Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in LijiangOn arrival in Lijiang a transfer will take you to the your courtyard hotel in the ancient city centre called 'old town' or 'Dayan'. This part of Lijiang is on UNESCO's World Heritage list and also car-free. The rest of your day is free to spend as you wish. Lijiang is a fascinating little place, so grab a map and go explore! Lijiang is home to the Naxi minority, and you will see many Naxi women in the city wearing traditional dress: a type of cape and a Mao-cap, and carrying a basket on their backs.

The markets of Lijiang are full of hard-working Naxi women doing business. The inhabitants of the mountains descend into the city on a pony to purchase their daily groceries. The sell herbs at the market and promote their goods with powerful voices. In the evening, make sure you visit the centre of Lijiang, as the small canals, bridges, cobble stone streets and wooden houses are lit up by red Chinese lanterns, looking a little like a fairy tale. During one of these mystical evenings, walk over to the concert building where there are frequent classical Tao temple music recitals. It is an almost lost Naxi tradition that was almost disappeared when all musical instruments were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Another unique experience during the evenings is hearing how men and women sing limericks to each other, at times from one side of a canal to another. It's quite a lively scene! There is singing, screaming, drinking and dancing. "Houche, houche, houche"! This is not only done by the Naxi, Chinese and Western tourists usually also join in adding to the celebratory atmosphere….. you may not know what you're singing, but it's guaranteed to be fun!

Day 2

Countryside Bicycle Tour On this morning you'll go on a bike ride in the area around Lijiang. Together with your guide you'll ride out of Lijiang and on to a paved road with white mountain tops to the left and right of you. After about 45 minutes you'll reach the traditional Naxi village Baisha, where you'll park your bike and go for a walk through the streets. This village is just as beautiful as Lijiang, only less touristy and more genuine and peaceful.

The legendary herbal practitioner Dr. Ho lives in this village. He became famous when he sent medicine to people all around the world without waiting for payment to arrive first. He's 80 years old; however he is still extremely hospitable and welcomes guests with a cup of ‘health tea'. He'll show you newspaper clippings about him that he's saved from international newspapers and if you like, you can even receive medical advice from him. People from the entire world have visited him for his advice and tea, even a few celebrities.Just after noon you'll arrive back in Lijiang and the rest of your day is free to spend as you choose. We recommend a visit the Dragon Pool Park, just a short walk from the city. This spectacular man-made park has a lake that reflects the Jade Snow Mountain tops when the sun is shining.

This is one of the most photographed places in China….and when you see it, you'll understand why.

Day 3

Departure from LijiangEnjoy a few last stolen moments in the sunshine on your hotel's patio and then this module will have come to an end. If you would like to explore the Yunnan province even further, you may want to travel two hours to the where the Tiger Leaping Gorge, module takes place. This gorge is one of the best locations in China for a trek. You'll walk along the top of the gorge on a path and you'll see the Yangtze River flowing below you.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Transfer, old town protection fee (€ 9 per person), accommodation, guided bike tour

Exclusions -

Meals and drinks, entrance fees