The last paradise--Sichuan to Yunnan

OVERVIEW

This 10-day tour covers the most charming classical destinations and the extraordinary scenery destinations in the Southwestern China. Your tour begins in Chengdu, a vibrant city where you can feel the collision of the laid-back lifestyle and the hustle and bustle. Then you will be transferred to Dujiangyan to have a look of the oldest extant irrigation system. Then going west, touch the unspoiled natural beauty in Mount. Siguniang and discover the unique Tibetan culture in the idyllic villages in Danba. Next, let’s drive to Yajing, a small city which is built against a cliff, to find the hidden exotic beauty. Chant, spell. Vows and pray for happiness in the Litang Temple, make a sincere pilgrimage in the Three Holy Mountains, turn the prayer wheel to pray for peace and health in the Dukezong Old Town,and just stand quietly to await morning sun to dye the snow-capped peaks gold in the Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-la. After leaving the fairy-tale land, let’s step into the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Go hiking in the splendid gorge and have a glimpse of the turbulent torrent pouring down over the rocks. Afterwards, head to the last destination in the Lijiang Old Town. Find the beauty hidden in nature and in traditions and experience the lifestyle of Naxi people.

Highlights

· Feel the collision of the slow lifestyle and the hustle and bustle.

· Witness the grandeur of the the oldest irrigation system still in use.

· Touch the unspoiled natural beauty in the Western Sichuan.

· Discover the Tibetan Culture in the secluded villages.

· Find the hidden beauties in the town on a cliff.

· Chant, spell, vows and pray for happiness and good luck.

· Step into a fairy-tale land and fall in love with the colorful nature.

· Wait for a magnificent morning sunrise dyeing the snow-capped peaks gold.

· Conquer the dangerous gorge and capture the majestic scenery prepared for brave people.

· Explore ancient towns to find the beauty hidden in nature and in traditions.

ITINERARY:

· Day 1 Chengdu arrival

Welcome to Chengdu, the Land of Abundance, which is famous throughout China for its laid-back lifestyle and spicy cuisines. Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport/ train station and then escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. If time permits, your guide will show you around in Chengdu. Follow the crowd to visit the famous Broad and Narrow Alley, tasting delicious spicy snacks, watching interesting folk shows, and feeling the hustle and bustle in the lively city！

· Day 2 Chengdu-Dujiangyan-Mount. Siguniang

Depart Chengdu this morning and drive one hour to Dujiangyan, the oldest and only surviving no-dam irrigation system in the world. The project consists of three important parts, namely Yuzui, Feishayan and Baopingkou scientifically designed to automatically control the water flow of the rivers from the mountains to the plains throughout the year. While sightseeing, you can know how the ancient people build it and how it works. After lunch, drive about two hours and a half to Mount. Siguniang, “the Oriental Alps”.

· Day 3 Mount. Siguniang-Danba

After breakfast, head out to Shuangqiao Valley, one of the most famous attractions in the area of Mount. Siguniang. The blue sky, boundless alpine meadows and glaciers, and ancient cypress forests make this area a nature lovers’ dream and a photographers’ paradise. Spend the relaxing morning to hike along the valley and capture the breathtaking scenery of Mount. Siguniang. After lunch, we will drive three hours to Danba. During our journey to Danba, we will get across the Zhonglu Tibetan Village. Wander in the traditional small town and immerse yourself in the stunning spectacle view of setting sun casting orange glow over the brick walls and distant hills.

· Day 4 Danba-Yajiang

Enjoy a peaceful morning in Danba. Take a walk in this ethnic villages and explore the cultures and traditions of the locals. You can choose to visit local families and learn some Tibetan words. Then we will make our way to Yajiang. The drive is about five hours. Upon arrival, you can walk around the small town on the cliff. The stewed chicken with tricholoma matsutake ( a kind of mushroom grows on the root of pine trees) is a famous local delicacy , you can give it a try.

