PART IILANDSCAPE

1. Shilin Stone Forest2. Yuanyang Rice terraces3. Yuanmou Earth Forest

4. Dali & Lijiang mountain scenery5. Tiger Leaping Gorge & Baishuitai terraces

6. Shangri-La snow mountain & Tibetian monastery

REISEPLAN CHINA 2018

Tag 1 - MI, 11.04: Flug Wien - Peking

Tag 2 - DO, 12.04: Peking

Tag 3 - FR, 13.04: Peking / Chinesische Mauer

Tag 4 - SA, 14.04: Datong

Tag 5 - SO, 15.04: Mianshan und Pingyao Ancient Town

Tag 6 - MO, 16.04: Pingyao + Xi’an

Tag 7 - DI, 17.04: Xi’an / Kunming (Flug)

Tag 8 - MI, 18.04: Kunming / Shilin Stone Forest, Dongchuan

Tag 9 - DO, 19.04: Kunming / Dongchuan, Kunming Town

Tag 10 - FR, 20.04: Kunming / Yanmou Earth Forest, Dali

Tag 11 - SA, 21.04: Lijiang / Lijiang Ancient Town

Tag 12 - SO, 22.04: Lijiang / Shangria La (via Tiger Leaping Gorge)

Tag 13 - MO, 23.04: Shangria La

Tag 14 - DI, 24.04: Chengdu

Tag 15 - MI, 25.04: Chongqing / Wulong

Tag 16 - DO, 26.04: Fenghuang

Tag 17 - FR, 27.04: Furong Ancient Town

Tag 18 - SA, 28.04: Zhangijaije / Tianmen Mountain

Tag 19 - SO, 29.04: Zhangijaije / National Forest Park

Tag 20 - MO, 30.04: Guilin I (Private Tour)

Tag 21 - DI, 01.05: Guilin II (Private Tour)

Tag 22 - MI, 02.05: Guilin III (Private Tour)

Tag 23 - DO, 03.05: Guilin IV (Private Tour)

Tag 24 - FR, 04.05: Sanqingshan

Tag 25 - SA, 05.05: Hangzhou

Tag 26 - SO, 06.05: Shanghai

Tag 27 - MO, 07.05: Rückflug Shanghai – Wien

TAG 8-13, 17-23.04 (MITTWOCH-MONTAG):

Kunming – Shangri-La: 6 day private tour mit John Xie, CNY 7.200, Eintritte ca. 1305 p.p.

PRIVATE DRIVER / JOHN XIE: chinesischer Fahrer mit Übersetzung App / GPS am Handy:KOSTEN CNY 7.200 – davon CNY 2.000 Anzahlung bereits geleistet (€ 300,-)

Grundsätzliches Programm:04/17: Arrive at Kunming Airport at 19:50, transfer to hotel in Shilin County04/18 Day 1: Shilin Stone Forest + drive to Yuanyang, sunset and staying overnight.04/19 Day 2: Yuanyang Rice Terraces (til noon), back to Kunming, stay overnight in Kunming 04/20 Day 3: Yuanmou Soil/Earth Forest (Wumao & Langbapu sections), drive to Dali & stay overnight04/21 Day 4: Dali Three Pagoda Park, drive to Lijiang (Impression Show, old town), stay overnight 04/22 Day 5: Shigu Old town, Yangtze river bend, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Baishuitai terraces, drive to Shangri La04/23 Day 6: Shika Snow Mountain, Songzalin monestary, drop off at airport, flight to Chengdu departing 17:25.

Ankunft Flughafen Kunming: China Eastern MU5724, 19:50 Uhr, CHECK ABHOLPUNKT JOHN XIEFahrzeit Kunming 40-50 Minunten, Fahrzeit Stone Forst 1:30min

Übernachtung: Kunming Stone Forest Homestay, CNY 169, inkl. Frühstück, 5min zum Stone ForestKunming Stone Forest Homestay (昆明石林居家民宿客栈)

No.108 Yi Ethnicity first village, Stone Forest County, 652200 Kunming, China

TAG 1 (18.04.2018, Mittwoch):Shilin Stone Forest + Yuanyang

1.SHILIN STONE FOREST: CNY 175, 7-18 Uhr (石林), spätestens um 8 Uhr dort sein

Fahrzeit ab Kunming ca. 90min, Fahrzeit ab Hotel Stone Forest ca. 15min

Admission FeeCNY175 for an adult;CNY130 for seniors from 60 to 70 years old;CNY87.5 children from 6 to 18 years old;Free for children under 6 years old or 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) and seniors over 70 years old.

Dance Show Free; available during 14:00-14:30 and 15:00-15:30.Battery Car CNY25Karst Museum CNY120RecommendedTime for a Visit: 3 to 4 hours

Opening Hours: 07:00 to 18:00

Nearby Attractions:

Naigu Stone Forest

CNY60;Beside the entrance of Stone Forest, there are regular buses to Naigu Stone Forest Scenic Area every 40 minutes.

Transportation in the Park Travelers will purchase the ticket at Visitor Center which is 2km from the entrance of the scenic area. Travelers can take cable car to from the Visitor Center to the entrance and the price is ¥25/person. The cable car will also drive in the scenic area (since the scenic area is quite large) and it will pass by all five attractions of Stone Forest Scenic Area, including Major Stone Forest, Minor Stone Forest, Bushao Hill, Lizi Yuanqing and Eternal Mushroom. Once purchase the cable car ticket, travelers can take any cable car in the scenic spot by showing the ticket in the same day.

Naigu Stone Forest is 8km from Stone Forest Scenic Area, and traveler can take the travel bus commuting between the two areas to there. The running time for the travel bus is 9:00 ~ 19:00 and it will departure every half hour. Please check with the working staff for the detailed position of the bus. Main AttractionsStone Forest can be divided into eight districts, and at present, open tour districts are Stone Forest Scenic Area, Naigu Stone Forest Scenic Area, Feilong Waterfall Forest Scenic Area and Chang Lake Forest Scenic Area. Among them, Stone Forest Scenic Area is core area of the whole scenic spot, and most famous attractions are located here, including Major Stone Forest, Minor Stone Forest, Bushao Hill, Lizi Yuanqing, and Eternal Mushroom.Major Stone ForestThe highest rock pillar can reach over 40 meters. Walking among the stone forest, you will encounter rock peaks every few steps and turn to another direction – welcome to the new scenery. So if without tour guide, you must have a tour map when you visit Major Stone Forest to avoid missing in it.Minor Stone ForestComparing with the dense Major Stone Forest, Minor Forest is sparser and more delicate. The most famous attraction here is Ashima Stone. According to the Legend of Ashima (an oral narrative long poem which tells the story of Ashima), Ashima is a beautiful and brave Yi girl who relentless fights against the power forces to pursue freedom and at last turns into a stone, and this stone is called the Ashima Stone. Bushao HillBushao Hill is located at the east of Major Stone Forest and the south of Minor Stone Forest, it’s the highest part of the whole scenic area, and the altitude of the hill top is 1796.7 meters. There are marine fossils among the attractions of Bushao Hill, like giant gastropods fossils and coral fossils, which records the prosperous sea world 270 million years ago.Lizi YuanqingLizi Yuanqing is located outside of the Ring Road (the road built for sightseeing cable car in the scenic area). Odd pillars and rocks cover this area, sparse or dense, they all reserve their natural appearances. About 300m southeast of Ring Road, there is an ancient rock painting on the stone wall, which draws the images of human, beasts, moon and stars. According to the archaeologist, the wall painting here is related to the primitive religion. Eternal MushroomEternal Mushroom scenic area is next to Lizi Yuanqing. On the top of the rock hill, there is a 15 meters high rock peak, which is large on the top and small on the foot, just like a giant mushroom, thus, the place is named as Eternal Mushroom. Naigu Stone ForestNaigu Stone Forest Scenic Area is located 8km north of Stone Forest Scenic Area (the above five attractions are all in the Stone Forest Scenic Area). Naigu in Yi language means ancient and black. The whole scenic area covers an area of 10 square kilometers, and is made of East District, West District, Baiyun Lake, Baiyun Cave, Ancient Battle Field, etc. Standing on the highest peak and you will see a black rock sea, very magnificent. Tourists can also wander among the stone forests to feel the wild world. Another highlight is the karst caves under the ground. At present, there are 9 karst caves ascertained in total. The ticket for Nagu Stone Forest is included in the ticket of the whole Stone Forest ticket.

REVIEWS:At the spot ignore golf carts and info that it is more than 3 km to the entrance - it is way closer, takes around 15 min. on foot.

My recommendation would be to instead visit the very nearby (6km drive) Stone Forest park Naigu (we did both in one day), which was almost as beautiful but ultimately far more enjoyable as we saw 13 other tourists in the whole park, rather than the ~8000 we saw here. Naigu is also far cheaper to enter.

The natural formation of the stones is amazing. You need to walk 1 to 2 hours and should wear comfortable walking shoes as the ground is mainly natural stones. There are many many people and is always congested when trying to get up to the top, which is worth the while as the views are spectacular. Hire the minority ethnic group costume clothes for Y$10 only. You can take your own photos.

The Lesser Stone Forest adjoining the Great Stone Forest is more of a park like area with grass and flowers. Here there is a giant stone labeled Ashima. Ashima is the maiden waiting for her lover. Major Stone Forest: Here the karst rock formations are dense and beautiful. One can easily spend 2 to 3 hours wandering and enjoying the rock formations. This place is crowded with tour groups. Most popular (ie crowded) must see places are Stone Screen (石屏风) and Stone Forest Marvel (石林胜景). As expected, stalls renting traditional costumes and food stuff can be found here to cater to the bus loads of local tourists. Another popular site is the Peak View Pavilion (望峰亭), which provides a close and great view of the rock formations. Though the above 3 sites are crowded, if you wait long enough, the tourist groups will disappear in batches. I manage to take some good photos without any of them in the frame. Suggest you explore further and be rewarded with peace. Sites without tourist groups

which are worth exploring are Lotus Flower Pond (莲花池), Sword Peak Pond (剑峰池). The best place to take a break is Lion Pavilion (狮子亭). I only met 3 westerners. Enjoy the breeze and tranquility, though view is not that great.

The park makes for a good three to five hours of leisurely hiking and photo-taking. If you're looking for good places to take photos, the Peak View Pavilion (望峰亭) and Sword Peak Pool (剑峰池) offer nice vistas and reflections, respectively. The best times to shoot are around sunrise and sunset, but you can still get good shots at midday. Aside from the popular spots in the park full of tourists and park employees dressed in colorful Yi outfits, there are countless lesser-taken paths that offer nice views and are easy to find - just try to walk away from the sound of tourists and uphill whenever possible.

Somewhat surprisingly, Stone Forest is open 24 hours. If you choose to go at night, you might want to wait for a full moon – park employees said there was minimal lighting of the Karst formations at night. After all that walking in the sun, we were hungry for a snack and a cold beer, which we found just outside of Stone Forest's main entrance at the Shihu Restaurant (石湖风味园), which has an English-language menu, loads of local specialties, a good selection of vegetarian options and delightfully cold beers. We ordered cold cucumber on a bed of mint with chili and vinegar and a plate of fried local goat cheese, aka rubing. The rubing was so good, we ordered another plate.

When it was time to get the bill, we received our last surprise of the trip - the rubing was a hefty 30 yuan/plate. In the end we decided it was expensive but worth it as it was better than any rubing we've had in Kunming.

Once you are through the entrance gate and have made it past the Stone Forest Lake, you will enter the Major Stone Forest. The first mile, depending on crowds, may still feel a bit like an amusement park with the press of humanity and the festival-like atmosphere of Yi people dressed in traditional garb and selling souvenirs, guide services, and opportunities to dress up and be photographed. Breathe, relax, and take it in as you move along. If you are lucky, as we were, you may get to enjoy a musical and dance performance by the native Yi people, one that is wonderful in its expression of joy – and an advantage of the busy performance area. Enjoy, and then follow the paths to move deeper into the formations to slowly find the serenity the rocks deserve. As you leave the more open areas, the passageways narrow and we suspect you will, as we did, become bewitched and bedazzled by the mystical, sometimes towering limestone formations in columns, spires, fins and cones. You often feel dwarfed by their enormity. Be sure to find your way to Sword Peak Pond that, legend has it, contains a stone sword broken off and standing with the hilt remaining visible. Once you depart Sword Peak Pond the crowds will thin even more. Your destination is to the south and heading toward the Liziyuanquing Scenic Area. The path will wind upward and soon you will crest at an overlook, allowing a wonderful view out over the Stone Forest.

We would absolutely recommend you find your way to the “Deep and Narrow Valley” – it’s a very special place, trust us, and only very few make it that far.

Would highly recommend that you buy the ticket to ride the electric car as the walk is a long 3km to the entrance and back. They do check and scan your electric car tickets both ways, so there’s is no free ride. The returning electric car stops at the bus area (1st stop) and car area (2nd stop). So you need to know where to stop if the car is waiting for you.

Go as early as possible to escape the crowd as well as the sun. Even in March, it is hot once the sun is out. Afternoon, will be super hot.

Three Tour Routes: siehe Karten, Dauer jeweils ca. 2-2,5 StundenSightseeing route A:Shilin Lake -- Entrance of Major Stone Forest – Lion pavilion – Stone screen – Zhu De’s inscription – Crocodile Stone – The highlight of Stone Forest – A Hundredweight hanging by a hair – Mountain of knife and ocean of fire – Better stay over for a while – Lotus Peak – Sword peak pond -- Cuffs and kicks – Narrowest pass – Looking-up and looking-down – Thousand-year ancient vine – Mother bird feeding her baby bird – Rhinoceros looking at the moon – Elephant standing on a platform – Thousand-year old turtle – Bell stone – Natural singing hall – Viewing pavilion – Heart stone – Cat after the mouse – Lawn to jump over the moon – Lotus lake – Monk Tangseng Rock – Ashima of Minor Stone Forest.

