| Yunnan Adventure |
|
|
Yunnan Adventure: 17-day
Western Yunnan with Nujiang Grand Canyon Tour
Highlights:
• Located in the deep west of Yunnan Province, Nujiang is one of the most important rivers in China. With a huge water discharge, the torrents of Nujiang pour down in a never-ending waterfall, carving out one of the world’s most outstanding gorges, the Nujiang Grand Canyon. In addition to touring the Canyon you’ll visit several villages and towns near the China-Burma border, giving you a peak into this mysterious and isolated countries
• While you’ll be taken to western Yunnan, you will also be taken to the essential spots in Yunnan, like Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La, a visit to the ethnic minority towns of Lijiang and Dali, and a tour of the provincial capital, Kunming
• At each stop on your tour you’ll be accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide, which will guarantee that you’ll have a stress-free, enjoyable, and exciting trip
B=(Breakfast) L=(lunch) D=(dinner) DEPARTURE: Daily |
|
|
| |
TOUR ITINERARY |
 |
Tour
code:
AYN-22 |
|
Day 1: arrive in Kunming
You will fly to Kunming International Airport, and upon arrival you’ll be met by your English-speaking guide. Kunming is the capital of southwest China's Yunnan province, a primarily agricultural province of 45 million. Kunming has a population of five million and is located in one of the world's most geographically, ethnically, biologically and linguistically diverse regions. Situated at 1,900 meters (6,233ft) above sea level and 25° north of the Equator it has a rather unique and pleasant climate for a Chinese city. Kunming is also well known as the Spring City because of its nice climate all year round, and this will make the golfing even more enjoyable.
The rest of the night is up to your own discretion, but you might want to relax a bit by taking a walk through Green Lake. Green Lake (Cuihu) is Kunming's answer to Central Park in New York. Lined with willows, the lake is gorgeous, crisscrossed by small arched bridges in imitation of Hangzhou's more famous West Lake. The best season is winter, when days are warm and sunny and the large flocks of "Laughing Gulls" with their cackling cries as they arrive from their breeding grounds in Siberia. The gulls enjoy the legendary "eternal spring" weather in Kunming. |
Day 2: Kunming-Kunming Stone Forest-Kunming (B, L, D)
Today you will be seeing the sights and attractions of Kunming. Following breakfast in the hotel, you’ll get started on the day’s activities with a trip to the Stone Forest. It will take between 1-2 hours to drive there because it is 86km from the city. Being one of the National Scenic Resorts in China, the Stone Forest Scenic Resort has a complete range of karst formations. Among the most wonderful attractions in this area are the following eight scenic spots: Large & Small Stone Forests, Naigu Stone Forests, Large & Small Zhiyun Caves, Qingfeng Cave, Long Lake, Moon Lake, Fairy Lake, Feilong Falls. Standing upright in the Stone Forest are innumerable cliffs and peaks, lofty and majestic, steep and precipitous, charming and enchanting.
From afar, it really looks like a dense forest but as you walk closer, you will find "trees" are all slender stone pinnacles. The sight is vast covering some 350 kilometers. The Yi and Sani ethnic group who live there are hardworking and good at singing and dancing. Their folklore and culture are colorful and multifarious, backed up by a long history.
After lunch we’ll make the drive back to Kunming, and once we arrive we’ll stop to take a look at the Golden Horse and Phoenix Archway, which is located at the corner of Sanshi Road and Jinbi Road.
For the night, you’ll try your hand at local shopping at the city market. The flower markets in Shangyi Street are quite famous. The florists there sell their wares by weight, so one can buy as little as a single rose. There is a flower & bird market in Jingxing Street, with numerous market stalls and shops run by ethnic minorities where one can buy all manner of ethnic handicrafts, including flowers and even live birds. Kunming is renowned for its handicrafts such as ivory carvings, wood carvings, Burmese jade and other stone items. The food specialty shops of Kunming also offer many unique food and health-food items (aka Medicinal Foodstuffs) that are not available elsewhere in China, including tropical fruits.
It is not unheard of to get something on less than 50% of the original asking price by bargaining. If you need some help your guide will be happy to help you out! For dinner you will be treated to a meal of traditional Yunnan cuisine. |
Day 3: Kunming-Shangri-La (B, L, D) Flight information: MU5933 07:00/Arr 07:45
Early in the morning you will be taken to Kunming International Airport where you will fly on to Shangri-La, located in the northwest region of Yunnan. The name Shangri-la was made famous by the English author James Hilton in his legendary novel "Lost Horizon" where he described a fictitious paradise. However, there is a real Shangri-la in China's southwest Yunnan Province. It is a beautiful land characterized by snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, idyllic lakes and religious culture. It is a "Utopia" free from stress, pollution and turmoil that plagues most of the cities where we live.
