Thursday, 28 February 2013

Day 07: SHANGRILA --> KUNMING (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)


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Take a domestic flight to Kunming,

Set off for Daguan Park , built during Kangxi dynasty . It boasts a 180 words antithetical couplet, the longest in China, written by Sun Ranfeng, a celebrated scholar in the Qing dynasty.

Continue your tour to Cuihu Park , Flower Market and Silk Shop for shopping.

Kunming Delights 昆明美食

Day 06: LIJIANG-SHANGRILA (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)


View Yunnan Day 6 in a larger map
Move on to Zhongdian (Shangri-La).

En route, see the First Bend of Yangtze River.

Upon arrival, tour to visit Gedan SongZanLing Lamasery which was constructed in 1679. This lamasery, which is only 5 kilometres from the country seat of Shangri-la, is similar to the original one in the Tibet. Covering an area of 34 hectares, it is the first Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan.

Next, visit Shika Snowy Mountain by cable car*. Shika Snowy Mountain is 4,449 meters above sea level. Up to the observation terrace, you can overlook the panoramic view of highland prairies and the remote Snow Peaks as Meili, Jade Dragon, Haba etc.

Continue to see the World’s Biggest Tibetan Prayer Wheel and visit the Dukezong Ancient Town.

Dukezong Old Town, a 1300-year-old Tibetan town located in Shangri-La, which it has experienced both the flames of war and prosperity of frontier trade. Dukezong Old Town's authentic Tibetan dwellings, majestic prayer halls and pagodas, winding lanes offer sanctuary to all those seeking refuge from the bustle city.It is the largest and best-preserved Tibetan city among China's Tibetan counties. Dukezong Old Town was a key stop on the Ancient Tea-horse Road and a focal point for Han-Tibetan exchanges. As one of the oldest towns in the region, it is also known as the 'footstep of Shangri-La'.
According to Tibetan Buddhist scriptures, there is a lost city called Shambhala in the Snow Mountains, shaped like an eight-petal lotus flower. The Dukezong Old Town Town is also laid out in this design.

Day 05: LIJIANG (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)


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Today we will visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area , proceed to visit

LanYue Valley (Blue Moon Valley), BaiShui River, Ganhaizi and YuShuiZhai. It is a scenic area that was surrounded by the Naxi tribe and today, the traditional lifestyle of Naxi minority can still be observed there.

Next, enjoy the performance of <Impressions of Lijiang> directed by Zhang Yimou.

Next, visit the Spirulina Center, a local specialty and get to know its benefits then

Enjoy a leisurely walk at Shuhe Ancient Town, which retains its past atmosphere as a cozy village, hemmed in by orchards and green fields and houses are built along three clear streams.

Day 04: DALI-LIJIANG(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)


View Yunnan Day 4 in a larger map
Today, we will visit the symbol scenic attraction of Dali -The Dali Three Pagodas.
Next, visit Xizhou village, a village with the most mixed population and cosmopolitan background. It grew and flourished in the Ming Dynasty(136-1644) along with the fortunes of Dali’s renowned tea merchants that traded to Tibet. Villagers in Bai dresses gather in a small market to buy and sell their product and daily wares. Enjoy the famous Bai Tribe’s tea performance.

Depart for Lijiang by coach. Upon arrival, visit Shizi Mountain where you can take a bird’s eye view of Lijiang.

Next explore the Ancient Town of Dayan, which is also known as Sifangjie (The Market Square). Dayan is regarded as the old town of Lijiang.

Lastly, your tour will visit Hei Long Tan (Black Dragon Lake).

After dinner, experience the *releasing of water lanterns to the river. ( *Releasing of water lanterns is subject to weather conditions.)

Dali Silver Shop

Dali Westerners' Street

Dali Ancient Town

Dali New Town, Mingzhu (Pearl) Square

Erhai Park, Yunnan 洱海公园

Erhai Park, Dali 大理市洱海公园旅游指南 
Travel Tips 
Attractions:
Opening Hour:
Admission Fee:  CNY
How to get there: 
Best Travel Season:
Map:
Brief Introduction :


Photo:

Video:
Reference:

Wednesday, 27 February 2013

The Dinosaur Valley

The Dinosaur Valley
Travel Tips
Attractions:
China's largest dinosaur excavation site – “the Dinosaur Valley” (at your own expense).
You can see the largest dinosaur fossils and its excavation site. 
游览中国最大的恐龙发掘地《恐龙谷》(自费),在此可以看到最大的恐龙化石和正在发掘的现场。 
Opening Hour:
Admission Fee:  CNY
How to get there: 
Best Travel Season:
Map:

Brief Introduction :
The remains of the creatures were unearthed and their heads were all facing the same direction. Apparently, they were fleeing from some catastrophe probably a meteor striking the earth.
Video:
Reference:
Photo:
More pictures on Kunming Dinosaour Valley
Video:
5 mins 3 Projectors Show "End of Dinosaour"



Luyu Tea Culture Exchange Center 陆羽茶艺中心

Luyu Tea Culture Exchange Center 陆羽茶艺中心
Travel Tips 
Attractions:
Opening Hour:
Admission Fee:  CNY
How to get there: 
Best Travel Season:
Map:

View Luyu Tea Culture Exchange Center in a larger map
Brief Introduction :

Video:
Reference:
Photo:
Video:

zzz Day 03: KUNMING-DALI(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) (Plan)


View Yunnan Day 3 in a larger map
After breakfast, we will visit the Luyu Tea Culture Exchange Center to have a better understanding of the renowned Yunnan Pu’er tea. You will learn of its culture, production and cultivation.

Thereafter, coach to a historical and cultural city of China -Dali, it is , also know as “Switzerland of the East” , complete with beautiful sceneries of wind, flowers, snow and the moon.

Explore China's largest dinosaur excavation site – “The Dinosaur Valley” (at your own expense). You can see the largest dinosaur fossils and its excavation site.

Upon arrival in Dali, we will proceed to visit Erhai Park where you can enjoy the most beautiful viewing of Erhai lake.

Continue to Mingzhu (pearl) Square at Dali new town. Visit the Dali Ancient town and Westerners’ Street.

Next, proceed to Dali silver shop.

Reference:
Dali Food & Local Specialties

zzz Day 02:KUNMING (Plan) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)


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After breakfast, proceed to visit Colorful Yunnan.

Continue your tour to visit Golden Temple, the biggest bronze-made temple in China.

Visit Zhen Bao Ge.

Kunming Delights 昆明美食

Day 01 :SINGAPORE - KUNMING - JIUXIANG - STONE FOREST (Meals on Board/Lunch/Dinner)


View Yunnan Day 1 in a larger map
Your holiday begin with a pleasant flight to Kunming – the provincial capital of Yunnan.

Upon arrival, you will visit Jiuxiang which is famous for its magnificent caves, waterfalls and beautiful landscape. It is Jiuxiang’s biggest cave cluster in China.

Thereafter, proceed to marvel at the Stone Forest, also known as “The First Wonder of the World”. Stone Forest is a massive collection of gray limestone pillars, split by rainwater and eroded to their present fanciful form. You will be captivated by her immense beauty.

Kunming Delights 昆明美食

Reference

Colorful Yunnan 七彩云南

Colorful Yunnan 昆明七彩云南

Tour groups from across the country, almost always brought to "Colorful Yunnan" by the tour guide, where there are century-old Qing Feng Xiang Tea House and a variety of shops: silver, jade, souvenirs, Chinese herbal medicine and others.
Travel Tips 
Attractions:
Opening Hour:
Admission Fee: Free
How to get there:  
Colorful Yunnan is located about 20 kilometers southeast of Kunming, cover an area of 36,000 square meters. 昆明安石公路12公里处
Best Travel Season:
Map:

Brief Introduction :
Colorful Yunnan Kunming Industrial Co., Ltd., is a large-scale tourism enterprises covers tourism commodity production, shopping, dining and sightseeing.

Seven statues of the Three Kingdoms located in Trevi Fountain, from north to south are Zhao Yun, Guan Yu, Liu Bei, Zhang Fei, Zhuge Liang, Meng Huo and Guan Xing. Beside Trevi Fountain are Qing Feng Xiang teahouses, Emerald Jewelry Store, Crafts Museum, native Pavilion, drugs store, and a famous Colorful Yunnan Peacock Garden.
Photo:
Video:
 
Reference:

... Sample back-next

Travel Tips 
Attractions:
Opening Hour:
Admission Fee:  CNY
How to get there: 
Best Travel Season:
Map:
Brief Introduction :

Gourmet:

Photo:
Video:
Reference:

Kunming Cross-bridge rice noodle
 Kunming Steam-Pot Chicken
 Kunming Herbal Cuisine
 Tibetan Ba Bao Steam Pot 
 Dali Clay – Pot Fish
 Lijiang Naxi’s Cuisine
 Yilang Roast duck

