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In the early morning cross the border and customs check from Vietnam ( Sapa ) and arrive in Hekou, the border city and port between China and Vietnam and then meet our guide and drive. Continue to drive via Pingbian, Gejiu to Yuanyang. On the way, observe the sub-tropical scenery and the Miao people. You can see at the famous narrow gauge railway connecting Kunming and Hanoi, which was built by the French 100 years ago. You can also visit the small old French style railway station if there is enough time. We arrive in Yuanyang ( Hani and Miao minority area, 250 km, 5 hours ) in the late afternoon and visit the amazing endless Terraced Rice Fields cut into the mountains by local Hani people over thousands of years. 555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
In the morning, dawn visit Terraced Rice Fields. A photographers' dream, the rice fields are best seen in the evening and at dawn. Visit local morning market. Then drive to Jianshui ( 150 km, 3 hours ), which is the cultural center of southern Yunnan province. Visit 400 years old Chaoyang Tower which is even older than Tian An Men in Beijing. You can also visit the second largest ConfuciousTemple in China. In the evening visit Zhu Family Garden which has 250 rooms and 42 courtyards. 555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
After breakfast visit Zhang Family Garden ( Tuanshan Village ). You will see many private houses with typical Chinese architecture style. Then drive to Kunming via FuXian Lake which is the second deepest fresh water lake in China and enjoy a fresh fish lunch by the lake. 555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
In the morning visit Bamboo Temple which is a Mahayana Monastery. Set in the tranquil hills just outside Kunming, this complex dates back to the Tang Dynasty. It is famous for its 500 life sized carved Arhats or disciples of Buddha. In the afternoon go to visit the Stone Forest ( 89 km, 1.5 hours ). An 80 ha site of fantastic limestone formations created during the Permian Era when the sea covered this area, Shilin is in the World Heritage List and managed by the traditional owners the Yi people. It is famous in China and unique in the world. We are planning to visit the Stone Forest for 2.5 hours. Today's dinner is the Yunnan local flavour Yiliang Roast Duck. 555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
Today we drive to Dali ( home to the Bai minority, 560 km, 5 hours). Free day in Dali. The optional tour is a boat trip on Erhai Lake, which is the largest highland lake after Dianchi and one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China, or a walk in the Cangshan Mountains which tower over Dali. Otherwise spend the day relaxing in this beautiful but busy village. 555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
In the morning visit Xizhou ( the biggest Bai old town ) Morning Market. Then drive to Lijiang, visit Stone Temple in Shibaoshan Mountain ( in Jianchuan ) which is a Buddhist rock cave of the Nanzhao period. When we arrive in Lijiang ( Naxi minority area, 153 km, 3.5 hours ). 555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
Free day in Lijiang. We can spend the day relaxing in this beautiful and vibrant village and explore the cobble stone streets and water ways. There are lots of shops and cafes. 555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
Drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge ( 100 km, 2 hours ), one of the deepest gorges in the world, through which the mighty Yangtze thunders. Subject to conditions we may visit the beautiful Bai Shui Tai or white water terraces. 555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
In the morning drive to Shangri-la ( Tibetan minority area, 180 km, 4.5 hours ). Upon arrival, go to visit the Songzanlin Tibetan Buddhism Monastery, designed as a smaller version of Lhasa's Potala Palace and home to 780 monks of the Yellow Hat Tibetan sect. In the evening visit and enjoy a performance and milk tea provided by Tibetan people. 555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
Today drive along Yunnan-Tibet Road to visit Dongzhulin Monastery ( 110 km, 3 hours ) which was first built in 1667, the 6th year during the reign of Emperor Kang Xi of the Qing Dynasty. It was where the Monlam Festival of Prayer for the Emperor's birthday was held. It is one of the most important monasteries in Northwest Yunnan. Drive back 8 km to see the First Bend of Golden Sand River ( the upper reach of Yangtze ). It is here that the Yangtze's flow southerly finishes and it takes an abrupt V turn, continuing on through central China to empty near Shanghai, several thousand kilometers to the East. Then continue drive to Baimang Snow Mountain Pass in the National Nature Reserve Area, 4250 meters above sea level. In the evening visit Zhongdian's Tibetan Old Town with its atmospheric streets and houses and enjoy the local people dancing in the middle square. 555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
Free in the morning. In the afternoon drive to Lijiang. In the evening take flight from Lijiang to Jinghong ( Dai people area, 45 min flight ). Upon arrival, meet the local guide and check in the hotel. 555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
Today go to visit Ganlanba morning market ( to experience daily life of ethnic groups ), Water Dai village, Burmese temple, rubber garden, Botanic Garden ( the biggest one in China ). In the evening enjoy the Dai BBQ as dinner. 555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
Today hike in the Aini & Jinuo Villages ( to experience daily life of ethnic groups ).Then visit to Wild Elephant Vally, cable car through jungle. 555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
In the morning board of speed boat at Jinghong port ( 08:00 ). Begin to cruise on Mekong River. In the evening ( 18:00 ) arrive in Chiang Saen ( Thailand ). 555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
Visit the famous Opium Hall at the Golden Triangle, which is sponsored by the Empress Dowager of Thailand and be introduced to the mysterious world of opium. The 5,600 square-meter Hall of Opium presents the history of opium from its natural properties to its uses over 5,000 years. Visit Golden Archway. 555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
555www.Chinakindnesstour.com
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