Shangri-La, at the far north of Yunan province bordering Sichuan and Tibet province was a crucial staging point on the ancient Tea-horse Road. The region first became a trade town during the Qing Dynasty and gradually rose as one prosperous business center on the Tibet-Yunnan trading passage. Caravans from South Asia carried horses, carpets, herbs etc through Lhasa, Tibet to Shangri-la to exchange tea and other local products to return.
Upon arrival in Shangri-La you’ll be met by your guide, and you’ll be taken to do some sightseeing. Our first stop will be the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery. Being the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, Songzanlin Monastery, also known as Guihua Monastery, is one of the famous monasteries in the Kang region. The monastery is located near Shangri -La County, at the foot of Foping Mountain.
Construction of the monastery began in 1679 and was completed two years later. The monastery seems like a group of ancient castles and is composed of two lamaseries, Zhacang and Jikang. The gilded copper roof endows the monastery with strong Tibetan features and the 108 (an auspicious number in Buddhism) columns downstairs also feature the monastery with characteristics of Han nationality. The main halls in the monastery are magnificent, and on both the left and the right sides are wonderful frescos, depicting Buddhist tales and legends. The inside-halls are exquisite with cloisters running through. The cloisters are all decorated with beautiful sculptures and consummate frescos.
Then it is off for some relaxation at the Pudacuo Nature Reserve. This is a protected wetlands area that has a primitive forest of coniferous trees lakes, and lies 3,539 meters above sea level. Two lakes that accentuate the beauty of this park are the Shuda Lake and the Bita Lake. We will then follow this up with a visit to the Summer Pastures at Napa Lake, right outside Shangri-La.Several rivers flow into the lake, including the Naizi and Naqu Rivers. The lake is seasonal in that it is dry in the fall and winter seasons, naturally becoming part of the Yila Prairie. During this time, visitors can see many sheep and cows grazing in the lakebed.
Afterwards we’ll head to the Old Town of Shangri-la (known as the Jiantang Old Town), which contain bazaars and markets. The Jiantang Old Town contains hefty Tibetan wooden buildings (some old, and many that look rather older than they are), and several temples built onto a hill in the centre of town. Next we’ll go over to Guishan Park, a lovely preserve with a temple one top that gives you a sweeping panoramic view of the entire city.
In the evening, you’ll get to have some firsthand experience in the Tibetan culture of the area by visiting the home of a local Tibetan family. At their horm you’ll be treated to a dinner of Tibetan cuisine, and if you’re a good guest (and we’re sure you will be!), you’ll get to try some yak butter tea (yummy!), and even take part in some Tibetan dancing! |
Day 4: Shangri-La-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang (B, L, D)
After an early breakfast we’ll make the 100km drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge, and the drive should take us around 2 hours. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the world’s deepest gorges, and is tucked in between Jade Dragon now Mountain and Haha Mountain. At a length of 17km, Tiger Leaping Gorge is the birthplace of the ancient Lijiang culture, whose people lived in the many caves, big and small, in the side of Yulong Xueshan (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain). These caves were naturally formed houses. In some caves, rock paintings and artifacts shedding light on the life of these primitive peoples were found. The rock paintings have now become another attraction of Tiger Leaping Gorge. The gorge is regarded as one of the top ten hiking trails in China. At the mouth of the upper gorge, squeezed by the two snow-capped mountains and further blocked by the huge Tiger Leaping Boulder, the Golden Sand River is only 25 meters in width. The water there makes violent whirlpools and hits the banks so powerfully that soaring breakers are created. This really makes boating treacherous. However the high waves, soaring water, and the mountains shrouded with clouds and mist constitute the most magnificent scenes of the gorge and attract numerous brave explorers.
After taking some time to poke around Tiger Leaping Gorge and to have lunch, we’ll drive on to the First Bend of the Yangtze River. It is called the “first bend” because the river makes a 90 degree turn from south to east within a distance of 1 kilometer. The place was important militarily because big armies crossed the river at that point, and it was a place where Tibetans came down to trade with the people living in the area. It is an interesting scenic area, and there is hiking and other outdoor activities in the area.