崇圣寺三塔(入内)
 松赞林寺(入内)
石林风景区
乘索道游览石卡雪山
 九乡风景区
 东巴谷
 蓝月谷
昆明:
 大观楼
金殿
翠湖公园
金马碧鸡坊
南屏步行街
市区花市
茶文化交流中心
大理:
喜洲白族民居
品尝大理三道茶歌舞表演
崇圣寺三塔 (入内)
洱海公园
大理古城
洋人街
明珠广场
丽江:
蓝月谷
白水河
甘海子
玉水寨风景区
狮子山观古城全貌
大研古镇
四方街
玉龙雪山风景区
黑龙潭公园(玉泉公园)
东巴谷文化村
束河茶马古镇
香格里拉:
乘索道游览石卡雪山
蓝月山谷
远眺长江第一弯
游独克宗古城
松赞林寺(入内)
观世界第一大的转经筒
特色美食: 
昆明过桥米线
昆明汽锅鸡
宜良烤鸭
药膳风味藏式八宝火锅
大理沙锅鱼风味
乳扇大理三道茶(观白族歌舞表演)
丽江纳西马帮农家宴

zzz Itinerary KLS8 Kunming/Dali/Lijiang /Shangri-La /Jiuxiang / Stone Forest Tour (Plan)

2013-05-09 Day 01 :SINGAPORE - KUNMING - JIUXIANG - STONE FOREST (Meals on Board/Lunch/Dinner)
Your holiday begin with a pleasant flight to Kunming – the provincial capital of Yunnan.
Upon arrival, you will visit Jiuxiang which is famous for its magnificent caves, waterfalls and beautiful landscape. It is Jiuxiang’s biggest cave cluster in China.
Thereafter, proceed to marvel at the Stone Forest, also known as “The First Wonder of the World”. Stone Forest is a massive collection of gray limestone pillars, split by rainwater and eroded to their present fanciful form. You will be captivated by her immense beauty.
2013-05-10 Day 02:KUNMING(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
After breakfast, proceed to visit Colorful Yunnan.
Continue your tour to visit Golden Temple, the biggest bronze-made temple in China.
Visit Zhen Bao Ge.
2013-05-11 Day 03:KUNMING-DALI(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
After breakfast, we will visit the Luyu Tea Culture Exchange Center to have a better understanding of the renowned Yunnan Pu’er tea. You will learn of its culture, production and cultivation.
Thereafter, coach to a historical and cultural city of China -Dali, it is , also know as “Switzerland of the East” , complete with beautiful sceneries of wind, flowers, snow and the moon.
Explore China's largest dinosaur excavation site – the Dinosaur Valley” (at your own expense). You can see the largest dinosaur fossils and its excavation site.
Upon arrival in Dali, we will proceed to visit Erhai Park where you can enjoy the most beautiful viewing of Erhai lake.
Continue to Mingzhu (pearl) Square at Dali new town. Visit the Dali Ancient town and Westerners’ Street. Next, proceed to Dali silver shop.
2013-05-12 Day 04:DALI-LIJIANG(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Today, we will visit the symbol scenic attraction of Dali -The Dali Three Pagodas.
Next, visit Xizhou village, a village with the most mixed population and cosmopolitan background. It grew and flourished in the Ming Dynasty(136-1644) along with the fortunes of Dali’s renowned tea merchants that traded to Tibet. Villagers in Bai dresses gather in a small market to buy and sell their product and daily wares.
Enjoy the famous Bai Tribe’s tea performance.
Depart for Lijiang by coach.
Upon arrival, visit Shizi Mountain where you can take a bird’s eye view of Lijiang.
Next explore the Ancient Town of Dayan, which is also known as Sifangjie (The Market Square). Dayan is regarded as the old town of Lijiang.
Lastly, your tour will visit Hei Long Tan (Black Dragon Lake).
After dinner, experience the *releasing of water lanterns to the river. ( *Releasing of water lanterns is subject to weather conditions.)
2013-05-13 Day 05: LIJIANG(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Today we will visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area ,
proceed to visit LanYue Valley (Blue Moon Valley), Baishui River, Ganhaizi and Yushui Zhai. It is a scenic area that was surrounded by the Naxi tribe and today, the traditional lifestyle of Naxi minority can still be observed there.
Next, enjoy the performance of <Impressions of Lijiang> directed by Zhang Yimou.Next,
visit the Spirulina Center, a local specialty and get to know its benefits
then Enjoy a leisurely walk at Shuhe Ancient Town, which retains its past atmosphere as a cozy village, hemmed in by orchards and green fields and houses are built along three clear streams.
2013-05-14 Day 06: LIJIANG-SHANGRILA
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Move on to Zhongdian (Shangri-La).
En route, see the First Bend of Yangtze River.
Upon arrival, tour to visit Gedan SongZanLing Lamasery which was constructed in 1679. This lamasery, which is only 5 kilometres from the country seat of Shangri-la, is similar to the original one in the Tibet. Covering an area of 34 hectares, it is the first Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan.
Next, visit Shika Snowy Mountain by cable car*. Shika Snowy Mountain is 4,449 meters above sea level. Up to the observation terrace, you can overlook the panoramic view of highland prairies and the remote Snow Peaks as Meili, Jade Dragon, Haba etc.
Continue to see the World’s Biggest Tibetan Prayer Wheel and
visit the Dukezong Ancient Town. Dukezong Old Town, a 1300-year-old Tibetan town located in Shangri-La, which it has experienced both the flames of war and prosperity of frontier trade. Dukezong Old Town's authentic Tibetan dwellings, majestic prayer halls and pagodas, winding lanes offer sanctuary to all those seeking refuge from the bustle city.It is the largest and best-preserved Tibetan city among China's Tibetan counties. Dukezong Old Town was a key stop on the Ancient Tea-horse Road and a focal point for Han-Tibetan exchanges. As one of the oldest towns in the region, it is also known as the 'footstep of Shangri-La'. According to Tibetan Buddhist scriptures, there is a lost city called Shambhala in the Snow Mountains, shaped like an eight-petal lotus flower. The Dukezong Old Town Town is also laid out in this design.
2013-05-15 Day 07:SHANGRILA --> KUNMING (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Take a domestic flight to Kunming,
Set off for Daguan Park , built during Kangxi dynasty . It boasts a 180 words antithetical couplet, the longest in China, written by Sun Ranfeng, a celebrated scholar in the Qing dynasty. Continue your tour to Cuihu Park , Flower Market and Silk Shop for shopping.
2013-05-16 DAY 8 - KUNMING - SINGAPORE (KLS8) (BREAKFAST)
Today we will visit JinMaBiJi (Golden horse, Jade Rooster Archway)
 Continue your tour to Nanping Pedestrian Street and Jewelry Centre. Thereafter, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Specialty Meals