Sightseeing route B:Shilin Lake -- Entrance of Major Stone Forest – Lion pavilion – Black oxen playing with water – The highlight of Stone Forest – A Hundredweight hanging by a hair –Viewing pavilion – Bear paw rock – Whip stone – South heavenly gate – Boa getting out of the hole – A gleam of sky – Orchid valley – Peacock stone –Meditating immortal – General’s boots – Su Wu grazing goats – Ancient wrestling field – Mother with her son – Camel riding on an elephant – Gorilla playing with dog – Meet with pleasure – Long corridor -- Minor Stone Forest

Sightseeing route C:Shilin Lake – The highlight of Stone Forest – A Hundredweight hanging by a hair – Slope towards sky -- Spiral stairs – Scripture Hall – Winged steed – Mother looking for her daughter – Phoenix combing its feathers – Gunpowder pile – Small well – Lounge – Knife sharpening pond – Barracks of officer Zhao – Cross – Golden cock announcing the dawn – Discussion room -- Red-tasseled gate – A gleam

of sky – Watching the sky in a well – Stone prison – Battle between mouse and snake – Qingyun Gorge – Stone peak cut out with a knife – Jade bird forwarding the message – Twirling ancient vines – Celestial musical sound in the cave – Rest peak for wild geese – Tiger roaring to the sky –Golden bamboo valley – Lotus pond – Bushao hill – Monk Tangseng Rock – Lawn to jump over the moon – You Pool – Lovers – Stone cluster supporting the sky – Jade bird pond – Ashima – Sacred horse – Plum stone – Minor Stone Forest Sightseeing route for Head of a countryEntrance of Major Stone Forest – The highlight of Stone Forest – A Hundredweight hanging by a hair – Sword peak pond – Viewing pavilion – Heart stone – Cat after the mouse – Natural dancing hall – Golden bamboo valley – Lotus lake – Minor Stone Forest

Sightseeing route for ExpertEntrance of Major Stone Forest – The highlight of Stone Forest – A Hundredweight hanging by a hair – Sword peak pond – Cuffs and kicks – Sword peak pond to Huanlin Road (path around the forest) – Huanlin Road (path around the forest) – Stone lady waiting for her husband –Mother with her son – Long corridor – Minor Stone Forest

Naigu Stone Forest: (ca. 1,5 – 2 Stunden, 6km langer Pfad)Naigu Stone 乃古石林It contains more natural beauty than the Yunnan Stone Forest, though I like both of them. The rock types are of wider variety and shapes. There are less tourists compared to the Yunnan Stone Forest. I like the rocks there, at least they are not crafted or damaged with words. There are purple flowers planted intentionally in some area, and a flower arch too. That part looks like a garden instead.

The Naigu Stone Forest is 13 kilometres to the north of Shilin, which is also called the Mozhai Stone Forest. 'Naigu' means black in Yi' s language, thus the 'Naigu Stone Forest' means a black stone forest. It covers an area of over 5,000 mu with a newly tapped 6-kilometre-long travel route. Compared with Shilin's stone forests, this place owns different features and styles.

If you want to get away from the tourist crowds, Naigu Stone Forest is a good option. It is 8 kilometers (5 miles) northeast of the Greater and Lesser Stone Forest, and is older and quieter than the Greater and Lesser Stone Forest. It has been declared a World Heritage site as part of the South China Karst. Naigu literally means 'ancient black' in the language of the Yi ethnic group. Naigu Stone Forest has a weathered black surface. Covering an area of 10 square kilometers (4 sq. mi.), Naigu Stone Forest consists of the Eastern Area, Western Area, Baiyun Lake, Baiyun Cave, and Old Battlefield. It features spiky stones, karst caves, a large waterfall, a vast grassland, and an impressive causeway of black volcanic blocks. The Greater & Lesser Stone Forests Versus Naigu Stone Forest

Size Rock Color Sights Reputation Crowds Status

The Greater & Lesser Stone Forests

12 sq. km

Limestone

Light gray

More varied formations, lakes

Very famous

Very crowded

Commercial

Naigu Stone Forest

10 sq. km

Dolomite

Dark gray, black

Spiky formations, caves, causeway, waterfall, flower fields

Newly growing in popularity

Less-crowded

More rustic

grundsätzlich eher Shilin Stone Forest, da ohnehin sehr früh dort, 2-3 Stunden Besichtigung, sollten wir früher fertig sein bleibt Naigu Stone Forest immer noch als Alternative. bei schlechtem Wetter eher Naigu Stone Forest (Eintritt billiger) bzw. auch wenn Yuanyang Schlechtwetter danach eventuell etwas Essen (siehe oben), vielleicht aber besser auf halber Strecke nach Yuanyang.

2.YUANYANG RICE TERRACES: CNY 100 (gilt für 3 Tage) / TAG 2:

Fahrzeit Shilin Stone Forest – Timeless Hostel: ca. 5h30min, bis Hani Folk Village ca. 4h45minz.B. Spaziergang ab Bada Scenic Area oder Quanfuzhuang ins Folk Village oder ab Malizhai zur Baba Scenic Area (würde am besten passen). Was nicht möglich ist am nächsten Tag! wenn zeitlich möglich: Stopp Hani Folk Village Stopp Shangzhulu Laozhai Stopp Malizhai und Spaziergang zur Bada Scenic Area Sunset Laohuzui (Fahrzeit ab Bada Scenic Area ca. 33min lt. Google) Fahrt zur Unterkunft und Abendessen im Restaurant vor Ort

sunrise / sunset Yuanyang: dawn 5:59, sunrise 6:24, sunset 19:22, dusk 19:46Übernachtung: Timeless Hostel (久居元阳客栈), CNY 141, Frühstück CNY 30 p.p.Adresse: PugaoLaozhai, Xinjie Town,Yuanyang County, Yunnan, China, 662400 Yuanyang

Chinese Name: 元阳 / Chinese Pinyin: yuán yángYuanyang Rice Terraces is the masterpiece handmade by Hani people with the most beautiful curved lines in the world. Travelers can appreciate the beautiful rice paddies everywhere once reach in Yuanyang County and the famous scenic areas include Duoyishu Rice Terraces (for sunrise), Bada Rice Terraces (for sea of clouds and sunset), Laohuzui Rice Terraces (for sunset) and Jingkou Folk Village (for mush-room buildings).Tickets: 100 Yuan for Yuanyang Rice Terraces including four spots Duoyishu, Bada, Luohuzui, Jingkou Folk Village Address: 15 km from Xinjie Town of Yuanyang County

No.1: Laohuzui (Tiger Mouth) Rice TerraceType: World Cultural Heritage, Natural SceneryLocation: Xinjiezhen, Yuanyang CountyWith more than 850 hectares wonderful terraces, Laohuzui terraced area is the most magnificent and spectacular terraces in Yuanyang, as the greatest example of "earth sculpture". With the shape of curving terraces here like tiger's mouth, so it also called Tiger Mouth Rice Terrace. In Sunny days of Winter and Spring, Laohuzui (Tiger Mouth) Rice Terrace presents a pattern of two horses galloping. Sometimes like a millennium old turtle lying in the bottom, showing tourist a vivid picture. Some viewing areas were offered to seeing and photographing the breathtaking terraced fields. The Laohuzui scenic area is also the most popular place in Yuanyang to shoot sunsets.

No.2: Duoyishu Rice Terrace

Type: World Cultural Heritage, Natural SceneryLocation: Xinjiezhen, Yuanyang CountyLocated 1,900 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountains in three sides, and falling down in to a valley on the last side, the Duoyishu Rice Terrace is more than 650 hectares distributed in Duoyishu, Aichun, Dawazhe and more slopes, and dotted with local villages and Hani’s Mushroom-shaped Houses. With the large field, Duoyishu Rice Terrace made a wonderful sunrise sightseeing area and the best scenic for shooting terraces clouds. It’s the main shooting scene of the famous scenery film "Yunnan Story". When immersed by water, the field will have another amazing view more like a large waterfall encircling mountains.

No.3: Bada Rice TerraceType: World Cultural Heritage, Natural SceneryLocation: Xinjiezhen, Yuanyang County There are more than 950 hectares magnificent terraces in Bada, full of spectacular beauty of lines and three-dimensional sense. Over 3700 level terraces looked like the ladder reaching to the sky. From an altitude of 800 meters, thousands of terraced continuous layers have been extended to the mountain summit of 2,000 meters above sea level, taking Hani village into the sea of clouds. Bada Rice Terrace shows a glittering and shiny silver at sunset, making it to be a great scenic to shoot the terraces clouds, sunset and cottage.

No.4: Longshuba Rice Terrace Type: World Cultural Heritage, Natural SceneryLocation: Xinjiezhen, Yuanyang County Due to the water-containing component is not the same with the other terraces, the Longshuba Rice Terrace has quite a lot of duckweed with colors of green, yellow and red. Under the sunset, the terraces combined with red, white and black, like a chromatic painting plate, full of beauty. By the refraction of the sun, a land of red terrace makes the unique scenery, which attracts most travelers although the road is rough to arrive.

No.5: Hani Folk Village

Type: Historic Sites, Natural SceneryLocation: Xinjiezhen, Yuanyang CountyQingkou is a typical Hani Folk Village, 6 kilometers in the south of Xinjiezhen of Yunayang County. It consists of 150 families and has a population of 800 all of whom belong to the Hani ethnic minority. Qingkou Hani Ethnic Village is noted for the harmony gained among forests, village, terraced fields and water conservation system. A museum has been established to showcase the culture and history of the Hani People.

No.6: Mushroom-shaped HousesType: Village Building, Scenic SpotLocation: Xinjiezhen, Yuanyang CountyMushroom-shaped Houses: As the shaped like mushrooms, here is the name: Mushroom-shaped Houses. It was built by stones or bricks and use thatch to cover roof with a four-slope shape. The building has three layers commonly: upper, middle and lower. The lower layer is for livestock; people live in middle house and leave some space for food reserving; and the upper one is as a warehouse. Living in the delicate and beautiful mushrooms rooms, people will never feel cold in Winter or hot in Summer, which is quite comfortable to stay.

Qingkou Hani ethnic village: Fotopoint (Nr. 5 rechts) wäre sehr schön (dürfte am Weg von Quanfuzhuang liegen).

Tips for Photography at Yuanyang TerracesThe best season for Yuanyang Rice Terraces photographing is winter, from late December to April.1. Duoyishu: Located in the core area of the World Cultural Heritage, Yuanyang Terrace, with the elevation of 1,900M, it's one of the best shooting point to photograph sunrise in cloulds. Not only the sunrise shooting, the terrace at Duoyishu also will turn the peaceful blue because of the front lighting after 17:00PM in the afternoon. There're also some stockaded villages nearby you can visit. These villages are located inside the terrace, so the scenery is like nature itself. Best time for shooting: 06:30-07:30AM & 17:00-18:00PM2. Ai Chun: Walk about 4-5KM inward from the viewing deck of Duoyishu, you'll arrive Aichun where is one of the best shooting point to photograph blue terrace. Actually, you can also take photos of blue terrace at other points. But Aichun has the right light, front lighting and the perfect angle with terrace which cannot be too wide, so that's why Aichun became one of the best point to shoot blue terrace in Yuanyang. By the way, Aichun is just on the side of the road, so you can go down to the terrace and just enjoy yourself close to the blue terrace.Best time for shooting: 09:00AM3. Lianbanchang: After Aichun, move foward a little bit, you'll arrive at Lianbanchang where is a good point to shoot the clouds sea. Villages are gleamingly in the clouds sea, just pick up your camera to keep this fairyland moment. Because Aichun is at the end of a small path on the side of the road (around 200M in the woods), so it's a little hard to find.4. Tiger Mouth: It's the must-see place at Yuanyang Rice Terrace which is the best shooting point to photograph sunset. Even if the weather is not good, the Tiger Mouth will also shock you for the spectacular lines there. Best time for shooting: 18:00-19:30PM5. Longshuba: It's a Yi Minority stockaded village with around 50 families. Terraces surround this village and make it's one of the best point to shoot blue and red terraces in the morning. If you arrive there in the afternoon, you can also shoot the sunset. But the way to the best point is somewhat hard to walk on, even there're several dangerous points to pass by. Fortunately, Walk along a path and through a few layer of terraces, you'll see a wide space that is stepped by the photographers.Best time for shooting: 09:00-10:30

Bada Rice Terrace Viewing Decks:Bada Rice Terraces has two viewing decks that offer views at similar heights but different lateral perspectives. One viewing platform faces the sun directly and when you take pictures of the rice paddies, the ridges of the rice terraces line in vertical scene. While, the other viewing platform offers side view of the spectacular rice paddies. There is a footpath from the first viewing deck leading to the second viewing deck. Travelers or photographers can try both locations to photograph amazing pictures. The sun goes down during 18:00~20:00. In the spring time (March to

May), it is usually during 19:10~19:50, in summer (June to August) at 19:25~19:57, in autumn (September to November) at 18:20~19:26 and in winter (December to February) at 18:20~19:11. If you are professional photographers, you’d better get to Bada Rice Terraces at 16:00 and find a good location for some great pictures with rice terraces, sea of clouds, Hani villages and sunset.

