Guide to Yunnan Province Attractions

Yunnan Province Attractions

Lijiang Old Town

World Cultural Heritage--------Lijiang Old Town
World Memorial Heriage-------Dongba Ancient Literature
World Natural Heritage--------- Three Rivers Flow Parallel Scenic Spot
The Favorite Chinese tourist city to European
One of the 10 most fascinating cities...

One of the 1000 small cities where is the most Worthy Place to travel on earth
Excellent city of Global Environmental Award for Human living
Lijiang old town was found in the end of the Song and begin the Yuan dynasty. Today,it is about 800 years's history. It is also an important town for commerce in ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Trail's period. It has been listed in the Famous Historical City of China in Dec. 8th 1986 and also been listed in World Heritage Lists by UNESCO in Dec.4th 1997.
Old town situated below the Jade Dragon Mountain, the snow-capped mountain was reflected in the interlaced rivers that flow under the old town, with its own tradtional building styles, turns out to be a unique view.
Lijiang old town is the only town that takes the Naxi culture as main part and also a political, commerical and cultural center of Naxi people; the folk-custom and Dongba cultures are being well kept. All of the custom, cultures and Naxi music have already created a harmonious living environment for human.

Situated in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province adn the upper reaches of the Jinshajiang(Golden Sand ) River, Lijiang is a region were the Naxi people live in compact communities with an area of 7400 square kilometres. The total population is 1.3 million, consisting of the Naix, Han, Bai, Tibetan, Pumi, Lisu, Yi and other nationalities. The Naxi people constitute 58% of the total population. The county seat (Dayanzhen), concurrently centre of the county and prefecture.
Toporgraphically, Lijiang is close to the southeastern part of the Qinghai Tibeta Plateau and right on the transitional section of the Hangduan(transversely faulted) Mountains which strech to the Central Yunnan Plateau. There are two huge mountain ranges in the county, namely the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Laojun Mountain Ranges. All the rivers belong eithor to the Golden Sand River system or the Mekong River system . The summit of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Mount Fan soars to an evelation of 5596 meters, the highest point of the city. The outlet of the Golden Sand River is 1219 metets above sea level, the lowest point of the county.

Na Xi Snacks Street

many kinds of naxi people's snacks here ,you can enjoy it .

Black Dragon Pond Park

photo by Lance W.

Take a cab when you got the Old Town, it will only 5 Yuan, or if you at the Square Street(四方街), you can just walk about 15 minutes and you will be there.

Songzanlin Monastery, Shangri-la

Meili Snow Mountain

Meili Snow Mountain 6740M above sea level. Locate at north west of Yunnan province. Tibetan respect it as holy mountain. There are hidden villages living in very simple and basic life style. Sunrise ay Meili Snow Mountain is spectacular.&nbsp...

Yunnan Nationalities Villages

Yunnan Nationalities Villages,covering an area of 89 hectares beside the Dianchi Lake,is located in the southwest suburb of Kunming city,Yunnan Province.As a window displaying the various cultures and customs of 25 minorities in Yunnan,it has been honored "ClassAAAA(the highest rank)Scenic Spot"of China.It is not only a base of manority culture of National Ethnic Affairs Committee,but also a base of the folk traditional culture of CIOFF(International Committee of Folklore Festivals organizers)China Committee. In Yunnan Nationalities Villages,you may have a look at traditional ethnic-featured buildings and colorful customs of different minorities.You can also enjoy interesting wedding ceremonies,experience colorful minority festivals and join in a group dance.Generally speaking,it is really a wonderful place for tourists to relax themselves and get an in-depth view of the 25 minorities of Yunnan within only one day. bus No.44/73 and stop at the station of "Yunnan Nationalities Villages ".

Dali - CangShan National Geopark

Dali Cang Shan is one of the four symbolic of Dali. It runs north to south on the west side of Er Lake. The highest point is over 4000M which covers with snow in winter. You can take cable car to mid-level 2700M. There is a beautiful 15 KM long walking trail. It is easy walking which takes about 3 hours. You can see pine wood trees, wild flowers, water stream, panorama view of the city.

Dali old town

Travel in Chengjiang

Fuxian Lake, the cherry Valley project is located in Yuxi Fuxian Lake, Lake Road 7. Will be built in the area lofty health of world-class leisure and sports destination; build the global health regimen destination; most distinctive travel consumer destination style commercial street here; very Chengdu. Platinum five-star front-line Lakeview Hotel and experience the unique landscape of the unprecedented. World-class international forums Center, to build a global high-end event with international influence. Fuxian Lake River cherry valley, creating 5A class cultural tourism experience theme park. 40000 cherry, including Dian cherry, winter cherry, weeping cherry

Pudacuo National Park

Yunnan Province Articles

Naxi falconry culture

In China, the eagle hunting culture can be dated back to almost four thousand years ago....

