9 Days Luxury & Standard Tour of Kunming – Dali – Lijiang – Shangri-La – Kunming

Starting from $1159 per person
Luxury & Standard
Day by Day Itinerary

Departure: Daily

  • Full Itinerary
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Stone Forest, Kunming
Photo by our clients Melinda & Edward Ruggiero with their feedback

Day 01 Arrival in Kunming

Our guide will pick you up outside the arrival hall at Kunming Airport and transfer you to the hotel in downtown area. The remainder of the day is on your own to explore the city.

Meals: No meals

Day 02 Kunming

Your tour will begin with a visit to the Qiongzhu Temple, which is located on wooded Yu’an Mountain and surrounded by verdant plants. The temple is famous for exhibiting five hundreds painted arhat sculptures. Then, you will travel to the Stone Forest, a typical model of China’s Karst landforms. Walking through the Stone Forest, you will be astonished by the extraordinary workmanship of nature. Stones in the figure of plants, animals and even humans can be found here, some elegant, some rugged.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch


Three Pagodas, Dali
Photo by our clients Mr. Karl Dutton & Mr. Mark James De Garis with their feedback

Day 03 Kunming – Dali

Today, you will take an early morning flight to Dali. Our guide will pick you up at Dali airport and escort you to tour the Erhai Lake Park first, which is the best place to appreciate the beautiful Erhai Lake scenery. The lake is shaped like an ear, hence its name, which means ear shaped sea in Chinese. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Three Pagoda Temple that faces Erhai Lake. As its name implies, there are three ancient independent pagodas standing in a symmetrical triangle inside the temple. With a history of more than 1,800 years, Three Pagodas have been symbolic constructions of the ancient Dali City. The last stop of the day is the primitive and tranquil Dali Old Town, where you will see limpid streams passing through the town and local people wearing their ethnic costumes. A street that goes through the South City Gate to the North City Gate is now a prosperous market street, selling marble, tie-dyeing and other souvenirs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch


Local market in Dali

Day 04 Dali – Lijiang

Today, escorted by our tour guide, you will travel from Dali to Lijiang, which is about three to four hours’ drive. On the way to Lijiang, you will pay a visit to the Bai Minority Traditional Houses in Xizhou. The layout of these houses is distinctive with the features of wood and stone carvings and painting on lime powdered walls. Xizhou is the place where the best and most of Bai Minority Traditional Houses are preserved. Then you will go to nearby Zhoucheng to visit the traditional hand-made Tie Dyeing in the local people’s home. Upon arrival at Lijiang, you will first check in at the hotel in the old town. After a short rest, our guide will take you to tour the Square Street of Lijiang Old Town. The street is paved by the local bluestones, with numerous souvenir shops, unique bars and delicate restaurants scattered around. The most charming part of the street is at night. When red lanterns along the street are all lit up, all people here including tourists will enjoy a relaxing but exciting night life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch


Lijiang old town

Day 05 Lijiang

You will first explore the Baisha Village and visit a local Naxi family in the morning. Basha Village was once the political, economic and religious center of Lijiang. Nowadays, it is famous for the murals and the old town built about 600 years ago. A visit to a local Naxi family will help you know more about Naxi people’s living habits and customs. Then, continue the trip to visit Baisha Murals. These murals, combining the Han, Tibet and Naxi culture together, are a wonderful art form of minorities in west Yunnan, and vividly unfold the life of the minority people to us. Then, you will pay a visit to the Rock Joseph’s Former Residence in Yuhu Village. Rock is the earliest foreign scholar who has introduced Lijiang to the western world most comprehensively. His former residence is also the former base of Yunnan Expedition of the National Geographic Society. We remain the whole afternoon free for you to stroll along Lijiang old town. The small bridges, running streams, cobbled streets, traditional fashion shops and some hand-made artwork stores make this small town a paradise for people who want to escape from the bustling cities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch


Minority group in Yunnan

Day 06 Lijiang – Shangri-La

Today, we will drive you from Lijiang to Shangri-La for about four to five hours. Along the way, you will visit one of China’s deepest and most beautiful gorges, Tiger Leaping Gorge. The gorge has a reputation of being dangerous: one is the dangerous mountain with high peaks, steep cliffs, jagged rocks and winded gigantic old creepers; the other is dangerous water with a high drop, fast water current, numerous rocks, dangerous shoals and cascading waterfalls. All these form a rare spectacle in the world. Then you will come to the First Bend of the Yangtze River. It is named so because a sudden V-shaped bend has been formed when the Yangtze River flowing by. The nearly 180-degree turn creates marvelous and astonishing views. The Stone Drum Town, the town where the First Bend of the Yangtze River located, is the last stop en route. There is a drum-shaped marble monument in this town, hence the name. The town has for long been an important town for Han and Tibetan people to do business transactions. Upon arrival at Shangri-La, you will check in at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch


