Splendid Lijiang and Lugu Lake Tour
Overview
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Nihao! Welcome to Lijiang Yunnan, and start an exciting adventure in this magical land. Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, meet your local guide and transfer with a private comfortable vehicle to your hotel.
After a short rest, it is time to explore Lijiang Old Town (Dayan), with a history of around 800 years. As once the cultural and political center of Naxi, the city is big in size and exquisite in layout. Wander through the stone-paved lanes to see traditional Naxi dwellings, ancient bridges, featured shops, street food stalls, cafes and bars leading to Sifang Street. You’ll fall in love with the relaxing and exotic atmosphere. Climb up for a while to the top of Lion Hill (inside the old town), where there is a beautiful five-floor all-wooden pagoda named Wangu Tower. Enjoy yourself the full picture of Dayan, as well as the distant Naxi villages under Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
This morning, drive for about 1 hour, getting to Shigu Town, which is of significant strategic importance in Chinese history, and offers the best site to view the First Bend of Yangtze River. You can see the river turns wonderfully nearly about 180 degrees, creating marvelous landscape. Continue driving and arrive Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most beautiful gorges worldwide. Walk up and down the plank road for about one thousand stairs to Tiger Leaping Rock for an amazing view of the mountains, hiking roads and the raging Jinsha River. End today’s trip at Black Dragon Pool Park with nice scenery and relaxing ambience. If the weather is good, shoot great photos of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the water.
Meal: B, L
Explore deep of Lijiang’s beautiful land far away from the big cities, as you explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, worshiped by Naxi people as an important scared mountain. Take cable way to Spruce Meadow is at 3,249m to take in breathtaking view of the snowy peaks and meadows.
Later today, explore the pristine Yuhu Village, where most the house are made of brick, stone and mud. It was where Naxi king’s reindeer herder lived, yet now you can still see people riding horses. Visit The Former Residence of Dr Joseph Rock, an adventurer and geographer from USA who traveled through Yunnan and lived in Lijiang for 27 years.
Visit Baisha Old Town, the ancient Naxi Kingdom. Mu Chieftain began their reign from Baisha. Apart from the ancient architectures, you can also see many traditional handicraft wokshops here, e.g. Naxi embroidery workshop.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Impression Lijiang Show - a fantastic open-air show showcasing the local Naxi minority culture, with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the backdrop
Meal: B, L
Travel from Lijiang to Lugu Lake, driving for about 4.5 hours, through mountains and passing by villages. Lugu Lake is a remote mysterious land inhibited by Mosuo people. Right here, travelers from the noisy urban area can find peace and beautiful scenery. At an observation deck, you can have a bird’s view of the lake. Upon arrival and setting into your hotel, take a boat to cruise Lugu Lake embraced by magnificent mountains. Take in the jewel-like lake views and visit one of the lovely islets. When the night falls, mingle with the locals at a Mosuo bonfire party, enjoying the ethnic music and dancing with the young boys and girls.
Meal: B, L
Wake in fresh air, and watch the sun rise over Lugu Lake if you wish. See the mist and clouds evaporate when shone by the soft golden sunlight. After breakfast, drive for 90km to visit Zhamei Monastery, an ancient Tibetan Buddhist shrine. Enjoy yourself the majestic temple structures, engraving, beautiful Buddhist murals, many honorable Buddhist sculptures… And have talks with the lamas to know about their way of life.
Drive back to Lugu Lake, and visit Daluoshui Village, an authentic Mosuo habitation. Take a delightful stroll around the traditional wooden dwellings, and you will be invited by a Mosuo family into their house. By chatting with the unsophisticated host, you can learn about unique Mosuo traditions and folk culture, such as walking (male-leaving) marriage and matriarchy.
Meal: B, L
It is time to say goodbye to Lugu Lake. Transfer to airport and fly to Kunming (or drive back to Lijiang), where catch your connected flight to the next destination. We wish you a smooth and safe air journey. End of your 6 days Lijiang and Lugu Lake tour.
Meal: B
