Learn to be a Dongba Monk

Description

Basic Information

• Included Services: Full tour guide service, Kunming-Lijiang high-speed rail tickets (Second Class), Shilin Scenic Area entrance fee, Lijiang Old Town audio guide, 2 nights accommodation (Kunming city hotel/Lijiang Old Town inn), breakfast + lunch on Day 1 and Day 2, and breakfast + lunch on Day 3.
• Excluded Services: Local transportation within scenic areas (e.g., Shilin sightseeing electric cart), single room supplement, personal expenses (e.g., boating, bar minimum spend), Black Dragon Pool Park maintenance fee (if entering the core area).

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming · First Experience of the Spring City

Itinerary Overview: Airport/Railway Station Pickup → Hotel Check-in → Free Time (Recommended: Green Lake / Nanping Street)

Pre-trip Information

• Arrival Transportation:
  • Flight: Pickup at Changshui International Airport (KMG). The guide will wait with a “XX Travel Group” sign and transfer you to the hotel within 30 minutes of landing (approx. 40-minute drive, fee included).
  • Train: Pickup at Kunming Railway Station / Kunming South Railway Station. Drive to city center takes approx. 20 minutes from Kunming Station and 30 minutes from Kunming South (transport included).
• Accommodation: Selected hotels near Green Lake or Nanping Street (e.g., “Grand Park Kunming” or equivalent for easy travel the next day).

Recommended Free Activities (After 14:00)

• Green Lake Park (No. 6 Cuihu South Road, Wuhua District):
  • Time: 14:30-17:00 (avoid high-noon sun).
  • Activities: Rent a bicycle to ride around the lake (20 CNY/hour), observe Black-headed Gulls (winter only); visit “Ruan Causeway” and “Tang Causeway” on the west bank built during the Republican era to feel the charm of old Kunming gardens; visit “Green Lake Academy” near the East Gate (free) to learn about Yunnan’s imperial examination culture.
• Nanping Street (Dongfeng West Road, Wuhua District):
  • Time: 17:30-19:30 (Dinner + Stroll).
  • Food Recommendations:
    • Jianxinyuan (No. 12 Nanping Street): The pioneer of Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles; recommended “Zhuangyuan Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles” (includes 10 side ingredients, approx. 35 CNY/person).
    • Shiping Huiguan (No. 43 Cuihu South Road): Representative Yunnan cuisine; Steam Pot Chicken (using Wuding local chicken, approx. 60 CNY/person), Cold Chicken Rice Noodles (sour, spicy, and appetizing).

Day 2: A Day in Kunming · Karst Wonders and Buddhist Zen

Itinerary Overview: Shilin Scenic Area (8:00-14:00) → Yuantong Temple (14:30-16:00) → Green Lake Park (16:30-17:30) → Free Dinner

🕘 Morning: Shilin (Stone Forest) Scenic Area (World Natural Heritage)

• Time: Depart hotel at 8:00, 1.5-hour drive (arrival at 9:30).
• Attraction Details:
  • Background: 270 million years ago, limestone on the seabed was uplifted by crustal movement and eroded by rainwater to form typical Karst landforms, hailed as the “First Wonder Under Heaven.”
  • Tour Route:
    • Greater Stone Forest (9:40-11:30): Take the sightseeing electric cart (25 CNY/person, self-paid) to “Stone Forest Scenic Spot,” see the “Ashima” natural rock peak (the prototype of the Yi Sani people’s love legend), and walk through the Jianfeng Pond and “Hanging by a Thread” rock formations.
    • Lesser Stone Forest (11:40-13:00): A blend of wetlands and stone forests where you can see “Lotus Pond” and “Jade Bird Pond” up close. Lunch at “Yi Family Local Cuisine” near the exit (approx. 40 CNY/person; try roasted suckling pig or fish boiled with sour papaya).