Songzanlin Temple, Shangri-La
Photo by our client Mr. Arne Dalfelt with his feedback

Day 07 Shangri-La

Today’s tour will begin with a visit to the biggest Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Yunnan, Songzanlin Temple. This temple collects the elite of Tibetan religious culture and presents splendid architecture. Because of its similar appearance and layout to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, it is also reputed as ’small Potala Palace’. Then, you will travel to the Bitahai Lake. Fed by small streams from the snow mountains encircled, the lake shapes just like a trumpet shell. In the color of azure with snowy mountains and trees reflecting in it, the gorgeous lake is a wonderland to appreciate the beauty of nature. There is also another lake of beauty and peacefulness, Shudu Lake. The plants around the lake are lush and the wild animals are various. After enjoying the beautiful natural scenery, you will visit a local Tibetan family to get involved into the Tibetan people’s lifestyle.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch


Yunnan Minority people

Day 08 Shangri-La – Kunming

You will take a morning flight to Kunming. Our guide will pick you up at Kunming airport and transfer you to the hotel that you have previously stayed. Visit the Golden Temple. Located on the Mingfeng Hill, the temple is a well-known Taoist temple of Yunnan. Then you will go to the Daguan Park, one of the ten most famous pavilions in China. Another highlight in this park is the ‘Longest Couplets in the world’, which consists of 180 Chinese characters. The last stop today is the Flowers and Birds Market, which is a comprehensive public spot for leisure. Strolling on this market street, you can find shops and stalls of all sorts; especially those specializing in flowers, birds and fish.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 09 Departure from Kunming

Your pleasant Yunnan minority tour will end here as we transfer you to the airport today. Wish you a nice journey home!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation
Grade Luxury Standard
Kunming Grand Park Hotel Kunming Hotel
Dali Dali Regent Hotel Landscape Hotel
Lijiang Crowne Plaza Lijiang Ancient Town WangFu Hotel
Shangri-la Paradise Hotel Shiner Hotel

Currency Converterbased on per person and shown in US dollars

  • ◆ 2011 Price          ◆ 2012 Price
Valid from Mar. 1st, 2011 to Feb. 29th, 2012
Grade Luxury Standard
Year Round Year Round
Double Single Double Single
2-5 persons
$1729
$2179
$1519
$1779
6-9 persons
$1369
$1829
$1159
$1419
10 & above
$1179
$1589
$989
$1209

Note: This tour does not apply to our Early Bird Promotion.

Lijiang Travel Guide

Lijiang, a popular destination in Yunnan, is considered  a fairyland blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snow mountains and an undisturbed landscape inhabited by a friendly group of people. It is great to enjoy a quiet and pleasant holiday in Lijiang Old Town which is graced by well preserved ancient buildings and the Naxi culture.

While the geographical position of Lijiang City is remote, it has the advantage of ensuring a pleasant year round climate and a wide variety of tourist resources in the 20,600 square kilometers area. The earliest recorded history of Lijiang can be traced back to the Warring States Period (476 BC-221 BC) but with the advent of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the local economy reached a peak with the development of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road which made a great contribution to both commercial and cultural communication between Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.

At present, Lijiang City is an attractive tourist destination in Yunnan Province that exercises jurisdiction over four counties and an Old Town District. Lijiang is the main region inhabited by Naxi Group, one of China’s 55 minority ethnic groups. In its long history, the local residents have established their splendid Dongba Culture which has absorbed aspects of the culture of Tibet and the Central Plains along the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. The various souvenirs marked with these Dongba hieroglyphs are very popular with visitors from home and abroad.

Lijiang Old Town
Street of Lijiang Old Town

Lijiang has the best preserved ancient town in China – the Old Town which has been listed in the World Cultural Heritages by UNESCO in 1997. The Old Town was once the center of Lijiang and continues to maintain the original flavor of the local lifestyle, the typical groups of buildings and the profound cultural heritage of the region. When wandering along Square Street or any other streets in the Old Town, you will be struck by the peaceful surroundings. From enjoying the sight of the setting sun from historic hotels to local farmsteads, there are many favorable things here for travelers. Naturally, there are a number of tour destinations to enhance your visit as well. Among them, the most famous is Mufu (Mu’s Palace) which should not be missed during your trip.

Around Lijiang, there are a number of splendid natural beauty spots that will certainly astonish you. If you like to see superlative natural scenery, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain which provides a majestic backdrop to the Moon-Embracing Pavilion at Black Dragon Pond will fulfill your desire. For those seeking an exotic experience in Lijiang, a visit to the Mosuo People beside Lugu Lake is a must. They are called the last ‘Kingdom of Women’ on earth. If you would like to experience the local lifestyle, then come and participate in one or more of their various festivals that are held throughout the year.