Then we’ll visit the Stone Drum Town. This town derives its name from a white marble carved monument in the shape of a drum, (diameter 15 m, thickness 0.7 m). This monument memorializes the victory and subsequent spread of power of Baizhuang, the Tusi of Mu Family of Lijiang, during the Jiajin years of the Ming Dynasty. This historically relevant stone monument was erected during one of the earliest periods in Lijiang. To the right of the monument is a lovely willow forest at its bank; while on the left flows the Chongjiang River. Spanning this river is the 17m long Tiehong Bridge, constructed of boards paved over iron chains, and with similar iron chains serving as fences on both sides. Stone Drum Town is a historically important town on the ancient trade route for tea and horses between inland provinces and Tibet. The town still features a flourishing trade fair, currently held every three days.
From there we’ll drive the final 60km in order to reach the town of Lijiang, an enclave of ethnic minority cultures, and the Naxi ethnic group is especially prevalent here. You will have the rest of the night to walk around the old town of Lijiang. The old town is made up of three old districts that retain a special character of Naxi and Han construction and Naxi customs, arts and culture. It was a former trading town and a stop for traders carrying goods on the “Chama Road” trails. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 following an earthquake and reconstruction in 1996 that returned the city to a more ancient look. The UNESCO description says: “The Old Town of Lijiang, which is perfectly adapted to the uneven topography of this key commercial and strategic site, has retained a historic townscape of high quality and authenticity. |
Day 5: Lijiang (B, L, D)
Following breakfast we’ll make the short drive to Black Dragon Pool. Somewhat idiosyncratically known as Black Dragon Pool, the Jade Spring Park to the north of Lijiang derives its name from the waters which sparkle like jade and are as clear as spring water. The entire park is green with grass and shaded by swaying willow trees. Under the Shuocui Bridge, a waterfall creates a constant roar as it cascades downstream. At the far side of the pool, there are renovated buildings used for art exhibitions, the Moon-Embracing Pavilion with its own white marble bridge across the water, and the Five-Phoenix Temple built during the Ming Dynasty.
After taking in the wonderful vistas of Black Dragon Pool we’ll head to the Dongba Museum. The museum is built completely according to the traditional life style of the Naxi Minority. You can feel the traditional atmosphere of national culture from the layout of its yard, building facilities, tools and details of life. The daily life in Dongba Village truly represents the life of Dongba, Naxi Minority. There are three Dongba Masters in the village, namely, Yangjiwen, Heliming and Hezhenwei. Now, several Dongba students are learning Dongba culture from the old Dongbas. On March 5th of the lunar calendar, Dongbas from the whole Naxi district gather, holding the annual Dongba Shenluo Fair at the Dongba Shenluo Temple.
We’ll then visit Wangu Pagoda. The landmark building of Lijiang ancient town--the Wangu Pagoda is located on the top of Lion Hill. This is the best pure wood building in the world, which is 33 meters high. You might also have time to admire the view from Lion Hill, which provides sweeping views of the Lijiang old town and the surrounding countryside. When we walk down from the hill we’ll come across the Mu Chieftain’s Palace, which is the residence of the former chieftain of the area.
We’ll return to the Lijiang old town, and after dinner, you’ll be treated to an evening of music and dance at the Naxi Orchestral Show, located at the Dongba Palace. This show presents the splendid culture of the Naxi ethnic minority group in the form of song and dance. |
Day 6: Lijiang-Dali (B, L, D)
After breakfast we’ll make the 200km drive to the ancient city of Dali, which should take around 4 hours. The Dali Ancient City is widely acknowledged as "Backpackers' Paradise" in China. Foreign visitors like to stay in Dali ancient city. Some of them live there for months or even years, to observe and study the fascinating culture of Bai nationality. In the so - called " Yangren Street (foreigner's street) " in the heart of ancient city where is always full of foreign visitors, there are several dozens of cafes, western style restaurants, and clothes shops offering services to foreign guests. And it seems that every one of local Dali Bai people in the Yangren Street is a multi linguist.
Once we reach Dali we will visit the Three Pagodas, which are located in the Chongshen Temple. The Three Pagodas of Dali are famous in China for their size, beauty, and antiquity, and for their preservation. The central one is more than 1,100 years old and is one of the tallest pagodas ever built in China. These pagodas are situated between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, about 1.5 kilometers (.9 of a mile) northwest from the ancient city of Dali. The Three Pagodas are cream-colored, delicate-looking pagodas. They are situated in the shape of a triangle. The tallest and oldest of the three was built during the reign of a king of the Nanzhao Kingdom about 1,150 years ago. The other two were built about 100 years later, probably by the Kingdom of Dali. They are made of brick. They stand at the foot of one of the high peaks of nearby Cangshan Mountain named Yinglo Peak. The tallest pagoda is one of China's best preserved buildings from the time of the Tang Dynasty, and the smaller two pagodas differ in style.
