Day One
This afternoon, a flight takes you to Lijiang . (Banyan Tree Hotel – Garden Villa Rooms) (D)

Day Two
Founded in the shadow of snow-topped Jade Dragon Mountain , Lijiang rose to prominence 500 years ago as an entrepôt on the dangerous, bandit-infested Tea and Horse caravan route. In order to beat the crowds that quickly congest the small, historic center, we strongly recommend you leave the hotel early this morning. As you wander the idyllic town center , situated on the dry soils of the lower Tibetan plateau, you might admire the apparent ease with which stream water has been channeled through its ancient, paved streets. The facility of the Naxi people, who founded Lijiang, to adopt other cultures' ideas is in evidence at the Daobaoji Temple at Baishawhere three religions are celebrated side by side in Ming-dynasty (1368 – 1644) frescoes.

The Tea and Horse caravan route is brought to life in the Zhang Yimou-directed extravaganza " Lijiang Impressions ". Presented on a specially-built stage on the slopes of Jade Dragon Mountain , this show uses hundreds of local farmers, drawn from various local ethnic groups, to illustrate the cultural traditions of the region. We return to the hotel mid-afternoon to provide you with a two hour treatment at the Banyan Tree Hotel's spa.
(B, T, D)

Day Three
This morning has been left free. You might wish to return to Lijiang's ancient town center, choose to bike to Baisha along the valley floor, or further investigate the delights of the Banyan Tree spa. (B, L)

Please note that B, L, T, D denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Tea and Dinner.