Experiencing the Ancient Tea-Horse Road II:Yunnan Part.Kunming-Simao-Dali-Lijiang-Shangrila-Deqin

Experiencing the Ancient Tea-Horse Road II:

Yunnan Part

18 Days / 17 Nights Kunming-Simao-Dali-Lijiang-Shangrila-Deqin–Markham-Basu-Ranwu-Bomi-Nyingchi-Lhasa

Life on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road

Summary
The tea-horse trade between the inner land the remote southwest area in ancient China gave birth to this road of danger and mysteriousness. Winding across the mountains and forests of Sichuan-Tibet-Yunnan triangle area on the Roof of the World, this road was spreading and connecting the ancient civilizations and cultures at the highest altitude. By this itinerary, we'll cover the part of northwest Yunnan and northeast Tibet , along which are the most breathtaking natural scenery and brilliant cultural spots. It's for all the artists, photographers and people who yearning for the ultimate discovery.

Features
Comprehensive and unique tea-horse trade program for photographers
Undeveloped area and pure sightseeing in Southwest China
Selected hotels at wide range of choices for your comfort
Local specialties and night shows listed at the bottom for your delight
Knowledgeable guides, experienced drivers and vans in good-condition

ITINERARY

Day 01 Arrival, Kunming-Simao (No Meals Included)
Arrive in Kunming , your gateway city of this mysterious tour. Then be transferred to Simao directly from Kunming airport. Be met at the Simao airport and transferred to your hotel for a good rest.

Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan Province . With a history more than 2,400 years, it owes its importance to the fact that it was the gateway to the celebrated Silk Road that facilitated trade with Tibet , Sichuan , Myanmar and India . The city enjoys a pleasant climate and does its best to live up to its title of the City of Eternal Spring. Its alluring highland scenery, bewitching Karsts landform, varied and exotic habitats and customs, places of historical interest can be found at major scenic spots. Besides, Kunming is the focal point of Yunnan minority culture with 26 ethnic groups like Bai, Dai, Miao in the area.

Day 02 Simao-Kunming (B/L/D)
Simao is part of Pu'er. Be transferred to visit Tea Garden and Tea Processing Factory . Return back to Kunming in the late afternoon.

Simao is possibly the birthplace of tea. It is definitely one of the most interesting regions in Yunnan , which is one of the most fascinating and mysterious places on earth. It is home to a dazzling array of diverse ethnic groups and is covered by forest for over a third of its area. Experts believe that tea was first cultivated here, and enormous tea fields cover the hilltops in the shadows of vast primeval forest. As a major nexus along the Ancient Tea Route , Simao served as a meeting point for the cultures of Asia , and a conduit for the exchange of cultural knowledge.

Day 03 Kunming-Dali(B/L/D)
Be transferred to the airport for a short flight to Dali, the ancient political, economic and cultural center of Yunnan area. Upon arrival, visit Dali Ancient Town and Three Pagodas , the symbol of the history of Dali.

Three Pagodas,Dali

Dali is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province , and it has the population of Han, Hui, Bai, Yi and Tibetan. In ancient times, Dali is the political, economic, and cultural center of Yunnan area. As a result, Dali is the cradle of traditional culture of Yunnan , best represented by the Three Pagodas. Dali used to be a very important stop on one of the routes of the Ancient Tea Horse Road that starts from Xishuangbanna . There were many tea processing plants in Xiaguan producing Tuo Tea, a local specialty. It was from Dali, where the southwestern Silk Road and the Ancient Tea Horse Road join, that Shu brocade from Sichuan and Puer Tea from Yunnan were exported to India and Afghanistan .

Dali Ancient Town , 13km away from Xiaguan, nests between Mt. Cangshan and Erhai Lake . The town layout was uniform with five main streets from south to north and eight main streets from east to west, while marketplaces were neatly arranged within the city. The Bai's traditional houses with gray-green roof tiles, peculiar workshops, temples, schools and churches are scattered. Traditional marble artworks, like pencil vases, striped screens, and variety of woven handicrafts are laid on the both sides of the streets. Unlike any other cities in China , Dali is endowed with the distinctive feel by traditional Bai people's houses, its grand city wall, marvelous scenery and brilliant red camellias.