SPECIALTY MEALS:
  • Kunming Cross-bridge rice noodle 云南过桥米线
  • Kunming Steam-Pot Chicken 气锅鸡
  • Kunming Herbal Cuisine 药膳风味
  • Tibetan Ba Bao Steam Pot
  • Dali Clay – Pot Fish 大理砂锅鱼
  • Lijiang Naxi’s Cuisine 丽江纳西农家宴
  • Yilang Roast duck 烤鸭风味

Golden Temple 金殿

金殿 (Jin Dian) 昆明金殿公园旅游指南
Travel Tips 
Attractions:
Opening Hour: 07:00-19:00
Admission Fee:  CNY30
How to get there:  
Located at the foot of Mingfeng Mountain, about 7 km from Kunming City, Yunnan Province. 

- by bus No. 60, 10 or 71, get off at the stop of Jindian Lishi Fengjingqu (金殿历史风景区, Golden Temple historic and scenic site).
- by taxi which will take about 30 minutes.
Best time for visit: all year round Best Travel Season:
Map:
Brief Introduction :
Golden Temple
  1. Temple fair of the temple is fixed on the ninth day of the first month in Chinese lunar calendar (usually falls on January or Febuary), during which various local products are sold and public performance is put on there.
  2. The temple is home to several thousand pots of camellias, which is the city flower of Kunming as well as one of the "Eight Famous Flowers of Yunnan". If you are a camellia lover, do not miss the blossom lasting from the end of winter to the beginning of spring.
  3. Kunming Golden Temple, also known as "太和宫"(Taihegong) Golden Temple or "铜瓦寺"(Tongwasi Temple), is one of the important cultural relic protection units in China. Located on Mingfeng Mountain, Golden Temple is 7 km away from Kunming City. As a famous temple in Yunnan Province, Golden Temple acquired the name for its shinning golden appearance. Although the temple has been exposed to wind and rain for hundreds of year, it is still maintained in good condition than the Golden Temple in Summer Palace of Beijing. Also, it is the biggest and well-protected existing copper temple in China, providing important information for researchers to study the ancient metallurgy and architecture in Yunnan Province.
History of Golden Temple
Chinese folk tales has it that Chen Yongbin, provincial governor of Yunnan Province of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), was told that Mingfeng Mountain in Kunming is a place with good Fengshui (风水, a Chinese system of geomancy). In expectation of getting good luck, Chen built the Golden Temple in the mountain, modeling the Taihegong Golden Temple on Wudang Mountain in Hubei Province, in 1602 to worship Zhenwu the Great (真武大帝, a Chinese god of Taoism). At late Ming, the Mu (沐, sharing a same pronunciation with 木(wood) in Chinese) family ruling Yunnan considered that the temple would hoodoo their family (according to the Chinese theory of Five Elements (metal, wood, water, fire, earth), metal corrodes wood). As result, the temple was moved to the Jizu Mountain in Dali in 1637 (but was destroyed between 1960s and 1970s). In 1671 during Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Wu Shangui, general of Pingxi in charge of supervising Southwest China in Qing Dynasty, decided to rebuild the Golden Temple at the original site in Mingfeng Mountain of Kunming – that is the one we see there today. Besides the temple and statues, he has also made a Seven Star Sword, which is collected in the temple as the guardian of the temple.

