Splendid Yunnan & Shangri-la
12 days from $1949All Inclusive
Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Shangri-la
Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1: US / China
Fly to Beijing, the capital of China.
Day 2: Arrive Beijing
You will be met at the airport and escorted a four star hotel.
Day 3: Beijing / Kunming
Fly to Kunming, the Spring City. Visit Grand View Park after arrival. Completed in 1690 during the Qing Dynasty, the Grand View Park lives up to its name by providing visitors with grand views of Dian Lake. [Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Day 4: Kunming
Take a half day tour to the 400 year old Golden Palace Temple at the top of Mingfeng Hill, home of the Taoist Taihe Palace (Hall of Supreme Harmony) and the largest copper temple in China. Then visit the Dragon Gate and Western Hills, which is a range of four mountainswhose silhouette is said to resemble �Sleeping Beauty�. Enjoy a Minority Singing and Dancing Show after dinner.dinner. [Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Day 5: Kunming - Stone Forest
Visit Stone Forest: Stone Forest locates 75 miles to the south of Kunming City, it is one of China's most remarkable natural phenomena. Towering peaks of bizarre shaped limestone, some are as high as a 6 story building, cover an area of over 200 acres. A 1.2 mile long path winds through the deepest portion of the forest where one can see pavilions, caves and ponds each with its own legend. [Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Day 6: Kunming / Dali
Drive to Dali (4 hours), which was the Capital of ancient Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. Take a two hour cruise on scenic Erhai Lake to enjoy its alpine setting. Dali is the home of Bai minority. Visit Jin Suo Isle, which is a Bai minority fishing village and colorful market. Continue on to visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, 9th century examples of the architectural art and culture of the Bai ethnic group.
Day 7: Dali / Lijiang
Drive to Lijiang (3 hours), Take a walking tour of the ancient Dayan Town, a UNESCO world heritage site, where the houses are wood-and- earth structures with tiled roofs and flower-filled courtyards. Naxi ethnic minorities have a long history in Lijiang. Visit the renowned Black Dragon Pool with its Moon Embracing Pavilion, Five Phoenix Pavilion & Dongba Cultural Village.[Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Day 8: Lijiang
Take a cable car up to Jade Dragon Snow Mt. Visit the Mu Family Mansion, followed with Baisha village, to see its Ming and Qing dynasty frescos.
Day 9: Lijiang / Shangri-la
Drive to Shangri-la, which is called the "Eden in dream". It first appeared in British novelist James Hilton's �Lost Horizon� in 1939. Along the ancient Tea & Horse trade track, it is a beautiful 100 mile drive via Tiger Leaping Gorge, with an average altitude of more than 10,000 feet. Visit Napa Lake upon arrival, followed with a Tibetan Village and Family visit.[Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Day 10: Shangri-la
Visit Songzanlin Monastery, which was first constructed in Qing Dynasty. It embodies the essence of the Tibetan Buddhist culture. It�s architecture exemplifies the features of the Tibetan style. It's the greatest monastery of Tibetan Buddhism in Yunnan Province. Visit Bitahai Lake, which is famous for its limpid water and beautiful sceneries. It is widely recognized as 'A Pearl on the Plateau' and the most attractive lake in Shangri-La.[Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Day 11: Shangri-la / Beijing
Fly to Beijing, visit the 2008 Olympic Stadiums.[Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Day 12: Beijing / US
Fly back to the US.[Meals: American Breakfast]