Responsible Tourism

Enjoy Yunnan ecotourism: Outstanding scenery and discover the traditional way of life in this part of China

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Highlights of this tour.

Xintuo is based in Lijiang, at 2500 meter above sea level, in Yunnan's province in China. The Yunnan located in the southwest corner between Tibet province, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, is the most colourful province of China. The diversity is ecological as well as cultural. Twenty five minorities can be found living in the Yunnan province.
We work mainly in Lashihai watershed which is a nature reserve supported by "the Nature conservancy" including Lashihai lake and Wenhai.
Lashihai Lake is during the winter a heaven for about 1000 migratory bird. Along the year, it's a habitat for over 70 different species of migratory birds, coming to nest from all around the world. Lashihai Lake is surrounded of Naxi minorities.
Wenhai Lake is a sub-alpine lake which is another habitat for migratory birds, and is although surrounded by a wide variation of plant and animal's species including protected raptors, forest wildlife, traditional medicinal plants and treasured fungi.
The Yi communities has been living around Wenhai for centuries, they are used to living in remote area.
The Wenhai ecolodge is a unique project of sustainable development.
Tiger leaping gorge is a canyon on the Yangtze River, it's the world's deepest river canyon. The inhabitants of the gorge are primarily Naxi people who live in a handful of small hamlets.

Example of the itinerary.

D1: Flight from Shanghai to Lijiang. Stay in a guesthouse in the old town of Lijiang.

D2: In the morning, walking about 20 minutes to the Black Dragon Pool from old town, visit the park, then go to visit the Dongba Museum by the park to study part of important Naxi culture; Then visit the "The Nature Conservancy' s Visit Centre" and Yuhu village
In the evening listen the Naxi music or Dongba Dance and singing

D3: Lijiang-----Baisha---Wenhai
From Lijiang drive to the small village of Baisha, then from Baisha hiking about 4-5hours to Wenhai... In Wenhai stay in the ecolodge. The ecolodges are a unique project of sustainable development. They are owned and operated by 56 community households, and in this way ecolodges provides incomes, contributes 10% of profits to conservation and a community development fund that supports project around Wenhai Lake, and creates an incentive for local people to protect their natural resources and cultural heritage.

D4: Wenhai Naxi village to Yi  village to visit, also visit the local school. For this day hiking about 3 hours to visit the Yi village(families), to experience their traditional life, customs, to study their culture(talk to some people about their religion---Bimo); back to Wenhai to have lunch, then visit the local school, talk with students or teachers. Night in the ecolodge of Wenhai.

D5: Wenhai----Lashihai
Around Wenhai Lake hiking about 4-5 hours down to Lashihai Lake, you will enjoy the scenery of Lashi Lake, some villages and mountains. Accommodation and night in a Naxi homestay family in Lashihai Lake.

D6: One day tour in Lashihai Lake area (biking)
Biking around the Lashi Lake to visit more villages, crops, Tibet Buddhism Temple, canoeing in Lashi Lake with local fisherman, do some horse-riding.

D7: Lashihai Lake----Qiaotou,
In the morning, relax in village, after lunch drive about 2 and half hours to Qiaotou,then hiking about 1-2 hours to stay in one of small local guesthouse in the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Enjoy the view on the world's deepest river canyon.

D8: From guesthouse hiking to Walnut Garden
Hiking about 6-7 hours to Walnut Garden area.

D9: Walnut Garden----Lower gorge----Haba village---Baishui Tai stay in Baishui Tai
In the morning, walking around the Walnut Garden, then driving about 3~4hours to Baishui Tai.
Baishui Tai, or White Water Terrace, is a famous attraction in Zhongdian (Shangri-la) of Yunnan province. It is the cradle of the Naxi ethnic minority's Dongba culture. It is said that the world famous Dongba hieroglyph was created here and the place is regarded as a pilgrimage site by the Naxi people.

D10: One day tour around Shangri-La
Shangri- La is the gate of Tibet, many Tibetan live there and you could have a real glimpse of Tibetan's way of life.
During the day, visiting Songzan Lin Temple then walking around old town in the evening, joining the local people to dance.

D11: Flight from Zhongdian to Kunming then to Shanghai

The benefits you bring in taking this tour.

In taking part of this trip you could have a real glimpse of the local way of life. In Yunnan people are primarily farmers so you could help them. As you live with some family you could participate and have a better understanding of their daily life.
The Lashihai Ecotourism Company gives a real opportunity for local people to empower themselves. It is employee and community-owned within support of The Nature Conservancy, 10% of its profit is given to a conservation and community development fund, and employs local Naxi and Yi-trained guides. Your travel experience will allow for a unique opportunity to support the local ethnic cultures while enjoying the diversity and beauty of the land, with a true respect for all. While enjoying a wonderful tour, you can contribute to conservation efforts to protect the region's biodiversity and provide a sustainable alternative income source for these isolated and fascinating local communities. The accommodation is chosen with great attention in order that your impact on the environment is the smallest one and the money is given to local people.
 

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