Outside the Golden Temple
There are stone steps paving from the foot of Mingfeng Mountain to the Golden Temple. After crossing three heaven gates which symbolizes three constellations, visitors will see the solemn gate of Golden Temple. In the courtyard many kinds of flowers can be found, among which the camellia and the crape myrtle can be traced back to Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
In front of the Golden Temple stands a copper flag, on the edge of the top of which the sun and the moon are carved. Between the sun and the moon there are four Chinese characters "天下太平", literally "All is at peace" in English. The Big Deeper is carved on the flag as well. So comes its name: "日月七星铜旗"(copper flag of the Sun, the Moon and Seven Stars). There are also "风调雨顺、国泰民安" on the flag, which means "good weather for the crops, peace and prosperity around the whole country". This flag is the symbol of Zhenwu the Great, who is considered in traditional Chinese mythology to be the god blessing the country and the people. In the first month of China lunar calendar, people will gather together in Golden Temple to celebrate the birthday of this god of Taoism.
To the Southeast of Golden Temple there is a three-floor Mingzhong Tower, which is about 30 meters high. A copper bell, 2.1 meters high, 6.7 meters in girth, 14 tons in weight, is hanging on the third floor of the tower. With a history of about 560 years, the bell was originally hanging in Xuanhua Tower in Kunming and was not moved to Golden Temple until the Xuanhua Tower was torn down. In 1983, the Mingzhong Tower was built for hanging the bell and the tower becomes the highest architecture on Mingfeng Mountain from which visitors can get good view of scenery around.

Appearance of Golden Temple
Golden Temple is a traditional Taoist structure in the style of "歇山式" (a typical ancient Chinese architecture with 4 sides of roofs as its trademark). It's about 6.7 meters in height, 6.2 meters in width and 6.2 meters in length. The whole temple, including posts, beams, doors, windows, tiles, altar table, horizontal inscribed board, the statue of Zhenwu the Great and so on, is made of copper. On the door of Golden Temple, there is a horizontal inscribed board writes "鹦鹉春深" which means the weather is always as spring all year round. Inside the temple, the sitting statue of Zhenwu the Great is accompanied with a "金童"and a "玉女"(immortal boys and girls who standing behind an important god in Chinese myth). Apart from 20 kg the "七星宝剑" (Seven Star Sword), another cultural article - a 12 kg saber with wooden shaft which is said to be used by Wu Sangui – is also showed in Golden Temple.

金殿風景區位于昆明市東郊的鳴鳳山麓,占地1773畝距市區8公里。金殿名勝區創建于明萬曆三十年(1602)明崇禎十年(1637)銅殿遷賓川雞足山,清康熙十年(1671)平西王吳三桂重建現存這幢重簷歇山式真武銅殿,銅殿重250噸,是中國最大的銅建築,它比北京頤和園萬壽山的金殿保存完整;比湖北武當山金殿規模大,是我國現存最大的純銅鑄殿。 這座名聲顯赫的金殿屬於太和宮的一部分,總重量達250噸,為重簷飛閣仿木結構方形建築,殿高6.7米,寬、深各6.2米,包括樑柱斗拱、瓦楞頂簷、神像羅幔、桌案瓶器、匾楹旌旗等都是用銅鑄成。

