9 Days Shangri-la and Shaxi Ancient Town Discovery Tour from $1302

Shaping Monday Market, Zhou City, The Ancient City of Dali, Three Pagodas , Xizhou Bai Minority Village, Shaxi Ancient Town, Lijiang Ancient Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain(Large Cable Car up/down and echo-friendly Car), Baisha Murals, Tiger Leaping Gorge Upper Section Suitable For Seniors(Eco-Friendly Car included), First Bend of Yangtze River, Stone Drum Town, Zhongdian Ancient Town, The Largest Prayer Wheel, Bitahai and Shudu Lake(Eco-Friendly Car), Songzanlin Temple, Tibetan Family Visit…

Tour Code: YNT-D Commencement Date: At your discretion Tour Type: Private & Customizable

• Day 1 Arrive at Kunming Flight:On Your Own

  Today’s Tour: Airport/train Station To Hotel Transfer Accommodation: The Bank Hotel

  Detailed Description

  The Bank Hotel:

  The Bank Hotel Kunming sits in the heart of Kunming’s commercial and financial centre Wuhua Area. Just minutes from Kunming’s most popular historical sites. The hotel is convenient to Kunming’s finest shopping areas and just 15 minutes from Kunming International Airport. The hotel offers traditional hospitality with contemporary style for business and leisure travelers alike. The 285 rooms offer some of the most modern and stylish accommodations in Kunming. Our Rooms feature in-house movie channels, an executive work desk, broadband internet access, and outside phone lines.

  Airport/train Station To Hotel Transfer:

  You will be met by your English-speaking guide and escorted to your hotel. Have a welcome dinner and get to know your guide and the city, check your itinerary with the guide, and begin your wonderful journey!

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• Day 2 Kunming - Dali (B,L) Flight:Kunming to Dali

  Today’s Tour: Shaping Monday Market, Zhou City Today’s Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, Chinese Lunch, Accommodation: Dali Linden Centre

  Detailed Description

  Dali Linden Centre:

  The Linden Centre offers the intrepid traveler a true immersion into authentic China. Guests reside in an expansive and luxurious courtyard home in Xizhou, a pristine village in SouthWest China’s Yunnan Province. Our facility is a nationally protected heritage site that we have restored to its former dynastic elegance. In the foothills of the Himalayas, guests enjoy a year-round spring climate and direct access to rich, undisturbed cultures in a true melting pot of the region. Our guests touch the 'old' China that is elusive to most visitors, and leave with enriching experiences that last a lifetime.

  Shaping Monday Market:

  Shaping Monday Market, is about 30 kms north of Dali is Shaping town which offers a lively weekly market with plenty of local color. The market starts early. It is a great chance to see local farmers out in force and literally watch plenty of horse trading.

  Zhou City:

  Zhoucheng (Featured for Bai Ethnic culture). Zhoucheng Village is the largest and the farthest northern village of Dali City. The village has 7,571 inhabitants of 1,470 families. The entire village is in a square shape with row upon row of houses.

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• Day 3 Dali (B,L)

  Today’s Tour: The Ancient City of Dali, Three Pagodas , Xizhou Bai Minority Village Today’s Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, Chinese Lunch,

  Detailed Description

  The Ancient City of Dali:

  The circumference of Dali Ancient City was 6 kilometers long. The City Wall is 8 metres high and 7 meters thick. The interior of the wall was filled with rocks and the surface was bricked over smoothly. The four gate towers in the east, south, west and north are named Chen En, Tong Hai, Cangshan and An Yuan respectively. There are also 45 battlements and 1560 crenels on the walls.

  Three Pagodas :

  Standing like three legs of a tripod, the tallest of the three, Qianxun Pagoda was exquisitely constructed, with multiple tiers of eaves. Between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, the Three Pagodas stand like the legs of a huge tripod. In the time of Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, Chongshengsi Monastery was the largest monastery in this area and the Three Pagodas were only a part of it.

  Xizhou Bai Minority Village:

  Xizhou Bai Minority Village, featured for Tie-Dya, photogenic village 20km north of Dali, where Bai minority people are living and where you will get some ideas of the Bais' flair for architecture and elegant living.

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• Day 4 Dali - Shaxi (B,L)

  Today’s Tour: Shaxi Ancient Town Today’s Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, Chinese Lunch, Accommodation: Shaxi Laomadian Lodge

  Detailed Description

  Shaxi Laomadian Lodge:

  Laomadian signifies ‘Inn for old horses’ and it used to lodge caravan owners traveling on the Tea-Horse Caravan Road, from Xishuangbanna to Tibet and further, transporting and trading mainly tea, but also other merchandises like salt, silver, copper etc. Situated midway between Dali and Lijiang, Shaxi was one of the important trading centers on the Tea-Horse Caravan Road since several hundred years. Winter 2006, after 4 years of restoration work by Swiss architects with the help of Jianchuan government and several Swiss and International fundings, Shaxi has regained its beauty and starts to attract visitors from afar to admire this one of the last well-conserved market centers on the famous Tea-Horse Caravan Road.

