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Day 1: Lijiang (12:45 departure)
Dali (afternoon)
Dali is located in the western part of Yunnan Province with a population of about three million people. Considered to be among the most enchanting and scenic spots Asia has to offer, Dali is called the "City of Flowers" because of the unique flowers' and plants that bloom exuberantly in its warm climate. The city lies in the mountains of the Tibeto-Burman region, resting on the western edge of Erhai Lake. The Cangshan Mountains form a magnificent horizon behind the city. Dali is home to numerous ethnic minorities including the Bai, Naxi and Miao. This diversity of minorities gives visitors a taste of the exotic tribal cultures that inhabit inland Asia from Tibet all the way to Vietnam and Thailand.
Itinerary:
Old city visit - 1½ hours Transfer to train station at 18:00
The Dali Ancient City was first established in 1382AD during the Ming Dynasty as the capital of the Dali Kingdom. This old town is very well preserved and retains its ancient charm. It has a characteristic chessboard layout and a moat surrounding it, with the north and south gate towers still standing today. The so-called Foreigners' Street' exemplifies Dalis internationalization and is jeweled with cafes and bars in various dcors. Its historical architecture, Bai ethnic minority culture, ancient relics, and numerous teahouses, antique and handicraft shops has made it an exciting and popular destination amongst travelers.
Day 2: Kunming (early morning)
Kunming is located in central Yunnan and north of the Dianchi Basin. Because it is covered all year around in a luxuriant abundance of gorgeous plants and flowers, it has been nicknamed "City of Spring". It is also known as the main historical and cultural centre in southwest China. During the ancient Silk Road times, Kunming was an important gateway to Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar and India. The city is celebrated for its alluring highland scenery and its diverse and exotic people and culture.
Itinerary:
A. Visit of flower market - Green lake park - Tea house + Ikebana C 3 ½ hours
Tangula guests can wander through this vast flower market made up of nearly a 100
small flower shops. Fresh and dried flowers, rare orchids and rosesyou can find almost any type of flower imaginable here. The intense heavenly fragrance of the blooms surrounds you as soon as you enter the market. The picturesque Green Lake Park is located in the city centre. The park was once part of Dianchi Lake, but is now filled with small islands covered with bamboo, palms and willows. Every afternoon, locals congregate in different sections of the park to play music, sing traditional songs, dance or experience the wide variety of free entertainment available. Providing a welcome respite from the busy city streets, it is one of the best places in Kunming to relax and people watch.
Later, Tangula guests can taste and enjoy not only the many special blends of Chinese tea in a teahouse, but also experience traditional music and a Mahjong demonstration! Mahjong is a very famous and ancient Chinese game played with usually 150 pieces and 4 players. Afterwards, they can watch an Ikebana demonstration, a unique Japanese style of flower arrangement in the park. They will also get to explore the local wholesale market accompanied by a housewife who can provide invaluable local knowledge and advice.
B. Tai Chi and Yuantong Temple C 3 ½ hours
Tai Chi is an ancient Taoist practice of reducing stress and generally improving health.
The Tangula passengers will get the great opportunity to try this reflective and mystical Chinese tradition with the locals in the central square, where most people do their daily morning exercises.
Afterwards, they will visit the Yuantong Temple which is the most famous Buddhist temple in Kunming. It was first built in the late 8th and early 9th century during the Nanzhao Kingdom of the Tang Dynasty. After two major restorations and expansions
in the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty (1465 - 1487) and the 24th year of Emperor Kangxi's rule of the Qing Dynasty (1686), the temple can be seen as it was then, with covered corridors and grand halls.
Day 3: Guilin (early morning C 07:30)
Situated in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin is one of
China's most picturesque cities and popular tourist destinations. This magical city is
famous for its distinctive strangely shaped karst/limestone mountains, unique caves,
crystal clear waters and luxuriant green vegetation. Named after the fragrance of
osmanthus tree, Guilin was first inhabited in Qing Dynasty over 2,000 years ago. It is
currently home to 12 ethnic nationalities with a total population of 1,260,000 in the
city and surrounding area.
Li River cruise from Yangdi to Xingping C 6 hours
Tangula passengers get the opportunity to explore the poetic and picturesque Li
River on this exceptional Southern route tour. The Li River is well-known all over the world and many Chinese artists have been inspired by the peaceful and enchanting scenery. Between Guilin and Yangshuo, it traverses 84 kilometers like a jade ribbon winding among thousands of hills. Along the river the rolling peaks, steep cliffs, green hills, mysterious caves and clear water resemble a fascinating hundred-mile long picture gallery.
The Li River Boat Company offers a cruise ship that is specially chartered for Tangula
passengers (it has 88 tourist boats and 8000 passenger seats). Being the leading cruise company in Guilin, it has even catered for several famous former foreign state leaders including US President Bill Clinton, United Nation's Secretary-general Palis Dequiliyar and Singapore's President Wang Dingchang. Consequently, the company is used to servicing guests at the highest standards.This cruise will be of a short duration and encompass viewing of only the main scenic sights along the River. Afterwards Tangula visitors can take a stroll around Xingping or along the bank of the Li River.
Day 4: Beijing (afternoon arrival)
Service ends.
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