Then we’ll take a stroll through time in the Dali ancient town. The ancient city of Dali is one of Yunnan's most popular tourist destinations. When visiting the area you can see temples and architecture 1000 years old, buy beautiful souvenirs and objects of art, and learn about the history of the area and of the native peoples. The local customs and architecture is distinctive. A stroll through the ancient city with its stone paved streets, traditional style houses, and numerous gardens is an interesting excursion. You’ll also get the chance to walk down Foreigner Street, which contains Western-style restaurants and bars and English-speaking business owners. |
Day 7:
Dali-Liuku (B, L, D)
After breakfast today we’ll get started on our drive to Liuku. The distance is only 200km, but the roads are not in the best preserved condition, so the drive will take us some time. Liuku is the capital city of the Nujiang Lisu and Pumi Nationalities Autonomous Prefecture, and is the major gateway for going on to visit Nujiang Canyon. Liuku lies on the Nujiiang River, which eventually meets up with the Lancang and the Dulong rivers to form the Three Rivers Natural Reserve, farther north. Liuku is also fairly close to the border with Burma.
While on our drive we’ll be able to follow the twists and turns of the Nujiang River. The Nujiang River is China's important river flowing from north to south. It has its source on the southern slope of the Tanggula Mountain Range in Tibet Autonomous Region, flowing across the Tibet Autonomous Region and Yunnan Province, with a total length of 2,816 kilometers and a drainage area of 324,000 square kilometers.
The name of the river is changed into the Salween River after flowing into Burma from China, and it finally empties into the Andaman Sea of Indian Ocean at the Moulmein. The upper reaches of the river are known as the Naqu River in Tibetan. The river is called Anurimei by the Nu ethic minority. Anu is the name the Nu people give themselves, the Rimei means the river, so Anurimei means the river dwelled by the Nu people.
When we arrive in Liuku we’ll check into the hotel and unwind and relax from our car ride. |
Day 8 Liuku-Pianma-Liuku (B, L, D)
Following breakfast we’ll make the 100km drive to Pianma, and on the way we’ll stop to admire the natural beauty of this area at the Yangjiaoping virgin forest and the Green Canyon.
Following lunch in Pianma, we’ll visit the Pianma Fort, which is a holdover from the era when Pianama was a part of Burma, and thus a British colony. Then it’s off to the Pianma Museum, where you will see the vintage planes that were part of the Flying Tigers squadron. Flying Tigers was the popular name of the 1st American Volunteer Group (AVG) of the Chinese Air Force in 1941-1942. They were mostly former United States Army (USAAF), Navy (USN), and Marine Corps (USMC) pilots and ground crew, recruited under Presidential sanction and commanded by Claire Lee Chennault. The group consisted of three fighter squadrons with about 20 aircraft each. It trained in Burma before the American entry into World War II with the mission of defending China against Japanese forces. Arguably, the group was a private military contractor, and for that reason the volunteers have sometimes been called mercenaries. The members of the group had lucrative contracts with salaries ranging from $250 a month for a mechanic to $750 for a squadron commander, roughly three times what they had been making in the U.S. forces.
The Tigers' shark-faced fighters remain among the most recognizable of any individual combat aircraft of World War II, and they demonstrated innovative tactical victories when the news in the U.S. was filled with little more than stories of defeat at the hands of the Japanese forces.
In the evening we will return to Liuku, and after dinner we will see the Four Part Singing Show, which exhibits the exceptional talents of the Lishu ethnic minority group, which makes up much of the population of Liuku. |
Day 9 Liuku-Gongshan (B, L, D)
After breakfast we’ll get started on our drive to Gongshan, a small mountain town in northwest Yunnan that resides on the edge of the Nujiang Gorge. The distance is 248 km, and on these kinds of roads the drive will take a bit of time. On the way there you can view the beautiful landscapes of the Nujiang Canyon outside the car window. The 316-kilometer-long Nujiang Canyon is flanked by two 4,000-meter-high mountains. The mountain peaks on the two sides have an average altitude of over 3,000 kilometers.
Gongshan is inhabited by ethnic minorities, including the Lisu, and the town is mostly traditional with old houses and not much to do. A little track connects Gongshan with the Nujiang Gorge.
