Cultures of Yunnan

Highlights

• Natural beauty and cultural heritage
• Ethnic and geographic diversity
• Cobbled streets of Old Lijiang
• Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Buddhist monasteries and village visits
  

Day 1 - Arrive Lijiang (2,400m)
Arrive into Yunnan's provincial capital to a private A&K welcome before settling into your luxury villa.
Banyan Tree Lijiang (Deluxe Garden Villa)

Day 2 - Lijiang
A city as full of cultural surprises and architectural wonders as Lijiang takes time to explore. This morning explore the typical Naxi villages of Baisha and Longquan. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy your luxury hotel or to further explore. Perhaps stroll through the old town's cobbled streets, crossing ancient timber footbridges over the network of spring-fed canals and then on to the Wangulou Pagoda, said to be the highest timber pagoda in China; or vis. Or visit the village of renowned Austro-American botanist Dr. Joseph Rock, an expert in the flora, people and languages of southwest China. This evening attend a traditional dance show (B,L).
Banyan Tree Lijiang (Garden Villa)

Day 3 - Lijiang - Zhongdian (3,300m)
Journey overland to Shangri-La (formerly Zhongdian) on the Yunnan-Tibet Highway with a stop at the 'First Bend' in the Yangzi River, a major landmark for all Chinese. Visit Shigu Village with its large stone drum memorial and the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge for a short hike to see the Yangzi River roaring 4,000m below on the gorge floor (B,L).
Songtsam Retreat at Shangri-La (Superior Suite)

Day 4 - Zhongdian
Spend the morning visiting the Songzangling Monastery, the largest in Yunnan with a special visit to the Protector Temple. Next stop the central market and the Old Town before taking tea with a traditional Tibetan family. Your guide will assist with any required interpretation as you experience Yunnan culture first hand (B,L).
Songtsam Retreat at Shangri-La (Superior Suite)

Day 5 - Zhongdian
Today explore the area around Shangri-La and visit the Napa Hai Forest Reserve, the Nishi black pottery village, the Scenic Moon Crescent Gorge and the Marriage of the Waters. A traditional Tibetan hot pot dinner is in store tonight and afterwards see the locals dancing in the square (B,L,D).
Songtsam Retreat at Shangri-La (Superior Suite)

Day 6 - Depart Zhongdian (3,550m)
Transfer airport for onward flight (B).

A&K Special Inclusions
A&K airport welcome, assistance with luggage and transportation by private chauffeur drive, complete with bottled water and cool towels - Your own uniformed A&K English speaking guide conducts the sightseeing and is your key contact on the ground - Breakfast, lunch and one dinner - Chinese tea, local beer, soft drinks & bottled water where lunch is included.

Pricing
As a guide, this 6 day suggested journey in Yunnan will cost from $3,640 per person based on two adults sharing and is subject to availability.