Laohuzui Rice Terraces (Mengpin Rice Terraces):Laohuzui Rice Terraces, also called Tiger Month Rice Terraces or Mengpin Rice Terraces, is core area of Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, the 45th World Heritage Site of China which announced by UNESCO in 2013. With an area of 460 hectare, Laohuzui Rice Terraces consists of Mengpin Village, Dongfu Village, Baoshanzhai Village, Amengkong Village, etc. It is the steepest, the grandest, the most magnificent Rice Terrace among all the rice terraces of Yuanyang. Besides, it has strong layering, three-dimensional sense, contrast color, making Laohuzui Rice Terrace a beautiful Chinese painting. Laohuzui Rice Terraces is the best site for SUNSET. Many photographers said that Laohuzui Rice Terraces has the most magnificent rural scenery. So, many travelers from home and abroad head to the remote Yuanyang for the most spectacular rice terrace scenery. Standing on the top of Laohuzui Rice Terraces, travelers can have panoramic view of the rice paddies which presents you a blooming white flower in front of you. When the sun goes down and the light gets dim, the whole rice terraces is turning into blue as clear and bright as mirrors, and then turning into golden. When the sunglow shows, the rice paddies is turning into pink, rosy, dark red…Different color changes in a very short time and Laohuzui Rice Terraces shows you amazing rice paddies like magic. Viewing Decks: There are two viewing decks of Laohuzui Rice Terraces, one is located at a higher location near the road and one is located in the middle of the hill. Travelers standing at the higher viewing deck can have panoramic view of the whole Laohuzui Rice Terraces and travelers getting down to the lower viewing deck can shoot the essence of Loahuzui – sometimes like two horses galloping quickly, sometimes like millions of snakes wriggling, sometimes like a white flower blooming…

Duoyishu Rice Terraces – Best Spot for SunriseOpen Hours: 06:00~19:00Duoyishu Rice Terraces scenic area has 400 hectare which is composed of Huangcaoling, Duoyishu, Aichun, Dawazhe, etc. When the sun rises over the surrounded mountains, the rice terraces change its color into golden, shining brilliantly. The mysterious sea of clouds, special mushroom houses and beautiful rice paddies and working Hani people are very harmony. Duoyishu Rice Terraces is the best site to watch sunrise over the rice fields. In the early morning, the sunglow appears splendidly over the mountains and just a few minutes later, the gentle sun begins to show up and rise slowly over the top of the mountains. When the sun rises up the 6000-mu Duoyishu Rice Terraces, the whole villages turns bright and the vast rice terraces look like a mirror, radiating the rays of golden light. What makes Duoyishu sunrise the most beautiful is not only the golden rice terraces, but also the mysterious sea of cloud and Hani people’s mushroom-like houses. No matter you are photographers or not, catch the best moment to keep the amazing Duoyishu Rice Terrace sunrise with your camera. Viewing Decks: There are two view decks of Duoyishu Rice Terraces, one is located on the top of the Pugao Old Village, close to the Duoyishu Ticket Booth and the other one is located in Pugao Old Village, very close to the rice terraces. It is suggested that use the higher viewing deck to watch the sun rises over the mountain and photograph the brilliant rice terrace scene. And if you have more time, you can take a walk down to the village and reach the lower deck to catch more beautiful scenery. From the lower deck, travelers can hike down the paddy rice terraces and have more memorable time in the mysterious village. The sun rises up during 06:00~07:30 and usually around 07:00 in the spring time. If you are professional photographers, you’d better get up at 05:00 and arrive at the viewing decks around 05:30 to find a good location. Otherwise, travelers can come around 06:30.

Longshuba rice terraces:Longshuba Village belongs to Xinjie Town, Yuanyang County, Honghe Prefecture, located in mountain area, a great place for planting rice, vegetables and various fruits. It’s 5 kilometers away from the town center. It’s famous for the red fields with red duckweed. The fields is rich in color at sunset and really worth pushing the bottom of your camera. The unique scenery at the time is extremely infectious and enjoyable. It attracts thousands of photographers flock here. Longshuba Rice terraces is different from other terraces because the oxygen in the water of the fields varies from other fields which lead to the rapid growth of red duckweed. The main color of the fields are red, green and yellow. It presents its beauty vividly around the Spring Festival as the duckweed expands to the maximum range with the breathtaking beauty. The village is surrounded by the silver terraces in the sunlight. The terraces are just like a colorful palette with red, white, green, yellow and black.

Trek 1 : Qingkou to Shengcun. 6-7 hours. Difficulty: Easy.

Direction: Qingkou 箐口 - Quanfuzhang 全福庄 (2 hours) - Bada View Point 坝达观景台 (1.5 hours) - Malizhai 麻栗寨 (50 minutes) - Shengcun 胜村 (2 hours). It takes 10 minutes to descend from the main road to Qingkou village. One has to pay Y15 for visiting the village. Qingkou is the only village with traditional mushroom houses in Yuanyang. After walking around in the village, we left the village from the south and followed a wide trail extending into the terrace fields. In half an hour, we passed a bridge. The trail starts to ascend slightly among terrace fields. In another 20 minutes, we arrived at Quangfuzhang. Quangfuzhan has a trail that goes directly to Malizhai. There is a road mark near a stone lion statue. We took the trail going up to main

road close Bada instead. Bada View Point is famous for sunset. It was quiet during the day, and we didn't sight any tourists. The trail goes down from Bada to Malizhai. Malizhai is the biggest Hani village in Yuanyang. There is a village gate in the south. We walked to the northeast gate, and followed the dirt track to Shengchun. There is a splendid viewpoint of rice terrace and the village. The road goes further up, passing by two tiny villages before reaching Shengcun.   Trek 2 : Duoyishu to Laohuzui, 5-6 hours of walk. Difficulty: Easy.

Direction: Duoyishu 多依树 - Puduo Upper Village 普朵上寨 (2 hours via east trail, 1 hour via dirt road) - Dongpu Village 洞浦 (2 hours) - Duosha 多沙 (1 hour) - Laohuzui 老虎嘴 (45 minutes). This is a leisurely 5-6 hour walk with lots of close-up views of rice terraces and minority villages. One could time the walk to get to Laohuzui around sunset as this is a prime location to view sunset (but getting back might be a problem as transport are lesser after 6pm). From Duoyishu to Puduo, one can take the tractor track above Duoyishu (see map) to Puduo. We walked along the main road eastward for 500m and took a walking path beside a white house on the right side which went up to the top of the hill in 40 minutes. After passing the col, we walked in the west direction on the top of the hill where we enjoyed a panoramic view of stunning rice terraces around Duoyishu. Further west, we sighted two Puduo villages, the bigger upper village in front. Passing through Puduo Upper Village, we took the path turning to the left in front of the lower Puduo Village. Walking a while in the woods, we left the trail and walked down to the terrace fields along an irrigation canal. The view is more pleasant than the main trail to Dongpu. Dongpu has a snack shop selling beer and bread, no restaurant. Dongpu has a dirt road going southwest to the main road near Laohuzui. We walked up to the top of the village and went northwest to Duosha village. There are few traditional mushroom houses left in these villages. The majority of the houses are new, which are charmless akin to concrete 'matchbox'. The descent from Duosha to Laohuzui view point is pleasant with a breathtaking view over the Laohuzui terrace fields.

Walk around Duoyishu.If you have time, it's worth spending one or more days in Duoyishu to discover the surrounding countryside. One can go to Yanzijiao in the north, or walk to some villages such as Aicun in the northeast.

There are numerous villages that one can visit to enjoy the fabulous rice terraces in Yuanyang such as Duoyishu 多依树 (for sunrise), Bada 坝达, Longshuba 龙树坝 and Laohuzui 老虎嘴 (for sunset). They are close to the main road connecting them and can be easily and cheaply visited by either public transport or charter. From these viewpoints, the rice terraces are similarly impressive with only minor differences eg. the terraces are flatter with more mushroom-shaped thatched dwellings in Qingkou (the only village with entrance fee of 15 RMB) while the terrace plots are smaller but more packed at Laohuzui.

REVIEWS:

We stayed in Pugao Laozhai (one hour further) and loved it there. The scenery was worth the trip! You can visit all four official sights from there easily by local minibus or on foot. Timeless Hostel is great and offers excellent hiking tips! The owner speaks English well (and western breakfast is available).

For accommodation, I recommend Timeless hostel, popular among Western tourists. Owner is fluent in English. Greatest advantage is hostel is 50m from the Duoyishu viewing square. See my separate review.

When I was there in late March, the weather was very foggy, totally no view of the surrounding. As recommended by the hostel, I joined a group of fellow travelers to hike about an hour, 5km, from Douyishu (多依樹) to the mushroom village. Village was rather quiet and deserted, met only a few other tourists and hardly any locals. Spent an hour or so to explore the old houses, whose tops were mushroom shaped. There was a small bar, where we had coffee (25rmb) or tea (10rmb), rather expensive.

If weather is good, recommend to hike from Duoyishu to Bada (坝达) during the day, then hire a minivan to Laohuzui for sunset.

In April, it’s the planting season. Local Yi people and Hani People firstly transplant rice sprouts from a small piece of field into a bigger one. And then the rice will get enough water, sunshine, air, fertilizer and space. Most of them are working outside, so you can take both people’s photos and sceneries.

Within a day, you firstly go to Duoyishu Scenic Spot to take sunrise photos.(It’s said that the best position is on the right side of the middle platform.) And then move to Aichun Village to take photos for blue rice terraces. At that time the sun is just behind you, so you can see the reflection of blue sky on the water.

Do take the fantastic walk from - Bada View Point 坝达观景台 to Quanfuzhang 全福庄 (2 hours) to Qingkou 箐口 - (1.5 hours), it's a small path, well maintained, along the rice terrasses, ask your hostel to explain how to go, it's a bit tricky to find but so rewarding.

We started from our Guesthouse in Pugao Laozhai. Bought some water and snacks in the little stores in the village and enjoyed the view from the village square across the terraces and the valley. Our hike through the terraces was very exiting though it was sometimes a bit slippery and foggy. We walk through 3 villages, meet some farmer working in the field, saw some cows and water buffalos. Just followed the cemented water channel thru the terraces parallel to the mountain. We did cross some other

water channels which bring water from the top of the mountain to terraces in the valley. One of these channels were with a little waterfall. You can't get lost in the fields, if you walk the mountain upwards you will encounter the mainroad there you can catch one of the quite frequently driving minibuses for 5 RMB to your guesthouse.

We stayed one night at Yuanyang and spent the next full day starting off with sunrise at 多依樹梯田景點 (Duoyishu) at 7am (freezing cold as expected) finishing around 8am, going to different parts to see the rice terraces (including amazing blue terraces) in different angles and lighting and taking leisurely strolls in the nearby villages before finally making the sunset at 老虎嘴 (Laohuzui) around 5:30pm. We were able to actually walk down into the rice terraces but beware not all of these are freely available and you may be charged by the locals.

The best season to see Yuan Yang Rice Terraces is when the plantings begin in April and that the terraces are filled with water. At 6am, we were already at the best viewpoint (多依树梯田景区) for sunrise. It was totally magical to see the sun rose among the fog and the reflection of the rice terraces.

Yuanyang County lies at an altitude ranging from 140 along the Red River up to nearly 3000 metres above sea level in the Ailao mountains and situated about 50 km north of the border with Vietnam. It covers an area of 2,200 km2 (850 sq mi) and 95% is associated with agriculture. We met a young Chinese couple and decided to sight-see as a group of four.

First stop, we went to Aichuan (爱春). It was said that around late morning, the Aichuan's rice terraces are blue in colour due to the reflection of the sunlight. Obviously, I did not manage to capture that. Thereafter, we headed to the village town for lunch. This is a rural village hence, only the simple noodles & BBQ street food. After lunch, we visited 麻栗寨梯田 (Malizhai). She stands between 950 metres – 2,000 metres above sea level. After 麻栗寨梯田, we headed towards 老虎嘴梯田 (Laohuzui). The locals describe “多依树梯田 as a beautiful, young lady” while, “老虎嘴梯田 as the majestic and masculine man”. He has more than 850km of magnificent rice terraces. After 老虎嘴, we drove to take a look at Qingkou Folk Village (青口民俗村). The village maintains a “forest, water, cottage & terraces” four factors to complete the ecosystem and upholding the Hani folk customs. Yuanyang Hani minority tribe is proud to cultivate terraces with such mountain topography. We went to the last scenic point for sunset at 坝达梯田 (Bada). She is sexy and beautifully contoured, with an area of 950 km and 3,700 flights of rice terraces. This is definitely the best spot for sunset. I was so mesmerized watching the sun setting and transforming rice terraces into a sea of gold.

I was staying in Pugaolao village, at the fantastic Timeless hostel, so it was about a minute walk down to the terraces to catch the sunrise. Only about a third of the terraces were full of water during my visit but it was still fantastic. Little bit of fog rolling up the valley with sunrise colors and clouds reflecting off the terraces was magical.

If you can get a driver in time, try to see Bada Terrace in the afternoon first. Then in the evening, most people go to Tiger Mouth terrace for sunset. The snake warning signs are for real, we saw one on the boardwalk.

Some PPL prefer to stay at Duoyishu hotel (the terrace for sunrise the next morning) after sunrise at Duoyishu, Bada terrace is En route but it is actually better viewed in the afternoon. Then there is the Hani village and rice terrace at Qingkou where you can probably spend an hour or so walking around.Besides the terraces the large number of ethnic minorities is what makes Yuan Yang special. you will see a lot of women in traditional dress.

