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During the festival, torches are erected in front of houses. At the entrance to the villages, a grand "torch tower," made of pine branches and dry firewood and standing more than 20 meters high, is decorated with fresh flowers and fruits. At last, the long-awaited moment comes. After dinner, as darkness casts its shadow, young and old, wearing their most ceremonial attire, rush excitedly to the "torch tower" square. Cheers and screams of delight burst from the lips of the excited crowd, while the soaring flames brighten the darkness of the night and warm everyone's heart. It really is an amazing sight the torches are as numerous as there are stars in the sky. On such a brilliant night, all the participants are intoxicated by the grand spectacle and the atmosphere of celebration. Dressed in splendid costumes bedecked with sparkling ornaments, young men and women sing and dance hand in hand around the bonfire to express their gratitude for a life of plenty and good wishes for the coming year.

Enjoy fascinating days in China's most picturesque province. Our Jade Dragon Journey itinerary includes Tibetan monasteries, colorful markets and homes of the Bai and Naxi minorities. This is an active exploration featuring spectacular sites in remote Dali and Lijiang. Walk historic trails, visit villages of different minorities, and journey to ancient sacred sites. Expect good food and many opportunities for photography and cultural interaction.

Torch Festival Time: June 24, China Farmer's Calendar, In western calendar, it's usually in late July or early August.

Day by Day Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province. Meet at airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 Fly from Kunming to Dali, an old town set beside a lake and against a backdrop of mountains, you will see the local agriculture, observe small temples and visit the Three Pagodas. Then take the chair-lift up Mt Cangshan. Hike in the mountains and enjoy the birds-eye view of the Dali area.

Day 3 Ride by minibus to Lijiang with stop at a typical Bai village where people usually have their dye houses in the courtyards. Observing the whole process of sewing and dyeing curtains and table cloth. Also visit Xinhua village where the Bais are famous for making silver articles. Overnight in Lijiang.

Day 4 Visit Baisha Village and view the mural art. Visit Yufeng Monastery, a lamasery where you will meet members of the Red Hat Tibetan Buddhist sect. After lunch visit Black Dragon Park and the Naxi Dongba Museum. Join the dragon of fire! Tonight we will witness the great torch festival of the Naxi and Yi ethnic people.

Day 5 Free day at Lijiang.

Day 6 Fly back to Kunming in the morning, transfer to your hotel, then go to visit the Yunnan Minorities Museum which is the best of its kind in all China.

Day 7 After a relaxed breakfast in your hotel, go to visit the Flower and Bird Market, then transfer to airport for your departure.