In China, the eagle hunting culture can be dated back to almost four thousand years ago. Unfortunately, in quite long period in history, the culture has always been popular in the palace only among aristocrats, this situation lasted until the end of the 19th century. Now, its hard to see this precious human cultural heritage in the vast land of China .

when we see the situation of falconry in Individual regions ,the eagle hunting culture has lost its integrity. In the naxi region, however, formed a kind of folk custom, and relatively intact so far. the history of Naxi Falconry can be traced back to 1253 AD When Kublai Khan and his Mongolian army conquered Lijiang.

Why this kind of cultural phenomenon is enduring in the lijiang naxi areas?

There are 3 reason,

Firstly, Because Lijiang has unique natural geographical conditions. since the ancient times, there is a passage of birds migratory over Lijiang, every autumn, various birds of prey successively flying over lijiang from north to south, this is the prerequisite of eagle hunting culture for the lijiang .

Secondly, Naxi people accepted Chinese culture in Ming dyanaty i(about 1368 AD), so the traditional Chinese Confucian philosophy and moral ethics influenced them alot, Naxi ladies are working very hard while their husband are focusing on literature and study, they think a man should make achievement on literature rather than doing bussiness. man's life concept namely advocate nature, pursuit of quality of life is plain and simple. They are good at leisure, as long as they have free time,they engaged in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, flower ,species of bamboo, fishing and hunting activities .

Thirdly, Naxi people are open to foreign cultures ,In a long period of time in the history , there are less wars and natural disasters in lijiang, once in the different cultures were introduced it will not easy to loss.

Butter production by Tibetan farmer

Yak butter is still produced today by Tibetan farmers by hand using a traditional method....

Yak butter is still produced today by Tibetan farmers by hand using a traditional method. The first step is to collect milk from yaks. The milk is then poured into a tall wooden cylinder, followed by a continuous up-down plunging motion and churning of the milk by the farmer using a round wooden paddle, easily up to a few thousand times over an hour. When the resulting solidified butter begins to stick to the wall of the container, the farmer will collect the butter and cool it down using water, before squeezing the solid butter to remove any remnant liquid that may be still trapped inside the butter. The final step is to shape the butter by hand into the individual round cakes normally seen in the market, each piece weighing around one kilogram.
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Shaxi the faded caravan culture history

Shaxi is the gateway to Tibet ,the last town between Dali and Tibet also is one of the key point alone the old Tibetan road down to connect south Asia ,its located in the south part of of its head town Jianchuan ,mountains in Shaxi is also the extension parts of Himalaya mountain ranges.the average altitude is 2000m ,the valley is surrounded on four sides by green mountains ,Black muddy river flow though the rich, flat, farming lands like a silver long scarf .there are 5 ethnic groups live here the Bai ,Naxi,Lisu,Han and Yi ,there are 65 villages with only about 20000 inhabitants.

Before 1952 no roads are built from this part to Tibet ,the only transportation means for goods and trading was horse caravan on earthly trails .therefore Shaxi is also view as the only surviving market town on the tea and horse caravan trail.

2 kinds of caravan groups ,one works for government, the other is made of individual trading group.the caravan groups could be teamed up by their ethnic identity as well as their believes ,such groups as Muslim caravan group.Bai caravan group etc .it could be teamed up as where they are from originally ,such as Shaxi caravan group ,Deqin group .

In this particular organization 3 persons are in charge .they are the head leader ,the vice leader and the manager .to be a head leader one must need to know very well about goods trading alone the trails ,includes local products from different regions ,pricing as well as handful of social network .who are also capable of dealing with different caravan groups,government officers ,local inn runners or whoever you may encountered along the long trip .he also needs to know everything about trails conditions ,rest stops ,bridges etc like back of his palm .while the leader is away then the vice leader became his replacement .the manager dealt with expenses such as incomes and outcomes ,he acts like a finance manager in all .

The rest of the people in such a groups are horse man.one horse man may take care of 4 horses .one caravan group consists 5 horse man as a unit

Lots of these groups contently travel to north part of Tibet ,west part of Burma and south Thailand .oftern such a journey would cross different ethnic groups in different territories ,and every part you came across all speak different languages.there is a such leader in dali from the past used to travel up to WEIXI ,he was able to speak Bai,Han,Naxi,Yi,Tibetan languages to assure no matter where his group went they could have a smooth journey .