Mushroom Village:I stayed in Yuanyang for a few days to admire rice terraces. On a foggy day I was recommended to visit this village and it was well worth it. Even just the walk from the hostel to this village was beautiful, you pass many local people in their traditional outfits. The village itself looks bizarre, especially I guess on a foggy day. It seems a little deserted but I've seen a few children running around and playing and took some very interesting pictures there.

I visited this small village with a group of Western travelers in the morning, as advised by our hostel, because of the foggy weather. It was a pleasant 5km hike from Duoyishu, took about 1 hour to reach there. The initial hike was easy walking along the road. Once we turned into the village, the path was muddy and slippery.

The place looked deserted, as we only met a few locals constructing new buildings. There were some mushroom-head houses around, nothing else of interest. Half an hour was sufficient to explore this small village. Suggest to visit only when weather is too foggy for the rice terraces. Else skip this place.

Programm Tag 2:Wenn noch keine Wanderung am Vortag: sunrise Duoyishu (gleich bei Hostel) Frühstück drive to Aichuan for blue terraces walk from Malizhai to Bada / Bada to Quanfuzhang / Quanfuzhang to Qingkuo visit Qingkuo village (wenn noch nicht gemacht) Longshuba

Lunch Xinjie / Yuanyang

Wenn bereits Wanderung am Vortag: sunrise Duoyishu (gleich bei Hostel) Frühstück drive to Aichuan for blue terraces, eventuell auch walk walk from Duoyishu to Bada visit Qingkuo village (wenn noch nicht gemacht) Longshuba Lunch Xinjie / Yuanyang

Fahrt Yuanyang – Kunming: ca 5h45min ab Longshuba – über Yuxi / Dianchi Lake Area fahren

Kunming: Spaziergang Green Lake Wenhua Road (night market)Wenhua Street is another place to go for nightlife. Being adjacent to three colleges, this street is lined with restaurants, dessert shops, cafés, clothing stores, and so on. You can taste all kinds of local food from Yunnan, and do some shopping there. It is not only a place for students and local people, but also attracts many foreigners. Address: Wenhua Street, Wuhua District

Also, the streets around Green Lake   Park are ideal places for enjoying some nightlife. You can take a stroll in the park, order a cup of coffee and chat with your friends in a café, or look for excitement in a karaoke establishment.

Übernachtung: Hotel „Lost Garden“, CNY 168, Frühstück CNY 38 p.p. (recht teuer aber a la carte!)No. 7 Yiqiutian, Huanggongdong Street, South Cuihu Road, Wuhua, 650000 Kunming

Alternative zu Yuanyang: DONGCHUAN REDLANDS mit Sunset Luoxiaguo! CNY 80 p.p.Mögliche Übernachtungen in Dongchuan: Red Soil Home Inn / Hongtu Renjia Hotel (billig) oder Yingyou Zhijia Hotel (etwas teurer)

Tag 3 (20/04/18): Yuanmou Soil/Earth Forest (Wumao & Langbapu sections), drive to Dali mit Pagoda und Ancient town (Bai people + Abendessen)

1.YUANMOU EARTH FOREST: Sektion Wumao und Langbapu, 8-18 UhrBeide Gebiete abspazieren, Wumao ca. 2 km trails, Langbapu ca. 6-7kmFahrzeit Kunming – Wumao: 2h45min, Kunming – Langbapu 3h15min,Fahrzeit Wumao – Langbapu 1h30min für 38km – geht vielleicht schneller… grundsätzlicher Plan: bei zeitiger Abfahrt (spätestens 8 Uhr) bzw. Ankunft Wumao beide Teile

Entrance Ticket: Wumao Earth Forest: CNY80, Langbapu Earth Forest: CNY70Through ticket for both Wumao and Langbapu Earth Forest: CNY100

Yuanmou Earth Forest (元谋土林)There are many earth forest in Yuanmou China but so far only 2 of them have been developed for tourism. Wumao Tulin is located in Wumao village about 45 minutes from Yuanmou bus station and cost 7 yuan for the bus ticket.  Like those natural land formations. It is sandy and clay like. Area is huge and need at least 2-3 hours to admire the beautiful scenery. It is not so touristy as the Stone Forest.

AAAA attraction, must see! Quite an easy walk with pavements and some steps. Not suitable for wheelchair. Must bring along water, sun hat, umbrella etc. Slap on more moisturizer and sun block, it's very dry. The other earth forest called Langbapu Tulin or Xinhua Tulin which located in Langbapu village about 90 minutes from Yuanmou bus station. Only one bus go directly to Langbapu which departure on 14.20 everyday and will return to Yuanmou the next morning at 7.30. The bus fare is 12 Yuan. If you miss the direct bus, you still can take other bus going to Xin Hua and find other transportation for Langbapu but for sure it must be more costly.

Yunnan's Tulin (土林) — or 'Earth Forest' — is so named because of its dense and strangely protuberant natural clay formations. The area includes several agglomerations, the most famous of which are visible at Banguo (班果), Langbapu (浪巴铺) and Wumao (物茂) sightseeing areas. I recently paid a visit to Wumao, which is the most accessible of the three and about 45 minutes from the city of Yuanmou via public bus. You can think of Tulin's oddly shaped, sun-scorched spires as southwest China's tiny version of Bryce Canyon National Park or Turkey's Cappadocia.

Wumao: There is a cart that can take you to the top viewing platform and back.

Visited both Yuanmou forest soil and Lang Ba Pu forest soil in Mid June. Had fine weather. Lang Ba Pu forest soil is bigger in scale and rated AAAA attraction. Land formations are sandy. It is not so touristy like stone forest. Sun here does not set over the horizon like on sea or desert. Sun blocked by high mountain. Anyway can see beautiful golden sun set rays on mountain slopes and rock formations. It is beautiful!

Langbapu: The walk arround is more or less 6km,with a lot of steps.

To enjoy the zenith of Yuanmou Earth Forest’s beauty, you need to go up high. Take a bird’s-eye view, you will see the meandering Longchuan river, a tributary of Jinsha river (one upstream of Yangtze River), flows by like a silver ribbon, with its west bank embellished with attention-grabbing golden patchworks, among which Banguo Earth Forest, Tiger Leaping Shoal Earth Forest, Wanbao Earth Forest, Xiaoleizai Earth Forest and Xinhua Earth Forest, are main quarters. In no exception, they span more than 5km2.

Hutiaotan Earth Forest(Wumao Earth Forest, Yuanmou Earth Forest)Along the dried river bed measuring 1500m-long and 10-m to 40-m wide, clusters of yellow earth columns thrust themselves into the sky. 100m away there is a 300-m deep valley decoratd with waterfalls, streams and rocks.

Xinhua Earth Forest (Langbapu):Located in Xinhua Township, 33km west of Yuanmou County, Chuxiong, Xinhua Earth Forest lures photographers for the densely distributed, most complete and highest earth columns. The majority measures 3m to 27m high, while the tallest towers 42.8m above the ground, which is a mind-nimbling sight. Several streams run through Xinhua Earth Forest, so you can chance upon hares and birds along its lush-wooded slopes. It is fringed with dozens of lakes. It if fun to capture earth foret along water edge.

In the morning, catch the 09:20 tourist bus to the Hutiaotan Earth Forest, which is the best one among the three (Add: Luomaole Village, Wumao Township, Yuanmou County). The bus runs at 09:20, 11:00, 15:30, and 16:30, and arrives at the attraction in about 40 minutes, costing CNY7.5 per person. Alternatively, you can charter a taxi at a cost of CNY60 - 80 for a round trip. For photography lovers, you are advised to visit the earth forest in the early morning or at twilight. The earth forest is like a young girl when the bright sunlight falls on it in the morning; at sunset, the rosy glow turns it to a shy and charming bride.

Upon arrival discover Langbapu Earth Forest (It is located Xinhua township in the west 33km from Yuanmou county. The Langbapu Earth Forest occupied an area of 1.4 square kilometer at the altitude between 1560- 1640m above sea level. This special kind of land-form was formed under the influence of movement of crust, erosion of water, test of climate and so on. It is a wonders of the nature.

Yuanmou Soil forest at the Tiger Leaping Beach (Wumao):So far it is one of the most developed soil forest in the area, covering 2.3 square kilometers. It is located at the Huxi Village of Wumao Township. Therefore it is also called Wumao Soil Forest. On the whole, soil forest here is of the shape of the castle or the folding screen, or the window shade. The average height of the soil is 10 to 15 meters, and the highest is 27 meters. Looking at the forest from a high place in the distance, you will find it covered with dongas and ravines, displaying a sense of roughness and desolation, like an abandoned castle. Looking at it from a close site, you will find it like grand groups of soil sculpture. Most of the scenic spots are distributed along the dried river bed from east to west with a length of 1500 meters. There are some branch river beds lying at each side, totaling 4300 meters. Colorful gravels and yellow fine sands cover the surface of the soil.

Yuanmou Soil Forest Xinhua Town (Langbapu):Xinhua Soil Forest is located 33 kilometers west of the Yuanmon County in the Xinhua Township, about 15 kilometers away from the Banguo Soil Forest, covering an aea of 8 square kilometers. The soil hills here are dense and grand, with all kinds of shapes especially the conical ones. These hills are well developed and the average height is about 8-25 meters. The highest part can reach 42.8 meters.

Color of the Xinhua soil forest is very rich. For example, the top of the soil hills are usually amaranth while the middle part are grey and the bottom are yellow. Looking from the distance, you will feel as if you are walking into some magnificent palaces. Walking among the soil hills you will feel as if you are touring through a beautiful gallery. A horseback ride through this landscape is highly recommended, for although the color of the rocks is monotonous, the sharp angles and shapes create strong shadowy contrasts, very good for photography. Hares and wild birds are seen here and there in the forest too.

The vegetation of the soil hills here are good too. Several small water reservoirs can be found around the Forest and there are winding brooks going through the hills too. Sometimes wild birds, hares and other small animals can be seen. It is a good place to enjoy the nature.

How to get there: Road from Yuanmou to Xinhua is the simple countryside path. So it is quite dusty in the dry season and muddy in the rainy days. A regular bus goes from the Yuanmon County to Xinhua Township at 8:30 everyday, which charges RMB 12 Yuan a person. Because of the poor road condition it usually takes about 4-5 hours to finish the 32-kilometer journey. A minibus package tour will cost abut RMB 120 Yuan.

In April to May, when it is hot and dry, the sunny days offer great opportunities for photography.

It is extremely important to take a compass to locate the directions in the soil forest. Make certain obvious marks at the parting of the ways so that you may have a way to look back. Banguo and Xinhua Soil Forest belong to the depopulated area, in which there are no residents. So, you had better keep in a group and do not go out all alone. If you are lost in the soil forest, walk from the narrow parts to the wider ones, and it will be easier for you to find the main path.

It is quite dangerous to climb up the soil hills especially during the rainy season. Even when it is dry, visitors should choose these hills with slow slopes and go up from the places of shrubs and bushes.

It is recommended that visitors may tour the soil forest either in the morning or late in the afternoon since the temperature of the soil may rise high at noon. Sometimes temperature in a day may differ 10—15¡æ.It is extremely hot at noon and relative cool and comfortable in the morning and late in the afternoon.

Fahrzeit Yuanmou – Dali: ca. 6 Stunden, nach Earth Forest zuerst Mittagessen?

2.DALI (chinesisch 大理市, Pinyin Dàlǐ Shì): Altstadt Dali, auch Yeyu bzw. Zhonghezhen genanntChinese Name: 大理古城, RMB 30 Eintritt in die AltstadtSehenswürdigkeiten Altstadt: Wenxian und Wuhua building, Foreigner street (Huguo Road), Abendessen / Bar: Baldy’s Belgian Beer Garden (bis 1 Uhr) – siehe Karte

Übernachtung: Summer Flowers Inn, CNY 99, kein Frühstück (aber gleich bei Hotel 2x Bäckerei)Adresse: 119 Pingdeng Road, 671000 DaliFrühstücksrestaurant wenn Bäckerei nicht geöffnet: Gogo cafe, No.51 Renmin road (in Altstadt), Öffnungszeit aber nicht bekannt.Tag 4 (21/04/18): Dali Three Pagoda Park, Lijiang (Impression Show, old town), stay overnightDali + Lijiang sunrise / sunset: 6:50 / 19:45

1.Dali Three Pagodas: 【 Chinese Name】: 崇圣三塔Address: Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Tourism Culture Area, 1.8 km north away from Dali Ancient City in Yunnan ProvinceOpening Time: 09:00-17:00, 8:30-18:30 laut Lonely Planet um 8.30 Uhr dort seinAdmission Fee: CNY 121Recommended Time for a Visit: Two hoursOpening Hours: 08:00 to 19:00

Eine wirklich schöne Anlage und für Fotofans willkommen, aber Vorsicht am Wochenende, dann wird die Anlage übervölkert und ihr habt nichts mehr zum Geniesen. Mit etwas Geduld konnte ich die herrliche Stimmung an einem frühen Morgen mit Sonne und leichtem Regen einfangen. Entschädigung für den hohen Eintrittspreis.

Weitere Empfehlung: Mit Elektrocart den Hügel rauf bis zum Ende und zu Fuß retour spazieren, Tempel kosten angeblich auch nochmals Eintritt (NICHT ZAHLEN!)

Fahrzeit Dali - Lijiang: 2h30min zur Unterkunft, 3h zur Impression Show Abfahrt Dali spätestens um 10 Uhr

2. Impressions Lijiang: CNY 280 + CNY 130 für Jade Dragon Snow mountain, Aufführung um 9, 11 und 14 Uhr (unklar), Anfahrtszeit ab Lijiang Old Town ca 45. Minuten

Ticket booth Lijiang old town: Take a right turn at the water wheels and walk down the main street.

