23rd Tai Chi China Tour 2012

China to Tibet – Stepping Back in Time, an Unforgettable Experience

This tour is for the intrepid traveller seeking an unforgettable adventure that starts in the time-locked villages of Western China and then journeys to remote Tibet. It traverses wild open plains, green rolling hills, stony plateaus and soaring mountains. Pure sapphire blue lakes reflect snow capped mountains. Scattered herds of wild yak and horses roam freely. Nomads and pilgrims wander along isolated roads. Minority groups live a life style little changed for centuries. From bustling cities to alpine forests and high plains, this is a tour for the traveller who is seeking something different.

As the average altitude of Tibet is 4267 metres, travellers with high blood pressure or heart conditions should consult their doctor before travelling to the region. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, as there are no refunds for unused Tibet arrangements if departing Tibet early due to altitude sickness.

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• Tentative Itinerary*
• Day 1: Melbourne – Guangzhou
• Day 2: Guangzhou – Kunming
• Kunming sightseeing: Western Hill Forest Park; Dragon Gate; Bird and Flower Market
• Kunming is in Yunnan Province. Translated it means the Golden Triangle. Sophisticated modern boulevards contrast with old narrow streets lined with traditional houses and shops. Street life is busy. Other features include grand parks, hotels, restaurants, open markets and evening food stalls.

• We will visit Western Hill Forest Park (Xishan Forest Park) to enjoy the panoramic view of the Dianchi Lake. Crescent shaped it is the sixth largest fresh water lake in China measuring 39 kilometres by 13 kilometres. Afterwards we will climb the cliff stairway to the impressive Dragon Gate (Longmen) visiting several temples and pavilions on the way including the 14th century old Hualing and Taihua Temples and the Sanqingge Pavilion. The Dragon Gate was completed in the Qing Dynasty (1616-1911AD). Carved out of the cliff stone it features caves, balustrades and numerous figures of Buddha.
• We will stroll around the colorful Bird and Flower Market. Since 1983 it has become a major leisure, shopping and trading venue. Well known for the local food many stalls also sell flowers, birds and fish, antiques, Curios, coins, jade, marble, jewelry, porcelain, pottery, stone carvings ethnic costumes and headdress.
• Day 3: Kunming
• Kunming sightseeing: The Stone Forest
• We will travel 120 kilometres north west of Kunming to the unique “fairyland” geological region of The Stone Forest, where masses of giant limestone rock needles thrust themselves into the sky, some standing like solitary sentries, others in clusters. Dating back over 200 million years the forest covers an area of over 64,000 acres and is a daunting experience. We will return to Kunming to take the evening train to Dali (Hard Sleeper)

• Day 4: Dali
• Dali sightseeing: Erhai Lake; The Three Pagodas; Old City of Dali
• Dali is an ancient town that was once an old trading post featuring many historic architectural treasures. Set amongst spectacular mountains near the shores of Erhai Lake, we will start the day with a tranquil cruise. Covering 250 square kilometres Erhai Lake is shaped like a human ear. The cruise will conclude with a 3-course tea tasting ceremony featuring folk dancing performed by the Bai ethnic people.

• The Three Pagodas is our first destination after lunch. As the name implies, it comprises three independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle. It is important to China as it records the development of Buddhism in the area. We will visit the walled Old City of Dali with its impressive historic town gates and the Foreigners’ Street. Narrow streets are lined with buildings that have traditional wing-roofs and whitewashed walls. Cafes and bars compete with shops offering local ethnic arts and crafts. The daily open markets are synonymous with the Old City of Dali and well worth the visit.
• Our drive to Li Jiang passes through spectacular countryside. Nestled in a wide fertile valley surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains is the delightful town of Li Jiang. Established more than 800 years ago, Li Jiang’s original architecture and ancient customs have hardly changed. The Old City is a living museum with ornately carved wooden buildings and teahouses.
• In the evening we will explore the maze of winding cobbled streets. Numerous local restaurants and pubs catering to western tastes are set in small paved streets or alongside a canal bubbling with fresh water from the melting snow.
• Day 5 to 7: Li Jiang
• Li Jiang sightseeing: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain; Heilongtan Pool Park including Donga Museum of Naxi Culture; Dayan
• Li Jiang is rich in the Naxi minority culture. The morning market in the Old City is the ideal way to appreciate the Naxi women in their traditional dress.

• Our sightseeing begins at the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. A cable car will take us to the summit (over 4267 metres above sea level) to appreciate the stunning views below and the barely changed lifestyle of the minority groups. On our return we will visit the Black Dragon Pool Park (Heilongtan Pool Park) where the snow mountain is mirrored in its crystal-clear water. Famous for its landscaping, the park provides a haven for bird and water life and features the Longshen Temple, Deyue Pavilion, Suocui Bridge and Hanyue Stage. The most important attraction is the Dongba Museum of Naxi Culture. It was founded in 1984 to protect and highlight the ancient language and writing of the world’s only remaining hieroglyphic writing system. On displays there are10000 artefacts including jewellery, clothing, scrolls of pictograph scriptures and traditional architecture.

