Summary: A fantastic itinerary incorporating the best of Lijiang and around Lugu Lake at a leisurely pace. Starting from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain then taking the Lijiang Ancient town as a stop for relaxing. For Lugu Lake, you have two days to explore the secret of Moshuo people and its unique matriarchal society. There is also a cruise with a natural and ancient canoe on Lugu Lake so that you could enjoy the beautiful scenery along the lake while listening to pleasant fishing songs by the pretty Moshuo girls.
Day 01 Arrival Lijiang (No meals)
Arrive in Lijiang. You will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to hotel.
Lying in a broad and fertile valley dominated by the snow-mantled peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the town was founded as Dayan, a large Naxi settlement first built during the Southern Song Dynasty eight centuries ago. Once you are in Lijiang, a small and quiet city newly constructed outside the ancient town, you'll find hard to return to the hustle and bustle of the large cities and can not wait to explore the ancient town. After a good rest in a comfortable hotel TCT recommended, you are ready for the incoming exciting tour with full energy.
Day 02 Lijiang (B/L)
In the morning drive about half an hour to visit Jade Dragon Sown Mountain (cable car and green vans available in the scenic area). After lunch, visit Yufeng Temple and Lijiang Ancient Town. Concert of Naxi Ancient Music in the ancient town is available for your optional night show.
It will take about half an hour to reach Jade Dragon Sown Mountain which is located at 15km north of Lijiang Ancient Town. It is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, consisting of 13 peaks with the highest one at an altitude of 5,600 meters. Looking from the town, the mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence the name. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a sanctuary for rare animals and wild plants. About one fourth of all the plant species in China can be found here and 20 primeval forest communities shelter a big family of 400 types of trees and 30 kinds of animals which are protected by the state. These species living in different temperature levels create different kinds of views of the mountain. The peaks of the mountain are covered by snow all year around and gain the name of natural glacier museum. You can find rivers and pools formed by the thawed snow flowing along the valley and through the forests.
Continue your visiting after lunch. First built in 1756, Yufeng Temple is located at the southern foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain , 13km from Lijiang Ancient Town. The temple is surrounded by the flourishing forest and river with the snow mountain at its back. It displays a distinctive architectural style of Han Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism and local Naxi Dongba Religion. It is also the witness of the peaceful coexistence of multinational cultures and religions. Today it still plays an important role in local residents' religious life.
Lijiang Ancient Town is a well-preserved one known for Naxi people's brilliant culture. With a history more than 800 years, the town was firstly built at the interval of the Song Dynasty changed to the Yuan Dynasty, and occupies an area of 3.8 square kilometers. It is built alongside the lie of mountains and the flow of rivers with the ancient water-supply system which still in use today, providing a precious sample of the research on ancient architecture. As a result of the multi-culture and the progress of Naxi ethnic group, the buildings in town incorporate the best parts of the architectural traits of Han, Bai and Tibetan into the unique Naxi style. The layout of the town is free and flexible, the houses are close and diverse and the lanes are narrow and meandering. Along the both side of the lanes, there are shops selling superb handicrafts. Here you also have the chance to trace the Ancient Tea-Horse Road .
At night, you may have a try of the Concert of Naxi Ancient Music in Lijiang Ancient Town. The Concert of Naxi Ancient Music, a centuries-old Naxi minority group custom of performing their folk music, has become the must-see for many travelers in LiJiang. The ancient music, called 'Dongjing', or ritual music, was traditionally sung by Taoist monks in mountain caves in most areas of Yunnan province. It has been called a ¡®fossil of Chinese music'.
Day 03 Lijiang--Lugu Lake (B/L/D) Be transferred to Lugu Lake in the morning and take a good rest after the long driving for tomorrow's visit.
The distance between Lijiang and Lugu Lake is about 280km , and the bunmy road will take six hours or so.
The Lugu Lake is located between Ninglang County in Yunnan Province and Yanyuan County in Sichuan Province . It is a plateau lake with a total area of 52 square kilometers, 2,685 meters above sea level. The average depth is 45 meters, the deepest point being 93 meters. The lake remains an uncont amina ted plateau lake with the crystal water. The shore of the lake is the hometown to the Musuo people, a branch of the ethnic Naxi group who retain the vestiges of a matriarchal society. The Mosuo, a subgroup of the Naxi, is a matrilineal society whose members engage in traditional 'walking marriages,' in which husband and wife remain in their respective maternal homes and often have more than one partner. The lake is surrounded by green mountains. The best-loved one by the Mosuo people is the Holy Gemu Mountain (the Lion Mountaion). The local people worship it as their Goddess Gemu. On 25th July of each lunar year, they will dress their Sunday best and gather at the foot of the mountain for a great sacrificial rite.
Stay overnight at the local hostel around the lake. In the evening, you could sing and dance with the enthusiasm minority people.
Day 04 Lugu Lake (B/L/D)
A whole-day exploration of Lugu Lake including a cruise on the lake, the isles in the lake and Mosuo family. Stay overnight at Lugu Lake.
Among the five isles in the lake, three are in the territory of Yunnan and two in that of Sichuan. Heiwawudao, Ligedao are metaphorically called ' Three Islands of Ponglai' ( Islands of the Immortalsin Chinese mythology). Sitting in the middle of the lake, Heiwawudao Isle is also named 'the Chieftain Island' because Ashaoyun, the chieftain of Yongning, built his villa on the island in the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. Rock, an American scientist, also used to reside on this island. On the south side of the lake, Liwubidao Island lies at the foot of the Lion Mountain. It is actually a small peninsular formed by the extension of the Lion Mountain into the Lake. A dozen of Mosuo families live on this island so it is possible for the visitors to experience the life on the island and, at the same time, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake. The Mosuo wooden houses are built with square - edged timber in the style of 'jinganshi building', also called Mulengfang (Timber House) which is very graceful.