Three Pagodas, located about 1 km northwest of Dali Ancient City, has a history over 1,800 years. It is the symbol of Dali, and the witness of the development of Buddhism in the area. The main pagoda is 69 meters high, while the other lower two previously could be climbed by ladder from the inside. Three Pagodas together with Zhaozhou Bridge in Hebei Province and Great Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an are known as the three curiosities of Chinese ancient architecture. Study of Three Pagodas and the cultural relics excavated at the site will provide important data in exploring the history, religion and art of the region.

Day 04 Dali (B/L/D)
Be transferred to the pier and embark the Erhai Cruiser after breakfast. Erhai Lake is one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China . Disembark (about 4 hours later) in the afternoon, then visit Butterfly Spring and Xizhou Bai's Houses (Yan's Courtyard included) where you can see what the Bai people's houses like.

Erhai Lake is the largest lake second to Dianchi in Kunming and one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China . The name means the sea with the shape of an ear in Chinese. In those sunny days, the crystal water of the lake and the snow mantled Mt. Cangshan radiate with each other. This beautiful scene is commonly described as silver Cangshan and jade Erhai. The surrounding isles, temples and villages of Erhai Lake are also worth visiting. The Golden Shuttle Island and the nearby fishing community of Bai people with the attractive Bai's culture and lifestyle do deserve a visit. You also get the chance to try the Three Courses Tea of Bai people on the isles.

Locates 27km south of Dali Ancient Town, Butterfly Spring was named as the spring rises to form a pool which was shaped by the dense leaves. Above the pool there is an ancient tree known as the Butterfly Tree, because its fragrant blossom attracts thousands of butterflies in the short interval of spring turns to summer. These colorful creatures fly around the pool and settle on the tree in great clusters as they sip the nectar from the blossoms. This spectacular sight has given rise to a local festival when Bai people gather around the tree on 15 April for the Butterfly Meet. Then the youth will seek to engage with their loves.

The Bai's houses are much in evidence at Xizhou, 18km north of Dali. Green mountains . Winding creeks and fertile land make people here a lyrical and carefree life. The history of Xizhou dates back to the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD). At that time, it was called the city of Dali . It was later conquered by General Shi Wansui during the Sui Dynasty, so it also enjoys the name of Shicheng. People nowadays regard Xizhou as a town famous for the Bai culture. The old houses and streets are well preserved. Visitors may still find traces of past glory. The houses of local residents are characterized by a traditional Chinese rectangular courtyard with a screen wall facing the gate. On the screen wall there usually are four Chinese characters reading 'Qingbai Shijia' (innocent family) or 'Ziqi Donglai' (Auspicious air comes from the East). Around them are landscape paintings and decorations with colors in profusion. The doors and windows are full of grills with auspicious paintings.

Day 05 Dali- Lijiang(B/L/D)
Be transferred to Lijiang( 176km , about 4 hours) in the morning and visit Lijiang Ancient Town to walk down the cobblestone streets over 700 years and see the Naxi way of life which chaned little over time. Visit the Shuhe Ancient Town in the afternoon.

Lying in a broad and fertile valley dominated by the snow-mantled peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain , Lijiang 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.

Lijiang Ancient Town is a well-preserved one known for Naxi people's brilliant culture. With a history more han 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 vary 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 .

Shuhe, also "Shaowu" in Naxi language, means "the village at the foot of the high hill". In the past, there behind the village was a high hill named Jubao Hill, so people named the village after the hill. Generation after generation, the village gets its present name. The Ancient Town of Shuhe is located 4 kilometers to the northwest of the Ancient City of Lijiang. Its central part covers an area of about 5 square kilometers. There live almost one thousand families and the population is about 3,000. In 1997, the Ancient Town of Shuhe was ranked as an important part of the Ancient City of Lijiang which was already the World Cultural Heritage then by the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization of the United Nations. The Ancient Town is now a national AAAA level scenic spot and one of the National Key Protection Units of Cultural Relics.