🕘 Afternoon: Yuantong Temple (Kunming’s Oldest Buddhist Temple)

• Time: Return to Kunming at 14:00, 1.5-hour drive (arrival at 15:30).
• Temple Features:
  • History: Built during the Nanzhao Kingdom of the Tang Dynasty (approx. 8th century), with over 1200 years of history. It is the only temple in China where Mahayana, Theravada, and Tibetan Buddhism coexist.
  • Architecture: Built against the cliffs of Yuantong Mountain; the Mahavira Hall features a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof (Ming style), housing three 6-meter-high gilded bronze Buddhas. The rear hall houses the Yuan Dynasty “Yuantong Treasure Tripod” (cast with Sanskrit mantras).
  • Note: Free incense is provided inside; outside incense is prohibited. The temple closes at 17:00; visit between 15:40-16:30 is recommended.

🕘 Evening: Green Lake Park · A Snapshot of Local Life

• Time: 16:40-17:40 (Free Activity).
• Experience Suggestions:
  • Boating: Hand-rowed boats 30 CNY/hour (max 3 people), electric boats 50 CNY/hour; recommended viewing from the Huxin Pavilion.
  • Tea House: “Chunming Tea House” by the lake (approx. 25 CNY/person). Order a cup of Dianhong (Yunnan Black Tea) and watch seniors play chess or children feed gulls (winter).

Dinner Recommendation

• Zhuanxin Farmers’ Market (No. 56 Zhuantang Road, Wuhua District): Known as the “Kitchen” of locals; try Roasted Erkuai (with sweet soy sauce + peanuts, 5 CNY), Xidoufen (Pea Porridge) with Youtiao (8 CNY/set), or Baojiang Tofu (with mint and chili powder, 10 CNY/portion).

Day 3: Kunming → Lijiang · Slow Time in the Old Town & Snow Mountain Reflections

Itinerary Overview: High-speed rail to Lijiang (8:00-12:30) → Check-in at Old Town Inn → Explore Mu Mansion → Sifang Street Dance → Snow Mountain Photo at Black Dragon Pool → Night Tour of Old Town

🕘 Morning: Heading to Lijiang · High-speed Rail Journey

• Transportation: Depart hotel at 8:00, 30-minute drive to Kunming Station (8:30). Take train D8968 (09:00-12:30, Second Class included) to Lijiang.
• Arrival: Arrive at Lijiang Station at 12:30, met by guide with a sign. 20-minute drive to Dayan Old Town (arrive 12:50). Check in at the inn (Recommended: “Blossom Hill Inn Lijiang,” No. 12 Zhongyi Alley, Guangyi Street, approx. 350 CNY/night, Naxi courtyard style).

Lunch Recommendation

• No. 88 Snack Shop (No. 8 Zhenxing Alley, Wuyi Street, Dayan Old Town): Cured Pork Rib Hotpot (choose the “small pot” with potatoes and water chestnuts, approx. 50 CNY/person), Chickpea Jelly (cold or fried, 10 CNY/portion).

🕘 Afternoon: Deep Tour of Lijiang Old Town

• Mu Mansion (At the foot of Lion Hill):
  • Time: 14:00-15:30 (Ticket 40 CNY/person, self-paid).
  • Features: Known as “The Forbidden City in the North, Mu Mansion in the South,” it was the residence of the Ming Dynasty Naxi Tusi Mu Zeng. The architecture blends Han Chinese eaves with Naxi carvings; Wanjuan Tower once stored thousands of Dongba scriptures. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of the Old Town (best photo spot).
• Sifang Street (Center of the Old Town):
  • Time: 15:40-17:00.
  • Experience:
    • Dajiao (Community Dance): Organized spontaneously by residents daily from 16:00-17:00 (free); join in the “A-Li-Li” (Naxi dance).
    • Handicraft: Dongba Paper Workshop (No. 6 Wenzhi Alley, Wuyi Street); experience handmade papermaking (50 CNY/person, can make bookmarks).

🕘 Evening: Black Dragon Pool Park · Snow Mountain Reflection

• Time: 17:30-19:00 (Best lighting).
• Activities: The park is free to the public (maintenance fee required for core area; 30 CNY ticket for “Deyue Tower”). Walk to “Xiangshan Viewpoint” to see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the pool (sunny winter days offer the triple view of “Snow Mountain + Blue Sky + Clear Water”).