金殿自陳用賓于萬曆壬寅(1602)年鼎建, 迄今已380多年; 吳三桂重建已210多年了。初建于明萬曆年間。陳用賓仿照湖北均縣境內的武當山天柱峰的太和宮及金殿,略加變化建成。明代後期統治雲南的沐氏作惡多端,屢被朝廷懲治,家運日衰。但是,他不從自身上找根源,而從迷信中尋求解脫。信為:鸚鵡山在城東,山上立有銅殿,“銅乃西方之屬,能克木”,故由巡按張鳳翮出面,將銅殿拆運至滇西的雞足山,現存鳴鳳山金殿,是清初吳三佳重建的。殿梁上還留有“大清康熙十年,歲次辛亥,大呂月,十有門日之吉,平西親王吳三桂敬築”等字樣。

從山腳舍車步行,過迎仙橋,進“鳴鳳勝景”坊,途徑“第一天門”、“二天門”和“三天門”。攀上天門,即可見古樸莊重的“太和宮”大門。聯雲:“畫棟連雲,只占青山三畝地;朱樓映日,別開綠野一重天”。入寺門,再過欞星門,可見巍然屹立的磚城,擊長約數十丈,略似皇家紫禁城。沿階進“城”,迎面高高的臺階上,便是太和宮的中心建築,著名的金殿。 名勝區建有三層三十六翼角二十九米高的鐘樓,三樓穹頂下,懸掛明永樂二十一年(1432)所鑄的大銅鐘,鐘高3.5米,口徑周長6.7米,重達14噸,為雲南省最大的古鐘。新建的“中國金殿博覽苑”,將湖北武當山、山西五臺山、山東泰山、和北京萬壽山的銅建築薈萃一園。苑中堆大理石,小橋疊水、踏步欄杆、棧道石坊、植物花卉等景觀相映,形成了小巧玲瓏的仿銅文化園林。金殿建有500畝的園林植物園,已建成茶花園、杜鵑園、木蘭園、薔薇園、溫室區等十個園區,引種園林植物2000餘種。金殿名勝區是融人文景觀、自然景觀為一體的特色旅遊景點。在昆明市東北角七公里的鳴鳳山上,有完全用青銅鑄造的銅殿,在驕陽下殿宇熠熠生輝,耀眼奪目,故人們稱為金殿,是中國重點保護文物。

春城清代康熙九年(西元一六七零年),吳三桂在鎮壓農民起義後,率師進踞昆明,重建金殿。現在金殿大樑上尚可看到“大清康熙十年,歲次辛亥,大呂月(即十月)六日之吉,平西親王吳三桂敬築”銅鑄字樣。裡面的佛像、匾聯、樑柱、層面、門窗、盤龍、裝飾等均用銅鑄成。金殿的階梯、地板、欄杆均是別致的大理石鑲砌。整個殿宇宏偉莊嚴,美觀大方。殿外築有城牆、城門、城垛。城上有樓。在殿后側,有粗逾合抱的山茶一株和紫薇兩株,相傳為明代所種,每年春節前後,數千朵茶花怒放,花紅似火。

金殿門票每張15元人民幣,可在穿金路乘10路公共汽車,也可在這裡乘專線中巴車,票價是2元人民幣。
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Kunming: Stone Forest 昆明石林风景区

Stone Forest 昆明石林风景区旅游指南
Travel Tips 
Attractions:
Stone Forest is a massive collection of gray limestone pillars, split by rainwater and eroded to their present fanciful form. You will be captivated by her immense beauty.
石林风景区(含电瓶车).为世界上单体最高的喀斯特岩溶地质奇观,石林地区居住着彝族撒尼人。景区内石峰拨地而起续,千峰竟秀,姿态万千,飞瀑天降,怪石 奇峰,千奇百怪,形象逼真,十分壮观,宛如一个石林迷宫,被誉为”天下第一奇观”。
石林的主要遊覽區李子箐石林,面積約12平方公里,遊覽面積約1200畝。主要由石林湖、大石林、小石林和李子園幾個部分組成,游路5000多米,是石林景區內單體最大,也是最集中、最美的一處。
Opening Hour:
Admission Fee:  CNY
How to get there: 
Best Travel Season:
每年農曆六月二十四日的火把節,石林四周的彝、漢等各族群眾都要從四面八方彙集到石林歡慶佳節。人們在白天舉行摔跤、爬杆、鬥牛等比賽活動,夜晚則燃起熊熊篝火,耍龍、舞獅、表演民族歌舞。阿細跳月、大三弦舞則是最受歡迎的傳統節日。  
Map:
乃古石林距离大石林约10公里的路程。