We will spend the evening in Gongshan. |
Day 10 Gonshan-Bingzhongluo-Gongshan (B, L, D)
Today we will go on a full day trek to Bingzhongluo, a place which represents the southernmost extent of tTibetan culture, and the northernmost extent of Han Chinese influence in the valley. The local population includes Nu and Lisu people, as well as some Dulong. Even a Christian community exists, boasting a sizeable church down the hill from the town proper - but to get there you first have to pass by a Tibetan stupa.
On our way to Bingzhongluo we’ll come across, the First Bend of the Nujiang river, and you’ll discover that it forms a U-shaped bend on the surface surrounded by mountains. Seen from afar, it looks like a jade belt inlaid at the foot of the mountains. As one of the classic scenic spots of Nujiang Canyon, it should never be missed, since people always say, "Without paying a visit to the First Bend, your trip to the Grand Canyon will be worthless".
The major attraction of Bingzhongluo (which we’ll visit) is the is an ancient trading route between Tibet and Yunnan called the “Tea Horse Caravan Route" (ChaMaGuDao) just past Wu Li Village. The trading route carries tea, salt and household goods in one direction and horses, mules and medicinal herbs in the other. We’ll also visit some of the religious sights here, such as the Tibetan Puhua temple and the Zhongding Catholic Church, which was built by French missionaries.
We’ll also go on leisurely walks along the banks of the Nujiang where you can visit small and friendly villages on both sides of the river using the wooden bridges and overhead cables to get back and forth.
For the evening we will return to Gongshan. |
Day 11 Gonshan-Fugong (B, L, D)
Today we’ll make the drive to Fugong, and although the distance is only 100km, it will be a tough go because the road to Fugong is through much mountainous terrain. While it may be a challenge for the driver, you can sit back and enjoy the sweeping and spellbinding vistas outside the window.
Set in mountainous terrain, and spread over a hillside, Fugong sits near the Burma border, and is largely inhabited by the Nu ethnic minority. We’ll spend our time in Fugong with some outdoor activities, like visiting a suspension bridge and taking a zip cord glide cable ride. For the evening, you will be treated to a feast of Nu cuisine, and there will be much dancing and singing for entertainment, and you may be even asked to take part in it yourself, so don’t be shy!
For the night we will stay in Fugong. |
Day 12 Fugong-Liuku (B, L, D)
In the morning we will make the drive back to Liuku, and you will have time to enjoy and explore Nujiang Canyon. Nujiang Prefecture contains three parallel longitudinal rivers, Nujiang, Lancang and Dulong River. Among the magical canyons formed by the rivers, Nujiang Canyon is the most spectacular. With picturesque lofty mountains, virgin forests, river rapids and snowscape in spring and winter, the canyon is one of the most breathtaking examples of natural splendor anywhere in the world.
After giving you enough time to experience the canyon, we’ll pay a visit to the village of Laomudeng. The village serves as home to 180 families. Laomudng is from the Nu ethnic language and means "a place people like to visit". The highlight of the village is the Lisu Ethnic Bathhouse. When spring comes every year, the Lisu ethnic people use this bathhouse to bath. This tradition has been kept for hundreds of years. People of all ages and both sexes will come here for a bath where the holy spring water is reputed to wash away all the unlucky things.
At night we will return to Liuku. |
Day 13 Liuku-Tengchong (B, L, D)
In the morning we will drive on to Tianchong (255km), and during our trip you can follow the Nujiang River outside your window. Tengchong is a famous historical city bearing witness to the rise, prosperity and falling of the Tea-horse road trade route. The city retains every aspect brought by the once thriving trade with aged streets lined with horse inns, shops selling horse gears and entertainment catering to those passing by. Walking along the tranquil streets, one can still feel the bustling energy of this former trade town.
When we arrive in Tengchong we’ll go to the Rehai Hot Springs, a valley of 9 square kilometers with groups of geothermal hot springs amid steams. You can find hot steams abundantly flowing out from the thick woods, steep slopes and grounds in the valley. Among the groups of hot springs, 14 springs have a temperature above 90 degree centigrade, some of which are even higher than the local boiling point. Carrying stories behind them, many hot springs have interesting names, such as the Big Boiling Pot, the Peral Spring, the Lion Head, the Frog Mouth and etc. The Big Boiling Pot is the most noted spring for its temperature is at about 97 degree centigrade. It is said that a cattle accidentally fell into the pot when lapping up the salty spring water. Then it was boiled down to a skeleton in a few minutes as the cowboys called people back from the village. Other than being a sightseeing spot, some of the springs in Rehai are suitable for bathing, which could bring remedies to certain diseases.