The caravan culture disappeared long ago due to the roads developments in SW Yunnan .but the footprint of these great horse groups and its very trails are still stands somewhere still beyond the face of time .one day you can go out there and see it with your owns eyes .this is probably the charm of history combined with travel ,it awaits us for more discovery and connections with the long gone past .

Enjoy your reading !

Top Yunnan Province Tours

$300 Per Day

12 Days Shangri-la Featured Ethnic Culture Tour

Day 01 Arrive in Kunming
Arrive in Kunming. Be met at the airport then transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Day 02 Kunming

Sightseeing: West Hill and Dragon Gate / Grand View Pavilion

Day 01 Arrive in Kunming
Arrive in Kunming. Be met at the airport then transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Day 02 Kunming

Sightseeing: West Hill and Dragon Gate / Grand View Pavilion

Depart from your hotel in the morning to visit the West Hill and Dragon Gate, which is totally cut on a natural precipice, with an elevation of 2,500 meters, 8 kilometers west of Kunming city. The Dragon Gate is the highest temple on the West Hill. It is famous for its spectacular view. Climbing up the winding old stone stairs leading to the natural cliff-top platform, passing through an archway on which is inscribed "Longmen" (Dragon s Gate), many inscriptions and stiles are found here and there. You will have a birds-eye-view of Kunming city and the Dianchi Lake.
After having lunch at a nice local restaurant, we will visit the Grand View Tower, which located 7 kilometers west of Kunming, at the lakeshore of Dianchi Lake. The Grand View Pavilion was built in 1682, by a Buddhist monk named Qianyin. But it had been in disarray, destroyed and restored several times because of the dynastic changes and the civil wars. Decorated with flying eaves and splendid paintings, the present-day pavilion is a square, three-storied pavilion established in 1883. It is famous for the longest antithetical couplet in China, this couplet of 180 characters is one of the most valued cultural treasures in Yunnan Province. It provides a spectacular view across sparkling Dtanchi Lake to the distant Western Hills.

Day 03 Kunming Dali

Sightseeing: Three Pagodas / Butterfly Spring / Xizhou Village / Ancient Dali town

Depart from your hotel after breakfast. Take the morning flight to Dali. Then visit the Three Pagodas. The Three Pagodas consist of one big pagoda and two small ones. They arise on the Mt. Cangshan slope overlooking the Erhai Lake, known as Chongsheng San Ta in Chinese, meaning the Three Pagodas of Saintly Worship. These outstanding landmarks of the region were once part of the greatest temple complex on the Dali plain. Pagodas are among the most ubiquitous structures throughout the Buddhist world. They are representation of the ancient architectural and cultural arts of the Bai Ethnic Group.
Then visit the Butterfly Spring, which situated at the foot of Yunlong Peak of the Cangshan Mountain, 27 km south of the Dali Old Town. Butterfly Spring is surrounded by ancient camphor trees. In spring when the trees put forth fragrant flowers, thousands of different types of butterflies flutter among the branches and over the spring water forming a dazzling "Kingdom of Butterflies". The phenomenon dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D).
After having lunch, visit the Xizhou Village. Xizhou Village locates 18 kilometers north of Dali, faces Erhai on the east.It grew and flourished in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) along with the fortunes of Dali renowned tea merchants that traded to Tibet. It is not only a historically famous city but also a typical commercial center of Bai Ethnic Nationality. It is now a "must" for the travelers. You can enjoy lovely ethical clothes, fairylike programs, decorative architectures, gifted garden parties and wonderful handicrafts there.
Finally, visit Ancient Dali town, which Located at the foot of the Cangshan Mountain and the west side of the Erhai Lake. Ancient Dali town was set up in 1382 A.D during the Ming Dynasty as the capital of the Dali kingdom. At present, only the south and north gate towers remain standing. There are well-preserved traditional houses of the Bai Ethnic Group people. Walking in the city, you will enjoy many historical relics, ancient buildings and rich minority customs, such as the "Foreigners Street", the ancient Yuxi School, tea houses, antique shops, Chinese and Western restaurants.