Tourist Map of Stone Forest 石林风景区導𨘋图
Brief Introduction :
The essence of World Karst Landform lies here in South China. South China Karst Landform is the most magnificent example of the World Karst Landform, mainly consisting of the Stone Forest in Yunnan Province (Karst landform in sword, column and tower shape), Libo County of Guizhou (tapering Karst peaks), Wuling area of Chongqing (solid Karst landforms represented by Natural Bridge, Karst Hole, etc). With a total area of 1460 square kilometers, South China Karst has been 5 million to 30 million years old.
The Stone Forest Scenic Area of Kunming is located in the south county, it is 78kms from Kunming. The south county(Nan xian in Chinese) is the symbolic Karst landform place in China. There are over 400 square kilometers stone forest in the county, the whole scenic area includes the Big Stone Forest Area, the Small Stone Forest Area, the Naigu Stone Forest (Ancient Stone Forest in Chinese meaning), the Big Folded Water, the Long Lake, the Moon Lake, the cave of Mushroom and Clouds, the Astonish Windy Cave.
The main scenic area in the stone forest is the Jin Stone Forest, it is of a area of 12 square kms. It contains the stone forest lake, big stone forest, small stone forest, and plum stone forest. If you visit the forests on foot, please mind that it is a big area covers about 5 kms, there are sightseeing cars at the entrance of the stone forest scenic area, you can hire one. This part is the biggest and most beautiful place in the scenic area. And the local traditional festivals will be hold here (eg. The torch festival of Yunnan), people from all parts of Yunnan province and the world gathering here for celebrations. During the day time, people wrestling, pole climbing, bullfight while in the evening, they light the needfire, dancing, playing Chinese dragon plays, lion dancing and other Yunnan folk singing & dancing performances.
The whole forest is a huge natural treasure gallery, it allows visitors to imagine, to discover and to enjoy the time freely. Wandering roads with silence, walking in the stone forest is like in a fantastic heaven that all forget about leaving. The guests can use the famous Lion pavilion, the peak viewing pavilion, the stone estrades and benches for rest.
Naigu, Sani language of Yi ethnic group, means old and black. Naigu Stone Forest scenic spot, about ten kilometers from the main Stone Forest Scenic Area and with an area of ten square kilometers, is composed of east area, west area, Baiyun Lake, Baiyun Cave and ancient battlefield.
On the top of the peak a stretch of black stone sea will come into your view. If you have interest in walking in the black stone forest you may feel an atmosphere of barbarous wilderness. Even more outstanding is that there are many karst caves under the black stone forest. Now nine karst caves have been probed. It is appropriate to describe Naigu Stone Forest in these lines: Gaze into distance from the peak, stroll across the forest and pass through the caves.
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Major Stone Forest Scenic Area Minor Stone Forest Scenic Area
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Jiuxiang Feng Jing Qu 九乡风景区

Jiuxiang Feng Jing Qu 九乡风景区 宜良九乡溶洞风景区旅游指南

Travel Tips: Recommended time for a visit: 1 day.
Attractions: 
Jiuxiang which is famous for its magnificent caves, waterfalls and beautiful landscape. It is Jiuxiang’s biggest cave cluster in China.
乘缆车游览九乡溶洞。这是个以溶洞为主、集自然风光、卡斯特地貌,人文景观以及民族风情为一体的旅游景点。它拥有上千座大小溶洞,为国内规模最大、数量最多,溶洞景观最奇特的洞穴群落体系。 
Opening Hour: 09:00-18:00
Admission Fee:  CNY90, CNY30 for one-way cableway.
How to get there:  
Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Autonomous Township of Yiliang County 90 km away from Kunming, Yunnan Province.
- take a minibus from Kunming bus station to Yiliang County and then take a minibus to Jiuxiang.
- take a bus at the square in the front of Kunming Railway Station directly to Jiuxiang Scenic Area.
Best Travel Season: Summer
Map: 
Tour Map of JiuXiang 九乡风景区導𨘋图
Brief Introduction :
Located 47 kilometers from Yiliang County, 90 kilometers away from Kunming city, only 22 kilometers from the famous stone forest, Jiuxiang Scenic Area is a famous tourist destination in Yunnan Province encompassed by karst caves, deep valleys, and Yi ethnic minority’s cultural landscapes. Jiuxiang Scenic Area has a cluster of karst caves within an area of 20 square kilometers, known as the most in number and the largest in scale in China. Together with the Stone Forest, Jiuxiang scenic area formed the three-dimensional karst landscape of "see Stone Forest on the ground and Jiuxiang caves underground". Juxiang Scenic Area consists of five scenic spots: Diehong Bridge, Sanjiao Cave, Dasha Dam, Alulong and Mingyue Lake. Only the Diehong Bridge Scenic Spot is open to public now. Diehong Bridge itself includes nine major scenic spots: the Green Shady Valley, Grand Underground Valley, the Lying Dragon Cave, the Goddess Cave, the Fairy Fields, the Lion Hall, the Bat Cave, Yi Ethnic Group Village and the Sightseeing Cableway.
九鄉溶洞群堪稱世界奇觀,其形成的機理就是由於強烈的喀斯特作用。在這裡,巨大的洞室、洞穴系統是地表水利地下水溶解碳酸鹽岩的結果,而洞穴中堆積的色彩斑斕的鈣華堆積,則是地下水中碳酸鈣沉澱堆積的結晶。
1984 年,當一個由地質學家和風景園林專家組成規考察小組來到九鄉考察時,發現這裡隱藏著世界上最偉大的溶洞群之一。從此,九鄉不僅為世界地質界所關注,也成了 旅遊熱點。九鄉周圍分佈有大面積的碳酸鹽岩地層,這些地層的形成時期大約是在6億午前的震旦紀。碳酸鹽舍分佈在九鄉麥田河兩豐,面積約為100平方千米。 由於新生代(距今6500萬年)以來,雲南高原隨青藏高原的隆起而不斷地被拾升,南盤江溯源侵蝕將滇東高原切割,形成了南盤江峽谷。南盤江的一級支梳麥囚 河深切,切過九鄉的地域。在強大的地太水流和地下水流聯合作用之下,形成九鄉奇異、雄渾、壯觀的喀斯特洞穴群和九鄉蔭翠峽。在地殼間歇式的抬升運動中,九 鄉地貌演化大成了多層喀斯特洞穴的演化過程,造就了它巨大、奇特的溶洞系統。

