Trip Overview
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, the Yi have a rich cultural heritage and a long history.
More than one million Yi lives in Sichuan Province, mostly in the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, have many traditional festivals but the Torch Festival is the most important of all. On the 24th of the sixth lunar month, when the handle of the Big Dipper turns upward, Torch Festival starts. Torches are lit 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 land of the Moon Tribe; they take eagles as their totem.
Day 1, Arriving Chengdu
Arrive in Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province. Sichuan has historically been known as the Kingdom of Abundance, it features perse landforms including snow-mountains, grasslands and grand gorges, also rich in local ethnic cultures.
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province and is considered by many to be one of China’s most livable cities. If time permits, we will take a visit to the Panda Breeding center in the west of town.
This evening, go out to a well-known local restaurant for a hotpot dinner after our group meets up for the trip briefing.
Overnight Buddha Zen Hotel
Meal: B, D
Days 2, Chengdu to Puge via Xichang
Today, take a morning flight to Xichang, the capital city of the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture. Meet the guide at Xichang airport and drive about 1.5 hours to Puge County 60km away.
Upon our arrival, have our lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, witness the various programs of the Torch Festival, the wrestling, horse racing, goats fighting, bull fighting etc. Another charming aspect of the festival is the costume of the Yi people, particularly the dresses of the women.
Overnight Hot Spring Hotel
Meal: B, D
Day 3, Puge to Xichang
We rejoin the torch festival in the morning.
After lunch, we drive back to Xichang for Lushan, which is located south of Qionghai Lake at an altitude of 2,317 meters, covered by green trees. Lushan has a b heritage of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, with 16 temples in total. The Guangfu Temples were made in the year of 642, at the very beginning of Tang dynasty; they contain uncountable steles, sculptures and other priceless works of art.
The wild monkeys in the mountain also add extra fun to our trip.
After Lushan, we drive back Xichang.
Over night Qionghai Hotel
Meal: B, L
Days 4,Xichang
In the morning, participate in the torch festival, admiring the wrestling, horse racing, goat fighting, singing, dancing and the beauty contest.
The beauty Contest is a highlight of today. The beauty winner from each town or village in Liangshan will participate in the beauty contest final. The contest is a tradition that has been carried on for over 1,000 years. The senior chiefs play the role of judges.
In the evening, we participate in the torch parade among the Yi people.
Over night Qionghai Hotel
Meal: B, D
Days 5,Xichang to Chengdu
This day, visit Qionghai Lushan National Scenic Site.
Qionghai Lushan Lake is one of the largest lake in Sichuan, composed of Qionghai Lake, Qionghai Temple, Moon Gulf and so on, which is quite rare in China.
After that, drive back to the airport for our flight to Chengdu.
Trip ends.
Meal: B, L