Day 04 Dali-Lijiang via van

Sightseeing: Lijiang ancient town / Black Dragon Pool

Be met at your hotel and transferred to Lijiang. Arrive in Lijiang, visit Lijiang ancient town. With a history of more than 800 years, covering an area of 3.8 square kilometers, Lijiang ancient town, also named Dayan (Big Ink Slab) Town, is a well-preserved old city. As a result of the combination of the multinational brilliant culture and the progress of Naxi ethnic minority, the buildings in the town incorporate the best parts of the architectural traits of Han, Bai, and Tibet into a unique Naxi style. In 1997, this old town was put on the list of the world cultural heritages.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Black Dragon Pool. The pool is listed in the Collections of Famous Pools of China because of its beauty.

Day 05 Lijiang

Sightseeing: Yak Meadow / Yufeng Temple / Baisha Frescos

Today will be your full day tour in Lijiang. Depart from your hotel after breakfast. Visit Yak Plateau (Maoniuping). With an area of 16.6 square kilometers, the Yak Plateau is located at the middle of Jade Dragon Snow Mountains. The beautiful natural scenery there is an important part of the mountain. Looking around the snow mountain, you would feel your soul is distilled with those white clouds high above the blue sky. You will not only see many yaks on the plateau, but also horses and donkeys.
Then visit Yufeng Temple, which was built in the Qing Dynasty and famous for camellias in the temple.
After that, visit Baisha Frescoes. There are some invaluable frescoes stored and preserved and displayed in some venerable temples located in Lijiang old Town. Among of that, the Baisha Frescoes are the best. Most of the frescoes were created from early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D) to the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911A.D) when those beautiful temples were built. These fresco paintings are very special and reflect the different religious cultures and artistic forms of Buddhism, Lamaism, Taoism and the Naxi Dongba religion. They are the artistic representations of economic development, mutual acculturation of multinational culture, and the growth of religions.

Day 06 Lijiang - Shangrila via van

Sightseeing: Tiger Leaping Gorge / Stone Drum / First Bend of the Yangtze River

After an early breakfast, we set off for Tiger Leaping Gorge. With a drop of 3,000 meters, Tiger Leaping Gorge is believed to be one of the world´s deepest canyons. The torrential Jinsha River, roaring and crashing over grotesque shaped rocks, produces a thrilling and stirring sight here. According to local legend, the gorge acquired its name because, at its narrowest point (90 feet), a tiger once leaped over the swirling waters.
We will then head to The First Bend of the Yangtze River. About 70 kilometers (44miles) from Lijiang city, on the north side of the highway leading from Dali to Lijiang, locates the ancient town named Stone Drum Town. It is here, the Yangtze River to make a sudden V-shaped bend and flow to the northeast. This extraordinary turn, nearly180-degrees, creates beautiful and marvelous views that startle the imagination. This bend is called the First Bend of the Yangtze River. It has been of strategic importance since ancient times. Many famous historical events happened here.
Today we take bus to Shangrila. Upon your arrival in Shangrila, our tour guide will help you to check in the hotel.

Day 07 Shangrila

Sightseeing: Bita Sea, Napa Sea, Songzanlin Lamasery and Tibetan family

We will spend the day touring around the city, including visits to Bita Sea, Napa Sea, Songzanlin Lamasery and Tibetan family.

-Bita Sea is situated about 32 kilometers (about 19.9 miles) away from Shangri-La County (Shangrila) and covers an area of 166 hectares. It is an intact natural attraction with various species of flora and fauna and picturesque landscapes.

-Napa Sea, also called Yila Prairie, is a lake in rain season, while grassland in other season. In the autumn, thousands of sheep, horses and yaks scatters on the grasslands. It just likes a necklace broken on the lawn. It is the habitat of about 150 black neck cranes. The total number of black neck cranes is around 1000 in the whole world.

-Songzanlin Lamasery or "Little Potala" as it is affectionately known, is a spiritual hub for people to discover the mystery and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Located at the foot of Mt. Foping, faces a vast grassland that used to be smothered by a lake, the Songzanlin Monastery is the largest and the most important Lamasery of Tibetan Buddhism in Yunnan province, as well as one of the 13 large lamaseries in the joint area of Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan.

In the afternoon, you will visit Tibetan families, to see the daily life of Tibetan, and to taste Tibetan Tea with snacks. Then you will be transferred back to your hotel and feel free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Day 08 Shangrila Kunming

Sightseeing: Stone Forest

Depart from your after your breakfast. Take morning flight back to Kunming. Then take full day tour to Stone Forest. The Stone Forest is in Lunan Yi Nationality Autonomous County, which is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kunming. It covers an area of 400 square kilometers (96,000 acres). It has long been one of the most famous scenic spots in China, at least since the Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644 A.D. The Stone Forest is divided into several scenic areas with names like Greater Stone Forest, Lesser Stone forest, Outer Stone Forest, Underground Stone Forest, Stone Forest Lake, and Da Dieshui Fall. The Stone Forest was formed by karst two million to thirty million years ago. It contains peaks, pillars, stalagmites, depressions, underground rivers, and caves. The fantastic stone pinnacles rising abruptly from the ground resemble a huge, dense forest.