Day 06 Lijiang (B/L/D)
In the morning drive about half an hour to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (cable car and green vans available in the scenic area). After lunch, visit Yufeng Temple and Baisha Mural in the ancient capital of Naxi Kingdom in Baisha village.

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 our 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.

Baisha Mural is located at Baisha Villages, 10km north of Lijiang Ancient Town . Although the traditional houses do not look impressive, the place was the cradle of Naxi people and ancient capital of Naxi Kingdom . The valuable mural are protected inside Dabaoji Palace and the colored glaze temples. The originality and figures of the mural reflect the different religious cultures and artistic forms of Buddhism, Lamaism, Taoism and local Naxi Dongba religion's development into Naxi School . Each painting includes at least one hundred portraits are not only Buddha but also ordinary people such as bureaucrats, criminals and so on. Many of the scenes and subjects are drawn from people's daily life showing fishing, riding horses, weaving, dancing and casting iron. The photography is forbidden.

Day 07 Lijiang- Shangri La (B/L/D)
In the morning drive about 178km to Shangri La , which will take about 4 hours. It's a place with stunning scenery, the azure sky and the hospitality of unsophisticated people. Visit Dukezong Ancient Town upon arrival.

The town of Shangri La has gain the current name in 2001 by Chinese authorities. With the endless miles waiting to be discovered, this region offers unique hiking and trekking advantages who making journey down to northern Yunnan . At an altitude of 3,200 meters, Shangri La is the start point of the Tibetan world in northern Yunnan . The small town once was the frontier trading post on the doorstep of Tibet .

Dukezong Ancient Town is located at the southeast corner of Shangri La, meaning the town of moonlight in Tibetan language. Dukezong was built against the mountain according to the Utopia in Buddhism. With a history more than 1,329 years, its bumpy roads paved by large stones has so many stories waiting to be uncovered.

Day 08 Shangri La (B/L/D)
Today should be started off earlier from hotel in the morning. First drive to visit Songzanlin Lamasery -the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan , then visit Potatso National Park (green vans available in scenic area) after lunch.

Not far away from the town of Shangri La ( 5km ), Songzanlin Lamasery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist lamasery in Yunnan and one of the 13 large lamaseries in the Kangzang region (the join area of Tibet , Yunnan and Sichuan ). Constructed in 1679, it took about three years to complete. Built against the mountain with a magnificent appearance, Songzanlin is a faithful imitation of the Potala Palace in Lhasa Tibet . The most famous treasures in the lamasery are the eight gold-covered sculptures of Sakyamuni, bronze sculptures, the Ganzur scriptures hand-written in liquid gold, gold lamps, and many exquisite gilded silver incense burners.

Potatso National Park is located 22km away from the town, which will take about half an hour's driving. As China's first national park, consists of two lakes- Shudu hu and Bita hai, the distance between takes about half an hour's driving by green van. Shudu hu is the lake in the shape of boot, and Bita hai is the highest lake in Yunnan . Both two are famous for the limpid water and beautiful scenery. There are virgin forests including century-old pines, cypresses and birches around the lakes, in which the water is crystal clear and blue. In Bita hai there is an islet covered by cedars and azaleas. In spring, when the withered azalea flowers fall into the lake and are eaten by fish, the fish seem to be unconscious and almost drunk. They then float on the surface with their abdomen facing the sky. The whole park is an intact natural reserve of various species of flora and fauna as well as the lifestyle of its residents, so you also can see villages there. The green toilets are scattered in the area and planks were built around the lakes for visitors who would like to have a walk.

Day 09 Shangri La-Deqin(B/L/D)
Drive from Shangri-la to Deqin (around 7 hours). Stay overnight at Deqin.

Day10 Deqin -Markham (B/L/D)
Take the coach to Meili Snow Mountain (around 1 hour driving). After sightseeing in Meili Snow Mountain , be transferred to Markham . Stay overnight at Markham .

