In my previous post, I mentioned the pros of booking a tour package. Now, one of the cons of booking a tour package is that you have to stick to the itinerary – quote hubby – “-be “herded” around like cows/sheeps.” Wake up call is set at a specific time, you have to be down for breakfast by a set time, and be ready to leave the hotel for the next destination by a set time. It’s like clockwork… move move move…. go go go.
This morning, we set off for Lijiang. However, we will also stop by Dali on our way there.
Stopped at a hotel for lunch enroute. Didn’t capture the name of the hotel unfortunately.
Next, we reached Shuanglang located on the shores of Erhai Lake. From the entrance, we were whisked off in a tram to Sun Palace so we didn’t get to walk the entire distance through the cobblestone-paved streets and the shops…
Sun Palace is the villa of renowned dance article Yang Liping and we came here for an afternoon tea consisting of rose tea, a dessert platter and preserved plum snacks.
After the afternoon tea, it’s back to the shuttle tram, driven past the shops and back to the bus. Erhai Lake is so beautiful, I would have loved to take my time and slowly walk around the town, and soak in the beauty of the place but well, downside of a tour package right? It is definitely on my place to revisit if I am ever coming back to Dali again.
Fun fact: There was a change of tour guide when we arrived into Lijiang. The tour guide that fetched us at Kunming and went with us from Kunming was replaced by a local Lijiang Naxi tribe guide. Lijiang It’s a way of ensuring that the locals have a job and I think it’s a fantastic idea.
After that, it’s back to the hotel to wind down after a whole day of travelling. We stayed at Lijiang International Hilton Hotel for 2 nights. It’s a nice 5 stars hotel but the location ain’t fantastic. It’s in the middle of nowhere and there’s no shops or whatsoever nearby. Excluding a small minimart at the 1st floor of the hotel, there’s nothing. Its probably catering to tourists only.