Day 09 Kunming Gulin

Sightseeing: Guilin- Elephant Trunk Hill / Reed Flute Cave

Free at leisure until to be transferred to the airport for your flight to Gulin. Upon Arriving at Guilin, be met and transferred to your hotel with private vehicle and tour guide. After checking in the hotel, have private city tours to the Reed Flute Cave, which known as "the Palace of Natural Arts" where you can see beautiful stalactites & stalagmites,learn how they are formed. Then visit Elephant Trunk Hill. The hill located at the conjunction of the Li River & the Peach Blossom River, the whole hill looks very much like a giant elephant with a long trunk, it is the symbol of Guilin city.

Day 10 Gulin

Sightseeing: Li River Cruise

Depart from your hotel in the morning and be transferred to the Zhujiang Pier (about 1 hour drive) for a 4.5 hours wonderful Li River Cruise. You will enjoy the picturesque mountains, peaceful green fields, farms and villages with water buffaloes, cows wondering around on both sides of the river bank. You will have lunch aboard. Disembark at the one-thousand-year-old town Yangshuo in the afternoon.

Free at leisure to explore the old town after check in the hotel in Yangshuo.

Day 11 Yangshuo

Sightseeing: Ancient Banyan tree Park / Moon Hill

In the morning, we start early this morning (or biking via country road) through the countryside with rice paddies to visit the Ancient Banyan tree Park and the Moon Hill, you may also climb 890 steps up to the moon hill to see the beautiful scenery.

Day 12 Depart Gulin for next city

Be transferred back to Guilin or to the airport straightly in the afternoon.

$2000 Per Day

guiding a U.S couple 6days

Here is your itinerary according to your latest travel information:
1/11 arriving Dali at 07:02, pick up from Dali train station, transfer to hotel in Dali old town, visit Xizhou village morning market, see cormorant fishing performance, view Three Pagoda, overnight in Dali
2/11 travel to Shaxi, visit Shiboshan Temple and Shaxi old town, stay in Shaxi
3/11 travel to Lijiang, visit Lijiang old town and local market, stay in Lijiang old town
or
3/11 visit Jade Dragon snow mountain, see Impression Lijiang show, stay in Lijiang old town
4/11 travel to Tiger Leaping Gorge for hiking, stay in Tea Horse GH
5/11 Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking to Tina's GH, travel to Shangrila, stay in Shangrila
6/11 visit SongZhanLin Tibetan monastery, Naba Lake and Tibetan village, transfer to Deqin airport for flight 22:00 to Kunming

$157 Per Day

Lijiang highlights tour

Day 1 Take direct flight to Lijiang, or transfer from Kunming to Lijiang. Day 2 Tour around the Old Town, including the Sifang Square, Lion Hill and Zhongyi fruit and vegetable market; Black Dragon Pool; Luch in beautiful leisure Shuhe Old Town, then drive 1/2 hrs to Lashi Lake for horse riding around Naxi villages and boating on the peaceful lake. Dinner in a Naxi family. For culture lovers, you may check out the Naxi Antient Music Concert at 8pm.. Mr. Xuanke, the conductor of the band, who stayed 29 years in prison as a high scholar in last century, has amazing stories sharing with you. Day 3 Drive 40 kms to the Jade Dragon Snow Mt., watch the show Impression Lijiang, which is something you can not miss coming to this area ( 70 munites long). Then take cable car to the Glacier Park ( altitude at 4500 meters), or Yak Meadow ( 3800 meters high), or Spruce Meadow ( 3300 meters high); Blue Moon Valley, where the water is naturally blue and green; Yufeng Lama Temple and Baisha Fresco on the way back. In Lijiang, 10 percent of population is Tibetan. Tibetan Buddhism came to Lijiang and Naxi people in 700 A.D.. Day 4 Drive 2.5 hrs to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Due to your health and energy level, we can either go to the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is the most beautiful part, or just the normal tour spots for 2 hrs walking along the river. Drive back to Lijiang. Day 5 Take a morning flight to your next destination.

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