Lijiang does not have a direct rail link and is reached by travelers by air or by coach. However, having got to Lijiang, visiting round and about is easy with the help of the city buses, taxis or for the more energetic by bicycle. However, please don’t forget to save some time to walk in Lijiang. Along your way, you must visit some of the souvenir shops and taste some local dishes and snacks. At night, the famous bar street in the Old Town is really worth a visit. No matter where you go, you will find a harmonious combination of tradition and fashion in Lijiang City.

Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan
Tiger Leaping Gorge in Lijiang
Lijiang Naxi Minority
Naxi Ethnic Group in Lijiang

How to Make Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are the best party appetizer recipes. The crispy taste of these filling starters will make every guest want more. If you are wondering how to make spring rolls, let me tell you that the spring rolls recipe is very easy. Moreover, if you are wondering about the calories that fried spring rolls will add to your body, then let me tell you, you can make them without frying too. This delectable appetizer is a great way of making children eat the vegetables they dislike. After reading this article you won’t have to go to a Thai or a Chinese restaurant to relish this culinary delight. Learn how to make spring rolls from scratch through this article. Read on to learn quick appetizers for kids.

How to Make Spring Rolls at Home

Spring Rolls Recipe # 1

Ingredients
- Boiled chicken, shrimps, tofu or crab meat, ½ cup
- Rice noodles, 8 ounces
- Chopped carrots, ½ cup
- Chopped cabbage, ½ cup
- Chopped lettuce, ½ cup
- Oregano, 1 teaspoon
- Cilantro, 1 teaspoon
- Mint, 1 teaspoon
- Parsley, 1 teaspoon
- Lime juice, ½ teaspoon
- Soy sauce, ½ teaspoon
- Salt and pepper, as per taste
- 4 spring roll wrappers
Directions
- To make the filling, mix all the ingredient into one bowl.
- Adjust the taste of the filing by adding and subtracting a few ingredients, to suit your taste.
- Set the filling aside for better marination.
- Now, boil the rice noodles, till they are fluffy and soft.
- It’s time to work with the wrappers now. Spring roll wrapper can be easily found in Asian markets. To soften these wrappers, you will need a flat container of hot water. Just one by one, go on placing the wrappers in the hot water. They get softer. Take them out in 5 seconds. Place them on flat dry surfaces. You may see some holes, which can be covered with lettuce leaves.
- Bring out the well blended filling and arrange in on the spring roll wrapper. Fold the bottom on the wrapper, first and then wrap the remaining paper. Press the wrapping well with your fingers, so that the roll gets tightened. The moist wrapper will self seal.
- Your spring rolls can now be steamed or refrigerated. You can also cover the rolls with a damp towel and leave for couple of hours, while it gets ready to be served! Read on Italian appetizers.

Spring Rolls Recipe # 2

Ingredients
- Ground beef, ½ lb
- Ground pork, ½ lb
- Chopped raw shrimp, 4 oz
- Shredded cabbage, ½ lb
- Potatoes, 1 cup
- Bean sprouts, ½ cup
- Grated carrots, ⅓ cup
- Chopped fresh mushrooms, ¼ cup
- Chopped green onions, 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce, 2 tablespoon
- Beaten egg, 1
- Spring roll wrappers, 20-30
- Salt and pepper, as per taste
- Cooking oil, as the requirement may be
Directions
- Begin with cleaning the shrimps. De-vein the shrimps completely. Similarly clean the pork and beef too.
- In skillet, add all the ingredients, except the wrappers, and saute them for 5-10 minutes.
- Let it cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Fill the wrappers with one tablespoon of the filling and wrap it well.
- Once again you will have to soften the wrappers.
- Fry the wrapped rolls in hot oil till they turn brown.
- Serve the spring rolls with garlic sauce.

Making spring rolls is very easy, once you’ve mastered the art of working with wrappers. I hope, now how to make spring rolls at home has been simplified for you with this article. Be safe with the kitchen equipments.

Shanghai Weekend Trip to Yellow Mountain

*Shanghai Weekend Trip to Yellow Mountain

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  • Destination: Shanghai-Yellow Mountain-Shanghai
  • Tour code: SH10
  • Days:4
  • Price:from US$422

Itinerary

B: Breakfast  L: Lunch  D: Dinner

Day 1: Shanghai/Huangshan
Our English speaking guide will pick you up at your hotel in Shanghai and transfer you to the railway station for the overnight soft sleeper train to Huangshan Mountain.