  Shaxi Ancient Town:

  Shaxi once played an important role as a bustling trade station on the Tea and Horse Caravan Road, an important branch of the Silk Road. Just over one thousand years ago, this ancient trade route connected Tibet with Eastern China. In exchange for teas from Yunnan, Tibetans traded their famous breed of horse to Song Dynasty officials in eastern China, who were busy defending their territory from invaders from the north.

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• Day 5 Shaxi - Lijiang (B,L)

  Today’s Tour: Lijiang Ancient Town Today’s Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, Chinese Lunch, Accommodation: Zen Garden (lion Branch)

  Detailed Description

  Zen Garden (lion Branch):

  Zen Garden 2-lion hill branch is located at lion hill in the old town of lijiang.most of our rooms have wonderful and marvellous panoramic view over the old town and the surrounding mountains. we have 16 comfortable rooms which include 12 deluxe standard rooms and 2 antique tranditional suites.all rooms have modern equipped bathrooms with bath and shower.the hotel offers 2 open air courtyard with trees and water ponds for lucky fishes.our hotel is tastefully decorated using traditional chinese antique funitures.

  Lijiang Ancient Town:

  Lijiang Town is officially called "Dayan Town"-- "Dayan" literally means a "great inkstab", a graphic description of the town's location on a piece of rich flatland fed by a river and surrounded by green mountains. There is no other town in China like Dayan which incorporates the folkways of so many people and the architectural styles of both north and south China. Some say that Lijiang is not unique just because it is unique in too many ways-- how true this is. The highlight of a visit to Lijiang is a walk through the old town, which reveals its simple, elegant, old houses with stone foundations, brick walls, sloping roofs and red doors. Adding to the charm of the narrow cobblestone streets is a network of canals.

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• Day 6 Lijiang (B,L)

  Today’s Tour: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain(Large Cable Car up/down and echo-friendly Car), Baisha Murals Today’s Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, Chinese Lunch,

  Detailed Description

  Jade Dragon Snow Mountain(Large Cable Car up/down and echo-friendly Car):

  The much famed mountain is situated some 15 km. north of Lijiang County, with thirteen peaks resembling jade pillars holding the sky, it stands majestically on the east side of the Jinshajiang River. The main peak, Mount Fan (Shanzifeng), is 5,596 m. above sea level, and is annually snowcapped.

  Baisha Murals:

  This rich fusion had resulted in a tremendously powerful art, heavy in spirit and awe-inspiring in its presentation of the mystical world. Dominated by black, silver, dark green, gold and red colours, the murals in the back hall,overlaid with centuries of brown soot, are doomladen and bizarre, the scenes and figures, some still vivid in detail, are largely taken from Tibetan Buddhist iconography and include the wheel of life, judges of the underworld, the damned, titans and gods, Buddhas and bodhisattvas. There are trigrams, lotus flowers and even Sanskrit inscriptions on the ceiling. The deliberate damage done to the paintings is apparent and terrible, but the loss of the irreplaceable wooden statuary that filled the temple, of which there is no trace, is even more tragic.

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• Day 7 Lijiang - Zhongdian (B,L)

  Today’s Tour: Tiger Leaping Gorge Upper Section Suitable For Seniors(Eco-Friendly Car included), First Bend of Yangtze River, Stone Drum Town, Zhongdian Ancient Town, The Largest Prayer Wheel Today’s Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, Chinese Lunch, Accommodation: Songtsam Retreat At Shangri-la

  Detailed Description

  Songtsam Retreat At Shangri-la:

  Located in the Shangri-la hills, Songtsam Retreat, a member of the MGallery collection, offers exceptional boutique accommodation in a distinctly Tibetan style. Boasting a breathtaking location in this beautifully remote corner of China, unique architecture and stunning design,the retreat comprises 75 rooms. Songtsam Retreat at Shangri-la is located 25 minutes from Diqing Airport and five minutes from Songzanlin monastery, and offers spectacular views, superb dining and a day spa opening in May 2010.

  Tiger Leaping Gorge Upper Section Suitable For Seniors(Eco-Friendly Car included):

  The Tiger-Leaping Gorge is situated at the gap through which the Golden Sand River rushes between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and HaBa Snow Mountain. This spectacular site is about 55km north of Lijiang City. It is locate at both the border of Zhongdian and Lijiang and therefore comes under the control of the both prefecture. The name "Tiger-leaping Gorge" is originated from a legendary story of a hunter who was chasing a tiger. This tiger escaped to Golden Sand River by leaping through the gorge with the help of a large stone in the middle of raging river. The gorge is divided into upper, middle and lower Tiger-leaping Gorge. The whole length of is about 30km.

