Jiuxiang Scenic Region-----"Home of Karst caves"

Jiuxiang Scenic Region is located in Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Autonomous Township of Yiliang County 90 km away from central Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. It is one of the most beautiful scenic spots near Kunming and is home to striking natural landscapes, magnificent underground scenery, and enchanting ethnic folk customs.  Jiuxiang is praised as the "Home of Karst caves".

The karst caves in Juxiang were formed over a long period of time by the intermittent movement of the earth 's crust. This movement created the 'pre-history wonders' found in the area. These wonders include a variety of hydrological and geological phenomena such as ancient micro-biological fossils, curved stones, caves with whirlpools inside, stereoscopic caves, and multi-layered caves. Among these natural marvels are some of the rarest and unique features of their kind in China or the world.

With a total area of about 200 square kilometers (77 square miles), it consists of five major scenic spots: the Triangular Caves, the Overlapping Rainbow Bridge, the Upper Big Cave, the Long Sandy Bank and the Bright Moon Lake. The most outstanding of these sights is Overlapping Rainbow Bridge whose construction has already been finished and is open to the public.

The caves are not only ideal tourist attractions, but are also valuable for scientific studies and in-cave adventure activities. It is not surprising that Jiuxiang is praised by experts as the "Mysterious Heritage of the Earth".

Jiuxiang, also home of the Yi ethnic group, has strong minority ethnic custom, a long and colorful history, and widely spread ancient myths and tales. There are the mysterious Hunting Festival, the Worship of the White Dragon Festival, the Love Song Contest, the Bullfighting, the Wrestling, the Sanxian Dance (which is a three-stringed plucked instrument), and the Rattle Stick Dance and so on. There are always too many to see, too much to experience and embrace in Jiuxiang.

Warm clothes shall be prepared before entering the area because you may get wet and cold in the boat trip visiting the karst caves and the gorges. The folk songs, dances and the local cuisine are also too special to miss. There are buses available at the gate of the Jiuxiang which is very convenient for tourists to visit any of the scenic spots.
For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com

Green Lake Park-----A Jade In Kunming

Green Lake Park, or Cuihu Park, is an urban park in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. It was established in the 17th century on the west side of the Wuhua Mountain and is sometimes described as a "Jade in Kunming".

The park consists, in effect, of a group of 4 small sub-lakes linked by bridges in the traditional style. The lake was originally a water reservoir for the city.

Brightly painted pavilions on the islands inside the park, tree-lined walks, flowers, and the local populace enjoying themselves by exercising in various specialist groups all add to the appeal of the park.

Green Lake is ringed by a street, and along the edge of that are restaurants and tea houses (some with rooftop dining), shops, and hotels, including the upscale Green Lake Hotel and Grand Park Hotel.

The best season to visit Green Lake is the winter. During the winter months, the Kunming daytime is still warm and sunny and Green Lake attracts red-pecked seagulls from Siberia who migrate there to escape the arctic chill. They entertain the crowds of visitors as they swoop and dive across the lake. This charming scene, in which man, birds, and nature mingle in such harmony has added to the allure of Green Lake.

Located in the park is the statue of one of Yunnan's most famous patriots - Nie Er, the composer of China's national anthem.

Green Lake Park was visited during The Amazing Race 18 when the park was featured as the pits top of the 5th leg.

The park is just below the main gate to Yunnan University. The most famous building on the lake is Jiang Wu Tang, a tourist attraction.
For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com

Sparkling Pearl Embedded in a Highland -----Dian Lake

Dianchi Lake, also known as Lake Dian and Kunming Lake, is a large endorheic lake located on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau close to Kunming, Yunnan, in southern China. Its nickname is the "Sparkling Pearl Embedded in a Highland" and it was the model for the Kunming Lake in the Summer Palace in Beijing.

Dianchi Lake is the most beautiful at dawn and sunset. The refraction of the ethereal rays glitters on the water surface just like thousands of silver fish swimming and playing. This ocean-like lake is indeed the best place to go for those people who wish to get away from the bustling city and be close to nature.

The picturesque lake, dotted with sails, appears green and boundless and shining with ripples. Along its 150 kilometers long winding bank, lie numerous scenic spots and historical sites such as the Grand View Pavilion, West Garden, and the Lake Embankment.

The Grand View Pavilion: Located at the lake's northern bank, it was built in the 29th year of Kangxi Reign in the Qing Dynasty (1690 AD). It's an exquisite structure with upturned roof-corners and eaves. Looking to the south, one has a fascinating view of the spectacular Lake Dian, and the graceful and full shape of the distant "Sleeping Beauty Mountain" shrouded in white clouds. The lake is surrounded by lush growth of trees and plants, with peony in full bloom in spring, and chrysanthemum blossoms found all over the place in autumn. The golden calligraphy of the Grand View Pavilion in bold Chinese characters sparkles brilliantly.

