<CCCY> YUNNAN ADVENTURE 12 DAYS
View: Hong Kong, Kunming, Stone Forest, Dali, Lijiang, Shangrila
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DAY 1 USA - Hong Kong
Our international flight departs
DAY 2 Cross the International Date Line
International Date Line
DAY 3 Hong Kong – Kunming
Our flight arrives at Hong Kong, board a conneting flight for Kunming, one of the most modern cities in Southwestern China. Kunming holds distinction as having the best year-round weather in all of China. It is known as the “Eternal Spring City”.
DAY 4 Kunming - Stone Forest – Dali
After breakfast we visit the Stone Forest, marvel at the natural stone “trees.” Created by ancient winds and water erosion over millions of years, the Stone Forest is a remarkable region of limestone cliffs and peaks. Later we board a flight to Dali, located in the southwest part of the Yunnan Province. For dinner the Bai Minority cuisine is served at hotel.
DAY 5 Dali
Dali is home to the Bai Minority Group and is a city of great natural beauty. We visit Old Town Dali and take an excursion to Butterfly Mountain followed by a visit to Erhai Lake. Get firsthand experience of local daily life as we visit a Bai Minority Village, chancing a taste of famous “Three Courses Tea” and the entertainment of Bai Minority Folklore Dance. Head back into town, stopping on the way at the “Three Elegant Pagodas”, and outstanding landmark of the region.
DAY 6 Dali – Lijiang
We journey by bus to Lijiang, the cultural center of the Naxi Minority. Lijiang has beautiful landscapes and has been designated by the UN as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Gaze in wonder at the sights and sounds of this ancient city as you walk down the cobblestone streets preserved for over 700 years. We see that the Naxi way of life has changed very little over time. A short bus ride away is Black Dragon Pond, where we take a leisurely stroll around the pristine surroundings. Tonight we are entertained by the ancient Naxi Music after our dinner.
DAY 7 Lijiang
The highlight of the day must be Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the mythical mountain worshipped by the Naxi people. The bus drops us off at the base where we board chair lifts to access higher regions that afford a beautiful view of the famed Thirteen Peaks. On the mountain, 10,170 ft above sea level, a stop for us to enjoy the fantastic outdoor production called “Impression Lijiang” will be reserved. Our rest stop on the way down the mountain is Baisha Village, the ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom. Enjoy the famous local cuisine “Wang’s Family Banquet” for dinner.
DAY 8 Lijiang – Shangrila
Embark early morning on the arduous motor coach ride to the famed Shangrila. At the midway point of the journey our first stop is another ancient town called Shuhe Old Town in which the largest stone arch bridge in Lijiang was built. Next, we stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge, descending over 2 200 steps to get the best possible view. Shangrila is home to the Tibetan Minority Group. Tonight we enjoy the whole lamb dinner with a Tibetan family, being careful to observe the local customs and traditions which often including singing and dancing!
DAY 9 Shangrila
Rise early in the morning as we venture to Songzan Temple, the largest Lhamasery existing outside of Tibet and constructed in the Qing Dynasty. Later we journey by motor coach to Napahai, a beautiful scenic spot that typifies how Shangrila blends harmoniously with nature, worshipped by the Tibetan Minorities as a deity. Our final stop before returning back to the hotel for dinner is the Shangri-La Old Town.
DAY 9 Shangrila - Kunming - Jiuxiang – Kunming
Board the flight bound back to Kunming. Immediately we take an excursion to the remarkable Jiuxiang. Known primarily for its limestone caves, it also boasts an underground waterfall and an awesome gorge. In the evening we are in for a special treat of Yunnan specialties followed by an exciting Minority Cultural Show.
DAY 11 Kunming - Hong Kong
We visit the Xishan Forest Park and Longmen, and try some Yunnan Tea. For lunch, the Yunnan Wild Mushroom Hot Pot will be served. Later we depart Kunming for Hong Kong. Among its many nicknames, Hong Kong is called the “Asia’s Shopping Paradise” and “Asia’s World City”. Upon arrival, our group is transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. You may do whatever your hearts desire.
DAY 12 Hong Kong – USA
Our vacation is over all too soon as we are transferred to the airport to board the homebound international flight, bidding a fond farewell to Yunnan.
***** Peony *****