  First Bend of Yangtze River:

  When the Yangtze River approaches the town known as "Stone Drum Town", it takes almost a 180-degree turn from the south to the north, forming a bent- like structure. This bent is considered very significant because it keeps the Yangtze River (called Golden Sand River in Yunnan Province) flowing through the mid eastern part of China.

  Stone Drum Town:

  This ancient town is named after a drum-shaped marble plaque. Built during the Jiaqing era (1548-1561) of the Ming Dynasty, the stone drum is a monument commemorating the victory of Lijiang's Naxi ruler over an invading Tibetan army. It is one point five meters (five feet) in diameter and zero point five meters (two feet) in thickness. The stone drum has an obvious vestige of what appears to be a "rip" in it. It is said that the stone drum would rupture prior to any war and then fold when peace returned.

  Zhongdian Ancient Town:

  Zhongdian is about 200kms from Lijiang, set on a high plateau, and the start of the Tibetan world. The towns Tibetan name is Gyeltang or Gyalthang. In mid June Zhongdian hosts a horse-racing festival with dancing, singing, eating and horse-racing. Due to its altitude at over 3000 metres, it can be quite cold in later Autumn and Winter. Yaks can often be seen grazing on the plains. You can enjoy the Tibetan Dance at the Square in the old town at night.

  The Largest Prayer Wheel:

  We recommend you pay a visit to the world largest prayer wheel in the ancient town of Zhongdian. Its diameter is about 2m and about 10m high. Only 6 men can move it.

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• Day 8 Zhongdian (B,L)

  Today’s Tour: Bitahai and Shudu Lake(Eco-Friendly Car), Songzanlin Temple, Tibetan Family Visit Today’s Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, Chinese Lunch,

  Detailed Description

  Bitahai and Shudu Lake(Eco-Friendly Car):

  In the reserve itself, century-old pines and cypresses grow around Bitahai Lake, in which the water is crystal clear. In the lake there is an islet covered by cedars and azaleas. In spring, when the withered azalea flowers fall to the lake and are eaten by fish, the fish seem to be unconscious and almost drunk. They float on the surface with their abdomen facing the sky. Around the lake are virgin forests-the ideal habitat for rare animals including red-footed pheasant, silver pheasant, wild bull, leopard and lynx.

  Songzanlin Temple:

  Built in 1679, Songzanlin Temple is the oldest and largest Tibetan Buddhism temple in Yunnan province. Built along the mountains with a magnificent facade, the present monastery is a faithful imitation of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The five-story Tibetan watchtower structure is covered with exquisite wooden carvings and gold-plated copper tiles. It is said that the fifth Dalai Lama chose the site of the monastery through divination. Currently, there are 800 monks and three living Buddhas in the temple.

  Tibetan Family Visit:

  Pay a visit to a local Tibetan family, have a view of the life of a local Tibetan family. Do some simple communication with the family members via the guide.

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• Day 9 Departure Zhongdian - Kunming (B) Flight: Zhongdian to Kunming

  Today’s Tour: Hotel to Airport/Train Station Transfer Today’s Meals: Breakfast at your hotel

  Detailed Description

  Hotel to Airport/Train Station Transfer:

  You will be escorted to the airport/train station for your flight/train to your next destination. Please double check your luggage, stuffs, visa and passport.

Your Group Size	Half Twin Price ( Low Seson)	Half Twin Price ( High Season)	Inquiry/Customize
1 Person	$ 2006	$ 2614	Customize Now
2 - 5 Persons	$ 1302	$ 1606	Customize Now
6 - 9 Persons	$ 955	$ 1259	Customize Now
10 Up Persons	$ 823	$ 1127	Customize Now
Note: Price is per person based on double occupancy. Single Traveler Room Supplement is $443. This is a private, independant and personalized tour and guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 1 passenger. Please note that B, L, D denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. High Sesaon is from March to November, Low Season is from December to February. Discount can be applied. Domestic Air included: Economy ( can be upgraded to first or business class upon your reqeust with extra charge) International airfare excludes in the price shown. We recommend www.expedia.com to book your international air tickets. Travel insurance excludes in the price shown. We recommend www.travelguard.com to cover your travel insurance. China visa required: not included in the package. Passport must be valid at least 6 months from date of trip return.

Destinations	Travel Accommodations
Kunming	The Bank Hotel Luxury International Brand Standard Room
Dali	Dali Linden Centre Affordable Quality Double Bed
Lijiang	Zen Garden (lion Branch) Luxury International Brand Deluxe Standard Room(Twin/Double)
Shaxi	Shaxi Laomadian Lodge Affordable Quality Standard Room
Zhongdian	Songtsam Retreat At Shangri-la Luxury Boutique Superior Room
Note: All the hotels we recommend are centrally located and famousf or their high quality service. Our hotels includes Luxury International hotels, Luxury boutique hotels(Local style), Family apartment or Affordable quality hotels. If the hotels listed are not your favorite, please tell us, we will fit them in your package.