The Impression Lijiang Show is played at Blue Moon Valley Theater in Jade Dragon Snow Mountain area.Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (traditional Chinese: 玉龍雪山; pinyin: Yùlóng Xuěshān)

REVIEWS:Eine tolle Show mit atemberaubender Naturkulisse. Wichtiger Tipp: Zum Foto machen einen Platz in der letzten Reihe waehlen. Nur hier darf man zum Fotografieren aufstehen und nur hier kann man die Naturkulisse am besten geniessen.

It was definitely a cool visual spectacle and mostly because of the scale and the backdrop, it was like nothing I'd ever seen before. The mountains in the background, especially on a partly cloudy day so it isn't TOO sunny— is just so cool.

The stage is an outdoor, so they give you raincoat when you enter in case it rains. They offer a free cap with their logo for the sun, but I personally prefer sunblock.

1. It is best to check the show times. According to English website show times: 9am, 11am, 2pm (peak season); 11am, 2pm (off season). This is incorrect for off peak season. I visited in end Sep, it is considered off peak and there was ONLY 1 show at 1:30pm. Hence best to check with hotel or travel agency.2. Get the ticket early, especially during peak season. 3. If your travel is flexible, best to check the weather forecast and come on a clear day. You can then enjoy the show with the amazing backdrop of the mountain ranges.4. The show ticketing office and entrance is just across the road to the main ticketing building to Glacier Peak. This is the place when you arrive at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.5. Get the normal seat which costs a hefty 280RMB. No need to pay for VIP seat (didn’t bother to ask).6. Entrance will open 30 mins before show time. Suggest to be there early to queue and get better seats. Fyi, non peak season also attracts 500 visitors (my estimate) for the show.7. Seat somewhere in the lower middle section, slightly to the right. Reason is there is only 1 large screen located on right side of amphitheatre. Also the right side has a lower stage section for performers, no such stage on the left side.8. Look out for the smaller screen on the left side. Occasionally, it gives a short explanation of the performance in Chinese, with English translation.9. As it is open spaced arena, it is subject to weather. Suggest to bring a sunhat or sunscreen for sunny weather. No umbrella allowed.10. Bring a selfie stick to take better photos. As such, you can raise it to capture pictures only of the performers and not the audience’s heads.11. Seat back and enjoy the visually impressive show, lasting 65 mins.

Impression Lijiang show ticket: CNY280/person (or CNY228 online booking) – GEHT NICHT!Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area: RMB 130/p(Including Ganhaizi, Blue-Moon Valley; excluding tramway, Lijiang Ancient City Protection fee, and the fee of Impression Lijiang Show, etc.; valid for that one day) 

Entrance Fee

CNY 130 for the entrance chargeCNY 280 for the Impression Lijiang Show

 Note:1. Tourists with the entrance tickets to the snow mountain can visit Ganhaizi Grassland and Blue Moon Valley for free.2. Tourists are required to take the sight-seeing bus to reach the ropeway terminal. It costs CNY 20 per person.

Online-Buchung funktioniert nicht, Anfrage bei Hotel wenn keine Tickets auf gut Glück versuchen, die 14 Uhr Show zu besuchen (spätestens um 13:30 Uhr dort sein, wenn Zeit davor in die Altstadt zum oben genannten Ticketschalter, damit nicht umsonst zur Show) wenn keine Tickets oder keine Show: Shuhe Old Town (eventuell per Fahrrad) wenn ohnehin keine Lust, bei Regen oder zu später Abfahrt aus Dali: Shigu Old Town / First River Bend

3. Lijiang Ancient Town: CNY 80 p.p. – deckt auch Black Dragon Pool Park ab. Sehenswürdigkeiten: Wenchang Palace (guter Ausblick auf Altstadt), Mufu Palace, Three Wells, Bar Street/Jiukajie, Dashiqiao Bridge, Square Market, Former Residence of Fang Guoyu

Dayan (Chinese: 大研), commonly called the Old Town of Lijiang (simplified Chinese: 丽江古城; traditional Chinese: 麗江古城; pinyin: Lìjiāng Gǔchéng) is the historical center of Lijiang City, in Yunnan, China. UNESCO World Heritage Site.Altitude: about 2400 meters Location: Old Town of Lijiang is located on Yungui Plateau with Shuhe Ancient Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the north.

     Main Attractions in Lijiang Old Town ▪ Mu’s Residence Ticket: 60 Yuan per person Open Hours: 09:00~17:00 The best part of the display is he view of Snow Mountain from the top of the meeting hall, overlooking the town roofs.▪ Wangu Tower Ticket: 50 Yuan per person Open Hours: 07:00~20:00 Located on the top of Lion Hill, Wangu Tower is 32.8 meters in height with 123,000 dragon head of Naxi style on the top, which ranks the world's greatest. Standing on the top of the tower, you can hace panoramic view of the whole Lijiang Old Town and rivers to the east, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the north and Naxi villages to the south, which is magnificent. Fang Guoyu: schöner Tempel

Wengchang Palace - Chinese Name: 文昌宫 Location：north of Lion Mountain, Lijiang Old Town About Wenchang Palace in Lijiang Old Town: It is free to visit Wenchang Palace in Lijiang Old Town. Standing in the space area in front of Wenchang Palace, travelers can shoot the panorama of Lijiang Old Town. erster Stopp in Altstadt da Eintritt kostenlos und auch keine Info bezüglich Öffnungszeiten

Introduction of Square Market: As the center of Lijiang Old Town, it is said that the Square Market is built according to the shape of the seal of Mu Family. It has been the most important junction station in the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Since Ming and Qing Dynasty, merchants from each side came together in crowds and nationalities came and lived here so that it has been the economic and cultural center. Nowadays, the Square Market is still the most prosperous place in the Old Town, which specializes in bars, shopping and snacks.

      Square Market in Lijiang Old Town Four main streets direct to the four different directions from Square Market and numerous lanes extend in all directions, forming a network that links every corner of the town. Streets are paved by the local bluestones which are neither muddy in the rainy season nor dusty in the dry season. Along the street, the residences are mainly tile-roofed houses with three squares, one screen wall, square courtyard and capacious corridor. The doors and windows are decorated with carved images of flowers and birds. Everyday morning, many Naxi old women dance traditional Naxi dance in the Square Market. If you are interested, you can join them to dance together.

Morning is the best time to shoot for photos before the tourists are noisily round. If you want to take a full shot of the Lijiang Old Town, Mu Family Mansion and Wenchang Palace are nice shooting spots.

4. Black Dragon Pool: grundsätzlich CNY 80 p.p., aber im Eintritt für Altstadt inkludiert, 7-21:30 UhrFOTOPOINT SIEHE BILD! Beste Zeit für Fotos später Nachmittag

Entrance Fee CNY 80 for visitors didn't pay for the Lijiang Protection Fee;Free for visitors with the receipts for the Lijiang Protection Fee.

Opening Hours 07:00-21:30* The protection fee receipts are not checked after 19:00.

Jade Spring Park (Black Dragon Pool Park)Heading north along Square Street of Lijiang Old Town, you reach Heilongtan Pool (Black Dragon Pool) at the foot of the Elephant Hill. The pool is also called Jade Spring Park, reflecting its endless bubbling clear spring waters. The arrival at the park is along a colored cobbled lane to reach a white marble bridge over emerald water: the Suocui Bridge. To your north, weather permitting, you might see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with its white snow, the source of the Jade Spring and its famous white clouds. The Deyue Pavilion rests at the center of the lake, on the same axis as the Hanyue Stage. At the gate, there is a pair of couplets inscribed by

the famous Chinese writer Guo Moruo.

The Longshen Temple is the impressive centre-piece of the park. It consists of a gate-house with two wings and a great hall. 'Longshen' means Dragon God in Chinese, the God of Rain in Chinese mythology. The temple was built during Emperor Qianlong's reign in 1737, and was conferred the 'Longshen' accolade by the Emperors of the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1911); this title reflected the high esteem of the Heilongtan Pool.

How to get to Jade Spring Park1. Take bus 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 20, or 28 to Heilongtan (Jade Spring Park).2. 15 minutes' walking from the Old Town of Lijiang or taking a taxi. Taxi fare is around CNY 10 - 15.

Chinese Name：黑龙潭公园（玉泉公园） Location: on the foot of Elephant Mountain in the north of Lijiang Old Town. Address: 1 Minzu Road, Gucheng, Lijiang, Yunnan, China

In front of the Black Dragon Palace is the pool. Two pools in the front and back are interlinked, separated by a stone bridge in the middle. On the left is the muddy pool, it is the area of 2600 square meters, the depth of the water up to 50 centimeters. On the right is the clear pool, with 600 square meters, the average water depth is 7 meters and the deepest can up to 11 meters, storage capacity of 4400 cubic meters. It is Black Dragon Pool. Two pools connected to the water, and due to distinct color of water, it looks like a Taoist diagram of the universe. This is mainly because the clear pool is deep, springs come out by the pool bottom, so the water is clear; And muddy pool water is shallow and have mud into the pool after raining along the hillside, so the water is muddy. Standing on the bridge can find a rare sight: “there is no interaction of fishes between two pools, a bridge cut the water from two pools and the colors in two pools are different.” ▪ Five Phoenix TowerFive Phoneix Tower, the original temple was built in Zhishan Fuguo Temple, 1979 moved to Black Dragon Pool. The temple was built in the Ming dynasty, originally it is Family Mu’s villa and family temple. Tusi Mu had met famous traveler and geographer Xu Xiake in the Ming dynasty in the temple.▪ Dragon ShrineDragon Shrine is the main building of Black Dragon Pool, including stage, Deyue Building (Getting Moon Building), distributed on the axis line. Dragon Shrine faces west, it is a type of building with quadrangle courtyard and two patios, and there is gate, two wing-rooms and hall. The hall is single eave hipped-gable roof, three rooms wide, in the front is platform, and verandas surrounded are connected.

Distances from Other Scenic Area in Lijiang: • Lijiang Old Town: about 1.6 kilometers • Shuhe Old Town:about 4.5 kilometers

Ticket for Black Dragon Pool: It is free to get into but travelers should show the receipt of Mantenance Fee for Lijiang Old Town. While it will open after 7:00 pm and close before 9:30. Black Dragon Pool is one of Lijiang’s (and Yunnan’s) most dramatic sites but it does get very busy with other tourists. To avoid the crowds as much as possible, late afternoon is the best time to visit, plus you have the added bonus of having the sun behind you when you begin to click away!

▪ Dongba Culture Museum Ticket: 30 Yuan per person Open Hours: 08:00~18:00 Lijiang Dongba Culture Museum is located in the north of Black Dragon Pool Park, established in 1984. Built according to the traditional Naxi architectural style with four sets, the museum has more than 12,000 rare Dongba relics including unearthed cultural relics, paintings and calligraphy of all ages, Dongba scriptures and religious articles,etc.

Other Ancient Town in Lijiang: • Shuhe Ancient Town: CNY 50 p.p. Eintritt, am besten zur Tea time am Nachmittag, hat auch eine Food streetIt is located in the northweat(4 kilometers) of Lijiang Old Town. Baisha Ancient Town is an important town in the Ancient Tea Horse Road and a living specimen of the transition between agriculture civilization and commercial civilization of Naxi ancestors. • Baisha Ancient Town:  It is located in the north(8 kilometers) of Lijiang Old Town.During Song and Yuang Dynasty, it was the political, economic and cultural center of Lijiang Area. About Maintenance Fee: Tourists are required to pay CNY 80 per person as the maintenance fee and received a receipt in validity of one week once they pay. When visiting some scenic spot in Lijiang, they should show the receipt of maintenance fee to staff, such as Mu's Residence, Black Dragon Pool and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Specialty in Lijiang Old Town: In Lijiang Old Town, travelers can taste the local Naxi snacks, like Salad of Jidou Pea Jelly, Lijiang Baba, Mabu, Preserved Fruit, Buttered Tea, Er Kuai, December Ribs, Naxi Copper Pot, etc. And you can buy specialties in Square Market(Sifang Street) such as Dongba tapestry, Dongba tie-dye and Dongba woodcarving.

5. Bar Street @ night:The Bar Street links to Square Market in one direction and leads to the Giant Water Wheels in another direction. At night, it becomes the most bustling place in the Old Town. A large number of bars decorated in different styles are famous highlight of Lijiang Old Town. In the daytime, the flowing water, shoal of fish, willow trees, ancient street and leisurely passerby form a tranquil and peaceful scene. When the evening closes in, many travelers from around the world get together here, communicating their romantic experience or just involving themselves in the fascinating night scenery. The blurred lights, red lantern, boiling music and crowded people may make your blood boil. Different from the reinforced buildings in the cities, most of the bars in Lijiang Old Town are two-storied wooden constructions, which add more charm. The bars here are not only a place to drink but also a place to enjoy tea, coffee and delicacy. If you are circumspective, you may find that some details in the street are decorated with yellow corn, red pepper, worn-out bamboo hat and so on, which seem to be simple and unadorned. Drinking beers, you can revel, or enjoy the croon from wandering singers, or talk to others.

Location: the center of Lijiang Old Town, the intersection of Qiyi Street, Wuyi Street, Xinhua Street and Dongda Street.

