2 weeks around Lijiang & Chengdu

My husband and I are planning a first-timer trip to China 21.3.07-4.4.07, arriving in Kunming noon. We are Malaysian Chinese, speak and read Chinese , seeking unique cultural experience %26amp; scenery %26amp; cuisine, without sacrifying the modern comfort eg. reasonably comfortable journey, comfortable bed, clean ensuite bathroom, if possible.

We like to travel in depth on our own, no rush, no big ambition to see everything, want to avoid places too touristic %26amp; crowded. Favourites are : nature, small old town, lively markets with authentic local food, staying in local people%26#39;s homestay or small inn with character.

We plan to spend 5 days around lijiang, 1 week around Chengdu, back to Kunming 2.4.07. To save time, considering taking flight to Lijiang from kunming upon arrival on 21.3.07, then fly from Lijiang to Chengdu %26amp; Chengdu to Kunming. Read that a new bypass at Dali shorten the bus journey between Kunming %26amp; Lijiang, and the same for the new road from Lijiang to Luguhu, is it true?

Please suggest best places to visit during this season( or is it better to go a little later in April?), give some tips on good places to eat %26amp; sleep. We would like to enjoy winter snow scene en route too. Around Lijiang we are considering Luguhu %26amp; Suhe. Around Chengdu we wonder is it worth going to jiuzhaigou, or shall we go west to Siguniangshan %26amp; Danba, or Ermei %26amp; Leshan? Please advise, thanks.

From,

Lee

offstone@yahoo.com

2 weeks around Lijiang %26amp; Chengdu

I was in Lijiang with my mother, sister and daughter (representing 3 generations, age range 70 yrs oldest and 5 yrs). We enjoyed the old town very much and my daughter love to go there again. Its lovely with ancient character in the building, ethnic people and their clothes. Yes, we were there in mid April, do bring warm clothing (just in case of freak weather), we were unprepared thinking it was well into spring. It snowed in the mountains and temperature dropped we had to rush for woollens from the shops (quite convenient).

There was a big bonfire in the old town square where ethnic people came and danced around the fire (to keep warm), everybody can join in the dance too. They sang in their own language, it was quite a unexpected events. We stayed at the inn that%26#39;s just beside the postal service post in the middle of old town. The owner was friendly and you can get advise from him about sightseeing and taxi fare etc). Food was no problem at old town. Local as well as international fare (sakura cafe was my daughter%26#39;s favourites, pasta, pizza, freshly baked bread, etc). Do not worry, the people are honest and will not overcharge you and locals will warn you of places where you have to cautious of pickpockets.

Most inns in the old town are quite comfortable, you can request for a room with bathroom attached (with hot water shower).

What we did was, enter any inn that we passed and take a look see look (the rooms and compound), ask what we want to ask and if rooms/prices reasonable and availability. If we like it, we put a deposit and bring our luggage and check in.

Do not miss the cross bridge noodle in Lijiang. The best and authentic cross bridge is at Fu hui Rd. Take a cab from old town, they are just beside the famous shop that sells the award winning Sanchuan ham (the cross bridge noodle sold in Old Town is not as good as the real stuff).

Places of interest - the Mu Mansion and the performance of Naxi ancient music (ask owner of inn for the authentic one) in Old Town. There are many interesting places to see, but we were there for 4 days (Old Town) and mostly visit places that are not too far away. Taxi is a good way to move around. That%26#39;s all I can share with you about Lijiang. Hope you%26#39;ll enjoy it as much as we did.

2 weeks around Lijiang %26amp; Chengdu

HuiZ, thank you very much for sharing your wonderful experience with us!

HuiZ,

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

chinatours07

any questions about lijiang ,lugu lake ,shangri-la.?pls write to :

lijiangbianca@gmail.com