Night Activity Suggestions

• Dinner: A-Po Cured Pork Ribs (No. 2 Xinyuan Alley, Guangyi Street, Dayan Old Town, approx. 60 CNY/person).
• Night Photography: Xianwen Alley (20:00-22:00); the bluestone road and lantern wall are perfect for artistic photos; Lion Hill Viewing Platform (lights up after 20:30, overlooking the town’s lights).
• Bar Experience:
  • “Huotang Bar” (Next to Kegongfang, Sifang Street, Dayan): Listen to Naxi folk songs (minimum spend 80 CNY).
  • “Jianghu Bar” (No. 88 Wenzhi Alley, Wuyi Street, Dayan): Folk music + Coffee, approx. 50 CNY (no forced consumption).

Important Notes

1. Kunming’s altitude is approx. 1900m, Lijiang approx. 2400m. Avoid strenuous exercise and use sunscreen (strong UV).
2. Stone roads in the old town can be uneven; wear comfortable sneakers. Mu Mansion and Black Dragon Pool are closed on Mondays (adjustments will be made if closed).
3. During free time, the guide can provide advice on local food/sites (e.g., “Zhongyi Market” morning market, 6:00-10:00, for mushrooms and flower cakes).

Product Disclaimer: This itinerary is designed based on actual resources. Free activity times may be adjusted (±30 minutes) based on team progress to ensure quality.

Day 4: Deep One-day Tour of Lijiang · Naxi Culture & Snow Mountain Villages

Itinerary Overview: Zhongyi Market (9:00-10:30) → Yuhu Village (11:00-13:30) → Baisha Old Town (14:00-16:30) → Shuhe Old Town (16:45-17:45) → Return

🕘 Morning: Zhongyi Market · Daily Naxi Life

Time: Depart hotel at 9:00 (10-minute walk or 5-minute drive).

Location: Zhongyi Alley, Dayan Street (near the south gate of the Old Town).

Features: Lijiang’s “living market,” preserving the most authentic life scenes of the Naxi people.

• Must-experience Details:
  • Observe Stalls: Fresh produce on the east side (Naxi grandmas selling local potatoes, termites mushrooms, snow peaches), handicrafts on the west side (handmade shawls, Dongba paper notebooks, copper tea sets).
  • Try Snacks:
    • “A-Po Fried Potatoes” (3rd stall at Zhongyi Alley entrance): Fried potatoes with chili powder and Houttuynia, 2 CNY/portion.
    • “Sister He’s Fried Jelly” (wooden table stall in center): Fried jelly served with rose syrup, 5 CNY/portion.
    • “Grandma’s Roasted Rushan” (market exit): Charcoal-roasted cheese with honey or sugar, 3 CNY/skewer.
  • Interaction Suggestion: Chat with the mushroom sellers (e.g., “These termites mushrooms were picked this morning, make sure to cook them thoroughly”) to understand the Naxi “Market Day” culture.

🕘 Noon: Drive to Yuhu Village · Stone Village at the Foot of the Mountain

Time: Meet at 10:30, approx. 40-minute drive (arrival at 11:10).

Location: Yuhu Village, Baisha Town, Yulong County (Southern foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain).

Village Features:

• Architecture: Built entirely of local schist and wood with grey tiled roofs, known as “Stone Castles.”
• Landmark: “Jade Lake” in the center (formed by snowmelt); frozen in winter, crystal clear in summer.
• Rock’s Former Residence (11:30-12:30):
  • History: Former residence of Joseph Rock, an Austrian-American explorer for National Geographic who lived here for 27 years (1922-1949).
  • Exhibits: Old photos of Naxi weddings and the mountain on the 1st floor; Dongba scriptures and Rock’s manuscripts on the 2nd floor.
  • Note: Free entry; volunteer explanations at 10:00 and 15:00.

Lunch Recommendation:

• “A-Re Home Feast” in Yuhu Village: Local Naxi dishes; try “Snow Mountain Cured Meat with Mushrooms” (approx. 50 CNY/person) or “Yuhu Fish Soup” (40 CNY).