About 800km from Kunming , Meili Snow Mountain towers over the landscape in the west of Deqin County in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture . Also known as ' Prince Snow Mountain ', it is the most sacred mountainthe in the world. The mountains possess some of the region's highest diversity plants. They also provide habitat for many wild animals. As you breathe the extremely fresh air, you can imagine how the pilgrims feel when they walk their spiritual pilgrimages to the Meili Mountains . There is a sense of togetherness, a perfect harmony with the Mother Nature.

Day11 Markham -Basu (B/L/D)
Drive from Markham to Basu( 270 km ). Stay overnight at Basu.

Day12 Basu -Ranwu (B/L/D)
Drive from Basu to Ranwu, stay overnight at Ranwu.

Day13 Ranwu -Bomi (B/L/D)
Today you will enter the most magnificent spot during the Sichuan-Tibet Road from Ranwu to Bomi . Arrive in Bomi in the late afternoon. The distance between Rawu to Bomi is 129 kilometers.

Day 14 Bomi -Nyingchi(B/L/D)
Approach our final destination to Nyingchi( 216 km ). It is a paradise with the least human trace on this planet enjoying advantages in natural resources for tourist, scientific research and exploration. Drive from Pomi to Nyichi via Lulang Forest Area . Visit the Gigantic Cypress Wood in Nyingchi .stay overnight at Nyichi.

The most impressive in Lulang Forest Area is the forest of Tibetan cypresses of about 10 hectares at the Bagyai Village in Nyingchi County at 3,040 meters above sea level.

The Gigantic Cypress Wood in Nyingchi is in the valley of the lower reaches of the Yaluzhangbu River and the Niyang River at the latitude of 3,000 to 3,400 meters. In the Giant Cypress Nature Reserve of the Bajie Township, there scatter hundreds of such huge cypresses only seen in Tibet, which are noted for their huge tree crowns and upright trunks.

Day 15 Nyingchi-Lhasa(B/L/D)
Drive from Nyichi to Lhasa , via Lake Basumto . Stay overnight at Lhasa .

Covering 26 square kilometers (10 square miles), Basumto , the pristine waters of the green lake reflect the picturesque snow-capped peaks surrounding the lake.Basomtso lies in the Cuogao Village Gongbujiangda County , Nyingchi. It is in the valley of the upper reaches of the Ba River, 50 km from the Town of Gongbujiangda , 39.6 km from the National Highway No. 318 and 370 km from the Tibetan Capital Lhasa.

Day 16 Lhasa (B/L/D)
Take a whole day tour to visit Drepung Monastery , Sera Monastery and Norbulingka.

The second day in Lhasa , you'll visit the Drepung Monastery, the largest and richest of the three major Yellow Sect monasteries in Lhasa . It is one of the largest monasteries in the world. As the most powerful of the Gelukpa monasteries, Drepung has seven colleges and houses over 10,000 monks. It owns many splendid murals, elaborate statues and other valuable treasures. A giant golden statue of Buddha 'Jiangba Tongzhenma' sits near the precious conch shell.

The Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas in the western part of town, is your next spot. This complex was first built in 1755 as a palace and retreat; the procession of the Dalai Lama and his entourage from the Potala to here is quite a highlight for the locals. Inside the Palace, there are many interesting murals which definitely are the highlights of the Norbulingka. Whenever there are festivals, the dressed-up people gather here with their food and tents singing and dancing.

In the afternoon, the Sera Monastery will be a good choice as well. Sera means ‘Hailstone' in Tibetan, and legend tells that it hailed during the foundation of this famous monastery. The Sera Monastery is the last of the three principal Yellow Sect monasteries built in Lhasa . It is destined to be one of the most enjoyable afternoons of the whole trip. The setting itself is very beautiful and there are many cobbled alleyways, temples and colleges on a hill. The highlight will be watching a monks debating inside the shady courtyard behind the main temple. Every day, hundreds of red-robed monks assemble in small groups and practice their debating skills. It is a highly entertaining spectacle, during which they strike poses not dissimilar to hip hop rappers. They are clap, turn, and finger point, whoop, holler, and throw their prayer beads about. In most cases, one monk sits on the floor, while another one stands, and between them, they argue about Buddhist rituals - immensely enjoying their debates. As tourists you are allowed to walk around the edge and observe the very dynamic and animated monks asking and answering questions like ‘why', ‘what came first the chicken or the egg' and ‘who is your favorite Buddha'. The spectacle is just so fun-filled and high energy. It's a bit like a Sicilian market place, or a football match, increasing in volume all the time, and some of the monks are really good showmen, sometimes mischievously involving you in their debates, as if trying to get you onto their side.

