Lijiang has the best preserved ancient town in China ? its old town has been listed in the World Cultural Heritages by UNESCO in 1997. It maintains the original flavor of the local lifestyle, the typical groups of buildings and the profound cultural heritage of the region. Lijiang and environs are inhabited by several ethnic nationalities with interesting cultures. They include the Naxi, which have the largest population in this region.
Perched at bottom of the Himalayas and the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, this remote town in southwest China’s Yunnan Province is a show-stealer for its amazing landscape and rich culture. Nestled in a valley ringed with snow-capped mountains, springs, lakes and frothy rivers, nature’s touch extends into Lijiang County. The Old Town is full of cobbled streets, crisscrossing canals flowing with water, swaying willows and gaily?hued blossoms. Every so often, a bridge ? stone, flat, arched, wooden, roofed ? pops up and along it trundles local folk in traditional dress.
Note: Please be informed that though it has a good reputation among both Chinese and foreigners, Lijiang has become very commercial as tourism has developed in recent years.
Located in the midst of three rivers, Shangri-La is a sacred scenic region blessed with majestic mountains. It’s official name was changed from Zhongdian in Xianggelila in 2002. In Tibetan Shangri-La means the “sun and moon in heart”, an ideal home only found in heaven. The lofty and continuous snowy mountains, endless grasslands, steep and grand gorges, azure lakes and the pastoral villages in this area always leave a deep impression on visitors.
At an average altitude of more than 3,000m Shangri-La is very difficult to reach. Without railways leading there, most tourists will take the long-distance bus from Lijiang to Shangri-La.
Shangri-La is inhabited by many different ethnic groups, with the Tibetans comprising the majority of the population. Like this it is a great opportunity to experience Tibetan life, religion and cuisine, if you cannot make it to Tibet.
Itinerary Day 1 :Shanghai Hongqiao- Lijiang FM9451 0840/1330, (stop over in Kunming)
Check into the hotel
Lunch at New Town
Visit to New Town-shopping for Orphanage
Explore the ancient town of Lijiang where any expert from
"The Natural protection institution will give us a lecture to compare old and new,
have an open discussion about environmental sustainability.
Guided tour at Wangu Tower(bird view of Ancient Town)
BBQ at Huangshan village
Bonfire Party with local folks' singing and dancing performance
Hexi Hotel,Lijiang or the same standard(4 star)
Day 2 :Visit to Jade Dragon Snow
Mountain to include explanation of TCM by local expert.
Take cable car and climb to the top at 4900M's high, watch the iceberg
Visit to local herding village en route to see homes and livestock arrangement
Local cafe at Ancient Town
Drive to Visit the Naxi Culture Research Institution at Dongba Village:
interview Master Witch;
Spiritual Driving Ritual Journal Writing at Black Dragon
Pool park surrounding Naxi Culture research Institute
Free dinner at Ancient Town
Watch the Naxi Ancient Music Concert
Hexi Hotel, Lijiang or the same standard(4 star)
Day 3 :Leaving for Tiger Leaping Gorge,
visit en route to Kwan Lin Temple at Yangtze river Overlook
Drive to Qiaotou (3 hours) at
Tiger Leaping Gorge for hiking
Lunch in the countryside
Upper Gorge Hike (2-3 hours),
visit local market; drive to Shangrila,
visit en route to Yak site
Tibetan Hotpot dinner
Visit to Old Street -
Bonfire Party -have local resident teach us about songs and dances
Guanguang Hotel,Shangri-La or the same standard (4 star)
Day 4 :Visit Songzanlin Tibetan Monastery,
interview the Lama and Lay Staff
(if possible, we will arrange the meeting with the living Buddha)
Visit to Monastery Market
Local restaurant
Visit to Tibetan archery range and horseback riding area
- enrich visit with more demonstration/explanation
Visit to local orphanage
- 3 hours - activities and cultural exchange
BBQ beside the hot spring
Swimming and self arranged party
Guanguang Hotel,Shangri-La or the same standard (4 star)
Day 5 :Take morning flight from Shangrila to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
MU5811 0955/1500
