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This trip gives you the opportunity of exploring one of the most dynamic minority group area in Yunnan as well as the beautiful countryside scenery in Yangshuo. We spend time in the village of Yangshuo, surrounded by green rice fields and towering limestone outcrops. The Li River winds its way past the town and the cormorant fishermen ply their trade; if you enjoy photography, you’ll love this area. We continue our trip in Kunming and go further to the heart of Yunnan, where you meet many different minority ethnic groups, including Bai people in Dali, Naxi people in Lijiang, and Tibetan people in Shangri-La (Zhongdian). We travel by bus in Yunnan, and it’s a good opportunity to enjoy the sweeping panoramic views of areas featuring spectacular scenery. Walking on the old streets of Dali and Lijiang, you will be feasted by the local ethnic cultures. The trekking in Tiger Leaping Gorge will be an unforgettable experience in your life.

Days 1-2 Hong Kong
Your trip starts today with your arrival in Hong Kong. No activities are planned, so arrive early if you can, as there is plenty to see. There will be a pre-tour briefing with your tour leader late in the afternoon. After dinner there is the opportunity to view the spectacular Sound and Light Show on the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island - 8:00 to 8:20pm. If you are a first-time visitor to Hong Kong, it is recommended that you arrive a few days before the tour starts to allow yourself enough time to explore this exciting city. The next morning we head to Guangzhou (Canton) on a two-hour hydrofoil journey. The views, as we sail out of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, are sensational! In Guangzhou, we transfer to the train station, for our overnight journey to Guilin.

You can purchase dinner on the train or prior to boarding. We stay in six-berth air-conditioned cabins that have an open and relaxed feel about them. A blanket, sheets and a pillow are provided, although some people may wish to bring their own inner sheet. Travelling on the train is a great way to mix with the locals and practise your Chinese language skills. Days 3-5 Yangshuo
We arrive in Guilin in the morning and transfer by public bus to the small countryside town of Yangshuo (1.5 hrs). Yangshuo, a place nestled amongst the imposing limestone karst formations that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. This small town is a haven for back-packers and here we stay in a delightful local style hotel. Day 4 we take a half-day bike ride through the surrounding countryside to gain an insight into rural life in South China and have a scrumptious lunch in a local restaurant at the foot of Moon Hill. It is also a wonderful area for exploring individually, as every turn in the road brings you to another picture-postcard location- this is why Yangshuo is the favorite with LPC travellers. A boat trip on the Li River to the surrounding town is an option to consider in your free time.

In the afternoon on Day 5 we transfer by bus to Guilin to board the overnight train to Kunming. The journey can take up to 18 hours, so bring a good book.

Day 6 Kunming
Kunming is a vibrant and bustling city, with a flourishing Muslim area, exciting markets, interesting temples and a strong ethnic minority influence. A walking tour will take in the more interesting sites of Kunming, including watching the locals practising Taichi in the morning in People’s Square, and a meander through the bird and flower market, leaving some time for you to make your own explorations.

Day 7-8 Lijiang
We travel by local bus to start our spectacular journey to the beautiful Old Lijiang (approximately 9 hours). On the way we will see the towering mountains, alpine passes and tobacco field beneath the clear blue sky. Lijiang, former capital of the famed Naxi Kingdom, is listed as the world cultural heritage. The Old Town is a maze of cobblestone streets, narrow canals and decorative wooden houses, a wonderful place to wander around and imagine being in a bygone era. In the evening, you have the opportunity to witness a performance of the local Naxi orchestra, a unique and entertaining musical experience (please check schedules in Lijiang to see if the show is on during your visit).

Days 9-10 Tiger Leaping Gorge
On the morning of day 9 we travel by bus (approximately 2 hours) to Qiaotou, the starting point for our trek through the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge - one of the deepest gorges in the world. The entire gorge is 16km long but rises up to 3900m above the waters of the Yangtze. Over the next three days we embark on some exercise, as we hike along scenic trails, overlooking the upper reaches of the Yangtze River (known here as the Jinsha River). The river thunders through Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is in turn framed by 5,000-metre-high snow-capped mountains. The walking in the gorge is serious going – expect to walk 4-8 hours each day. The reward, however, is great – simply stunning views! There is no hurry so we take our time and stop to talk with the local villagers en route. The accommodation is quite basic, as we are visiting a remote area that is only frequented by adventurous travellers.

Some people may choose to bring a sleeping sheet, although this is not essential. It is necessary to bring warm clothing, especially for the evenings, and, in general, for the cooler months. The degree of difficulty on the particular trail that we take will vary greatly, depending on the time of year. Depending on the time of the year and weather conditions, our trekking route can vary greatly. Our tour leader may not be able to advise us of the actual itinerary until the last minute.

Days 11-12 Shangri-La (Zhongdian)
In the morning of Day 11 we catch the bus to Shangri-La (Zhongdian), the town of distinct Tibetan people. The two-story local farmhouses, the hot yak butter tea and Tibetan religion are all different from what you’ve been to. If lucky we might see the yaks wandering on the road leisurely. Due to Shangri-La’s high altitude (3,200 metres), it is advisable to bring warm clothing. (Please note that sometimes due to bad road conditions caused by poor weather, it may not be possible to travel to Shangri-La. If that is the case, additional time may be spent in Lijiang). The highlight of Shangri-La is a visit to the Songzanlin Monastery, one of the top 13 monasteries of Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Lamaism and once again a place of homage for Tibetan Lamaism. You have the option of hiring bikes and exploring the local countryside and traditional life that the farmers lead.

Days 13-14 Dali
On Day 13, we travel by bus to Dali, (approximately 6 hours), a wonderful lakeside town. Dali is one of the favourite places for travellers in China. To the east is Erhai Lake, to the west is Cangshan Mountain, the old town is located at the very centre of the valley. The town’s cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses and laid-back charm make it a wonderful place to relax. Dali is home to the proud Bai people, a traditional minority tribe renowned throughout China for their craftsmanship and literature. There is much to explore in our free days in Dali. There is a chance to go boating on Er Hai Lake and travel across to the village of Wase, or spend a day catching a chairlift up and hiking in the mountains behind Dali (stopping at the occasional monastery along the way). We can also cycle to nearby villages to visit the traditional Bai courtyard or just stroll around town.

Days 15-16 Kunming
On Day 15 we leave Dali this morning and catch the bus back to Kunming (6 hours). Our adventure ends this morning on Day 16 in Kunming. Checkout time is usually around 12 noon; however you are free to leave at any time in the morning. Additional accommodation can be arranged on request.