Traditions of Yunnan, Tibet & Sichuan

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Lijiang & Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La (Zhongdian), Lhasa, Chengdu

This private tour explores the cultural heritage of three diverse and unique destinations: the Yunnan Province, a region in southwestern China where Chinese, Tibetans, Laotians, Burmese, Vietnamese, Indians and hill tribe minorities converge; Lhasa, Tibet, a city steeped in Buddhist spirituality and Tibetan traditions; and Chengdu, the modern capital of the Sichuan Province and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Begin in atmospheric Lijiang, a well-preserved traditional town in the foothills of the Himalayas in Yunnan Province. During private touring, explore the Old Town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of traditional wood architecture. See ancient Buddhist frescoes, visit Buddhist monasteries, take in views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and learn about the culture and history of the local Naxi ethnic minority. One day, visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, a deep canyon channeling the headwaters of the Yangtze River. Other options include a private tasting of pu’er tea, a Yunnan specialty; a Naxi cooking class; hiking; or private excursions to mountain villages.

Next, visit Shangri-La (Zhongdian), a mountain town near the Tibetan border. During private touring, learn about Tibetan Buddhism at atmospheric Songzanlin Monastery (modeled after Potala Palace in Lhasa), visit beautiful Napa Hai Lake Nature Reserve and walk through the historic town center. Also visit the Nixi Pottery Village to work the black clay with a local artisan and enjoy a private lesson in thangka painting.

Fly to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. During private touring, visit Lhasa's most compelling sights, including Potala Palace, the fortress-like Tibetan Buddhist complex that towers over the city and is the historic seat of the Dalai Lama. Walk along the Barkhor pilgrimage route and visit ancient Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet and an important and lively pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, who come to prostrate themselves and spin prayer wheels. Additional flexible touring we arrange outside Lhasa includes a private trek to the sacred Drak Yerpa Caves, private meditation sessions, visits to Tibetan homes, guided hikes, touring of Drepung or Sera monasteries, visits to sites related to revered monk Guru Rinpoche and an excursion to holy Yamdrok Yumtso Lake.

Conclude in Chengdu, a region known for giant pandas, rich cultural heritage and spicy Sichuan cuisine. During private touring, see frolicking giant pandas at a breeding and research center and learn about conservation efforts to help the animals.  Also visit the archaeological site of Sanxingdui to learn about the ancient cultures that once inhabited this area. During private city touring, see Chengdu highlights such as Kuanzhai Xiangzi (Wide and Narrow Alleys), a historic area filled with shops and restaurants, and People's Park, where locals socialize and play mahjongg. Also sample spicy Sichuan dishes, such as wontons, mapo tofu and dan dan noodles. If desired, enjoy tickets to a performance of Sichuan Opera, which includes the magical art of face-changing.

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All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world