Day 17 Lhasa(B/L/D)
A trip to Lhasa would be incomplete without a visit to Potala Palace , Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street .

Religion is such an important element of Tibetan life that it's hardly surprising most of the attractions are monasteries, temples and palaces. The awe-inspiring Potala Palace perched high above much of Lhasa , is definitely your good choice. The palace is a complex of political and religious function, which consists of the Red Palace , the White Palace and some attached buildings.

The Red Palace contains various chapels and mausoleums for previous Dalai Lamas. The White Palace contains the living quarters of successive Dalai Lamas and their tutors. The offices of the old Tibetan government and their assembly halls are also located here. The Potala is full of elaborate artwork and frescos that tell many stories. They portray religious subjects as well as the customs and traditions of Tibet .

Although you need to climb up, it will be richly rewarded for your efforts. Words may fail you to convey the scope of gold, pearls, carvings, gems, incense, monks, rooms, stairs that are in this incredible place. It is a pity that there are no photos allowed in the palace. However you would take photos by your eyes and embed them into your minds forever.

The local Tibetan lunch is very different from the previous cities, but you will find its specialist and enjoy it. In fact, the most popular cuisine in Tibet now is Sichuan Cuisine. Moreover there are also western-style restaurants in Lhasa . You are delighted to eat what Tibetan eats in Tibet . Then you will visit the Jokhang Temple in the afternoon. According to Legend the Jokhang Temple was built on the former site of a lake. However, every time a temple was built, it would collapse later. Confused by this phenomenon, Princess Bhrikuti turned to Wen Cheng, the Princess of Tang Dynasty, for help. Being a well-educated woman, Wen Cheng told the Princess that the geography of Tibet was very much like a hag, with the lake at the heart. In order to build the temple, Wen Cheng advised they must demolish the hag by filling and leveling the lake using 1,000 sheep to carry soil from a mountain far away. When the temple was done, it was called Ra-Sa-Vphrul-Snang ('ra' meaning sheep and 'sa' meaning earth in Tibetan) to commemorate those sheep. It was built by craftsmen from Tibet , China and Nepal and thus features different architectural styles. The three-level roof of the Jokhang offers splendid views of the Bhakhor Streets across to the Potala Palace . The golden roofs are superbly crafted with many birds, beasts, bells and other intricate figures. The Tibetan people are absolutely beautiful - very warm, friendly and welcoming. There are so many impressions and interesting and bizarre things happened every day in Lhasa .

Then you will spend a whole afternoon exploring Barkhor Street . The markets in Lhasa are on a scale quite unlike anything else you have seen. You can buy anything Tibet-related, from sacks of incense, chunks of yak butter to monk outfits. When walking along the Barkhor Street , you need to follow the clockwise direction. You see many Tibetan pilgrims in town taking part in the various koras (pilgrimage circuits): the Nangkor, Barkor, Lingkor and Potala. Maybe there are even others associated with various monasteries. They are devout Buddhists who perform these koras as a part of their lives and a means of gathering merit. They are from different parts of Tibet but still have a distinctive look - heavy, colorful clothes, dark-haired, hair plaited and braided with beads. They travel in family groups with a prayer-wheel in constant motion. Among these various koras you see many prostrating themselves, some doing this repeatedly on the spot and others prostrating every 3 paces until they have circumambulated the route.

Day 18 Departure, Lhasa (B)
Transfer to the airport and depart from Lhasa for your flight home.