar in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture.
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Accommodation Lanping Xindu hotel
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Distance 4km
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Meals BL
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Time 1.5hrs hiking
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LANPING HOTEL / SHIBAO SHAN / SHAXI VILLAGE
In the morning we will make a 1.5-hour drive to Shibao Shan(石宝山), a stone treasure mountain, which is famous for its red rock formations called Danxia landscape (丹霞景观) and the Buddhist grottoes that feature unique stone-carving nestled into the pine-forested mountain. Shizhong(Stone Bell) Temple(石钟山石窟), one of the three largest scenic spots of Shibao Shan, where the bodhisattva Guanyin and other Buddhist images are carved into the rocky mountainside, are over 1300 years old and evidence of the spread of Mahayana Buddhism into Yunnan from Tibet. The Buddhist grottoes contributed to Mount Shibao being known as the ‘Mogao Caves (莫高窟) of Yunnan’, in reference to the famous Buddhist frescoes in the desert of Dunhuang(敦煌) in northwest Gansu province. Walking in the mountain there are dense forests and flowing streams, which makes a beautiful picture.
Then walking 2 hours down from the mountain to Shaxi village, a historical village at the foot of Shibao Shan, nested in a valley. Shaxi village, World Monuments Fund has listed it as one of the 100 most endangered sites in the world. This area was once a bustling trade station on the Southern Silk Road (Tea and Horse Caravan Road), that linkedChinaandTibetwith Southeast Asia, so the ancient remains, frescoes, art and graffiti on the mountains show a mixture of cultural influences from other parts of the world.
On the way we will be able to visit some local kiln next to the road, let the kiln man tell you how to make and burn a traditional Chinese tile and special clay cat, also we will have chance to see the traditional Jianchuan red sandstone formations also called Danxia landscape(丹霞景观). Then, we will tour the old town, the nearby Shaxi River, the Xinjao Temple, as well as the ancient courtyards that abound in the town. The old town of Shaxi is very small and consists essentially in a few quiet lanes and alleys, you can feel the walls of this ancient alley breath of history.
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Accommodation guest house in Shaxi old town
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Distance 8km
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Meals BLD
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Time 2-3hrs hiking
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SHAXI / TIGER LEAPING GORGE / STAY IN HALFWAY GUESTHOUSE
Today is special! After crossing the Yangtze River(Chang Jiang), we will spend approximately 6 hours trekking to Halfway Guesthouse located in Bendiwan. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the world’s deepest gorges or river canyon in the world. The mountains, Yulong(Jade Dragon) Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, on either side of the Tiger Leaping Gorge reach over 5,000m at their highest point, looking down to the Yangtze River(Chang Jiang) running through it below. There is a huge stone in the center of the river, and a tiger once leaped from Yulong Snow Mountain to Haba Snow Mountain by jumping on it, which contributes to the name of Tiger Leaping Gorge.
In the morning we will drive for 3 hours to Qiaotou (1,835m) to begin our trek. First, trek 2 hours to Naxi Family Guesthouse and have lunch. The Naxis are a Chinese minority group and can be identified by their royal blue and white outfits.
Then continue to trek another 2 hours, making it over the 28 bends(or hairpin)(二十八道拐) turns up the gorge, the most difficult part to the trek, which involved steep trails and climbing using the rocks and roots of trees to help. Once we get on the top (2,670m), the outstanding views made it all worthwhile. The trail can be very narrow and slippery at times so you do have to be extra vigilant with each step, especially in wet weather.
After a break, trek another 1-2 hours, we will finally arrive at Halfway Guesthouse(中途客栈) in Bendiwan(本地湾) with a great view ofYulongSnowMountain, and overlooks the Jinsha(Golden Sands) River Valley, the upper reaches of the Chang Jiang, which has some of the roughest and most spectacular white water rapids in the world. Here you can sit out on a deck facing the mountain, and there are hot showers and clean beds. The vistas here are awe-inspiring and perhaps the best of any lodging in the gorge, and the view from the communal toilets is worth the price of a bed alone.
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Accommodation Halfway Guesthouse in Bendiwan
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Distance 20km
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Meals BLD
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Time 6hrs hiking
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BENDIWAN / DA SHEN GOU / ZHONGDIAN
From the Halfway Guesthouse, continue 1.5-hour's trekking to the Tina’s Guesthouse in Da Shen Gou, where the high and low road meet.
After lunch, drive to Zhondian (also called Shangri-la), the first Tibetan town inYunnanwith a sprinkling of Bai, Muslim and Naxi cultural influences. It is a beautiful land characterized by snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, idyllic lakes and religious culture. It is a "Utopia" free from stress, pollution and turmoil that plagues most of the cities where we live. Visit Zhongdian Old town, huge prayer wheel and local Tibetan.
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Accommodation 3* (or 4*) hotel in Zhongdian
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Distance 7km
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Meals BLD
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Time 2hrs hiking
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ZHONGDIAN / STAY IN LIJIANG
In the morning, we will explore Songtsam Monastery(松赞林寺). The endless clusters of white boxy buildings, the billowing clouds of incense, chanting monks and the sight of snow-covered peaks in the distance, make the Songzanlin Monastery incredible to behold. It is the largest Tibetan monastery inYunnanand one of the largest lamaseries outsideTibet.
