- Explore the village Mosque and delve into local history at a Chinese Muslim Village.
- Indulge in a sumptuous family meal prepared by descendants of an ancient tea horse road trader family.
- Craft macrame bracelets amidst Yi dancing and bonfires in a 200-year-old Dali-style traditional house.
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Destination
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Trip duration
8 days, 7 nights
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Price
From 8400 cny
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Availability period
28 Apr. 2024 - 5 May. 2024
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Min/Max travelers
10-16 pax
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Transport
Minibus
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Accommodation
Local
- Immerse in worship at a Bai ethnic group’s Benzhu temple.
- Create exquisite copper mugs in a hands-on workshop and visit a local museum in Heqing.
- Embark on an electric mountain bike excursion from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Day 1
Arrive Dali
Check into your accommodation and free time for leisure.
Food
-/-/D
Accommodation
Local
Day 2
Dali
In the morning, we journey to a Chinese Muslim village near Weishan old town. We explore the village Mosque and its history museum, filled with relics from local traders. A family meal awaits, prepared by descendants of these traders. Later, we visit a Yi village, home to less than 300 families. Here, we engage in a macrame bracelet workshop led by a Yi instructor. Set in a 200-year-old traditional house-turned-museum, we immerse in Yi culture, witnessing local dancing and performances. The day concludes with a Yi-style dinner, bonfire tea, and ethnic dancing in the ancient courtyard.
Food
B/L/D
Accommodation
Local
Day 3
Dali - Lijiang
Experience Yunnan's pottery heritage in a hands-on workshop in a quaint ancient village. Learn traditional clay throwing techniques from locals with over 600 years of expertise. Craft your own masterpiece, from vases to bowls, with guidance or let creativity flow freely. Your creations will be kiln-fired and shipped within a month. Explore the village's 30 dragon kiln sites and rammed-earth complexes, amidst cherry blossoms in winter. Later, indulge in a local courtyard dinner in Lijiang, followed by ethnic square dancing. An immersive day celebrating art, culture, and community awaits, culminating in an unforgettable evening in Lijiang.
Food
B/L/D
Accommodation
Local
Day 4
Lijiang - Liming
Discover a Liming Ethnic Farmer’s Market, a vibrant hub of Yunnan's diverse cultures. Amidst colorful stalls, sample authentic specialties and observe ethnic group women adorned in traditional attire. Local artisans and farmers offer crafts and fresh produce, embodying the region's rich heritage. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic hike through Liming's picturesque landscapes. Nestled within Laojunshan National Park, Liming boasts biodiversity and geological wonders, including striking sandstone formations. Conservation efforts in Liju Village focus on sustainability and habitat preservation, while ethnic communities add cultural depth. Liming's allure extends to adventure enthusiasts with over 200 crack climbing routes amidst nature's splendor.
Food
B/L/D
Accommodation
Local
Day 5
Liming - Heqing
Embark on a unique journey to Jianchuan, immersing in the Bai ethnic group's Benzhu worship. Central to Bai culture, Benzhu deities, intertwined with Azhali Buddhism, are revered as local protectors. Each village hosts a Benzhu Temple, honouring historical figures as revered spirits, with Jianchuan standing as a cultural bastion. Enjoy a Bai-style courtyard lunch before continuing to Heqing, famed for silver and copperware. Explore Xinhua Village's rich heritage in a museum showcasing exquisite crafts. Dive into the tradition with a hands-on workshop, crafting copper mugs under skilled guidance. These personalised creations serve as cherished mementos of Heqing's cultural richness.
Food
B/L/D
Accommodation
Local
Day 6
Heqing - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Baoshan Naxi Stone Village
Today we set off on an electric mountain bike adventure from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to Tiger Leaping Gorge, spanning 130 kilometers of breathtaking landscapes. Ensure good physical condition for this ride (support vehicle provided). Rest in Baoshan Naxi Stone Village, steeped in history since the Yuan Dynasty. Perched atop a natural fortress, the village is accessible through stone gates and surrounded by sheer cliffs and the Jinsha River. With around 100 families, it stands as a testament to Naxi architectural heritage. Immerse in cultural richness and tranquility, experiencing the well-preserved historic settlement's beauty as we recharge for the night.
Food
B/L/D
Accommodation
Local
Day 7
Baoshan Naxi Stone Village - Lijiang
After a tranquil night in the village, we depart on a scenic hike through Baoshan Naxi Stone Village. Amidst labyrinthine pathways, we're greeted by mountain cliffs, the Jinsha River, and 100 sturdy stone houses. Each step reveals natural wonders and cultural heritage, inviting us to explore deeper. Architectural marvels and tales from centuries past unfold against awe-inspiring vistas. Prepare to be captivated by the ethereal beauty as we discover the village's timeless allure. Later, we drive to Lijiang for a family-style wild mushroom hotpot, concluding our journey with a delicious feast.
Food
B/L/D
Accommodation
Local
Day 8
Depart Lijiang
Check out of your accommodation and free time for leisure before your train/flight home.
Food
B/-/-
Create the experience of your dream with our travel experts
Make your own trailIncluded
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks) and water - from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8
- Clean, characteristic, and comfortable local accommodation for 7 nights in a shared twin bed room - please contact us for single room suppliment
- Experienced local English-speaking expert guide
- Licensed minibus with professional and responsible driver
- All workshops listed in the programme
- All tickets and entrance fees to sights listed in the programme
- Mandatory insurance
Not Included
- International/domestic flights or trains
- Airport or train station transfers
- Souvenirs and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips (optional)
Payment and Cancellations
Important notes
Few important details to frame the experience:
- Departure: We will commence our journey in Dali. Kindly ensure your arrival in Dali by the 28th for group dinner and hotel check-in.
- Food: We prioritise locally sourced, ecological, and organic ingredients, advocating for a low-carbon, eco-friendly, and healthy diet. The meals provided during the tour will predominantly consist of plant-based options, supplemented by select high-quality local non-vegan choices or fully vegan alternatives.
- Restrooms: Throughout the tour, public or local-style restroom facilities are accessible, while western-style toilets are predominantly available in hotels and large shopping complexes.
- Environmental Awareness: During this tour, our guide will introduce you to our plastic-free lifestyle. We will assist you in minimizing the use of single-use plastic disposables by encouraging refusal and offering alternatives.