Western Hills Scenic Area: Located at the west bank of the lake, it's a large forest park with hills and ridges rising one upon another, and covered with old tall trees. The park is endowed with dense natural forests, murmuring streams, luxuriantly green bamboos, and crisscross with ancient paths. Scenic spots and historical sites are over hill and dale. The area from Sanqing Tower to Longmen is a place of concentration of the most spectacular scenic spots and architecture, and therefore reputed as "No.1 Scenery in middle Yunnan".

Hill of Goddess of Mercy: The temple of Goddess of Mercy perches on the Hill at the lake's west bank, with a beak-shaped portion of the hill extending into the lake water. The temple is confronted by perilous cliffs covered with lush woods. A seven-storey brick pagoda stands on the hill top which commands a bird's eye view of the Lake Dian, the mountain ranges along the Lake, the vast expanse of fertile land, and the smoke belching from the chimneys of fishermen's homes.

For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com

Songzanlin Monastery------- the Largest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Yunnan

The Ganden Sumtsenling Monastery, also known as Sungtseling and Guihuasi, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery situated 5 kilometers from the city of Zhongdian at elevation 3,380 meters in Yunnan province, China. Built in 1679, the monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan province and is sometimes referred to as the Little Potala Palace. Located in the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, it is also the most important monastery in southwest China.

It belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism of the Gelukpa order of the Dalai Lama. The Fifth Dalai Lama's Buddhist visionary zeal established the monastery in Zhongdian, in 1679. Its architecture is a fusion of the Tibetan and Han Chinese. It was extensively damaged in the Cultural Revolution and subsequently rebuilt in 1983; at its peak, the monastery contained accommodation for 2,000 monks; it currently accommodates in its rebuilt structures 700 monks in 200 associated houses.

 

Because of the popularity of James Hilton's novel Lost Horizon (1933), which introduced Shangri-La and is said have been written on an inspirational theme of "the Tibetan Buddhist Scriptures, where human beings, animals, and nature lived in harmony under the rule of a Tibetan", the Chinese authorities changed the name of Zhongdian County to Shangri-La County in 2001, basically to encourage tourism. The earlier names were the Zhongdian to the Chinese, and Gyalthang to the Tibetans, of the town which has predominantly Tibetan population. The name of the county's capital town was similarly changed from Jiantang to Shangri-la. The ambiance of the town is distinctly Tibetan with prayer flags fluttering, mountains known by holy names, lamaseries and rocks inscribed in Tibetan language with Buddhist sutras.

A five-story Tibetan-style building serves as the main hall of the monastery. Seen from the distance, the gilded copper stupa and tiles at the top of the structure seem to shine eternally in the plateau sunlight. The lower tier of this structure is supported by 108 giant pillars, a lucky number to Buddhists. The 16 colorful pictures hanging in the hall are said to have been painted by renowned lamas with a special golden liquid given by the Fifth Dalai Lama to the monastery. Lighted by numerous butter-oil lamps, the hall could hold 1,600 lamas sitting in meditation or chanting Buddhist scriptures.

The monastery contains many treasures. The most famous of these are eight gold-covered sculptures of Sakyamuni, fashioned between the time of the Fifth and Seventh Dalai Lamas. In the early Qing Dynasty the Mu Family (rulers of Lijiang) presented the monastery with dozens of bronze sculptures, the Ganzur scriptures hand-written in liquid gold, scriptures written on pattra leaves, gold lamps, and many exquisite gilded silver incense burners. Much of these relics still remain for viewing today.

Festivels

The Gedong Festival is held in the precincts of the monastery annually on 29 November when devotees from the region attend to worship and also to witness the religious mask dances – the Cham dance – that are performed by the monks in colourful costumes depicting deities, ghosts and animals.

A three day 'Horse Racing Festival' also known as 'Heavenly Steed Festival' is held at Zandiaong, some time in June (according to the lunar calendar: 5th day of the 5th month), to the south east of the town, which involves dancing, singing and eating, in addition to the racing of horses. Horse traders assemble here in their finest attire of furs and silks. Families of villagers camp in tents at the designated horse racing meadow land at an elevation of 3,288 meters.

A new festival introduced in 1990s is called the 'Minority Festival' held in September when artists from neighboring districts and Tibet participate to present their art forms.