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Grand Underground (Jinghun) Valley
The Grand Underground Valley is the most spectacular underground valley in china with a length of 100 meters. Continuous declination of riverbed formed the Grand Underground Valley, the narrowest part of which is only 3or 4 meters. The roaring sound from the valley is caused by river water striking the huge rocks, a magnificent spectacle. People can go along the valley by a trestle. Walking on the trestle is really a thrilling experience. At the end of the trestle is the White Elephant Cave formed by water erosion.
 Three Dimensional Model of Gorges and Caves of Jiuxiang

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Green Shady (Yincui) Gorge 蔭翠峽
The Green Shady Valley is quiet and charming with a length of 600 meters. As the river on the valley bottom is nearly wholly shaded by dense green trees, hence the name. Taking a boat on the river, you will see verdant cliffs, green water and fish playing in water and narrow blue sky. The green shady valley is also named Valentine’s Valley. Legend says that young men and women of Yi ethnic group will gather here to look for lovers by singing songs. It is really a nice place to relax.
 

Fairy Vale 聚仙谷
 

Grand Lion (Xiongshi) Hall 雄狮大廳
The Lion Hall is a vast cave formed by stalactites covering an area of 15000 square meters which can hold thousands of people.
 
Lying Dragon (Wolong) Cave
The Lying Dragon Cave is featured by the Twin Waterfalls. Once entering the cave, your attention will soon drawn by two silver waterfalls. Twin waterfalls pour down from 30- meter-high cliffs in parallel creating splashing water and deafening sound, a gorgeous scene. In rainy season, twin waterfalls fuse together, making it hard to tell which is which.

Fairy Palace 神女宫
The Goddess Cave looks like a crystal palace with crystal stalactites. It is the typical landscape of karst landform. Stalactites sitting or lying here and there just look like a crowd of fairies who are singing and dancing, like a fairy land.


The Fairy Field (Shentian)
The Fairy Field is a natural wonder resembling a terrace. Curbing Dams are scattered in graceful disorder with a total area of 100 square meters. And each dam has a depth of 10 meters. The unique karst landform is called curbing dams in geology and the smaller one curbing basin.


Yi Ethnic Group Village
It is an underground world displaying culture of Yi ethnic group. Mi Zhi Lin is a dense forest where men of Yi ethnic group worship the ancestors on festival day and women is forbidden to enter, which show the unique custom of ancient Yi ethnic group.
Bat (Bianfu) Cave
Legend says that there are ten thousand bats inhabited in the cave in the past, hence the name. Bats gradually moved away when the cave was developed into a tourist destination. The bat cave is famed as "Dangling Stone Forest Underground" with dangling stalactites.
Sightseeing Cableway Station 索道站
The sightseeing cableway stretches across mountains and valleys with a span of nearly 1000 meters. Visitors can enjoy landscapes of different seasons in several minutes via cableway.
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