| Yunnan Adventure |
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Yunnan Adventure: 5-days
Lijiang Golf Tour
Highlights:
• This pleasure tour will take you to Lijiang, a center of the vast diversity of ethnic minority cultures that Yunnan, the province Lijiang is located in, is famous for. You’ll play a round each at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, a course that affords magnificent views of the before-mentioned mountain, and the course has the highest elevation of any golf course in Asia. You’ll also play a round at Lijiang Ancient Town International Golf Club, a picturesque and innovative modern golf course located in the center of the Lijiang old town
• In addition to the great golf, you’ll get to tour the best sights and attractions in Lijiang and the surrounding area, such as the Lijiang old town (and its brilliant Naxi architecture), Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (one of the best ski resorts in China), and Black Dragon Pool, a park that harkens back to the days of classical China
• You’ll also get to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, the world’s deepest and longest gorge and one of the best treks in China.
B=(Breakfast) L=(lunch) D=(dinner) DEPARTURE: Daily |
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TOUR ITINERARY |
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Tour
code:
AYN-13 |
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Day 1: arrive in Lijiang
You will fly to Lijiang, Yunnan province in southwest China, and upon arrival at the airport you’ll be met by your English-speaking guide. Lijiang is a town that is 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, which has a history of over 800 years. 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 2: Lijiang-Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Lijiang (B, D)
Today we will be exploring Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which dominates the landscape of Lijiang. You will visit the mountain itself and then play its golf course. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountains are a small group of peaks close to the city of Lijiang. The nearest slope is only about 30 kilometers north of the Dayan Ancient City District, and the mountain can be clearly seen from the Black Dragon Pool next to the ancient district. The group of mountains is notable because they contain a small ski area (in fact it is one of China’s best), good hiking along Tiger Leaping Gorge, great scenic views, and a 15,000 foot mountain with a specially built stairway and path to make climbing to the summit easy. There is no sliding on steep paths or climbing with your hands, the distance from the tram is short, and oxygen tanks can be rented for a little more than 4 dollars USD. But the view is excellent! The tallest peak called Shanzidou has only been climbed once by two Americans who say it is extremely dangerous. The Yangtze River runs through Tiger Leaping Gorge in the valley below. The mountains are a place to go to in Yunnan for skiing or fun in the snow in the winter and for hiking and enjoying the natural scenery the rest of the year.
By cable car and by foot we’ll visit all the scenic spots of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, including the Yak Meadow and the Ganhaizi Meadow.
After taking a little bit of time to tour the mountain you’ll next get to play at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club. Situated at the eastern foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, this golf course was open to the public in October 2001. Designed by the famous Neil Haworth, the course is situated at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and at an altitude of 3100 meters. The specially designed 18 hole par 72 golf course at 8,548 yards has proved to be a world record. The first 9 holes are totally different from the other 9 because of the physiognomy. The layout fully presents the unique beauty of the only Snow mountain golf course in Asia. The Front 9 holes are on a gentle slope while the path is broad and long, the high mountain the lake and the lush hills will make you feel easy and comfortable. The back 9 holes are designed by the shape of the mountain. You will absolutely enjoy your game by crossing through of small wood and springs or even sheer cliffs. Thanks to its favorable location, unique scenic spots and historical sites, first-class design, construction and administration, it has become one of the most special and sought after golf courses in China, and all of Asia for that matter.
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, and it’s the perfect way to cap off your day of fun and golf! |
Day 3: Lijiang (B,L, D)
Following breakfast in the hotel, we’ll set out for some sightseeing before your golf by visiting Black Dragon pool. Although 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.
In the afternoon, we’ll drive back to Lijiang, and you’ll play 18 at Lijiang Ancient Town International Golf Club. Located at the foot of Mount Wenbi, Lijiang Ancient Town Lakefront Golf Club is just 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the Lijiang old town. Founded in November 2005, it was designed by American designer, Joe Obringer. Winding along Wenbihai Lake and with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background, this golf course has very beautiful natural scenery for you to enjoy. The golf course has 18 holes and 72 pars and its fairways are 7661 yards long. The first 9 holes present a mountainous style of golf while the last 9 holes create a wonderful lake view and watery hazards. It is a great combination of functional design and scenic charms. Playing golf here, you will feel entertained, challenged, and relaxed at the same time.
For the night, you will stay at one of the villas of Lijiang Ancient Town International Golf Club. |
Day 4: Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang (B, L)
After breakfast we’ll make the 60km drive 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 nearby.
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.
We’ll then drive another 40km to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Tiger Leaping Gorge is the world’s deepest gorge, and is tucked in between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Mountain. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river. 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 (Yangtze 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 make the drive back to Lijiang. |
Day 5: Lijiang-departure (B)
Before going to the airport, you’ll have some free time in Lijiang. We recommend you visit Wangu Tower, The landmark building of Lijiang ancient town--the Wangu building 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. You’ll then be taken to the airport, and you will fly on to your next destination, ending your tour. If you would like to extend your stay in Yunnan province or your time in China, then check with our China City Tours or China Package tours page to find out how! |
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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
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