Day 2: Huangshan (B+L)
Arrive at Huangshan in the morning. Huangshan local guide will meet you at the railway station and transfer you to the hotel. After breakfast drive to Huangshan Scenic Area and take cable car up the Mountain. Enjoy the spectacular views at Flower-scattering Valley, Lion Peak, Cloud-dispelling Pavilion, and the Xi-hai Grand Canyon etc. Transfer to the hotel on the Mt.Huangshan.
Accommodation: 3 Star Paiyunlou Hotel (Or the same class)

Day 3: Huangshan/Shanghai (B+L+D)
Enjoy the sunrise of Huangshan in early morning. Then you will continue enjoying the elegance of Mt. Huangshan. In the afternoon, take the cable car down the mountain and transfer back to Huangshan city. Visit the Tunxi Old Street. Then transfer to take the overnight train for Shanghai.

Day 4: Shanghai
You are back in Shanghai in the morning. Transfer to your hotel or the airport for your next destination. Your Huangshan trip ends here .

Dates & Price

Tailor Made Departures

No. of Pax Price Single Supplement
2-5 travelers ¥3800 $562 ¥850 $125
6-9 travelers ¥2850 $422 ¥750 $111
Notes: $=USD, US Dollars
¥=RMB or CNY (Chinese Yuan, Renminbi)


Price Includes:

1. Train fares between Shanghai and Huangshan.
2. Private transfers.
3. English speaking guide.
4. Meals as specified in the itinerary.
5. Hotel on Huangshan Mountain.
6. First admission fees of sightseeings.

Price Excludes:
1. Personal expenses.
2. China visa fees.
3. The international flight or train of entering and exiting China.
4. Any meals that are not specified.
5. Tips to guides and drivers.
6. Expenses in hotels such as laundry, tips, telephone and room service, etc.
7. Travel insurance
8. Other personal expenses

Let’s Travel between 2011 Chinese dragon boat festival

*3-day Trip to Pingyao and Datong from Beijing

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  • Destination: Beijing-Pingyao-Datong-Beijing
  • Tour code: PT106
  • Days:4
  • Price:from US$385

Itinerary

B: Breakfast  L: Lunch  D: Dinner

Day 1: Beijing/Pingyao
Make your own way to the railway station. Take overnight soft-sleeper train from Beijing to Pingyao.

Day 2: Pingyao (B+L+D)
China Holidays tour guide will meet you at the railway station in the morning. Take a tour around the old town of Pingyao, pay visit to the 3000-year Ancient City Wall,  Rishengchang – one of the earliest banks in China, and the Mingqing Street. The rest of the day at leisure. You can learn the art of paper-cut in shops along the street of Ming - Qing  style and even produce one by yourself. Biking around the town is also a good choice.
Hotel: Local guesthouse

Day 3: Pingyao/Datong (B+L+D)
Drive from Pinyao to Datong. 6 hours on the way, you will visit the Qiao Family Compound and Hanging Temple. Qiao Family Compound Situated in the central part of Qiao Town, Qi Xian County in Shanxi Province.  Visit the Hanging Temple which is near Datong city. At arrival of Datong, if time is available we will also visit the old quarter of the town on your own for the Nine-Dragon Wall and some old streets before dinner. Stay in 4-star Datong hotel.

Day 4 Datong/Yungang Grottoes/Beijing (B, by train)
After Breakfast, visit to Yungang Grottoes. The Yungang Grottoes, with their 252 caves and 51,000 statues, represent the outstanding achievement of Buddhist cave art in China in the 5th and 6th centuries. Take soft-sleeper train at noon from Datong back to Beijing, the end of the tour.

Dates & Price

Tailor Made Departures

No. of Pax Price Single Supplement
1 traveler ¥6350 $940 ¥0 $0
2-5 travelers ¥4086 $605 ¥400 $59
6-9 travelers ¥3150 $466 ¥400 $59
10 travelers and above ¥2600 $385 ¥350 $51
Notes: $=USD, US Dollars
¥=RMB or CNY (Chinese Yuan, Renminbi)

*Prices above are for per person, based on two travelers sharing one room.
* When there are 10 or more paying pax in your group, a national guide will travel with you from city to city, upon your arrival in China up to your departure.

Price Includes:

1. Soft-sleeper train from Beijing to Pingyao and Datong to Beijing.
2. 4-Star Hotel in Datong and local guesthouse in Pingyao;
3. All meals as itinerary specifies, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner;
4. Private guides and drivers;
5. Air-conditioned private vehicles;
6. Tourist sites permission fees;
7. Government taxes.

Price Excludes:

1. Travel insurance.
2. Expenses in hotels such as laundry, tips, telephone and room service, etc.
3. Gratuities for service provided by tour guides and drivers.
4. Other personal expenses.

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