A Memorable Birthday Celebration in A Happy Place

Yunnan, renowned for its pleasant climate, vibrant ethnic communities, and breathtaking natural scenery, has established itself as a preferred holiday destination. This year, we were delighted to welcome back Juan, a returning customer who expressed his desire to visit Yunnan with his family after their memorable Silk Road trip with us two years ago.

Juan's family visited Jiayuguan Pass, Gansu in July 2022, tour tailormade by Wonder

6 Days Hexi Corridor Discovery Tour(Zhangye/Jiayuguan/Dunhuang)

Itinerary: Lanzhou - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang
Highlights: Zhangye Danxia, Jiayuguan Fort, Mogao Grottoes, Mingshashan, Yulin Caves, Bullet Train

After his last unforgettable family trip, Juan wasted no time in contacting his trusted travel consultant once again. This time, his objective was to create an extraordinary vacation to celebrate his wife Olga's birthday. Taking Juan's preferences into account, we tailored a customized trip that encompassed the enchanting destinations of Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. It was in Shangri-La, a place renowned for its representation of happiness, that they intended to spend Olga's birthday. After the tour, Juan expressed his utmost satisfaction with the exceptional service provided by China Discovery and Wonder, leaving a glowing review. He wrote,

"Again China Discovery and with wonder perfect arrangements we had a wonderful trip. Additional to the trip setup, which was perfect, Wonder managed to arrange an unforgettable birthday celebration for my wife.

Thank you!! We will have the best memories in China thanks to Wonder and China Discovery."

Now, let's explore their enriching experiences and delve into Juan's story!

Day 1 Lijiang Arrival & Shaxi Ancient Town Exploration

In the morning, Juan's family arrived in Lijiang by flight, where they were greeted by their guide, Peter. They drove to Shaxi Ancient Town, which proved to be a delightful surprise nestled between Dali and Lijiang. The Market Square of Shaxi had earned its place on the World Monuments Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites, adding to its allure. Apart from the ancient flavor, one of the highlights of Shaxi was its vibrant Friday market, which stands as the sole surviving market along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. With meticulous planning, we ensured that Juan's family had the opportunity to partake in this lively market experience. They witnessed the local residents, dressed in traditional attire, congregating along the curbside, offering an array of local products and wares. The atmosphere was filled with colors, sounds, and the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Juan's Family in Shaxi Old Town

Following their sightseeing adventures, Juan's family checked into their hotel in Shaxi, where they could finally unwind and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Day 2 Lijiang Arrival & Shaxi Ancient Town Exploration

The following day, they eagerly set out to explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This famous snow-capped mountain boasts 13 majestic peaks, reaching an impressive height of 5,596 meters above sea level. Adorned with snow throughout the year, it captivates the hearts of countless sightseers, climbers, and photographers. Juan's group had the opportunity to bask in the beauty of the mountain's peaks and serene lakes. As part of their Lijiang experience, they were treated to the mesmerizing Impression Lijiang show. This grand-scale live-action performance was directed by the world-renowned director, Zhang Yimou. With its stunning visuals and captivating performances, the show left Juan and his family in awe, providing a truly unforgettable cultural experience amidst the picturesque surroundings of Lijiang.

After bidding farewell to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, they made their way to the highly anticipated Lijiang Old City, which proved to be the pinnacle of their trip. As one of China's Four Greatest Ancient Cities, Lijiang Old City stands as a meticulously preserved 800-year-old town that holds great historical and cultural significance for the Naxi ethnic group. Juan's group relished in the joy of strolling along the narrow, time-worn lanes adorned with ancient buildings. The enchanting atmosphere of the old city immersed them in a bygone era. Among the many attractions, Mufu Palace stood out as a magnificent imperial palace, known for its grandeur and architectural splendor. Its impressive presence left a lasting impression on Juan and his family, showcasing the rich heritage of the region….

Lijiang Old City at Night, Photo Shared by Juan

6 Days Best of Yunnan Tour (Lijiang, Shangri-La, Kunming)

Itinerary: Lijiang / Shangri-La / Kunming
Highlights: Lijiang Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, Stone Forest

They spent another night in Lijiang.

Day 3 Dukezong Ancient City Exploration and Birthday Celebration

On the third day, in the morning, Peter picked up Juan's group from their hotel and they enjoyed a picturesque drive towards Shangri-La. Along the way, they made a memorable stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge, where they marveled at the breathtaking views of the majestic gorge. The awe-inspiring scenery left them captivated by the beauty of nature. Upon reaching Shangri-La, they embarked on a visit to Dukezong Ancient City. This historic city holds significant cultural value and offered Juan and his family a glimpse into the region's rich past. They explored the ancient streets, admired the traditional architecture, and immersed themselves in the unique atmosphere that Dukezong Ancient City exudes. The snowscape made their journey more memorable. The experience was a perfect blend of history, culture, and exploration.

Juan's Group in Dukezong Ancient City

A delightful surprise awaited Juan's wife, Olga, on this special day. In collaboration with Juan and the restaurant, Wonder had orchestrated a plan to create a joyous and celebratory atmosphere. Vibrant balloons and colorful decorations adorned the restaurant, setting the stage for a memorable occasion. Additionally, flowers and a birthday cake were thoughtfully prepared to mark Olga's birthday in this beautiful setting.

Olga had a happy birthday in Shangri-La

Not only was the restaurant transformed into a festive space, but their hotel room was also elegantly decorated to commemorate Olga's birthday. The atmosphere was filled with love and warmth as Juan and his family celebrated this milestone moment, creating cherished memories that would be cherished for a lifetime. Olgat sent Wonder a message that "Wonder!!! Thank you!! For your great support!!!! This trip was magic!!! The restaurant, the flowers, the cake and the hotel were excellent!! I enjoyed this trip and will treasure in my memories for ever!!"

6 Days Yunnan Essence Tour (Kunming, Dali & Lijiang)

Itinerary: Kunming / Dali / Lijiang
Highlights: Stone Forest, Three Pagodas, Erhai Lake, Dali Old Town, Lijiang Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge

Day 4 Shangri-La Trip and Departure

After a great night in Shangri-La, they visited Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, one of the biggest highlights of Shangri-La. It is a Tibetan Monastery known as “Little Potala Palace” because of its magnificent architecture and important status in Tibetan Buddhism. In the monastery, Juan's group felt the strong Buddhist atmosphere and devoted Buddhist believes.

As this tour ended, they took a flight back to Guangzhou from Shangri-La with sweet memory.

Juan's Group in Ganden Sumtseling Monastery

This is just one of the many stories we have had the privilege of being a part of. At China Discovery, we are dedicated to designing tailor-made trips that exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression. Just contact us today, and let us weave together the perfect itinerary, personalized to your desires. Just take an adventure with China Discovery, and create a travel story that is uniquely yours.