FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2007
Media Contacts:
Margot Kong
Imperial Tours
888-888-1970
web_inquiry@imperialtours.net
Imperial Tours Offers Services to Lijiang and Shangri-La
San Francisco, Calif. – Imperial Tours is now offering services in Yunnan province for the luxury traveler. New or returning visitors to China can now enjoy bespoke private tours which include Lijiang and Ringha/Shangri-La.
Lijiang
In the shadow of snow-topped Jade Dragon Mountain, Lijiang is best known for its ancient town center and Naxi minority people. Nearby, Baisha is a small village where guests can marvel at a beautifully landscaped temple and its Ming dynasty (1368 – 1644) frescoes depicting the celebration of Lamaism, Chinese Buddhism, and Daoism side by side.
Imperial Tours' guests also have the opportunity to meet with a local doctor who gathers herbs from Jade Dragon Mountain to heal local residents of their medical ailments. From this octogenarian, one can hear about the criticism he received during the Cultural Revolution for treating Deng Xiao Ping.
The history of the area is brought to life by world renowned director Zhang Yimou in his production "Lijiang Impressions." Taking place on a stage nestled upon the slopes of Jade Dragon Mountain, this impressive show utilizes hundreds of local farmers from various ethnic minority tribes to illustrate the region's culture and traditions.
Ringha
Passing gorgeous scenery, the drive from Lijiang to Ringha is approximately 4 hours long, during which one can actually witness the ethnicities change. At about 10,000 feet elevation, Ringha is an untouched and beautifully verdant area located in a fertile valley approximately 40 minutes from the fabled Shangri-La.
Guests in Ringha may choose between a horse back ride or a gentle trek down into the valley below to learn the art of yogurt making or textile weaving from local villagers. The old town of Shangri-La is a wonderful place to explore and perhaps enjoy a private performance of Tibetan music.
Shangri-La provides a fascinating introduction to Tibetan village culture and Lamaism. Nearby, one may visit a working monastery, buzzing with life. Inside, visitors meet with a lama to learn about the daily life of a monk and witness a religious ceremony.
"We have chosen to add Lijiang to our portfolio of destinations because it is a wonderful place for our guests to learn about the area's local ethnic traditions and the history of the Tea and Horse Caravan Route," said Imperial Tours Managing Partner Guy Rubin. "Shangri-La and Ringha, on the other hand, offer a great view into Tibetan village life and Lamaism. These new destinations make an excellent addition to any luxury China itinerary."
Banyan Tree Resorts
In both destinations, Imperial Tours' guests stay at the beautiful Banyan Tree Resorts, among the most luxurious resorts in all of China. In Lijiang, each villa has its own private yard with a heated pool. The resort offers stunning views of Jade Dragon Mountain. The Ringha property, made up of traditional farmhouses, feels like a Tibetan retreat overlooking six small villages in the valley below.
A private tour with Imperial Tours includes 5 star accommodations, all meals, sightseeing, domestic flights within China, ground transportation, services of local guides and drivers, most gratuities, luggage handling, airport/hotel taxes and personal concierge service from a bilingual Western China Host for the duration of your time in China.
About Imperial Tours
Imperial Tours offers luxury set-departure and private tours of China, combining local expertise with the high levels of service and quality expected by sophisticated Western travelers. Imperial Tours has first-hand knowledge of world-class hotels and restaurants as well as the history, culture, arts, and little-known exclusive destinations within China. Founded in 1999, Imperial Tours operates out of Beijing, China; San Francisco, California; and Frankfurt, Germany. For more information, visit www.imperialtours.net or call 888-888-1970.
