TTC-K-13: The Torch Festival of Xichang
Torch Festival, which is also known as the "Eastern Carnival. Xichang, which is the capital of Lianshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, is also home to the Lianshan Museum of Yi People's Slavery Society. This is the only museum in China devoted to the preservation of the Yi people's culture. Lugu Lake, which is not far from Xichang, is home to the last remaining matriarchal society in the whole world. The Mosuo people of the region still maintain their ancient yet romantic "Axia" visiting marriage custom.
Festival Date:
June 24th - 27th of Chinese Lunar Calendar;
Please contact us for the exactly dates on Gregorian calendar.
| Tour Style: | Small Group Tour |
| Start: | Chengdu |
| Finish: | Chengdu |
| Duration: | 8 days |
| Area visited: | The eastern Tibet of Amdo |
Highlights:
- The traditional Chinese teahouse at People's park;
- Xichang Torch festival
- Lugu Lake
- Giant Panda Sanctuary
Altitude:
Chengdu: 500m
Xichang: 1500m
Lugu Lake: 2690m
Please contact us for pricing information.
Detail program:
Day1: Arrive in Chengdu
After arrives in Chengdu airport, pickup and transfer to your hotel, assist to check in. Relax in the rest hours of this day by having visit to the traditional Chinese teahouse at People's park.
Altitude: Chengdu: 500m
Day2&Day3&Day4: Chengdu to Xichang
The Yi ethnic group, with a population of 6.6 million, is mainly distributed over the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is the fifth largest minority nationality of China, which has rich culture heritage and long history. Most of Yi minority tribes live in Sichuan, and has the Torch Festival as their the most important festival. On the 24th of the June on Chinese lunar calendar, when the handle of the Big Dipper turns upward, Torch Festival starts as well. Torches are kindled at night to expel evil and pray for prosperity. Many activities are held, including wrestling, bull fighting and horse racing. The Yi people regard Liangshan Area as the Moon Tribe and they take eagles as their totem as well.
Altitude: Xichang: 1500m
Day5: Xichang to Lugu Lake
The ancient and mysterious "Land of Grace Girls" - Lugu Lake is situated at the junction of Southwest Sichuan and Northwest Yunnan, with altitude of 2,685 meters. The area of lake surface is 52 square kilometers. Being tucked away in this remote area has preserved the natural environment surrounding the lake, and saved it waters from pollution.
The lake's shores are home to the ethnic Mosuo people, branch of the Naxi, who are still living here follow fascinating customs and traditions under matriarchy which is both male and female live together with their mothers and will not marry, only from time to time, man and woman live together. Each family is led by the grandmother of the oldest generation, and daily life is run by a capable female member, whom also controls the family purse. The uncles are in charge of production and also take care of the children born by the females out of their "visiting marriage".
Mosuo people have been living by Lugu Lake since 111B.C. Over the centuries they have maintained many of their ancient traditions, including their unique marriage. Men and women are not united by wedlock, each living at the mother's home respectively, yet keeping a casual cohabitation relationship. Mosuo women can freely choose their lovers without any interference. Their love lives are not affected by outdated concepts, money, social status, religion or family clans. Women can also switch partners whenever they choose. Each Mosuo man sets out to meet his lover at night, returns early the next morning and helps the matriarchal family carry out its farm work. Men are always the guests of women's families.
Driving distance & hours: 270km on paved & dirt road; roughly 6 - 7 hours
Altitude: Lugu Lake: 2690m
Day6: Return to Xichang
Today we finish the exotic trip to Girl's kingdom and return to Xichang.
Driving distance & hours: 270km on paved & dirt road; roughly 6 - 7 hours
Altitude: Xichang: 1500m
Day7: Xichang to Chengdu
By flight return to Chengdu, after arrive in Chengdu, transfer to Chengdu Giant Panda Research Base, one of the most important centers in the world for the conservation of the Giant Panda.
Altitude: Chengdu: 500m
Day8 Chengdu to the airport for departure
After having breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to airport for your departure (transfer timings will depend on the flight schedule)
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