Day 05 Lugu Lake --Lijiang - Departure (B)
Drive back to Lijiang and free at leisure until you depart for your next destination.
Service Ends
Price Details (per person in US$) :
Standard hotels
First Class hotels
Deluxe hotels
Stardand Class Hotels
Dec.01- Mar.31
Jun,Jul,Aug,Nov.16-30
Apr,May,Sep,Oct,Nov.1-15
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Above 10 pax
379
97
374
97
374
97
6-9 pax
470
107
470
107
470
107
2-5 pax
616
107
616
107
616
107
1 pax
907
907
907
First Class Hotels
Dec.01- Mar.31
Jun,Jul,Aug,Nov.16-30
Apr,May,Sep,Oct,Nov.1-15
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Above 10 pax
382
114
392
114
392
114
6-9 pax
491
128
491
128
491
128
2-5 pax
637
128
637
128
637
128
1 pax
950
950
950
Deluxe Class Hotels
Dec.01- Mar.31
Jun,Jul,Aug,Nov.16-30
Apr,May,Sep,Oct,Nov.1-15
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Above 10 pax
417
150
427
150
427
150
6-9 pax
523
160
523
160
523
160
2-5 pax
669
160
669
160
669
160
1 pax
1013
1013
1013
* Note: all the "0" is in the above form are prices to be advised.
* High season :April,May,Sep,Oct,1-15 Nov; * Shoulder Season: Jun,Jul, * Low Season:Jan,Feb,Mar,15-30 Nov,Dec
* S.Supp : Single Supplement
TCT Member Price :
Remarks:
All the "0" in the above form indicate that the prices to be advised, and Single Supplement(S.Supp) means one client occupying one standard room.
Prices in USD are based on two sharing one two adults standard room,exclusive of the price for ONE passenger occupying one twin-bed room of his own.
The prices quoted here are only valid in 2008.
The availabilities of rooms, flights and so on are subject to change until the actual booking is being made. TCT reserves the right to adjust the prices of any portion of the tour due to the reasons beyond our control.
Prices are based on the current exchange rate and are subject to change without prior notice. For the most up to date prices, please contact with the sales.
Children under 12 have discount from above prices. Please advise all details about kids concerned with bookings.
Price includes:
Private transfers between airports/railway stations, hotels and all sightseeing spots. Separate arrivals and departures will incur extra charges.
Hotel or cruiser accommodation based on two adults sharing one standard twin-bed room/cabin; a client who travels alone or desires is required to pay a single supplement rate. A single room is subject to availability based on prior request at an additional cost; if the recommended hotel is not available, it will be substituted by a similar one.
Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in the cruise fee as well as the cruise shore excursion in groups and daily activities. The arrangements are subject to the different cruiser companies and subject to change without prior notice.
One driver and one English-speaking guide on normal sightseeing activities in each destination.
All entrance fees to scenic spots as shown in the itinerary. The final arrangement will be determined by local tour guides based on the local circumstances which are beyond the control of TopChinaTravel. TCT will adhere to the original itinerary as accurately as possible.
Tibet Travel Permit application fee in the packages related to Tibet.
Price excludes:
Round International airfare or train tickets.
Visa fee, passport application or renewal fee.
Tips for guides, escort, drives, bellman, etc.
Personal expenses such as excess luggage fees, laundry, postage, communications and beverages.
Travel insurance.
Optional meals and shows mentioned in the itinerary, which will be added up if the clients desire to take the activities.
Applicable taxes or government fees.
Any other changes caused by the acts of God, natural disasters, fires, weather, governmental and local authority orders, political change, strikes, war, riots, quarantine, custom regulations, damages or injury caused by accident beyond the control of TopChinaTravel and that has incurred due to the tourist action violating the laws.
Contact us : sales@topchinatravel.com
Tel: (86)773-2885326 , 2828304 , 2825759 , Fax: (86)773-2805303
Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved. Top China Travel
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
-m.jpg)
Day-by-Day Itinerary-m.jpg)
It will take about half an hour to reach Jade Dragon Sown Mountain which is located at 15km north of Lijiang Ancient Town. It is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, consisting of 13 peaks with the highest one at an altitude of 5,600 meters. Looking from the town, the mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence the name. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a sanctuary for rare animals and wild plants. About one fourth of all the plant species in China can be found here and 20 primeval forest communities shelter a big family of 400 types of trees and 30 kinds of animals which are protected by the state. These species living in different temperature levels create different kinds of views of the mountain. The peaks of the mountain are covered by snow all year around and gain the name of natural glacier museum. You can find rivers and pools formed by the thawed snow flowing along the valley and through the forests. -m.jpg)
-m.jpg)
The distance between Lijiang and Lugu Lake is about 280km , and the bunmy road will take six hours or so. -m.jpg)
Among the five isles in the lake, three are in the territory of Yunnan and two in that of Sichuan. Heiwawudao, Ligedao are metaphorically called ' Three Islands of Ponglai' ( Islands of the Immortalsin Chinese mythology). Sitting in the middle of the lake, Heiwawudao Isle is also named 'the Chieftain Island' because Ashaoyun, the chieftain of Yongning, built his villa on the island in the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. Rock, an American scientist, also used to reside on this island. On the south side of the lake, Liwubidao Island lies at the foot of the Lion Mountain. It is actually a small peninsular formed by the extension of the Lion Mountain into the Lake. A dozen of Mosuo families live on this island so it is possible for the visitors to experience the life on the island and, at the same time, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake. The Mosuo wooden houses are built with square - edged timber in the style of 'jinganshi building', also called Mulengfang (Timber House) which is very graceful. 