Bars in Lijiang Old Town are a part of life. No matter what you like, there's a bar for everyone in Lijiang. Cocktails, brandy, whisky, vodka, rum; Lijiang bars probably have it! Sakura Bar, the biggest bar in Lijiang, is highly recommended. The DJ there is amazing. Other famous bars are ‘Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles' and 'A Meter Sunshine'. There are even Thai “ladyboy” shows and cultural performances by local minorities. A large number of bars, which are decorated in different styles, are another highlight of Lijiang. Xinhua Street lying on the tranquilly flowing water in the Old Town is a street famous for its local bars. Every night, many travelers from around the world get together here, communicating their romantic experience with each other or just involving themselves in the fascinating night scenery. It is worth mentioning that some bars in Lijiang are owned or operated by westerners who have become deeply fond of this city. Additionally, escaping from the reinforced concrete buildings in the cities, most of the bars here are two-storied wooden constructions. In a word, the nightlife of Lijiang is as rich and varied as your expectation.

Le Petit ParisIt is one of the most popular bars for visitors. The romantic love story of its host from France and his Chinese wife has been going round for a long time. Another attraction here is the antiphonal singing by the local Naxi maidens at night. Of course, the audiences also can participate in the singing no matter where you are from.Location: No.111, Cuiwen Duan, Xinhua Jie, the Old Town, Lijiang SakuraIt was opened by a Chinese and his Korean wife in 1996. At present, not only a bar but also a western food restaurant has been built here.Location: No.123, Cuiwen Duan Xinhua Jie the Old Town, Lijiang Mosuo BarIt is in the typical Mosuo style, serving some snacks of Mosuo Group.Location: No.8, Cuiwen Duan, Xinhua Jie, the Old Town Neighbour of the SunIt is in Naxi-style and became so famous after a cognominal TV series made here. It is also related with a beautiful love story of Naxi people.Location: No.6, Shuangshi Section, Xinhua Jie, the Old TownPragueIt provides drinks, dinner and accommodations here and it is favored by lots of visitors.Location: No.80, Mishi Xiang, Xinyi Jie, the Old Town 37°2This three-storey bar is a good place to view the Jade Snow Mountain in a distance.Location: nearby the Square Street

Where should I color my night life in Lijiang? Xinhua Street on the right side of the stone bridge is Lijiang's famous Bar Street. Famous foreign-run pubs or bars like:

English-run Frosty Morning (雾都英式酒吧, Add: Yu He Corridor #C-13) Irish-Naxi Sexy Tractor (性感拖拉机, Add: Guangyi Jie)

French-run Little Paris (小巴黎, Add: Xinhua Jie) are pretty popular among the night fun seeker. Cuisine: Lijiang are gathering the local minority dishes as well as the foods from the western and various Chinese regions. Mama Fu's (妈妈付餐厅 Add: Xinyijie miyunxiang) has won its reputation with its superb Chinese dishes and western deserts. Add: Xinyijie. Sakura café provides the Japanese dishes as well as the Korean food like must-taste Korean Bimbab. Add: Xinhua Jie. Sifang Street in the Lijiang Old Town features stores of Yunnan snacks like the Yunnan Rice Noodles.

88 Snack: 88 Wu Yi Street, Lijiang, China – gut und günstigN's Kitchen – bis 23 Uhr, €€ - €€€amerikanisch, Café, europäisch, 2F, 17 Jishan Alley, Xinyi Street | Xiaosifang Street, Lijiang, China

Frühstück:BuLaGe Café (= Prague): ab 8 Uhr$$ - $$$Cafe, European80 Mishi Xiang, at Xinyi Jie | Lijiang Old Town, Lijiang, ChinaGreat spot to stop when you need Western Breakfast or are looking for coffee. Staff is friendly and helpful, with good English speaking skills. Prices are much more reasonable than other local choices.

Note that the sign is actually in English and reads "Prague Cafe". Enjoy.

Essen grundsätzlich nur bis 21 Uhr

Alternative zur Bar Street: Naxi Ancient Music @ Dayan Ancient Music Association, CNY 120-160

Übernachtung: Lijiang Xianyun Xiaozhu Inn, CNY 65, kein Frühstück (丽江闲云小筑客栈)

No.49 Zhaoqing Village, Xingwen Lane, Qiyi Street, Gucheng District, 674100 LijiangAdresse chinesisch: 兴文巷昭庆村49 号 古城区七一街

Tag 5 (22/04/18): Shigu old town, Yangtze river bend, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Baishuitai terraces, drive to Shangri-La town

1) First Bend of Yangtze River: Shigu Old town und Sangushui scenic spot: kein EintrittShigu Ancient Town (Chinese Name: 石鼓古镇) is one of the famous ancient town at the river bank of the upper reaches of Yangtze River. As there is a drum-shaped stone tablet carved with white marble, hence the name of the town. The diameter of the stone tablet is 1.5 m and the thickness is 0.7 m. It is said that if the society is unrest, the drum will craze, but when the society is peaceful again, the drum will close up.

Shigu Town is 70 km away from Lijiang. Bordering Jiuhe Township, Longpan Village, Shitou Village,Liming Village, it is also a strategetic area of each dynasty.

There are two ways of traveling Shigu Ancient Town, the first is to charter a car to Shigu Town directly, and the second is going to Liming Laojun Mountain via Shigu Ancient Town. Departing from Lijiang Old Town and passing Lashi Lake, and then there are two roads can lead to Shigu town, one is bypassing north side of Tiejia Mountain to Xionggu village, and going northward to the riverside then going upstream westward to Shigu; another is throwing over Tiejia Mountain from Tai’an to Baihanchang, going westward to Shigu. Two roads are all around 65 km, the first road condition is quite good, but the second road can give people a surprise that when you go the path winds along mountain ridges and suddenly Yangtze River First Bend appears.

Since Qing dynasty, Shigu Ancient Town has formed quite busy market.

The Jinsha River does a U-turn at Shigu Town and flows northward, Then it changes the direction and goes to the northeast. The curveture of this turn almost reaches a 140° of angle. It is the First Bend of Yangtze Rier known throughout the world. The First Bend of the Yangtze River is located on the north side of the highway leading from Dali to Lijiang, about 70 km. from lijiang Town. The upper reaches of the Yangtze River is named the Jinsha River, which originates from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The Jinsha River flowed southward along the Hengduan Mountain ranges and was forced to the turn to north because of the Alpine movements which caused changes in the earth's physiognomy.    On the hill as the river bends stands the small Shigu (stone drum) Township. It is so called because of the existence of a drum-like stone tablet. It is 1.5 m. in diametre, 70 mm. in thickness, being the memorial tablet marking the victory of territorial expansion of Lijiangs local ruler Baichuan, surnamed Mu, in the 27th to 40th year of the Jiaqing era of the Ming Dynasty (1548-1561). It is one of the earliest stone tablets hitherto found at Lijiang.

There is a famous iron chain bridge (SIEHE BILD) spanning across the Chongjiang River that flows along from the left side of Stone Drum Town (a pivotal place on the ancient route for transportation of commercial goods, particularly tea, by horses between inland provinces and Tibet in China). The bridge is also named Tiehong Bridge because it resembles the shape of a rainbow arching over the waves below. 

The Iron Chain Bridge in Shigu Town, Lijiang = Tiehong bridge, Chinese Name:石鼓铁索桥Red Army Monument of Crossing the RiverThe Shigu Town is located on a slope of a mountain and facing the Yangtze River. The Red Army Monument of Crossing the River is in a park at the west of the town. Sangushui Scenic Area, Lijiang: View point siehe Karte – keinen Eintritt zahlen!Chinese Name:丽江三股水景区Location: Hongwen Village, Longpan Township, Yulong County, Lijiang city, Yunnan ProvinceAdmission Fee: 120 Yuan Opening Hours：07:00-17:00

The First Bend of Yangtze River, Lijiang, Chinese Name:丽江长江第一湾The best place to see the attraction: 1. There are two places to see the First Bend of the Yangtze, one is in Shigu Village and another is on the way from Lijiang to Shigu Village (about 34 kilometers after leaving Lijiang for the village), the awesome landscapes can be seen along the No.308 provincial road, and a special viewing deck is built there and helps guest to enjoy the grand scene of the Yangtze River. 2. Usually the tour group will only see the First Bend in Shigu Village, it will be only a glance from far away and with poor direction. People need to climb the hill at the entrance of Shigu Village to see the panorama of the sight with the help of local people (maybe at an extra fee of RMB5 or 10 yuan to pass their home to the hill’s peak)

Erste Biegung von Yangtze ist wunderbar anzusehen - wir waren direkt am Unfer und wurden dann aber auch auf eine Anhöhe in dem Dorf hinaufgeführt - von dort war der Blick noch besser2) Tiger Leaping Gorge: CNY 65, 8:30-18 Uhr

Entrance Fee CNY 65;Opening Hours 9:00 - 16:30

Recommended Time for a Visit 2 hoursThe gorge is divided into three segments called Upper Gorge, Middle Gorge and Lower Gorge. The whole valley is about 18 kilometers long. It goes from southwest to northeast. It lies between Hutiaoxia Zhen (Tiger Leaping Gorge Town) that is also called Qiaotou near the Upper Gorge and the town of Daju near the Lower Gorge. The canyon is near the beginning of the Yangtze River that is the world's third longest river, and it is the most important river in China. The famous scenic areas of the Upper Gorge are the mouth of the gorge and Tiger Leaping Boulder area. Mantianxing (Sky Full of Stars) Reefs Area and Yixiantian are famous spots in the Middle Gorge. There are rapids in the Middle Gorge. In the lower gorge, you can enjoy the scenery around Daju. To the west of the valley is 5,396 meter high Haba Snow Mountain and to the east is the 5,596 (18,355 feet) high peak called Shanzidou (扇子陡) of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. So the vertical distance down to the Yangtze River is 3,600 meters from the west and 3,800 meters from the east. Two Trails Along the Gorge – für uns kommt aus Zeitgründen nur der Low Trail in Frage

The Low Trail: Tourists can tour the gorge area on tour buses along a road at the bottom of the canyon that follows the course of the river. This tour road is very popular with Chinese tourists. Upper Gorge Viewing Platform: Descending to the Gorge was easy but not so easy when we have to climb back up of 300+ steps. The Gorge has majestic view with roaring water slapping against the rocks. Middle Gorge Trail: And then walk for 1 hour down a side trail on the steep cliff to the bank of Jinsha River to see the Mantianxing Reefs. This is a another narrow part of the gorge.

Once at the stop you pay a small fee to the villagers because the trail to the water is private and maintained by them. Its a steep switchback dirt and rock trail to the bottom of the river at the bottom you can pay a fee to cross a bridge over the water. by the way plenty of vendors selling food along the way.

Absolutely amazing experience!!!! The main part is pretty touristic, but an absolute MUST to visit, while traveling in Yunnan.If you want to experience a true wild Tiger Leaping Gorge and nature of Yunnan, proceed some 5 km further down the road to the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge (Zhong Hutiao Xia). Be aware that this part of the road is pretty curvy and has now and then some rocks fall! You will arrive to a small village, where farmers have prepared some basic path in the mountains down to the Gorge. You can choose between a view from a small balcony or go for a real adventure – quite challenging hiking path down to the bottom of the gorge. This pretty steep hiking path of about 40min would lead you to amazing scenery. Once arrived at the bottom of the gorge you would have several possibilities to get back – either you go back same way or you choose a wall ladder, which would probably save you some time, but it is nothing for those with fear of heights. Additional fee will have to be paid to access it. Be aware that there are TWO such ladders. The second one is right close to the lonely rock (access also upon additional fee). If you take it you will come out of the gorge in the next village, around 3 km further down the river from the point where you started your hike. Be aware it is also some hundred meters higher up the mountain from the starting point of your hike. That would mean more climbing. BUT as reward you get a breathtaking view on the gorge and friendly farmers in the small tents along the path, selling snacks and water. If you take this route it will take you around 3 hours time for a round trip.

Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge — Ray of Sunshine Path:There is a network of trails going down to the river in the Middle Gorge called the Ray of Sunshine Path. If you only have time for one view of the river up close I would recommend doing it at the middle gorge after you finish your trek. This is also where the “Tiger Leaping Rock” is located, where legend has it when a hunter was pursuing a tiger, the tiger leapt from this rock (the narrowest part of the gorge) to the opposite side and to it’s safety. As you stand on the rock you might wonder if perhaps this legendary tiger was part mountain goat, as I did. Note that you will be charged 15 RMB for access to the trail (an additional 15 RMB if you exit a different route than the one you entered on) and 5 RMB if you want to use the bridge to walk out to THE rock.

There are a number ways to get down to the river in the Middle Gorge, 5 actually by my count. The first is from Tina’s, the second from Sandy’s Guesthouse and then three progressively further down the road. Sandy’s Guesthouse has access to what is known as the “Sky ladder”, a few connected ladders going straight up the side of the cliff with vertigo inducing views at the top looking down to the river far below. Going up the sky ladder on the hike out is the way to do it (there is a trail that goes around it if you want to avoid it or go down around it).