🕘 Afternoon: Baisha Old Town · Diverse Faiths in Murals

Time: Drive to Baisha at 13:30, 20-minute drive (arrival at 14:00).

Location: Baisha Community (approx. 10km north of Lijiang Old Town).

Core Experience: Baisha Murals

• History: Painted between the Ming (1382) and Qing Dynasties; a witness to the coexistence of Mahayana Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, and Naxi Dongba elements.
• Visit Highlights:
  • Dabaoji Palace (14:10-15:00): Contains the most complete murals (12 panels), notably the story of “Guanyin Pumen,” where Taoist immortals and Tibetan protectors appear together.
  • Liuli Hall (15:10-15:40): Features the “Sixteen Arhats”; colors remain vivid due to mineral pigments.
• Guide Service: Electronic guide available (20 CNY) or follow volunteer guides at 15:00/16:00 (free).

Baisha Cultural Experience (15:40-16:30, optional self-paid):

• Make Naxi Pancakes: “Grandma He’s Workshop” (No. 23 Baisha Street); learn to make pancakes for 30 CNY.
• Dongba Papermaking: “Dongba Paper Workshop” (No. 41 Baisha Street); make your own paper with tree bark for 30 CNY.
• Write Dongba Script: “Dongba Culture Center” (No. 18 Baisha Street); write auspicious phrases with a teacher for 50 CNY.

🕘 Evening: Shuhe Old Town · Echoes of the Tea Horse Road

Time: Drive to Shuhe at 16:30, 15-minute drive (arrival at 16:45).

Location: Shuhe Village (4km northwest of Lijiang Old Town).

Features: A quieter “Tea Horse Road Town” preserving caravan heritage.

• Must-visit Spots:
  • Qinglong Bridge (17:00): A Ming Dynasty stone bridge.
  • Sifang Street (17:15): Smaller than Dayan’s center, featuring “Madian” (caravan inns).
  • Jiuding Dragon Pool (17:30): A clear pond shaded by trees.
• Food Recommendation:
  • “Shuhe Cold Chicken Rice Noodles” (15 CNY/bowl).
  • “Caravan Roasted Pork” (20 CNY/portion).

Return and Departure

Time: Meet at 17:45 to return to Lijiang city center (arrival 18:05).

Subsequent Arrangements: Return to hotel. If departing the next day, inform the guide to assist with airport/station transfers (self-paid).

Important Notes

1. Yuhu Village is at approx. 2700m altitude; walk slowly if feeling slight altitude sickness.
2. Do not touch the Baisha Murals; remain quiet during explanations.
3. Wear non-slip flat shoes for Shuhe’s stone roads; bring a hat and sunglasses.

Lijiang — Practical Information

Tickets & Booking

• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Park main cableway: Official figure from CNY 120 per person (OTAs quote CNY 140 per person; rely on the official price); advance booking required (WeChat account “Lijiang Tourism Group” mini-program, bookable 7 days ahead)^[src]
• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Yak Meadow cableway: Official figure CNY 65 per person (round trip); advance booking required (Same mini-program as above)^[src]
• Baisha murals / Baisha Ancient Town: Baisha murals ticket: null (no official single-ticket price found); OTA has a “Jade Dragon Snow Mountain + Baisha murals + Dongba Valley + Yushui Village and others” combined ticket about CNY 218^[src]

Where to Stay · Room Type · Nearby

• Lijiang Old Town (Dayan) | Room tip: Guesthouses are concentrated and transport is convenient | Nearby add-ons: Sifang Street, Mu Mansion, Lion Hill Wangu Tower, Great Waterwheels^[src]
• Shuhe Ancient Town | Room tip: Quieter and more secluded than the old town | Nearby add-ons: Shuhe residential building complex, Baisha Ancient Town^[src]

Typical Climate & Packing (Past Years)

• January: 0.3 °C–14.0 °C °C, [1981–2010 climate averages, daily average 6.4 °C]
• February: 2.5 °C–15.0 °C °C
• March: 5.4 °C–17.3 °C °C
• April: 8.3 °C–20.2 °C °C
• May: 11.3 °C–22.9 °C °C
• June: 14.5 °C–24.1 °C °C, Rainy season