For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com

Yunnan Ethnic Village------A Epitome Of 25 MInority Culture

Yunnan Ethnic Village is a theme park reproducing the architectures and folklore of 25 minority ethnic groups living in Yunan Province, an epitome of ethnic groups of Yunnan. Situated at the north shore of the famous Dianchi Lake, seven kilometers from Kunming City in Yunnan Province, Yunnan Ethnic Village faces the West Hill Forest Park, Daguan Park and Zhenhe Park across the Dianchi Lake.

Occupying a total area of 80 hectares, Yunnan Ethnic Village may dizzy you with diverse architectures, colorful costumes, and interesting celebrations. Apart from unique buildings, various costumes and festivals of ethnic groups, Yunnan Ethnic Village also presents you with films shown on water screen, wonderful songs and dances and Asian Elephant Show. Visitors can enjoy local foods and purchase handicrafts. Besides, all villages are well organized and each village has tour guides to explain their customs to visitors. The 25 minority ethnic groups include Bai, Yi, Dai, Miao, Jingpo, Naxi, Lagu, Zang, Wa, Hani, Lisu, Deang and so on. The most sumptuous and outstanding three are Bai Ethnic Village, Yi Ethnic Village and Dai Ethnic Village and Dai Ethnic Village.

Visitors, both Chinese and international, always find it difficult to cover the whole province and catch all the sights during a limited and often short stay. In order to solve this problem the Yunnan Ethnic Village was created to bring the history, culture, and customs of 25 different Yunnan minorities together into one exhibit. The setting of Dianchi lake and the Western Hills makes it that much more attractive.

Each of the 25 ethnic minorities has a village built on the premises, of which the three largest are the Bai, Dai, and Yi ethnic villages. A central square has been built to symbolize unity among the various ethnic groups. In addition, there is a folklore museum, a museum of ethnic waxworks, and a theater for the performance of ethnic songs and dances.

The village is not only celebrating ethnic minorities, but it is also designed to give the world a snapshot view of both the natural scenery and cultural importance of Yunnan including: precipitous hills and beautiful lakes, parks, woods, old and modern treasures. Now the community has become a must-see for domestic and overseas visitors to Yunnan.

Major festivals of minority ethnic groups in Yunnan Province

1. Torch Festival of Yi- falls from June 24 to June 26 in Chinese lunar calendar (usually late June in western calendar).

2. Water Splashing Festival of Dai- falls in mid-April and lasts for 3-7 days

3. Hunting Festival (Lieshen Festival) of Yi- falls in February 1 to February 3 in Chinese lunar calendar (usually early March in western calenda)

4. Sanyuejie Festival of Bai- falls in March 15 in Chinese lunar calendar (usually in mid-April in western calendar)

5. Mizhi Festival of Yi- usually falls in November and women are not allowed to attend.

6. March 3 in Chinese lunar calendar- falls in late March or early April in western calendar; it is a day for spring outing of Kunming people.
For more information, please visit www.top-chinatour.com

Dali Ancient Town

Dali is a major tourist destination, along with Lijiang, for both domestic and international tourists. It is 40 minutes north-west of the provincial capital, Kunming, by air. It has historic sites, ancient buildings and temples, nearby beautiful Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, local crafts, and the "Foreigners' Street" with Western-style restaurants and bars and English-speaking business owners. The street is popular with both foreigners and Chinese. It is known as a backpackers' heaven. Cangshan Mountain is a great, scenic hiking area and a natural reserve. Erhai Lake is to the east and Cangshan Mountain is to the west. Tourists visiting the area can see temples and architecture 1000 years old, buy beautiful souvenirs and objects of art, learn about the history of the area and of the native peoples, and go on excursions to the nearby lake and mountain.

Dali is the ancient capital of both the Bai kingdom Nanzhao, which flourished in the area during the 8th and 9th centuries, and the Kingdom of Dali, which reigned from 937–1253. Situated in a once significantly Muslim part of South China, Dali was also the center of the Panthay Rebellion against the reigning imperial Qing Dynasty from 1856–1863. It was severely damaged during an earthquake in 1925.

Dali is also famous for the many types of marble it produces, which are used primarily in construction and for decorative objects. In fact, Dali is so famous for the stone that the name of marble in Chinese is literally "Dali Stone".

Tempered by the low latitude and high elevation, Dali has a very comfortable climate. It is like in spring a whole year. Frost may occur in winter but the days still generally warm up to 15 °C (59 °F) or more. During summer, a majority of the days features some rainfall, and daytime temperatures rise to 24 °C (75 °F). A great majority of the year's rainfall occurs from June to October.