Sectional Napa Lake (纳帕海) is a well known freshwater lake. In summer the water melting from surrounding mountains flows in and forms a vast lake, in dry season, the water recede and grassland appears--the best time for herding sheep or cattle. September is paradise of migratory birds like bar-headed geese, wild ducks, and cranes.
After lunch, drive to Lijiang.
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Accommodation 3* (or 4*) hotel in Lijiang Old town
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Distance 150km
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Meals BL
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Time 3.5hrs driving
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LIJIANG
In the morning, we will walk around the beautiful old town of Lijiang on our own. Lijiang is located at an altitude of almost 8,000 feet and a UN World Heritage Site. The old part of the town has wonderful old cobbled streets, meandering streams and views that will take us back to hundred of year ago. Visit local Zhongyi market (忠义市场), Lion Rock Mountain where we could enjoy the old city’s panorama. Then we will drive 22 kilometers to Yuhu village (玉壶村), a beautiful and quiet Naxi minority’s village. Explore aspects of Naxi daily life in Baisha Village (白沙古镇), where 558 Frescoes on 12 walls that can date back to the Ming Dynasty from 1385. Buddhism, Taoism and Lamaism manifest in integration in styles of the Han Chinese, the Tibetan, the Bai and the Naxi people on the murals, a proof of exchange on politics, economy, culture and religion between the mainland and the frontiers ofChina. At the end of today, visit Black Dragon Pool, visitDongbaCultureMuseum.
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Accommodation 3* (or 4*) hotel in Lijiang Old town
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Meals BL
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LIJIANG / HOME
In the morning , transfer to Lijiang airport, see off.
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Meals BL
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Price Policy
Tour Price Policy
Additional details
1. Before you pay deposit to book the tour, we haven’t made any reservation yet. The train, flight tickets and the hotel may different from the itinerary listed.
2. The visiting order of the scenic spots in the itinerary may change according to the traffic condition and other unforeseen things.
3. Tourist insurance is a must before going, please provide us the confirmation of insurance company when sign up.
The price includes
1. Entrance Fees: to scenic spots as listed in the itinerary
2. All the activities fee mentioned in the itinerary: Hutong rickshaw in Beijing; Sichuan Opera show in Chengdu;
3. Private Transfers: Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing during the trip by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver.
4. Meals: All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), include Peking duck dinner in Beijing; Hot pot dinner in Chengdu.
5. Guide: As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city, who will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available
6. Hotel: hotel fees are based on two people sharing one room with king-size bed. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast
7. Internal flights
** Day 11/ Flight from Yichang to Shanghai (based on economy class);
8. Trains
** Day 04/ High speed train from Beijing to Xi’an (based on 2nd class);
** Day 06/ High speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu (based on 2nd class)
** Day 06/ High speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing (based on 2nd class)
9. Arrangements: the tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges
10. Travel Agency Liability insurance
The price does not include
1. International airfare or train tickets to enter or leave China
2. China entry visa fees
3. Excess baggage charges
4. The medicine for the sickness or accident while on the way
5. Personal expenses: expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary
6. Meals: any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary
7. Single room supplement
8. Please notice that the price will be much higher during the festival of Labors’ Day, National Day, spring festival
9. Tips to tour guide and driver (recommended USD10-15/guest/day).
10. Tourist accident insurance. NB - you are strongly suggested to buy travel and health insurance before you start out from your home country.
Payment conditions
To confirm your reservation, you must pay a deposit of 30% of the total amount due via the payment link that your local agent will share. The balance is due 30 days prior to departure. The quoted exchange rate is valid for the next 7 days – if the deposit is not paid within this time, the quote will be re-calculated.
Terms and conditions for cancelation
i. Cancellation of the Tour by CAT (local agent):
CAT reserve the right to cancel the postpone tour at any time up to the date final payment is due under the following condition: in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. And in this case, all money paid by the participants will be refunded. If the tour is postponed, CAT will offer all those who have signed up the opportunity to have the same tour for a later time, but the price may be changed according to the season. We will notify you of any change, and give you a reasonable period
of time to make your decision. Consumers may, but are under no obligation to, take the tour under these new terms. After final payment has been made, we may cancel the tour only if, in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. Since cancellation in this case involves factors which may arise suddenly and are entirely outside our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, civil unrest and epidemic disease, we cannot guarantee a full refund in this case. This is because payment will already have been made to finalize the arrangements and reservation.
ii. Cancellation of the Tour by Consumer:
Any cancellation must be made by sending an email to the local agent. The cancellation fee varies according to how many days prior to departure the cancellation is made:
· More than 30 days prior to departure: 5% of the total holiday cost
· Between 30 and 22 days prior to departure : 25% of the total holiday cost
· Between 21 and 8 days prior to departure : 50% of the total holiday cost
· Between 7 and 3 days prior to departure : 75% of the total holiday cost
· Less than 3 days prior to departure and after the departure date: 100% of the total holiday cost
All cancellations must be in writing and will be effective upon receipt by CAT. No refund will be made to those participants who break the journey regardless of the portions of the package unused. If, owing to serious illness or injury, the participant withdraws from the tour, a refund will be subject to the consent of the local travel agent.
No refund will be made to those participants who have failed to secure valid travel documents such as passport or visas.