We will spend the night in Tengchong. |
Day 14 Tengchong (B, L, D)
Our first activity today will be a visit to Tengchong’s cluster of volcanoes. There could be as many as 70 volcanoes within 100 kilometers (62 miles) of Tengchong, and Tengchong is actually built upon lava. Around Mazhan Village, about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) northwest of Tengchong, volcanoes are densely distributed for all to see.
We’ll then make the short drive the old town of Heshun. “Heshun” means peace and harmony. Heshun looks like out of an ancient Chinese picture book and is one of the most beautiful towns remaining in today's China. You can walk at your won leisure around the historical old town, built in the earlier days by overseas Chinese as a location for their retirement. The remaining old town is a very beautiful place with many ornamental structures such as pavilions, memorial halls, archways, and balustrades, and also with lotus ponds and outlands with many birds. The library in this town is worth mentioning: set up in 1924, it possesses over 60,000 volumes of books, many of which are rare editions of ancient and sacred works.
We’ll return to Tengchong for the night. |
Day 15 Tengchong-Ruili (B, L, D)
Tengchong is known for its natural wonders and beauty, and you will experience this in full with a visit to Dieshuihu Waterfall, which is the sole volcano barrier waterfall in China. The Dayingjiang River runs through Tengchong County from north to south, abruptly falling down from the huge fault scarp which forms the Dieshuihe Waterfall. With wonderful clusters of columnar jointing situated on cliffs of its two sides, the Diecaihe Waterfall at a height of 46 meters splashes over the rocks accompanied by a crash as loud as thunder.
We’ll then visit the Museum of Yunnan-Burmese-Anti-Japanese War. This museum will explain the vital geopolitical significance and importance the Burma Road played in the fighting of the Japanese invasion during World War II. After lunch at the “Household restaurant we’ll visit the Graveyard of the National Heroes, which contains the bodies of those who fought against the Japanese invasion.
Afterwards, we’ll get started on our drive to Ruili, (230 km), a town that features a unique natural landscape, rich mineral resources and colorful folklore. Adding to its special location neighboring Myanmar on three sides, the speedy development of Ruili and its modern life style have still not removed its aura of mystery. Many people mistakenly thought it was in Xishuangbanna, but that is not true. Ruili is the birthplace of the Dai ethnic group. The Ruili River looks like a white jade belt winding around green mountains and fields. Ruili spans a section of the Sino-Myanmar borderline to form a special landscape of "one village, two countries."
On the way we’ll stop at the Tree-Wrapped Pagoda. The solid brick pagoda had become wrapped and gradually covered by the roots of the big banyan; it is said to be the earliest Buddhist pagoda built by local Dai people.
Once in Ruili, we’ll visit the Ruili Economic Development Zone, which was founded in 1992 and was established to promote trade between China and Myanmar. The zone connects Ruili with Man-wing City. Sino-Myanmar business is growing fast. Myanmar is now one of Yunnan's biggest foreign trade partners. It is now the “transfer station” and distributing site for bilateral trade of China and Myanmar and it stands by the junctures of the “China-Myanmar” Road and the “China-India” Road. Part of the economic zone that you will see includes the street of Jiegao, China’s border gate to Burma. We’ll also make a stop at the city of Wanding, a border town (maybe the smallest town in China!) between Burma and China that gives the impression of a merging between Burmese and Chinese culture and life styles.
For the evening, you will stay at the 4 star Jingcheng Hotel. |
Day 16 Ruili (B, L, D)
We’ll visit some of the natural wonders in Ruili, like a waterfall which is practically in Burma, along with some authentic Dai villages, where you can observe and interact with the daily lives of the inhabitants.
After dinner, we’ll stroll around the night market, which features some fascinating and intriguing products from both China and Burma, and which also contains a heavy does of Dai folk art and culture. At the market you will meet many businessmen from Burma, Laos, Thailand, India, Pakistan and Nepal. |
Day 17 Ruili-Mangshi-Kunming-departure (B)
We will make the 110km drive to the city of Mangshi, and from Mangshi you will be taken to the airport and fly on to Kunming. Upon arrival at Kunming you will fly to your next destinations, ending your tour. |
|
Stuff to bring:
• Sturdy shoes or boots, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Bug spray and any other items needed in dealing with the tropical heat
• Tips for a job well done by your guides and drivers, money for any
personal expenses not mentioned
|