• Finally, we explore the narrow streets and shops of the ancient city of Dayan, which was built more than 800 years ago. Featuring much of its original architecture and ancient customs the tower square is the perfect place to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, Dayan is a fine example of how man, culture and nature blend seamlessly together.

• Day 8: Dayan to Shangri La
• Sightseeing: Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Our journey then heads north to the remote Tibetan frontier traversing through mountain passes offering spectacular views. Our destination is Shangri La (Zhongdian). Translated it means ‘sun and moon in heart’. At an altitude of 3000 metres it is part of the mystical Himalayas. The scenery is breath taking and at one point Mt Everest’s peak may be glimpsed. As the Tibetans are the main ethnic group it is an ideal opportunity to experience their lifestyle, religion and cuisine. Another highlight is the16 kilometres long and 3,900 metres deep Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the mighty Yangtze River has carved out one of the world’s deepest chasms (weather permitting). The power of nature is overwhelming.

• Day 9: Shangri La to Lhasa
• Lhasa Sightseeing: Tianhai Night Market
• We will gain an in-depth insight into the ancient lifestyle and culture of the mysterious Buddhist Kingdom of Tibet.

• We begin our journey with an early morning flight from Shangri La across the snow capped Himalayas to the spectacular high altitude city of Lhasa (3650 metres above sea level). Surrounded by vast mountain ranges and deep hidden valleys, Lhasa is one of the most interesting, remote and undeveloped regions of the world. After a rest to adjust to the high altitude we will visit the local enchanting Tianhai Night Market that is well known for its stalls selling Tibetan produce, handicrafts and artefacts.
• Day 10: Lhasa
• Lhasa Sightseeing: Potala Palace; Jokhang Monastery; Barkhor Street; Norbulingka Summer Palace; Pawang Ka
• Our sightseeing begins with a visit to the majestic Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lama. It is the keeper of significant Buddhist treasures including religious and cultural art. For centuries, it has symbolised Tibetan Buddhism. Today it plays a central role in the traditional administration of Tibet. It is the highest palace in the world, dramatically sitting on top of Red Hill, which overlooks central Lhasa. It was originally built in the seventh century by the Tibet King, Songtsen Gampo as a gift for his bride, Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty. When the Songtsen Gampo Dynasty collapsed the ancient palace was almost destroyed by wars. It was re-built in 1645 in the Qing Dynasty as the 7th Dalai Lama’s Winter Palace. It took 50 years to complete and stands 13 storeys high. Recently, the Potala Palace was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• We visit the 1300 years old Jokhang Monastery famous for its gilded roof. Built on six acres of parkland, it is one of the most important spiritual structures in Tibet and is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan families. Legend has it that the Jokhang Monastery brought Buddhism to Tibet. It houses Tibet’s most sacred and famous possession, the original statue of Jowo Sakyanumi Buddha. Later we walk the Barkhor Prayer Circuit, a circular street, where pilgrims either walk or crawl around the Jokhang Monastery. Located in the old Tibetan Quarter,, it is Lhasa’s oldest street and the centre of Tibet’s economy, culture, religion, art and folk craft. We will explore the narrow back streets where ancient stories are whispered from doorways of traditional homes.
• The Norbulingka Summer Palace (Treasure Park), which is situated in the largest man-made garden in Tibet awaits us next. Built in the 1740’s by the 7th Dalai Lama it reflects the religious and cultural beliefs of the Tibetan people. Once a wasteland of weeds and wild animals, today it is used for theatre productions, dance and music festivals and as a popular picnic spot. It was recently added to the Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Finally, we will enjoy the views of the Lhasa Valley after a short drive to the nearby hilltop of Pawang Ka.
• Day 11: Lhasa to Shigatse
• Sightseeing: Gangbala Mountain Pass; Lake Yamdrok-Tso; Nojin Kangtsang Mountain Pass; Kharob Glacier; Gyantse; Zongshan Fort Ruins; Shigatse; Palkhor Monastery; Yangbajain Hot Springs
• Our journey to Shigaste begins early in the morning. Travelling south we climb the steep Gangbala Mountain Pass (4798 metres). Herds of sheep, cattle, sheep and yak graze contentedly on the rich pastures. A photographer’s dream, there is no better place to view the sparkling sapphire water of the Yamdrok-Tso Lake. One of Tibet’s three sacred lakes it is the largest fresh water lake at the foot of the Himalayas. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains it is the home of abundant small fish, swans, pigeons, yellow ducks cormorants and barhead geese.