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. The local people love growing flowers. There is an annual Flower Festival. Families display their potted plants in front of the houses. Tourists appreciate this festival. The local food ethnic food and teas are different than that consumed in most of China. Some people from other parts of China and from around the world who are entrepreneurs, craftsmen, artists, musicians, and tourist agents live in Dali for a period of time.

For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com

Tiger Leaping Gorge ------- One of the Deepest Canyons in the World

Tiger Leaping Gorge is a scenic canyon on the Jinsha River (Golden Sands River), a primary tributary of the upper Yangtze River. It is located 60 kilometers north of Lijiang City, Yunnan in southwestern China. It is part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas World Heritage Site.

At a maximum depth of approximately 3790 meters (12434 feet) from river to mountain peak, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world. The inhabitants of the gorge are primarily the indigenous Naxi people, who live in a handful of small hamlets. Their primary subsistence comes from grain production and foreign hikers (as well as Chinese).

The river is naturally divided into three sections, the first section, which is the narrowest and uppermost section, is the mouth of the fast flowing Jinsha River. In the middle of the river's mouth is a large rock that is positioned at the gorge's narrowest section-only 30 meters (99 feet) wide. An ancient legend says that a tiger used this rock as its stepping stone so it could leap across from one side of the gorge to the other, which is how the gorge got its name.

As the river enters the middle section, it drops another 100 meters (330 feet) and rushes through with incredible speed. Here the thunderous waters slam into sharp, large rocks and crash down into the river forming swirling whirlpools. Can it get more exciting? Yes, it can as the third and lowest section is acclaimed for being the wildest attraction of all!

The cliffs over-looking this section are even steeper and much more dangerous. Here, the river twists and turns and the river vigorously surges forward creating high waves and a frothy spew as it collides with the mountainsides. This is a view that inspires a sense of adventure and satisfies the deepest yearnings for magnificent scenery.

The gorge stretches about 15 kilometers (9 miles). For the experienced and adventurous, thrilling raft rides are available. The magnificent backdrop of the gorge, combined with the twisting white water will create an exhilarating and unforgettable white water rafting experience. For those who prefer a gentle ride, slow-speed drifting is available in the calmer sections of the gorge.

The gorge is not considered navigable. In the early 1980s, four rafters attempted to go down the gorge and were never seen again. In 1986, the first known successful attempt to sail through the gorge was made by the first expedition to float down the entire length of the Yangtze, starting at the river's high source at the Gelandandong glacier lake.

The area was officially opened to foreign tourists in 1993, but had attracted adventurous backpackers already in the 1980s. Officials plan to improve the existing trails and roads, bringing tour buses and more development. These plans arouse highly varied reactions among the local population, from strong opposition to strong support.
For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com

Torch Festival------the First Chinese Ethnic Festival

The Torch Festival or Fire Festival (Chinese: 火把节; pinyin: Huǒbǎ Jié) is one of the main holidays of the Yi people of southwest China, and is also celebrated by other ethnic groups of the region. It is celebrated on the 24th or 25th day of the sixth month of the Yi calendar, corresponding to August in the Gregorian calendar. It commemorates the legendary wrestler Atilaba, who drove away a plague of locusts using torches made from pine trees. Since 1993, the government of the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan has sponsored a modernized celebration of the festival, featuring wrestling, horse racing, dance shows, and a beauty contest. Different groups set the festival at different time.

The original Torch Festival, according to some scholars, was based on a calendar used by Bai and Yi people in ancient times. The calendar included 10 months, 36 days in a month, and two Star Returning Festivals in winter and summer respectively. The two Star Returning Festivals were both considered the New Year, and the one in summer was called the Torch Festival as people often lighted a torch on that day. There are also many other legends about the origin of the Torch Festival, yet all of them have the purpose of offering sacrifice to duties and dispelling ghosts, as a wish for a harvest.

The main activities of "torch festival" include "retribution", "light torch" and "wrestling". Killing cattle to sacrifice ancestors and killing chicken to call back souls are unchanged custom of Yi people. On the day of "torch festival", people will kill a cattle and each household will bring back one piece of beef to sacrifice ancestors. They will kill a chicken to “call back souls” and send pestilence away by lighting torches. In addition, villagers also hold torches and bypass the fields of bypass to eliminate hazards and pray for good harvest. Young people gather outside the village in torches shine, they wrestle, sing folk songs, and dance. In modern times, people use gatherings to socialize or date, and they also do business during the festival.

In the traditional festivals of ethnic minority in China, the torch festival of the Yi people is one of the most fascinating festivals. It is entitled "the first Chinese ethnic festival" and "Oriental Carnival night" in the world.