“Sky Ladder” From Sandy’s Guesthouse

If you just want to go down to the river and back up paying the least amount I think Sandy’s is the way to go. You will pass many stalls on the way down as well as a larger “shop-ping” area at the bottom. In high season these will probably be stocked with vendors (They were pretty much empty in mid July). They even have signs for cannabis, although I’d guess it isn’t any good. When you get to the “Sky Ladder” go around it using the path going down (you can climb up it on the hike out). Eventually you will arrive at a flat area near the bottom, follow a small trail to the river. If you go left there is a hanging wooden suspension bridge of terror leading out to a rock in the middle of the Jinsha River that would be fitting in any Indiana Jones movie. It cost 10 RMB to use this bridge as it was built and is maintained by locals. There is a locked gate preventing access to this bridge if no one is there to collect the fee. It was locked when I was there but just for a cool picture I’d pay the fee…. for a friend to cross.Turning right (facing the river) from the trail you came down on, will bring you along a path crossing a few small bridges to the larger bridge going out to the Tiger Leaping Rock (5 RMB). I didn’t pay this fee as no one was there to collect. But if there was I would probably pay. These extra fees

seem excessive after paying 65 RMB to get into the gorge. All of these trails and bridges here how-ever are built and maintained by the locals (A couple of families it seems). I found myself feeling thankful that there were trails and bridges here at all and I think 20 RMB (Approx. $3) isn’t terrible, especially for the cool looking shot of someone coming up the “sky ladder”.

Indiana Jones Suspension Bridge of Terror

Other options for the Ray of Sunshine Path:If you have more time and don’t mind paying an additional 15 RMB you can descend to the river via another trail and go back up to the road using the trail to Sandy’s Guesthouse. Either starting from Tina’s or going further down the road from past the bridge and past Sandy’s there are a few more options. About 10–15 minutes further down road you will see another sign for a trail leading down to the river on the right hand side of the road. In all likelihood there will also be someone standing there to collect the fee of 15 RMB. This trail has a kind of alcove cut into the cliff that looks kind of interesting. I was told by another hiker that was the only attractive feature on the trail and that the steeper trail from Sandy’s was better. But if you have time and want to see more of the gorge you can start from any of the other options down to the river.

Sandy = Tianti InnTina = ZhongxiaZhang (teacher) = Zhanglaoshi Inn

Looking up from Tiger Leaping Rock to Shen Chuan Bridge

Middle Tiger Leaping Stone: Worth a visit.This sight is located more than 500 meters vertically down from Tina's Guesthouse. A round trip from Tina's Guesthouse takes 3 hours, not including the time you will spend at Sandy's House beside astonishing roaring rapids. There are two routes:

Route 1: a sheer footpath descending directly in the Middle Gorge near Tina's Guesthouse to the river bank. I happened to meet several aggressive young men who had just come back from this footpath and said it was extremely slippery and steep. So I took the second route.

Route 2: walk along the main road to Zhang's Guesthouse and take a narrow footpath descending to the gorge. Zhang recommends visitors to hire a guide for Y30.-. It is absolutely not necessary. Before reaching Sandy's

house, you have to pass a wooden bridge over a roaring cascade, a breathtaking crossing. Sandy's house sales drinks at reasonable prices. Don't miss their toilet where you enjoy an amazing view over the roaring rapids.

Upper Tiger Leaping Stone: It is not worth a visit If you have already seen the Middle Tiger Leaping Stone.This sight can be reached from both sides of the river.

Sandy’s Guesthouse (Tianti Inn): trail down+ladder up (sollte in ca. 2 Stunden machbar sein), notfalls auch Upper Viewing Platform auslassen, von Zhang Teacher auch Weg weg (siehe Karte), Tina = Zhongxia lt. Karte

They recommended me to go down to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge via Tian Ti Guesthouse.  The views there were supposedly better.  Going down one route and coming up a different route would incur a double admission charge.To get to Tian Ti Guesthouse, just cross the bridge for a short 5 mins walk. But before that, I fueled up with a plate of egg fried rice and a bottle of vitamin drink. I paid 10 RMB for access down to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge.  I also booked a 4pm bus to Lijiang.  The driver will stop at Qiaotou to wait for those who need to retrieve their bags from Jane’s.

3) Mittagessen: am besten gleich bei Sandy (Viewing Platform!), Tina auch möglich4) Baishuitai White Water Terraces: CNY 30, 7:30 – 17:00/19:30 Uhr, 2h16min (70km), Ziel: um 16 Uhr dort sein, damit noch ca. 1 Stunde Zeit – ganz hinauf spazieren!

Baishuitai (白水台) is one of the largest sinter terraces in China. Baishuitai of Sanba Township is 101 kilometers in the southeast of the Shangri-la county.Go all the way to the top to see the real terraces. It is only about another 8-10 minutes walk. The natural terraces are a sight to see.. amazingly gorgeous. Right now there are temporary stones across the terraces where you can walk on to get pretty close for photo taking. We spent about 1.5 hours just exploring the area and taking lots of scenic photos.

Seeing the pools requires climbing up a set of stairs and walking around on a boardwalk.

If viewed from afar, it looks as if a waterfall has been turned to a white stone as it flowed through the green woods. Viewed from below, it looks like a grand silvery white waterfall forming a milky way linking the earth to the sky. Towards the top and on the left of the sinter terrace stands a natural white crystallized stone statue. It is in the shape of a lady with child and it is regarded as the “goddess” of production. The White Water Terrace covers an area of approximately 3 square kilometers. It is an exceptional example of a sinter terrace, a fairly rare natural phenomenon, which is categorized as a surface karst area.

The terrace has been divided from the upper part to the lower into five zones on the basis of naturally occurring features. These have been named by the locals as “Dragon Swimming in the Silver Water”, “the Fairy Embodiment”, “God’s Farmland”, “Heaven in a Mirror” and “Spraying Pearls”, each having its own special characteristics. Viewed from a distance, the terrace looks like a silvery, shining pearl spreading over the land. Viewed nearby, this terrace seems to form a grand fairy pathway constructed of white marble. Looking up from below the terrace, one can see a path leading to the heaven with numerous steps. Stepping onto the terrace, visitors will find themselves in a fairyland of glittering and splendid surroundings, as if entering a dragon palace or a jade pavilion. The spring has been looked upon as a source of holy or sacred water by the Naxi people, to whom part of the white water terrace is known as “God’s Farmland”.

“dragon swimming in the silver water” 银水游龙, “the fairy’s embodiment” 神女显灵, “god’s farmland” 仙人遗田“heaven in a mirror” 明镜映天, “spraying pearls” 银珠翻花

REVIEWS:Es zahlt sich definitiv aus den Umweg zu den Bashui terraces von Shangri-la nach Linjang zu nehmen (es gibt ein Bus dorthin) - wunderbar liegen sie auf einer Anhöhe - der Blick ins Tal ist auch herrlich - man muss also rauf marschieren wird aber belohnt durch den Blick - der sich mit dem Sonnen/Wolkenspiel verändert. Es ist doch relativ großes Areal und man soll sich alle Stellen ansehen - nicht nur den vorderen Teil - die seitlichen Terrassen sind fast besser.

We took about an hour to walk around the terrace. They are in the middle of construction and it looks like they plan to expand it into a large tourist destination. Because of the construction we were actually able to get closer to the terraces than your normally allowed.There's a lady who will uses your camera to take pictures of you and the terrace for 30 yuan. She's been there for a long time and know what angle to take the picture to make it look professional. We used her service because we saw pictures she took for another traveller that we met back at our lodging in Tiger Leaping Gorge. She also show us a natural spring where the locals believe is the origin of the water flowing over the terrace.

We stopped here on our way to shangrila (5 hour drive). The walk up to the terrace was short (15-20 minutes), but always up hill. At the entrance they offer horse rides which don´t take you all the way to the top. They leave you less then half way up. When you get to the terraces you have beautiful views of the valleys and houses surrounding the area. Not many tourists son you can sit down and enjoy the quietness of the place. The road has many, many curves so be prepared if you get carsick.

According to the information at the notice board at the beginning of the track, there were 8 scenic spots up the hill. I found about 5 of them but the most impressive ones were those white terraces that were unique feature at this place. The panoramic view from the terraces was also awesome. Both me and my wife were more interested in taking photographs with the terraces than exploring around. There were thin wire that barricaded around the terraces to prevent any intrusion but I saw some of the

visitors just climbed over and walked near the terraces. In fact, there were officials around to ensure no one deliberately damage the delicate terraces.

Notquartier: Naxi Family Inn is 50m downhill along the alley that is directly opposite the bus stop and the entrance to the White Water Terraces. He Don Ce (your host) has been collecting guests from the bus top since 2011 her guestbook suggests, but until today there has been no English signage up on the street pointing the way. I spent the afternoon after climbing the stairs of Baishuitai helping her neighbours write and paint the huge magenta sign.

It is a must to continue walking down the alleyway past Naxi Family in so you can experience for yourself the difference and surprises of how they live and build. The smells and sounds will not not be what you expect! As for the white water terraces themselves, even of a rainy wet day the real stuff, beyond the man made Chinese terraces at the bottom are worth the climb up a billion stairs!! It is also uniquely a spiritual place a the the heart of the local community, and you'll see this best displayed at the top. I was really lucky to be up there by myself and take shelter and found the local hieroglyphics (Dogba) that is still practiced today. As well as witnessing a local washed and bless water bottle and a collection of leaves before leaving on a small alter.

Fahrzeit Baishuitai - Shangri-La: 3-4 Stunden

Übernachtung: Shangajoy Seasons Inn 香格里拉香悦四季客栈 , CNY 78, Check-In bis 23 Uhr, Frühstück CNY 10 p.p., Adresse: No. 27, Yi Ruo Mu Lane, Du Ke Zong Old City, 674499 Shangri-La

Adresse chinesisch: 独克宗古城依若木廊 27 号 , Shangri-La: 香格里拉

Tag 6 (23/04/18): SHANGRI-LA - Shika Snow Mountain oder Songzalin monestary, auf jeden Fall aber um Kloster und See herumspazieren, visiting a local Naxi family (if possible), drop us off at the airport for flight to Chengdu (departing at 16:15)

1) Bei Schönwetter: Shika Snow Mountain, CNY 270 inkl. Seilbahn (2x, je 20min. Fahrzeit)Opening Hours  8:00 – 18:00Ticket Price CNY 270 (including a round-trip cable ride)

Shika Snow Mountain Scenic Area (石卡雪山景區) is also called Blue Moon Valley Scenic Area (藍月山谷景區). It is 7 km (4.35 mi) from city center and is the nearest scenic spot from Shangri-La County (香格里拉). The Shika Snow Mountain's altitude is 4,500 m (14,763 ft).

Blue Moon Valley (Shika Snow Mountain scenic area) is located 7 miles south west of Zhongdian ancient town (Shangri-la). The landscape in the valley is particularly beautiful in late spring, summer and early autumn. The skiing is very good in the winter. The cable car in the Blue Moon Valley is the longest cableway in Yunnan Province. The cable car gives a bird’s-eye view of both Yulong Snow Mountain and Meili Snow Mountain.

Two cable ways are available on the mountain. Ascending by cable car, you can enjoy the beautiful mountain from high above. After fifteen minutes or so, you will arrive at the charming Yala Green Wave Ranch halfway up the mountain. The expansive green ranch is embellished with wild flowers of various colors. Flocks of sheep and herds of cattle are grazing, with white clouds floating way above their heads. Everything is so harmonious. You will be deeply attracted by the scene. If taking a deep breath, you will become refreshed and excited. It is a wonderful experience! Then, go on to take the cableway and head for the mountain top. In about twenty minutes, you will ascend the peak. Standing on the sightseeing platform there, you can see the eight holy mountains nearby, including the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Meili Snow Mountain and the Biluo Snow Mountain. Then, after walking for about twenty minutes, you will arrive at the Azalea Bush, where you can enjoy the beautiful azalea flowers. Afterwards, continue walking for about twenty-five minutes, and you can look at the Spiritual Rhino Lake in the distance. The mysterious and legendary Spiritual Rhino Lake is hidden in a virgin forest. Legend has it that a rhino emerges when the moon is full. The rhino is ridden by Shika Goddess, and blesses the cattle and sheep in Shangri-la so they may grow strong and healthy. To the west of the lake stands a hill. It resembles a seated Buddha and is thought by the locals to embody the Qiangba Buddha. The emerald lake is surrounded by exuberant trees and azalea flowers, and is very mysterious and peaceful.

Tips It is cold on the mountain top, and the wind can be very strong. So you are advised to wear down jackets,

long pants and warm shoes. You may rent a down jacket on the mountain for CNY 50. TEUER! Avoid vigorous physical activities to prevent altitude sickness, such as running and jumping. In addition, you

can buy an oxygen tank at the foot of the mountain for about CNY 50 or 60. You are strong advised to hire a local guide if you hike on the mountain. Otherwise, you might get lost.

How to get there

We did not experience any altitude sickness so we did not buy the oxygen canisters that were sold at RMB68 per can on site. However it seems that you can purchase cheaper ones in town. We did rent the jackets at RMB45 per person which was rather necessary to shield the cold and wind at the top. Go prepared with winter clothing if you want to save this cost. Also a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks.

We went to the site in the morning and arrived at the parking lots where we were surprised to see lots of pigs wandering around. The guide told us it was normal for locals to let their livestock go outside for food. First, we saw the traditional prayer wheels (轉經筒) on both sides of road, leading to a traditional Tibetan architecture with horizontal Tibetan prayer flags called Lung ta (經幡). There were few tourists around when we visited perhaps because it was not a peak tourism season. We took the cable car to the mid-station and changed to another cable car to the top of the Shika Snow Mountain. Once we were out of the station, we saw a wide open area with wooden walkways which led us to the top of the mountain. Because we visited here in the mid-October, there was no snow on the top, but it still was chilly. The top of the reachable mountain is at 4,500 m height. From here we saw the surrounding snowy mountains such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Meili Xue Shan (梅里雪山), Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山) and other mountains as far as in Sichuan Province. There are two locations that are unique to take photos; the first one is the Tibetan prayers flags tunnel and the other one is a stone with a 4,500 m mark on it. The other attraction is the player platform for Tibetans, which it requires another walk on the wooden walkways. There was a remarkable scene when we looked down toward the city, which was covered by fog and surrounded by mountains. The view looked like a painting. On the way down we stopped at the mid station for less than 20 minutes. It was the Yala Green Wave Ranch (亞拉青波牧場) with some cows, but it looked like in the winter without any green on the ground.

