Situated in Southwestern China, Yunnan has literally been known as “South to the Color Clouds”, for its warm winter and cool summer. Lijiang, one of the famous cities in Yunnan Province, is a place with fresh air, clean water, breathtaking snow mountains, and friendly people. Hiking in Lijiang, you can experience the true life of local people and the beautiful scenery.
Kunming Changshui International Airport (Google Map)
Lijiang Airport (Google Map)
Day 1 Arrive at Kunming (-/-/-)
Transfer via: flight arranged by you
Meet you at Kunming airport and transfer you to your hotel for checking-in. After a short break, have the city tours to Dragon Gate in Western Hills.
The Western Hills, about 15 km from Kunming city, lie along the western shore of Dianchi Lake. It stretches from north to south for about 40 km. The Hills resemble a reclining maiden lying on the banks of Dianchi Lake with her long hair flowing down into the lake. As a result, the Western Hills have the nickname of the “A Sleeping Beauty Hills”.
Dragon Gate，also called Datiange, which is a temple eyrie on the side of a sheer cliff Arhat Peak. It’s an ideal place to get some idea of how magnificent the sights are. Standing at the Dragon Gate, you can enjoy the beauty of the vast Dianchi Lake. It was said, “Once on the Dragon Gate, your fortune will be made.”
Day 2 Kunming, Stone Forest (B/L/-)
After breakfast, drive you to Stone Forest. It will take about two hours from Kunming to Stone Forest. Finishing Stone Forest trip, transfer you back Kunming.
Stone Forest located in Shilin Yi Nationality Autonomous County. It covers an area of 400 square kilometers (96,000 acres) and includes both large and small stone forests, as well as many other scenic spots. The fantastic stone pinnacles rising abruptly from the ground resemble a huge, dense forest. The stone forest with its mysterious scenery and natural beauty is described as “the most fantastic scenery under heaven” by the people in and out of China.
Day 3 Kunming to Lijiang (B/L/-)
Transfer via: domestic flight (Kunming to Lijiang) arranged by us
Take early morning flight to Lijiang. After arriving Lijiang, you are going to visit Black Dragon Park, Dongba Culture Museum and Lijiang Ancient Town.
Lijiang Ancient Town. Lijiang was a name given by Kublai Khan in 1,254; the old town is an interesting place to explore. The canals in the town are really unique, the local people block water to wash the ground in the town every day, and this has been practiced ever since the town was established.
Day 4 Lijiang to Bendiwan, Hostel (B/L/D)
Drive you to Qiaotou in the morning, then begin today’s trek. This today will take about 7-8 hours for trekking from upper trail of Tiger Leaping Gorge to Bendiwan village.
Tonight will overnight at a half way hostel.
Day 5 Trekking from Bendiwan to Daju, Hostel (B/L/D)
This morning, you will take about 4-5 hours trek from Bendiwan to Tina’Guest House, and have lunch at there. After lunch, you will continue to your trip. Down step along the Teacher Zhang’s Family path to the lowest trail of Yangtze River, then track along the River about 3-4 hours.
Then pay a visit to Walnut Grove. After across the Yangtze River by a small Boat, you arrive at the Dajiu Village. And overnight at Hostel.
Day 6 Dajiu Village to Stone Town (B/L/D)
After breakfast, will take about 1 hour car from Dajiu to Guole, and then begin today’s trekking. About 5 hours’ trekking along Jinsha River, reach on the Stone Town and have lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, you are going to have sightseeing along Jinshan River Valley.
Overnight in local Mu’s Family.
Day 7 Stone Town to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (B/L/-)
Today, you are going to have a visit to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. After breakfast, take bus from Stone Town to Ganhaizi. and then go to visit Baisha Village, Mural Paintings, Yufeng Temple.
Baisha Mural Paintings: Located in Baisha Township, 8km north of Lijiang, Baisha Mural Paintings have 53 groups of mural paintings in different temples with fine and smooth lines, bright colors, vivid patterns and harmonious composition. Baisha Mural Paintings is the combination of Naxi, Tibetan, Bai and Han artistic designs. Most of the murals vividly describe the religious stories of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.
Yufeng Temple:It is known in English as Jade Peak Temple. The temple shows distinctive architectural style of Han Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism and the local Naxi Dongba Religion as a result of the cultural fusion between different minoritiesin the Qing Dynasty.
Day 8 Lijiang Departure (B/-/-)
Transfer via: Flight departure Lijiang arranged by you.
It’s free time at your leisure before transfer you to the airport for taking the flight to your next destination.