The four activities of worship, sports, social interaction, and product exchange during the Torch Festival are the comprehensive reflection of the complete Yi cultural system. Yi torch festival has a long history and wide mass basis; it is extensive and far-reaching. Torch Festival fully reflects the national character of worshiping fire by Yi people. It preserves the old information of Yi’s origin and it is of great historical and scientific value. Torch Festival is one of the most iconic symbols in Yi people's traditional culture, and it is also an important carrier of Yi traditional music, dance, poetry, food, clothing, agriculture, astronomy, worships, and other cultural elements. Torch Festival is of great significance to the self-recognition awareness and the promotion of social harmony of Yi people. At the same time, torch festival has a practical value for Yi people to exchange with other peoples and promoting national unity.
For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com

Stone Forest------One of the Most Stunning Natural Creations

The Stone Forest is one of the world's most stunning natural creations. It is just southeast of Kunming in Shilin County. It is only a three hour drive from Kunming and is commonly said that a visit there without visiting the stone forest is "a waste of time". The Stone Forest is made up of countless awesome natural rock formations that will truly boggle your mind.

According to legend, the forest is the birthplace of Ashima, a beautiful girl of the Yi people. After falling in love she was forbidden to marry her chosen suitor and instead turned into a stone in the forest that still bears her name. Each year on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, many Yi people celebrate the Torch Festival, which features folk dances and wrestling competitions.

Actually, this natural phenomenon is said to have begun taking shape about 270 million years ago in the Carboniferous Period. The area is believed to have been originally under the ocean. With eons of movement of the earth crust the area rose and broke through. The limestone left behind went through sun, rain, wind, and earthquakes and finally developed into the beautiful Stone Forest we see today.

In the midst of the forest, there is a huge rock screen on which two words--Stone Forest--are engraved in official script (in a calligraphic style typical of the Han Dynasty, 206 B.C.-220 A.D.). Among the scenic sights is the Sword Peak Pond with jadeite-colored water so clear that one can see the bottom of the pond. Other astonishing sights include Figure of Ashima, Shi Ba Xiang Song (its name originating in the Chinese love story, Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai), and Lotus Peak.

In the Major, Minor, and Naigu Stone Forests people marvel at the natural wonders before their eyes. The pillars of rock tower into the air seemingly just springing up from the ground. These stalagmites form a twisted jungle of stone.

Even more mysterious, is the Strange Wind Cave. Between the months of August and November, winds travel through the cave like clockwork lasting two to three minutes and spaced thirty minutes apart. It is the "Old Faithful" of China. The Dadie Waterfall is equally impressive and tumbles down 91 meters (300 feet). All of these amazing sights combine to create a stunning tourist destination that is unparalleled in the world leading it to be dubbed "The First Wonder of the World".

For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com

Daguan Park (Grand View Park)

Daguan Park, located in the southwestern suburb of Kunming City, is a lakeside park. Today many locals come to sit, drink tea, fly kites, and go boating. Among shady walks and pools, Daguan's focal point is Daguan Ge, a square, three-storied pavilion built to better Kangxi's enjoyment of the distant Western Hills and now a storehouse of calligraphy extolling the area's charms.

The park is set on Daguan Stream, which flows south into Lake Dian, and there are frequent hour-long cruises down the waterway, lined with willows, to points along Lake Dian's northern shore. Lake Dian, also known as the Kunming Lake, is the largest lake on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. At Longmen of the Western Hills, there is a panoramic view of the lake.

 

In 1696 in the 35th year of Emperor Kangxi, Wang Jiwen, governor of Yunnan, carried out a large-scale construction of a three-story pavilion, which is decorated with flying eaves and splendid paintings, and is one of the most beautiful scenes in Daguan Park. Ponds were dug, embankments were constructed, and trees and flowers were planted. With a good view of the waters and hills in the distance, and the sailing boats and trees in mist, the pavilion was titled Daguan ("Grand View") pavilion.

In the later years, the Daguan pavilion had twice been reduced to ruins by warfare and flood. In the 9th year of Emperor Guangxu (1883), Chen Yuying, governor of Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces, ordered Monk Xingtian to take charge of the renovation of the pavilion, and the pavilion has remained intact ever since.

Daguan Park has a history more than 300 years. Since the Daguan pavilion was built, men of letters coming from far and near in the country have often gathered here, composing and reciting poems. During the past two to three hundred years, many excellent works and poems have been created. Among them, the Long Couplet written by Sun Rangweng has for many years enjoyed the highest reputation around the world. A copy of his couplet can be found on two 5-meter-long tablets, which have been hung on Daguan Pavilion's lakeside facade.. Daguan Park has become famous due to Sun Rangweng's Long Couplet.

For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com