• Following the wild Tibetan plateau we traverse the Nojin Kangtsang mountain pass (5560 metres) to appreciate the stunning Kharob Glacier before heading to the remote town of Gyantse, an old trading route to India where we will explore the Zongshan Fort Ruins (Hero City). Built in 1904 to resist invading forces it stands as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the British invasion. Finally, we reach Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city. We head straight to the Palkhor Monastery. Built in 1427 it remains virtually unscathed to this day. It is famous for its spectacular Kumbum Stupa that houses about a hundred thousand images of various icons. It is also home to three different Buddhism sects with monks from different orders all spiritually living harmoniously together. The monastery comprises the architectural styles of the three forms of Buddhism: Tibetan, Han, Nepalese.
• The town of Yangbajain lies in a lush green valley encircled by snow-capped mountains. Nomadic tents share the rich grazing land with yak and sheep. It is famous for the Yangbajain Hot Springs, which have been harnessed to produce much of the electricity for Lhasa. At an average altitude of 4400 metres they are among the highest hot springs in the world at a temperature of 30ºC. The Yangbajain Hot Springs Holy Medical Resort offers the opportunity of a mystical lifetime swimming experience in the warm water of either an indoor or outdoor swimming pool with the mist rising overhead towards the surrounding beckoning mountains.

• Day 12: Shigatse to Lhasa
• Sightseeing: Tashilhunpo Monastery: Sitting Maitreya Buddha, Tomb of the 10th Panchen Lama; Tibetan Quarter
• We begin with a visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which was founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama. Since 1642 it has been the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Large enough to be a small walled town, its golden roofs and red walls sparkle in the sunlight. It is the oldest and largest Gelug (Yellow Hat Sect) monastery in Tibet. The biggest statue of a Sitting Maitreya Buddha dominates the chapel. Standing 26.2 meters high it is ornately decorated with gold, copper, pearl, amber, coral, diamonds and other precious stones. The image of the 10th Panchen Lama who died in 1989 is displayed in gold plate in front of his stupa (shrine). The ceiling is painted with a Kalachakra mandala and the walls with many Buddhas in real gold. Our visit ends with a walking tour in the old Tibetan Quarter. The cobbled back streets are lined by ancient buildings and the local markets are renowned.

• Day 13: Lhasa to Nyingchi
• Sightseeing: Mila Mountains; Bayi Town; Cypress Nature Reserve
• The drive to Nyingchi, which in Tibetan means ‘the throne of the tree of the sun’ is thought by many to be the most beautiful part of Tibet. Passing through the Mila Mountains (5013 metres) we will head to Bayi Town to the mystical giant Cypress Nature Reserve. Several hundred giant cypress trees of a special species peculiar to Tibet flourish here. The forest has been a holy land for many centuries as the Bon religious followers believe one of the trees to be the life of GShen Ram Mi Bo, the founder of the Bon religion. This sacred tree is more than 2500 years old, 50 metres high and 18 metres thick. Devout pilgrims hang prayer flags from its branches. They also mound Mani stone carvings throughout the forest. As the forest is so old The Cypress Nature Reserve is prized by scientists internationally.
• Day 14: Nyingchi
• Nyingchi Sightseeing: Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon
• Nyingchi is often likened to the scenic picture postcards of Switzerland. Comprising snowy mountains, sparkling blue lakes, isolated villages and ancient monasteries it has a distinctive folklore of stories, songs and dances of its own. Until recently a hidden secret, many adventure tourists are now discovering mountain and cliff climbing, white river rafting and hiking through its natural wonders. We will cruise the Yarlung Tsangpo (Yaluzhangbu) Grand Canyon the world’s longest canyon of 504 kilometres with an average depth of 5000 metres. Located 3000 metres above sea level the Yarlung Tsangpo (Yaluzhangbu) River is the highest in the world. Its lower reaches encircle the Himalayas. The canyon supports an exceptional ecological system made up of many rare species: Yunnan Iron Cedars, Bangladesh tigers, bear monkeys, fern erne trees and moss. As little exploration has take place in the region, there is little human influence. Its climate ranges from subtropical to Arctic.

• Day 15: Nyingchi to Lhasa
• Sightseeing: Lake Basomtso (Basum Lake); Zhaxi Island
• Lake Basomtso (Basum Lake) is an alpine lake in the upper and middle reaches of the Ba River and is often described as fairyland. It is 3538 metres above sea level. Its water is crystal clear. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush forest, in the summer and autumn colourful wild flowers bloom. The air is fragrant and the bees and butterflies are busy. Bears, leopards, goats, musk deer and Tibetan snow roosters live happily nearby. One of Tibet’s holy lakes it is often described as the gem in the south. Covering 27 square kilometres it is crescent shaped, 15 kilometres long and reaches 60 metres at its deepest point. Zhaxi Island floats 100 metres offshore and is linked by a small walking bridge or a canoe acts as a ferry. The original Tso Zong Gong Ba, (Nyingmapa (Red) Sect) Monastery was built on the island 1500 years ago. We return to Lhasa for our final dinner together. In 1997, the region was listed as a major international tourist attraction by the World Tourist Organisation.
• Day 16: Lhasa to Guangzhou - Guangzhou to Melbourne
• Home Sweet Home

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