Immersion: Pu Er

Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan Province, the birthplace of tea. It is known as the "City of Eternal Spring" and boast some of the world's most beautiful natural scenery as well as traditional, cultural life. In Southwest China, far from bustling Beijing, the air is fresher, the pace of life is easier, the sun is brighter, the food is more flavorful and the people are open and friendly. 

The optional Pre-Tour begins with our orientation meeting followed by a meeting with representatives of one of the provincial tea companies. In the afternoon, we'll have a chance to wander freely through the sprawling tea market. Yunnan is home to 35 of China's 50-some ethnic minorities and our dinner this evening is a pageant of colorful native costumes, music and delectable dishes including Over the Bridge noodle soup. The next morning, we set off to see one of the true natural wonders of the world, the legendary Stone Forest. Escorted buy our own local "Ashima"" guide from the Yi minority, enjoy local fables and stories as we make our way through the unique rock formations. Lunch is a feast of the famous tea roasted duck (vegetarian option available). Attend a lecture on tea history and trade in the training center of the Yunnan Tea Assn. Then, how about some time to relax in a local tea house after dinner.

In the morning, enjoy some morning tai ji and exercises with townspeople at Green Lake park. At the top of the nearby hill lies the Golden Temple,  the most famous Taoist temple in the province. Actually made of brass, it is constructed of nearly 250 tons of the metal. Our afternoon will be spent touring the sights of the Western Hills including Dragon Gate, which offers a bird's eye view of lake Dianchi, the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan. We'll also visit the Yunnan Ethnic Villages for a look into the lifestyles of some of Yunnan's diverse native groups.

The location of the exciting post-tour is historic and beautiful Dali in western Yunnan. After a short flight we'll stretch our legs and walk through the remnants of Fengyangli village, one of the "jumping off" points for the tea caravans on their way to Tibet over the precarious Tea/Horse Road. Some remnants of the old days still exist and we can climb up to the local temple on the spot were the old caravans would stop to pray for a safe journey on their way out of town. We'll enjoy the  "Three Course Tea" , the charming local Dali custom of welcoming guests. For the next 3 nights we'll stay in a wonderful boutique hotel which is an authentically restored villa in the local architectural style.

Dali is also a major production center for Pu Er tea, especially Tuo Cha or "bowl tea." We will visit the famous Xiaguan tea factory and museum and have a chance to make our own Tuo Cha. Enjoy a lunch of traditional dishes at a local restaurant. We'll need to give thanks as well as walk off our full stomachs so we'll pay a visit the famous Gan Tong Si (Temple of Enlightened Consciousness) where there are also some 4oo year old, wild growing tea trees. Next, a visit to a local tea shop and then back home to rest. Besides Pu Er tea, Dali is well known for the snow capped Cang mountain, emerald Erhai lake, romantic Butterfly Spring and the emblem of the city -  the Three Pagodas. Today we will enjoy these scenic wonders and also have free time to wander around the Dali old town section. Lunch (and perhaps a serenade or two) is at the charming old town "Old Wooden House" restaurant. In the evening we'll enjoy a private performance by local musicians and a farewell banquet where we'll reminisce over favorite memories and special moments before packing our things and heading for home in the morning.