The temperature was about zero when we reached the entrance to the Shika Mountain cable car at about 8.30 am. The toilets here at the entrance are considered "decent" enough for foreigners to use. We were adequately dressed with thermal meant for sub-zero, fleece as second layer and waterproof padded jacket with hood as third layer. This was complete with winter gloves, hat and woolen socks.

We took a break of 15 minutes before proceeding with the second stretch of cable car to the top of Shika Mountain. This probably took another 15 to 20 minutes and we were at the top. Out of 12 persons in my tour group, only 4 made it out there to walk one round and take pictures with the signage that says we are at 4500 meters. The rest chose to walk only two flights of stairs and waited at the waiting point to take the cable car. Some felt unwell and did not go out to the snow.

The mountain has cable care that bring you near to the top, and provide a easy ride.Once reaches the top, we have to move slowly as it is 4500m above sea level. So be prepared before attempting to take this tour. Another to watch up is not to spend too much time above the mountain. We have spend around 45 mins walking along the path before moving down mountain so as not to have serious illness.

Go in the morning. Large groups of tourists come over from the national park and grasslands in the afternoon.

Great view from 4500 metres. Need to take 2 cable cars to get there from the bottom. Started off at an attitude of around 3000+ metres before boarding of 2 cable cars to get to the top of 4500 metres. It is a good place if not raining. Was there when it rained, so unfortunately no view. Walking is limited to wooden walkways. It is super cold and windy when it rains, 1 hour is more than enough to get to the top where there are prayer flags fluttering and a board to say that you are at the highest point. Reconsider whether to go up if it is raining, as there is nothing to see due to the rain. When it doesn't rain, view is impressive.

Once you reach the top, there is also another 100 meter of stairs you can climb up for a better view. Highly recommend going first thing in the morning when the weather is usually clear and the crowds are less

2) Songzanlin/Sumtsaling Kloster: Eintritt mit 2h Führung (ohne Fotos), CNY 115, Auf jeden Fall aber Fotos vom Kloster und Spaziergang um den Lake hinter dem Kloster.【Chinese Name】: 松赞林寺【Best Time to Visit Songzanlin Monastery】: March to May, September to November is the best time to visit Songzanlin Monastery, during time the scenery is the most beautiful. In spring and autumn, the scenery of Shangri-la is beautiful, June to September is the rainy season in Diqing plateau. In spring, there are many minority festivals, so you can enjoy the lively atmosphere in Songzanlin Monastery. The winter is cold, pay attention to altitude stress, Songzanlin Monastery covered by snow is more majestic.

Admission Fee:￥115Opening Hours:8:00-18:00 Attraction Transportation:There are autobuses in Shangri-la County which can take you to this beautiful scenic spot directly, and the buses No.3 can also take you there without stop.Attraction Travel Tips: The monastery is situated in the high altitude region over 3,300 meters (about 10,827 feet) high. It snows even in August, and has a rainy season that runs from June through September. Therefore, spring and summer are the best seasons for people to visit it.The Ganden Sumtseling Monastery (噶丹松贊林, also called Sumtseling Monastery) is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located around 5 km (3.1 mi) from Shangri-La City at elevation 3,380 m (11,089 ft) in Yunnan province, China. The original monastery was built in 1679 but was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution by Mao's Red Guard. The one we see today was rebuilt in 1983. The monastery has been completely restored to the normal Buddha since 1985. The monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan and is referred to as the Little Potala Palace (小布達拉宮).

We visited in the late afternoon after 3 pm. We arrived by their shuttle bus from the parking lot. We saw the whole monastery on the hillside once we stepped off the bus. It is huge. Those golden roof tops really showed its glory. The main entrance looks like an ancient entrance of a bunker. Our guide was a young monk, and he was so proud of his knowledge of the Sumtseling Monastery. He asked us to listen to his briefing before taking photos. He also mentioned some unique guidelines when we visited the monastery. You are not allowed to wear hats / sunglasses and cannot take photo inside the halls. You should use clockwise route inside the halls, which is also applied to all the Tibet monasteries, otherwise a bad luck will come to you. A short walk from the entrance, there are 146 stone steps which led us to those halls on top of the hill. We only had time to visit 3 main halls – DratsangHall (扎倉大殿), Master Tsongkhapa Hall (宗喀巴大殿) and Shakyamuni Hall (釋迦摩尼大殿) from left to right. The middle one is the major and the largest one. Besides the buildings of the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, there

is a beautiful Lamuyangcuo Lake (拉姆央措湖). The 1.5 km lakeside footpath should be a good choice if you have additional time. The guide told us the best spot to take photo of the monastery is in the middle of the footpath.

*The ticket is for getting in the monastery, Its okay if you want only to take the picture outside then no need to buy the ticket but from the ticket counter maybe you have to walk...

REVIEWS:We visited on a day when there were not many other tourists visiting so had a lot of room to wander around the vicinity. The monastery itself is spread over a large compound with a stack of different buildings and temples dedicated to different purposes which I would suggest needs a day at least to have a poke around. Possibly even a few days if you have the time. It's a phenomenally peaceful place where you can see firsthand the everyday activities of Tibetan buddhist monks. Very hard not to admire the dedication and discipline of the monks living there while also gaining an understanding of their philosophy.The buildings and complex are very pretty with the interior of each temple extremely impressive. The sculptures and paintings of the four heavenly kings are sublime.

As many people have mentioned you need to pay ¥115 per person for entrance. After you buy the ticket you need to take a bus to the site which is around 1km away. This is included in the ticket price. The monasteries themselves were magnificent and there is a lot of amazing art work to see. Climb to the top of one of the monasteries and you will be treated to an amazing view. If you rent a bike in the old town for 50¥ you can ride at your own pleasure around the monastery area and stay for as long as you want in each part. You can also see the scenery whilst on the bike which is breathtaking! The scenery around the monastery is better than the actual monastery in my opinion, but the Tibetan Buddhist interior of the monastery makes it a definite must see of the mystical area.

We followed the lonely planet advice of turning left behind the ticket office, slightly back towards town on a track, then up over a hill towards the monastery lake to get in for free as we didn’t want to take the bus. Supposedly they check tickets at the door but no one was there when we visited. This approach also winds up with an amazing view as you come over the hill and see the monastery in the distance. This is the true Shangri-La rather than the town itself which is a bit sprawling.

We went at lunch time and were able to avoid all the Chinese tour groups. The monastery is covered with amazing murals. It was my first time in a Tibetan Buddhist temple and it was beautiful. You can climb to the top of the temple in the middle and have an amazing view over the city. I also spent a little bit of time walking around the little village. We spent around 2 1/2 hours there. Across from the entrance at ground level there is a walkway that takes you around part of the lake on a wooden boardwalk. After about 600 meters you get to a platform from which there is a great view looking back over the lake to the monastery.

There is a lake in front of the monastery and the walk takes around 40minutes. We spend here around 2-3 hours in total! Enjoy!

We went here in the late afternoon in mid-March. We were hoping to be able to walk nearby and get a glimpse from a distance, but to even see it you have to pay for a ticket and get on a tourist bus that takes you the 5 minute ride to the entrance. The ticket was expensive for what you get, which was annoying, but we were still glad we went. It was windy and cold, and there a lots of steps to climb to get up to it, but the building is impressive and interesting to see, even if it is not the original ancient building. The large lake in front offered great views of the monastery from different angles and my husband and I took a 40 min leisurely walk around it. There is also a good panaramic viewpoint high up behind the monastery on the right.

3) Napahai Natural Reserve: nur wenn nicht Shika Snow Mountain, sonst wohl keine Zeit

Chinese Name: 纳帕海自然保护区【Best Time to Travel Napahai】: The best time to visit Napahai should be June to November. During that time, the grass is lush and cattle and sheep everywhere. Winter and spring seasons, Napa Lake surface is shrinking, becomes large swamp meadow—Yila Prairie, and there are black-necked cranes which are national first-grade state protection animals flying here for winter.

As our last stop of the tour of Shangri-la we toured round the Napa Hai Nature wetland on 22 Apr 2017 led by Kelvin our tour guide from China Highlights. The wetland is surrounded by moutains and snow capped moutains in the distant background. It is fascinating to see horses, yarks, sheeps, pigs roaming around the grassland free and easy. The wetland is huge (45 km ring road) and is scenic. Certainly an eye openner. Kelvin told us the grassland will be under water in summer as the snow in the moutain melts.

4) Shangri-La Town + Local Naxi Familiy (wenn Guide)【Chinese Name】: 独克宗古城

Dukezong is situated at an altitude of 3,200m above sea level, and is 700km from Kunming. The town has a history of 1,300 years, during which it has experienced both the flames of war and prosperity of frontier trade. Tibetans regard the shade of white as a sign of respect for their forefathers, the ancient Qiang people, who worshipped white stones. Shortly after the town was established, craftsmen found white clay in the region that could be ground down and used as paint. All dwellings were accordingly painted white. This is why Dukezong was named white stone city. On a clear night, the ancient town reflects a silver sheen. This has engendered to another epithet: moonlight city. Its counterpart is Niwangzong Town by the Naizi River, known as the sunshine city. The Sun and Moon cities gave rise to the song 'Sun and Moon in the Heart', which Tibetans have sung for more than 1,000 years.

Sehenswürdigkeiten:Guishan Temple in Shangrila

Guishan Park is probably not one of those famous parks where people absolutely have to visit. But I think it is a great way to see the locals. There will naturally be the smattering of foreigners here it is still quite pleasant. The temple up on the hill will give visitors something to look at. I head up the long flight of stairs to get a closer view of the temple. Actually it was like a smaller version of the Songzanlin Temple, maybe Tibetan temples are all designed this wayBuilt in the very center of the Old Town this monastery with the largest prayer wheel, over 80 feet high lights up the night sky like a dazzling jewel. It offers a wonderful vantage point for looking over the city. If you have about 10 friends with you, the prayer wheel which is like known you’ve ever seen can be spun but only in a clockwise direction as religious tradition dictates. An eye-catching 24-meter (80-foot) tall golden prayer wheel sits on a hill. Though it was built recently for the sake of tourism, it has become an authentic item because local Buddhists now climb the hill to spin it to submit their prayers. You can twirl it, too, but do it only clockwise, as religious tradition dictates. This park was actually a few minutes walk from our hotel in the middle of the old town. We had a great view of the prayer wheel from our hotel. It looks amazing when lit up at night. The temple it self is nothing special, but it was amazing to see the huge prayer wheel, which is apparently the biggest in the world. We managed to get it moving with just 4 people! The views of the ancient town from the top were amazing! I recommend getting there just before sunset. That way you can see the village and prayer wheel in day light and when it’s lit up at night.

Biggest of the 转经筒 worldwide, very good view, the stairs are also good exercise :))) approximately 150 stairs, so not too tiring. Take it slow and steady. We were recommended to take oxygen 20 minutes beforehand. You need 10 people to start turning the 转经筒 and 5 people to keep it moving. View is also good at night, there are pretty lights. Very good!

This is worth a visit, it is free despite what some people believe and it has one of the biggest prayer wheels that I have seen. The gardens are quite impressive and it is very picturesque at night with changing illuminations, nice. Also, locals dance in the square every evening which is worth seeing.

This is definitely is worth visiting in Shangrila as it can easily be visited within 30 mins. The walk to the top for us was easy about 5 mins, however some people did seem to struggle to breath. Once at the top the view was really spectacular of the old town even at night.

Weitere Möglichkeiten wenn noch Zeit: Wufeng Mountain, Xiagei Tibetan Culture Village

Xiagei Tibetan Culture Village in Shangri-la, DiqingChinese Name:香格里拉霞给民族文化村English Name: Xiagei Tibetan Culture Village in Shangri-la, DiqingSome 8 miles from the county seat of Shangri-la, it is located along the same road that takes you to Pudacuo National Park. If you take a tour of the park or hire a private car, Xiagei is the usual stop on the way back to Shangri-la. More than twenty families live in this Tibetan village cum shopping center in traditional style homes. The village is meant to exhibit the colorful Tibetan culture, costumes, foods, music and festivals. The Xiagei hot spring is an excellent place to relax after hiking the rigorous trails of Shangri-La. Complete with a large pool, several hot springs and optional accommodations, Xiagei offers travelers an enjoyable retreat away from the city and old town. In the village, artisans show people the history and process of making pottery, Tangka embroidery, wooden and yak bone carving and incense.

Dejilin Monastery 德吉林寺 is within Xiagei VillageJust a short distance from Potatso National Park, we visited a Tibetan cultural village, Xiagei Village. In this small village,  we got a short guided tour to visit the largest sutra printing house in Yunnan Province, Shangri-La Monastic Printing House and a Tibetan traditional house next to this temple

Ge Dan ‘de Jilin temple is the Diqing area only honors at the age of 12 Shakya Muni statue and Tibetan Buddhist sects of eight Ancestor Buddha temple.

WUFENG Mountain:Located three kilometers (about 1.86 miles) southeast of Shangri-La, the Wufeng Mountain is revered as a sacred mountain by the local Tibetans. Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the grasslands at the foot of this mountain have been used for horse racing events.

5) Flug Shangri-La – Chengdu (DIG-CTU): China Eastern MU9745: 2018-04-23 17:25-18:45

FORTSETZUNG: TEIL III