· Day 5 Yajiang-Daocheng-Riwa

After breakfast at the hotel, we will leave Yajiang and head to Daocheng, which is praised as the “last pure land on our blue planet”. During the seven-hour drive, we will pass through Litang Temple, one of the oldest and largest Tibetan Buddhist temples which was built by Sonam Gyatso. It is a good place for you to pray for good luck. You can also have a glimpse of  the dazzling array of instruments, various statues of Buddha, and the vast collection of documents in this temple. Afterward, we will drive two and a half hours to Riwa. A comfortable hotel will be prepared for you to enjoy a relaxing night.

· Day 6 Riwa

Get up early to spend more time out of doors in the fresh air. Today is all for a long-route tour in Yading Nature Reserve. Let’s start our day in the Chonggu Monastery and go hiking to visit the famous Three Holy Mountains. The three mountains are worshipped as embodiments of three Bodhisattvas: the Bodhisattvas of Mercy, Wisdom, and Power, respectively. If you make pilgrimages sincerely, your wishes may come true. Then, let’s head to the Luorong Pasture where you can watch herds of sheep and cattle enjoying the green grass leisurely and see flowers swaying gently in the breeze. In addition, the Five Clolor Lake and Milk Lakes are well worth visting.

· Day 7 Riwa-Shangri-la

Head to Shangri-la, and the drive is about five and a half hours. The destination is Dukezong Old Town, the largest and the best preserved Tibetan community in China which is built over 1300 years. Join in the tourists to turn the largest Prayer Wheel in the world in clockwise direction. Tibetans regards it as a good way to pray for happiness, and your life will be peaceful and happy as long as you pray in a sincere way.

· Day 8 Shangri-la-Tiger Leaping Gorge

Shangri-La means the “sun and moon in heart” in Tibetan. An ancient Chinese saying goes like that, “ the earliest sunrise is seen in Shangri-la; and the most unique place is also there.” Once you visit, you will fully appreciate the meaning of this saying. Try to get up early and pay a visit to Songzanlin Monastery. Stand quietly, absorbing the cold air and wafting fog, and watching the very first ray of sunshine dye the snow-capped peaks gold. Enjoy a relaxing morning to take in your spectacular setting.You may like to go for a walk in the surrounding area and get a closer look at the beautiful Tibetan city. In the late afternoon, we will drive two hours to Tiger Leaping Gorge. After checking in your hotel, you can take a walk around here.

· Day 9 Tiger leaping Gorge

Start your day with a hiking along Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the Top Ten hiking routes in the world. Once you come here, you can’t miss the chance to go hiking along the gorge to admire the splendid scenery around it. The gorge is divided into three sections: the first section is the the narrowest, the uppermost is good for sightseeing, and the middle section is best for go hiking. After going hike for a while, you can follow the lead of your guide and continue visiting the middle section to discover a more wonderful view of gorge; if not, you can just sit down in a cafe shop, drinking a cup of coffee and admiring the scenery .

·Day 10 Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang

Say goodbye to Tiger Leaping Gorge and head to Lijiang. It will takes you almost two hours. Lijiang Ancient Town is located on the plateau, which is embraced by mountains. The beautiful place is inhabited by residents from different peoples, thus making Lijiang a inclusive city. After a short rest, start a captivating tour in Lijiang Ancient Town. The quaint small town is established in the Ming Dynasty and works as a commercial center for over 800 years. Visit Mufu Palace, a grand mansion famous for its grandness. Wander through the narrow avenues and have a look of superb handicrafts and national costumes. As the night closes in, let’s join hands and dance round with local people. End the day with the joyful dance!

· Day 11 Lijiang

Let’s continue to explore the beauties nearby. This morning head to Baisha Village and appreciate the ancient Baisha Mural paintings. The evening here is also charming. With smooth melody of folk music and faint lights, the whole town seems to be reigned by tranquility, gentleness and tenderness.

· Day 12 Departure from Lijiang

It’s time to say goodbye. Today your guide and driver will send you off in the airport. If you want to extend your stay in China, we are willing to make customized tour plans for you.

Key Information:

Time             12days

Transport     Private car

Price

Theme         Ethnic people’s traditions and natural scenery of snow mountains, meadows and gorges    

Included      Hotel pickup and round-the-clock helpline

                     Private air-conditioned car with big space and comfortable seats

                     English speaking local tour guide

                     All required taxes, fees and entrance tickets

                     Accommodations  

Excluded     Gratuity

                     Optional activities